20-F 1 d510945d20f.htm FORM 20-F Form 20-F
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

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, 2012

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

OR

 

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

Date of event requiring this shell company report

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 or organization)

Plaza de San Nicolás, 4

48005 Bilbao

Spain

(Address of principal executive offices)

Eduardo Ávila Zaragoza

Paseo de la Castellana, 81

28046 Madrid

Spain

Telephone number +34 91 537 7000

Fax number +34 91 537 6766

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and /or Facsimile Number and Address of Company Contact Person)

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*

Guarantee of Non-Cumulative Guaranteed

Preferred Securities, Series C, liquidation preference $1,000 each, of BBVA International Preferred, S.A. Unipersonal

  New York Stock Exchange**
Guarantee of Guaranteed Fixed Rate Senior Notes due 2014 of BBVA U.S. Senior, S.A. Unipersonal   New York Stock Exchange***
Guarantee of Guaranteed Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2014 of BBVA U.S. Senior, S.A. Unipersonal   New York Stock Exchange****
Guarantee of Guaranteed Fixed Rate Senior Notes due 2015 of BBVA U.S. Senior, S.A. Unipersonal   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 Preferred Securities of BBVA International Preferred, S.A. Unipersonal (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 Guaranteed Fixed Rate Senior Notes of BBVA U.S. Senior, S.A. Unipersonal (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 Guaranteed Floating Rate Senior Notes of BBVA U.S. Senior, S.A. Unipersonal (a 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 as of December 31, 2012, was:

Ordinary shares, par value €0.49 per share—5,448,849,545

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  x Yes  ¨ No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  ¨ Yes  x No

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.  x Yes  ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  ¨ Yes  ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

Large accelerated filer  x                Accelerated filer  ¨                Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP  ¨

    

International Financial Reporting Standards as Issued

by the International Accounting Standards Board  x

   Other  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

Item 17  ¨                 Item 18  ¨

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  ¨ Yes  x No

 

 

 

 


Table of Contents

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         PAGE  
PART I     
ITEM 1.  

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

     5   
ITEM 2.  

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

     5   
ITEM 3.  

KEY INFORMATION

     5   
A.  

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

     5   
B.  

Capitalization and Indebtedness

     8   
C.  

Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

     8   
D.  

Risk Factors

     8   
ITEM 4.  

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

     21   
A.  

History and Development of the Company

     21   
B.  

Business Overview

     24   
C.  

Organizational Structure

     46   
D.  

Property, Plants and Equipment

     46   
E.  

Selected Statistical Information

     46   
F.  

Competition

     66   
ITEM 4A.  

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

     67   
ITEM 5.  

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

     67   
A.  

Operating Results

     75   
B.  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     108   
C.  

Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

     112   
D.  

Trend Information

     112   
E.  

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

     114   
F.  

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

     115   
ITEM 6.  

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

     116   
A.  

Directors and Senior Management

     116   
B.  

Compensation

     122   
C.  

Board Practices

     126   
D.  

Employees

     131   
E.  

Share Ownership

     135   
ITEM 7.  

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     135   
A.  

Major Shareholders

     135   
B.  

Related Party Transactions

     135   
C.  

Interests of Experts and Counsel

     136   
ITEM 8.  

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     137   
A.  

Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

     137   
B.  

Significant Changes

     138   
ITEM 9.  

THE OFFER AND LISTING

     138   
A.  

Offer and Listing Details

     138   
B.  

Plan of Distribution

     145   
C.  

Markets

     145   
D.  

Selling Shareholders

     145   
E.  

Dilution

     145   
F.  

Expenses of the Issue

     145   
ITEM 10.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     145   
A.  

Share Capital

     145   
B.  

Memorandum and Articles of Association

     145   
C.  

Material Contracts

     148   
D.  

Exchange Controls

     148   


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         PAGE  
E.  

Taxation

     149   
F.  

Dividends and Paying Agents

     155   
G.  

Statement by Experts

     155   
H.  

Documents on Display

     155   
I.  

Subsidiary Information

     156   
ITEM 11.  

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     156   
ITEM 12.  

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

     183   
A.  

Debt Securities

     183   
B.  

Warrants and Rights

     183   
C.  

Other Securities

     183   
D.  

American Depositary Shares

     183   
PART II     
ITEM 13.  

DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

     185   
ITEM 14.  

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

     185   
ITEM 15.  

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     185   
ITEM 16.  

[RESERVED]

     187   
ITEM 16A.  

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

     187   
ITEM 16B.  

CODE OF ETHICS

     187   
ITEM 16C.  

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

     188   
ITEM 16D.  

EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

     189   
ITEM 16E.  

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

     189   
ITEM 16F.  

CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

     189   
ITEM 16G.  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

     190   
ITEM 16H.  

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

     192   
PART III     
ITEM 17.  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     192   
ITEM 18.  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     192   
ITEM 19.  

EXHIBITS

     192   

 

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CERTAIN TERMS AND CONVENTIONS

The terms below are used as follows throughout this report:

 

   

BBVA”, “Bank”, the “Company”, the “Group” or the “BBVA Group” means Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.

 

   

BBVA Bancomer” means Bancomer S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.

 

   

BBVA Compass” means BBVA Compass Bancshares, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.

 

   

Consolidated Financial Statements” means our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards adopted by the European Union (“EU-IFRS”) required to be applied under the Bank of Spain’s Circular 4/2004 and in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS-IASB”).

 

   

Latin America” refers to Mexico and the countries in which we operate in South America and Central America.

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 “” and “euro” refer to Euro.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the safe harbor provisions of the 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 the items listed below, identifies important factors that could cause such differences:

 

   

“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”.

Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, among others:

 

   

general political, economic and business conditions in Spain, the European Union (“EU”), Latin America, the United States and other regions, countries or territories in which we operate;

 

   

changes in applicable laws and regulations, including increased capital and provision requirements;

 

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the monetary, interest rate and other policies of central banks in Spain, the EU, the United States, Mexico and elsewhere;

 

   

changes or volatility in interest rates, foreign exchange rates (including the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate), asset prices, equity markets, commodity prices, inflation or deflation;

 

   

ongoing market adjustments in the real estate sectors in Spain, Mexico and the United States;

 

   

the effects of competition in the markets in which we operate, which may be influenced by regulation or deregulation;

 

   

changes in consumer spending and savings habits, including changes in government policies which may influence investment decisions;

 

   

our ability to hedge certain risks economically;

 

   

downgrades in our credit ratings, including as a result of a decline in the Kingdom of Spain’s credit ratings;

 

   

the success of our acquisitions divestitures, mergers and strategic alliances;

 

   

our success in managing the risks involved in the foregoing, which depends, among other things, on our ability to anticipate events that cannot be captured by the statistical models we use; and

 

   

force majeure and other events beyond our control.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake 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 our business or acquisition strategy or planned capital expenditures, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Accounting Principles

Under Regulation (EC) no. 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of July 19, 2002, all companies governed by the law of an EU Member State and whose securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market of any Member State must prepare their consolidated financial statements for the years beginning on or after January 1, 2005 in conformity with EU-IFRS. The Bank of Spain issued Circular 4/2004 of December 22, 2004 on Public and Confidential Financial Reporting Rules and Formats (as amended or supplemented from time to time, “Circular 4/2004”), which requires Spanish credit institutions to adapt their accounting system to the principles derived from the adoption by the European Union of EU-IFRS.

Differences between EU-IFRS required to be applied under the Bank of Spain’s Circular 4/2004 and IFRS-IASB are not material for the three years ended December 31, 2012. Accordingly, the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report have been prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS required to be applied under the Bank of Spain’s Circular 4/2004 and in compliance with IFRS-IASB.

As mentioned in “Item 4. Information on the Company History and Development of the Company—Capital Divestitures—2013” and Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Group announced its decision to conduct a study on strategic alternatives for its pension business in Latin America. The alternatives considered in this process include the total or partial sale of the businesses of the Pension Fund Administrators (AFP) in Chile, Colombia and Peru, and the Retirement Fund Administrator (Afore) in Mexico. For that reason on-balance figures for our companies related to the pension businesses in Latin America, have been reclassified under the headings “Non-current assets held for sale” and “Liabilities associated with non-current assets held for sale” of the

 

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consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012, and the revenues and expenses of these companies for 2012 have been reclassified under the heading “Profit from discontinued operations” in the accompanying consolidated income statement. In accordance with IFRS 5, and in order to present financial information for all periods on a consistent basis, we have reclassified the revenues and expenses from these companies under the heading “Profit from discontinued operations” in the consolidated income statement for 2011 and 2010. This reclassifications has had no impact on our “Profit”.

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 equity.

 

   

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

 

   

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.

 

   

Certain numerical information in this Annual Report may not sum due to rounding. In addition, information regarding period-to-period changes is based on numbers which have not been rounded.

PART I

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

A. Selected Consolidated Financial Data

The historical financial information set forth below for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 has been selected from, and should be read together with, the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. The audited financial statements for 2009 and 2008 are not included in this document, and they instead can be found in the respective annual reports on Form 20-F for certain prior years previously filed by us. In annual reports on Form 20-F for years prior to 2011, the financial statements for 2008 were prepared under EU-IFRS required to be applied under the Bank of Spain’s Circular 4/2004, and thus were presented on a non-comparable basis.

 

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For information concerning the preparation and presentation of the financial information contained herein, see “Presentation of Financial Information”.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011(*)     2010(*)     2009(*)     2008(*)  
     (In Millions of Euros, Except Per Share/ADS Data (In Euros))  

Consolidated Statement of Income Data

          

Interest and similar income

     26,262        24,180        21,130        23,773        30,403   

Interest and similar expenses

     (11,140     (11,028     (7,814     (9,893     (18,717

Net interest income

     15,122        13,152        13,316        13,880        11,685   

Dividend income

     390        562        529        443        447   

Share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method

     727        595        331        118        291   

Fee and commission income

     5,574        5,075        4,864        4,841        5,057   

Fee and commission expenses

     (1,221     (1,044     (831     (790     (868

Net gains(losses) on financial assets and liabilities

     1,645        1,117        1,372        821        1,374   

Net exchange differences

     122        364        455        651        232   

Other operating income

     4,812        4,244        3,537        3,395        3,554   

Other operating expenses

     (4,730     (4,037     (3,240     (3,145     (3,085

Administration costs

     (9,768     (8,898     (8,007     (7,486     (7,588

Depreciation and amortization

     (1,018     (839     (754     (690     (694

Provisions (net)

     (651     (509     (475     (446     (1,416

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (7,980     (4,226     (4,718     (5,473     (4,098

Impairment losses on other assets (net)

     (1,123     (1,885     (489     (1,619     (45

Gains (losses) on derecognized assets not classified as non-current asset held for sale

     4        46        41        20        72   

Negative goodwill

     376        —          1        99        —     

Gains (losses) in non-current assets held for sale not classified as discontinued operations

     (622     (271     127        859        748   

Operating profit before tax

     1,659        3,446        6,059        5,478        5,669   

Income tax

     275        (206     (1,345     (1,085     (1,193

Profit from continuing operations

     1,934        3,240        4,714        4,394        4,476   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     393        245        281        201        99   

Profit

     2,327        3,485        4,995        4,595        4,575   

Profit attributable to parent company

     1,676        3,004        4,606        4,210        4,210   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     651        481        389        385        365   

Per share/ADS(1) Data

          

Numbers of shares outstanding (at period end)

     5,448,849,545        4,903,207,003        4,490,908,285        3,747,969,121        3,747,969,121   

Income attributable to parent company(2)

     0.32        0.62        1.10        1.02        1.21   

Dividends declared

     0.200        0.200        0.270        0.420        0.501   

 

(*) Revenues and expenses of our pension business in Latin America have been reclassified for comparative purposes. See “Presentation of Financial Information—Accounting Principles.”
(1) Each American Depositary Share (“ADS”) represents the right to receive one ordinary share.
(2) Calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of BBVA’s ordinary shares outstanding during the relevant period including the average number of estimated shares to be converted and, for comparative purposes, a correction factor to account for the capital increases carried out in November 2010, April 2011, October 2011, April 2012 and October 2012, and excluding the weighted average number of treasury shares during the period (5,464 million, 4,945 million, 4,264 million, 4,133 million and 4,134 million shares in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively). With respect to the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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     As of and for Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
     (In Millions of Euros, Except Percentages)  

Consolidated balance sheet data

          

Total assets

     637,785        597,688        552,738        535,065        542,650   

Common stock

     2,670        2,403        2,201        1,837        1,837   

Loans and receivables (net)

     383,410        381,076        364,707        346,117        369,494   

Customer deposits

     292,716        282,173        275,789        254,183        255,236   

Debt certificates and subordinated liabilities

     99,043        97,349        102,599        117,817        121,144   

Non-controlling interest

     2,372        1,893        1,556        1,463        1,049   

Total equity

     43,802        40,058        37,475        30,763        26,705   

Consolidated ratios

          

Profitability ratios:

          

Net interest margin(1)

     2.66     2.3     2.4     2.6     2.3

Return on average total assets(2)

     0.4     0.6     0.9     0.8     0.9

Return on average equity(3)

     4.0     8.0     15.8     16.0     15.5

Credit quality data

          

Loan loss reserve(4)

     14,534        9,470        9,473        8,805        7,505   

Loan loss reserve as a percentage of total loans and receivables (net)

     3.79     2.5     2.6     2.5     2.0

Non-performing asset ratio (NPA ratio)(5)

     5.1     4.0     4.1     4.3     2.3

Impaired loans and advances to customers

     20,287        15,647        15,361        15,197        8,437   

Impaired contingent liabilities to customers(6)

     317        219        324        405        131   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     20,604        15,866        15,685        15,602        8,568   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans and advances to customers

     367,415        361,310        348,253        332,162        342,682   

Contingent liabilities to customers

     39,407        39,398        35,816        32,614        35,952   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     406,822        400,709        384,069        364,776        378,635   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents net interest income as a percentage of average total assets.
(2) Represents profit as a percentage of average total assets.
(3) Represents profit attributable to parent company as a percentage of average equity.
(4) Includes impairment losses of loans and receivables to credit institutions, loans and advance to customers and debt securities see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(5) Represents the sum of impaired loans and advances to customers and impaired contingent liabilities to customers divided by the sum of loans and advances to customers and contingent liabilities to customers.
(6) We include contingent liabilities in the calculation of our non-performing asset ratio (NPA ratio). We believe that impaired contingent liabilities should be included in the calculation of our NPA ratio where we have reason to know, as of the reporting date, that they are impaired. The credit risk associated with contingent liabilities (consisting mainly of financial guarantees provided to third-parties on behalf of our customers) is evaluated and provisioned according to the probability of default of our customers’ obligations. If impaired contingent liabilities were not included in the calculation of our NPA ratio, such ratio would generally be higher for the periods covered, amounting to approximately 5.6%, 4.3%, 4.4%, 4.6% and 2.5% as of December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Exchange Rates

Spain’s currency is the euro. Unless otherwise indicated, the 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 (“ECB”) on December 31 of the relevant year.

 

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For convenience in the analysis of the information, the following tables describe, for the periods and dates indicated, information concerning the noon buying rate for euro, expressed in dollars per €1.00. The term “noon buying rate” refers to the rate of exchange for euros, expressed in U.S. dollars per euro, in the City of New York for cable transfers payable in foreign currencies as certified by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for customs purposes.

 

Year ended December 31

   Average(1)  

2008

     1.4695   

2009

     1.3955   

2010

     1.3216   

2011

     1.4002   

2012

     1.2908   

2013 (through March, 22, 2013)

     1.3220   

 

  (1) Calculated by using the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period.

 

Month ended

   High      Low  

September 30, 2012

     1.3142         1.2566   

October 31, 2012

     1.3133         1.2876   

November 30, 2012

     1.3010         1.2715   

December 31, 2012

     1.3260         1.2930   

January 31, 2013

     1.3584         1.3047   

February 28, 2013

     1.3692         1.3054   

March 31, 2013 (through March 22, 2013)

     1.3098         1.2888   

The noon buying rate for euro from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, expressed in dollars per €1.00, on March 22, 2013, was $1.2996.

As of December 31, 2012, approximately 39% of our assets and approximately 38% of our liabilities were denominated in currencies other than euro. See Note 2.2.16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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 Non-Trading Activities in 2012—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 and Our Business

We are subject to substantial regulation, and regulatory and governmental oversight. Adverse regulatory developments or changes in government policy could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The financial services industry is among the most highly regulated industries in the world. Our operations are subject to ongoing regulation and associated regulatory risks, including the effects of changes in laws, regulations, policies and interpretations, in Spain, the European Union, the United States and the other markets where we operate. This is particularly the case in the current market environment, which is witnessing increased levels of government and regulatory intervention in the banking sector which we expect to continue for the foreseeable future. The regulations which most significantly affect us, or which could most significantly affect us in the future, include regulations relating to capital and provisions requirements, which have become increasingly stricter in the past two years, steps taking towards achieving a fiscal and banking union in the European Union and regulatory reforms in the United States. These risks are discussed in further detail below.

 

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In addition, we are subject to substantial regulation relating to other matters such as liquidity. We cannot predict if increased liquidity standards, if implemented, could require us to maintain a greater proportion of our assets in highly-liquid but lower-yielding financial instruments, which would negatively affect our net interest margin. We are also subject to other regulations, such as those related to anti-money laundering, privacy protection and transparency and fairness in customer relations.

Adverse regulatory developments or changes in government policy relating to any of the foregoing or other matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, regulatory fragmentation, with some countries implementing new and more stringent standards or regulation, could adversely affect our ability to compete with financial institutions based in other jurisdictions which do not need to comply with such new standards or regulation.

Capital requirements

Increasingly onerous capital requirements constitute one of our main regulatory concerns. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Capital Requirements.”

As a Spanish financial institution, we are subject to the Bank of Spain Circular 3/2008 (“Circular 3/2008”), of May 22, on the calculation and control of minimum capital requirements, as amended by Bank of Spain Circular 4/2011 (“Circular 4/2011”), which implements Capital Requirement Directive III (“CRD III”). In addition, the Royal Decree-Law 24/2012 of August 31, 2012 established a new minimum requirement in terms of core capital on risk-weighted assets which is more restrictive than the one set out in Circular 3/2008, and that must be greater than 9%. This Royal Decree-Law came into force in 2013.

In addition, following an evaluation of the capital levels of 71 financial institutions throughout Europe (including BBVA) based on data available as of September 30, 2011, the European Banking Authority (“EBA”) issued a recommendation pursuant to which, on an exceptional and temporary basis, financial institutions based in the EU should reach a new minimum Core Tier 1 ratio (9%) by June 30, 2012. This recommendation is still in place.

Moreover, we will be subject to the new Basel III capital standards, which will be phased in until January 1, 2019. Despite the Basel III framework setting minimum transnational levels of regulatory capital and a measured phase-in, many national authorities have started a race to the top for capital by gold-plating both requirements and the associated interpretation calendars. In particular, while the European transposition of these standards will be done through the Capital Requirements Directive (“CRD IV”) that is expected to be approved in 2013 and to come into force during 2014, the Spanish Government anticipated certain requirements of Basel III in 2011 with the Royal Decree-Law 2/2011, of February 18, which was superseded by Royal Decree-Law 24/2012, by imposing stricter capital requirements. Additionally, the Mexican government introduced the Basel III capital standards in 2012 and the Basel III transposition in the United States is pending to be clarified. This lack of uniformity may lead to an uneven playing field and to competition distortions. Moreover, regulatory fragmentation, with some countries bringing forward the application of Basel III requirements or increasing such requirements, could adversely affect a bank with global operations such as BBVA and could undermine our profitability.

There can be no assurance that the implementation of these new standards will not adversely affect our ability to pay dividends, or require us to issue additional securities that qualify as regulatory capital, to liquidate assets, to curtail business or to take any other actions, any of which may have adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, increased capital requirements may negatively affect our return on equity and other financial performance indicators.

 

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Provision requirements

Royal Decree-Law 2/2012, of February 3, and Royal Decree-Law 18/2012, of May 11 increased coverage requirements (which had to be met by December 31, 2012) for performing and non-performing real estate assets and required an additional capital buffer. Subsequently, requisites of both RD-L were included in Law 8/2012 of October 30, 2012 (“Law 8/2012”). There can be no assurance that additional provision requirements will not be adopted by the authorities of the jurisdictions where we operate (including Spanish authorities).

Steps taken towards achieving an EU fiscal and banking union

In June 2012, a number of agreements were reached to reinforce the monetary union, including the definition of a broad roadmap towards a single banking and fiscal union.

While support for a banking union in Europe is strong and significant advances will be done in terms of the development of a single-rule book through the CRD IV, there is ongoing debate on the extent and pace of integration. It has been decided that the European Central Bank (“ECB”) will play a key role in supervision; although a consensus on how to dovetail its central position with the role of national supervisors has not yet been agreed. Other issues are still open, such as the representation and voting power of non-eurozone countries, the accountability of the ECB to European institutions as part of the single supervision mechanism, the final status of the European Banking Authority, the development of a new bank resolution regimen and the creation of a common deposit-guarantee scheme.

European leaders have also supported the reinforcement of the fiscal union but continue negotiating how to achieve it.

Regulations adopted towards achieving a banking and/or fiscal union in the EU and decisions adopted by the ECB in its future capacity as our main supervisory authority may have a material impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Regulatory reforms initiated in the United States

Our operations may also be affected by other regulatory reforms in response to the financial crisis, including measures such as those concerning systemic financial institutions and the enactment in the United States in July 2010 of the Dodd-Frank Act. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Business Overview—The United States—U.S. Regulation—Dodd-Frank Act.” Among other changes, beginning five years after enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve Board will apply minimum capital requirements to U.S. intermediate bank holding company subsidiaries of non-U.S. banks. Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, also known as the Volcker Rule, is a key component of this effort. The Volcker Rule prohibits banking entities, which benefit from federal insurance on customer deposits or access to the discount window, from engaging in proprietary trading and from investing in or sponsoring hedge funds and private equity funds, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, in December 2012 the Fed published new draft regulation on Foreign Banking Organizations, covering issues such as solvency, liquidity, supervision and crisis management. Although there remains uncertainty as to how regulatory implementation of this law will occur, various elements of the new law may cause changes that impact the profitability of our business activities and require that we change certain of our business practices, and could expose us to additional costs (including increased compliance costs). These changes may also cause us to invest significant management attention and resources to make any necessary changes.

 

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Memorandum of Understanding on the Spanish Financial Sector

On June 25, 2012, the Spanish government formally requested the European Union financial aid to recapitalize certain Spanish financial institutions. The details and conditions of the related Memorandum of Understanding on Financial-Sector Policy reached (“MoU”) were announced on July 20, 2012. The MoU establishes a series of conditions to be met by all Spanish financial institutions, including those that have no capital deficits. Such conditions include the compliance with the EBA’s Core Tier 1 ratio of 9%, early intervention and resolution measures including burden sharing measures from hybrid capital holders and subordinated debt holders in banks receiving public capital, and new financial reporting requirements on capital, liquidity and loan portfolio quality. The Spanish government implemented the agreements reached in the MoU through Royal-Decree Law 24/2012, of August 31, which was later replaced by Law 9/2012, of November 14, on restructuring and resolution of credit entities. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Law 9/2012 of November 14, on Restructuring and Resolution of Credit Entities.” As of the date of this Annual Report, we cannot predict the impact that the conditions set forth in the MoU or the implementing regulation may have on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Withdrawals of deposits or other sources of liquidity may make it more difficult or costly for us to fund our business on favorable terms or cause us to take other actions.

Historically, one of our principal sources of funds has been savings and demand deposits. As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, time deposits represented 26%, 27%, and 29% of our total funding respectively. Large-denomination time deposits may, under some circumstances, such as during periods of significant interest rate-based competition for these types of deposits, be a less stable source of deposits than savings and demand deposits. The level of wholesale and retail deposits may also fluctuate due to other factors outside the Group’s control, such as a loss of confidence (including as a result of political initiatives, including bail-in and/or confiscation and/or taxation of creditors’ funds, in connection with the Eurozone crisis, as seen recently in Cyprus). Moreover, we cannot assure you that, in the event of a sudden or unexpected withdrawal of deposits or 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. In addition, if public sources of liquidity, such as the ECB extraordinary measures adopted in response to the financial crisis since 2008, are removed from the market, we cannot assure you that we will be able to continue funding our business or, if so, maintain our current levels of funding without incurring higher funding costs or having to liquidate certain of our assets or taking additional deleverage measures.

Our earnings and financial condition have been, and our future earnings and financial condition may continue to be, materially affected by depressed asset valuations resulting from poor market conditions.

Financial markets continue to be subject to significant stress conditions, where steep falls in perceived or actual asset values have been accompanied by a severe reduction in market liquidity, especially during 2012. In dislocated markets, hedging and other risk management strategies may not be as effective as they are in normal market conditions due in part to the decreasing credit quality of hedge counterparties. Severe market events have resulted in us recording large write-downs on our credit market exposures in recent years. Any deterioration in economic and financial market conditions could lead to further impairment charges and write-downs.

We face increasing competition in our business lines.

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive and we believe that this trend will continue. In addition, the trend towards consolidation in the banking industry has created larger and stronger banks with which we must now compete, some of which have recently received public capital from the European Stability Mechanism (the “ESM”).

 

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We also face competition from non-bank competitors, such as: payment platforms; ecommerce businesses; department stores (for some credit products); automotive finance corporations; leasing companies; factoring companies; mutual funds; pension funds; insurance companies; and public debt (as a result of the high yields which are being currently offered as a consequence of the sovereign debt crisis, there is a crowding out effect in the financial markets).

We cannot assure you that this competition will not adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows 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 fiscal and monetary policies of governments and central banks, regulation of the financial sectors in the markets in which we operate, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors. Changes in market interest rates can affect the interest rates that we receive on our interest-earning assets differently than the rates that we pay for our interest-bearing liabilities. This may, in turn, result in a reduction of the net interest income we receive, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

In addition, the high proportion of loans referenced to variable interest rates (approximately 70% of our loan to customer portfolio as of December 31, 2012) makes debt service on such loans more vulnerable to changes in interest rates. In addition, a rise in interest rates could reduce the demand for credit and our ability to generate credit for our clients, as well as contribute to an increase in the credit default rate. As a result of these and the above factors, significant changes or volatility in interest rates could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We have a substantial amount of commitments with personnel considered wholly unfunded due to the absence of qualifying plan assets.

Our commitments with personnel which are considered to be wholly unfunded are recognized under the heading “Provisions—Funds for Pensions and Similar Obligations” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These amounts include “Post-employment benefits”, “Early Retirements” and “Post-employment welfare benefits”, which amounted to €2,728 million, €2,758 million and €310 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2012, €2,429 million, €2,904 million and €244 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2011 and €2,497 million, €3,106 million and €377 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2010. These amounts are considered wholly unfunded due to the absence of qualifying plan assets.

We face liquidity risk in connection with our ability to make payments on these unfunded amounts which we seek to mitigate, with respect to “Post-employment benefits”, by maintaining insurance contracts which were contracted with insurance companies owned by the Group (see Note 26 to our Consolidated Financial Statements). The insurance companies have recorded in their balance sheets specific assets (fixed interest deposit and bonds) assigned to the funding of these commitments. The insurance companies also manage derivatives (primarily swaps) to mitigate the interest rate risk in connection with the payments of these commitments. We seek to mitigate liquidity risk with respect to “Early Retirements” and “Post-employment welfare benefits” through oversight by the Assets and Liabilities Committee (“ALCO”) of the Group. The Group’s ALCO manages a specific asset portfolio to mitigate the liquidity risk regarding the payments of these commitments. These assets are government and covered bonds which are issued at fixed interest rates with maturities matching the aforementioned commitments. The Group’s ALCO also manages derivatives (primarily swaps) to mitigate the interest rate risk in connection with the payments of these commitments. Should we fail to adequately manage liquidity risk and interest rate risk either as described above or otherwise, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

 

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Risks Relating to Spain and Europe

Continuing economic tensions in the European Union and Spain, including as a result of the ongoing European sovereign debt crisis, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The continuing crisis in worldwide financial and credit markets has led to a global economic slowdown in recent years, with many economies around the world showing significant signs of weakness or slow growth. In Europe, uncertainty regarding the budget deficits and solvency of several countries, together with the risk of contagion to other more stable countries, has further exacerbated the global economic crisis. In addition, the risk of default on the sovereign debt of certain EU countries and the impact this would have on the Eurozone countries, including the potential risk that one or more countries may leave the Eurozone—either voluntarily or involuntarily—has raised concerns about the ongoing viability of the euro currency and the European Monetary Union (the “EMU”). These concerns have been further exacerbated by the rise of Euro-skepticism in certain EU countries, including countries that decided not to enter the EMU such as the United Kingdom. These and other concerns could lead to the re-introduction of individual currencies in one or more EU Member States. The exit of one or more EU Member States from the EMU could materially adversely affect the European and global economy, cause a redenomination of financial instruments or other contractual obligations from the euro to a different currency and substantially disrupt capital, interbank, banking and other markets, among other effects, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. In addition, tensions among Member States of the EU, and growing Euro-skepticism in certain EU countries, could pose additional difficulties in the EU’s ability to react to the ongoing economic crisis.

The Spanish economy contracted during 2012 and the Bank of Spain has predicted the recession to continue in 2013. Spain continues to be one of the focal points of the continuing sovereign debt crisis and concerns surrounding the ability of the Spanish government to service its debt or the health of the Spanish banking sector could lead, and/or the prospect of the continued contraction of the Spanish economy could lead, Spanish leaders to consider requesting financial assistance from the European authorities. Any such financial assistance could impose austerity measures and other restrictions on the Spanish government, including enhanced requirements directed toward Spanish banking institutions, which could make it difficult for Spain to generate revenues and raise additional concerns regarding its ability to service its sovereign debt. Any such restrictions, including additional capital requirements applicable to Spanish banking institutions, could also materially affect our financial condition. Furthermore, any such austerity measures could adversely affect the Spanish economy and reduce the capacity of our borrowers to repay loans we have made to them, increasing our non-performing loans.

Economic conditions remain uncertain in Spain and the European Union and may deteriorate in the future, which could adversely affect the cost and availability of funding for Spanish and European banks, including us, adversely affect the quality of our loan portfolio, require us to take impairments on our exposures to the sovereign debt of one or more countries in the eurozone or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are dependent on our credit ratings and any reduction in our or the Kingdom of Spain’s credit ratings could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are rated by various credit rating agencies. Our credit ratings are an assessment by rating agencies of our ability to pay our obligations when due. Any actual or anticipated decline in our credit ratings to below investment grade or otherwise may increase the cost of and decrease our ability to finance ourselves in the capital markets, secured funding markets (by affecting our ability to replace downgraded assets with better rated ones), interbank markets, through wholesale deposits or otherwise, harm our reputation, require us to replace funding lost due to the downgrade, which may include the loss of customer deposits, and make third parties less willing to transact business with us or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, any decline in our credit ratings to below investment grade or otherwise could breach certain of our agreements or trigger additional obligations under such agreements, such as a requirement to post additional collateral, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Since we are a Spanish company with substantial operations in Spain, our credit ratings may be adversely affected by the assessment by rating agencies of the creditworthiness of the Kingdom of Spain. Moody’s, Fitch, Standard & Poor’s and DBRS have downgraded Spain’s sovereign debt rating since May 2012. In May 2012, DBRS was the first rating agency to downgrade the debt rating of both, the Kingdom of Spain to AH from AAL and the large Spanish banks. Following DBRS’ rating action, Moody’s and Fitch downgraded Spain’s sovereign debt rating in June 2012 to Baa3 from A3 and to BBB from A, respectively. In June 2012, following their respective downgrade of the Kingdom of Spain, Moody’s and Fitch downgraded all of the large Spanish banks, including us. In August 2012, DBRS further downgraded the rating of Spain’s sovereign debt to AL from AH and the rating of the large Spanish banks. Standard & Poor’s announced in October 2012 that it had lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the Kingdom of Spain to BBB- from BBB+ and the short-term sovereign credit rating to A-3 from A-2, with a negative outlook on the long-term rating. In October 2012, following its downgrade of the Kingdom of Spain, Standard & Poor’s downgraded all of the large Spanish banks, including us. Any further decline in the Kingdom of Spain’s sovereign credit ratings could, in turn, result in a further decline in our credit ratings.

In addition, we hold a substantial amount of securities issued by the Kingdom of Spain, autonomous communities within Spain and other Spanish issuers. Any decline in the Kingdom of Spain’s credit ratings could also adversely affect the value of the Kingdom of Spain’s and other Spanish issuers’ respective securities held by us in our various portfolios or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, the counterparties to many of our loan agreements could be similarly affected by any decline in the Kingdom of Spain’s credit rating, which could limit their ability to raise additional capital or otherwise adversely affect their ability to repay their outstanding commitments to us and, in turn, materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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 have historically developed our lending business in Spain, which continues to be our main place of business. As of December 31, 2012, business activity in Spain accounted for 57% of our loan portfolio. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Selected Statistical Information—ASSETS—Loans and Advances to Customers—Loans by Geographic Area.”

After rapid economic growth until 2007, Spanish gross domestic product (“GDP”) contracted by 3.7% and 0.3% in 2009 and in 2010, respectively, grew by 0.4% in 2011 and contracted by 1.4% in 2012. Our Economic Research Department (“BBVA Research”) estimates that the Spanish economy will contract by 1.1% in 2013. As a result of this expected contraction, it is expected that economic conditions and unemployment in Spain will continue to deteriorate.

In addition, GDP forecasts for the Spanish economy could be further revised downwards if measures adopted in response to the economic crisis are not as effective as expected or if public deficit figures force the government to implement additional restrictive measures. In addition to the tightening of fiscal policies in order to correct its economic imbalances, Spain has seen confidence erode because of the weaker economic activity and, above all, a deterioration in employment in 2012, which is expected to continue in 2013.

The effects of the financial crisis have been particularly pronounced in Spain given Spain’s heightened need for foreign financing as reflected by its high public deficit. Real or perceived difficulties in making the payments associated with this deficit can further damage Spain’s economic situation and increase the costs of financing its public deficit. The aforementioned may be exacerbated by the following:

 

   

The Spanish economy is particularly sensitive to economic conditions in the rest of the Euro area, the primary market for Spanish goods and services exports.

 

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Spanish domestic demand in 2012 was heavily impacted by fiscal policy both directly, through the progressive contraction of public sector demand (as a result, among other reasons, of tighter fiscal targets), and indirectly, through the impact of the fiscal policy reforms on the consumption and investment decisions of private parties (as a result, for example, of the increases in various taxes, including income tax and value added tax (VAT), and the elimination of certain tax benefits (including tax benefits on the purchase of a home)).

 

   

Despite the adoption of a labor market reform in early February 2012 which was intended to slow the amount of jobs lost in 2012, unemployment continued to increase in 2012 and is expected to remain above 25% during 2013.

 

   

In 2013, the continued deterioration of the labor market may trigger a decline in the wage component of a household’s gross disposable income. Furthermore, the increase of fiscal pressures due to the country’s effort to meet the public deficit targets set for 2013 will continue to reduce the non-wage component of disposable income, despite the possible increase in the volume of unemployment benefits. Higher personal income taxes are also expected to have a negative effect. Households’ nominal disposable income remained constant in 2011, is estimated to have fallen by 3.3 % in 2012 and 1.5% in 2013.

 

   

Net financial wealth is not expected to recover during 2013 as a result of the real estate sector adjustments and we expect these adjustments to continue for the coming years.

 

   

Investment in residential real estate contracted by approximately 6.7% and 8.0 % in 2011 and 2012, respectively, and is expected to contract by 8.3% in 2013. Demand for real estate decreased in 2012, primarily as a result of the high unemployment rates, the elimination of tax benefits on the purchase of a home and the rise in the personal income tax.

Our loan portfolio in Spain has been adversely affected by the deterioration of the Spanish economy since 2009. Our total impaired loans to customers in Spain amounted to €15,152 million, €11,043 million and €10,954 million as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, principally due to the deterioration in the macroeconomic environment. Our total impaired loans to customers in Spain as a percentage of total loans and receivables to customers in Spain were 7.3%, 5.5% and 5.2% as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our loan loss reserves to customers in Spain as a percentage of impaired loans to customers is Spain as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 64%, 43% and 45%, respectively.

Given the concentration of our loan portfolio in Spain, 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 business, financial condition and results of operations.

Exposure to the Spanish real estate market makes us vulnerable to developments in this market.

In the years prior to 2008, population increase, economic growth, declines in unemployment rates and increases in levels of household disposable income, together with the low interest rates within the EU, led to an increase in demand for mortgage loans in Spain. This increased demand and the widespread availability of mortgage loans affected housing prices, which rose significantly. After this buoyant period, demand began to adjust in mid-2006. Since the last quarter of 2008, the supply of new homes has been adjusting sharply downward in the residential market in Spain, but a significant excess of unsold homes still exists in the market. Spanish real estate prices continued to decline during 2012 in light of deteriorating economic conditions. It is expected that housing demand will remain weak and housing transactions will continue decreasing in 2013.

We have substantial exposure to the Spanish real estate market and the continuing deterioration of Spanish real estate prices could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are exposed to the Spanish real estate market due to the fact that Spanish real estate assets secure many of our outstanding loans and due to the significant amount of Spanish real estate assets held on our balance sheet, including real estate received in lieu of payment for certain underlying loans. Furthermore, we have restructured certain of the loans we have made relating to real estate and the capacity of such borrowers to repay such restructured loans may be materially adversely affected by declining real estate prices. Residential real estate mortgages to individuals

 

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represented 23.8%, 21.9% and 23.1% of our domestic loan portfolio as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our loans for the development of real estate and housing construction in Spain amounted to €15,358 million as of December 31, 2012, and represented 7% of our gross domestic lending as of December 31, 2012. Our non-performing real estate loans represented 44.4% of our real estate portfolio as of such date.

If Spanish real estate prices continue to decline or if changes currently debated in the Spanish Congress related to mortgage regulation favoring borrowers or if future changes in the simplified mortgage enforcement proceedings provided for under Spanish law lead to substantial changes in the current guarantee system of mortgage, our business may be materially adversely affected, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

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

Spanish households and businesses have reached, in recent years, a high level of indebtedness, which represents increased risk for the Spanish banking system. In addition, the high proportion of loans referenced to variable interest rates (approximately 70% of our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2012) makes debt service on such loans more vulnerable to changes in interest rates than in the past. Highly indebted households and businesses are less likely to be able to service debt obligations as a result of adverse economic events, which could have an adverse effect on our loan portfolio and, as a result, on our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, the increase in households’ and businesses’ indebtedness also limits their ability to incur additional debt, decreasing the number of new products we may otherwise be able to sell them and limiting our ability to attract new customers in Spain satisfying our credit standards, which could have an adverse effect on our ability to achieve our growth plans.

Risks Relating to Latin America

Events in Mexico could adversely affect our operations.

We are substantially dependent on our Mexican operations, with approximately €1,821 million, €1,711 million, and €1,683 million of the profit attributable to parent company in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, being generated in Mexico. We face several types of risks in Mexico which could adversely affect our banking operations in Mexico or the Group as a whole. Given the internationalization of the financial crisis, the Mexican economy has felt the effects of the global financial crisis and the adjustment process that was underway. While the Mexican economy is expected to grow in 2013, there are economic risks due to a possible lower demand from the U.S. In the second half of 2012, signs of weakness in external demand have been observed, among which a slowdown in manufactured exports and a decline in remittance flows to Mexico are particularly significant. In addition, growing social disruptions in Mexico could adversely affect growth.

As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, our mortgage loan portfolio delinquency rates in Mexico were 6.4%, 4.1% and 3.3%, respectively, and our consumer loan portfolio delinquency rates were 3.3%, 2.5% and 2.9%, respectively. The default rate is evolving in line with the increase in the activity of our subsidiary, the risk premium has stabilized around 3.49%. If there is an increase in unemployment rates (currently 5% from 5.2% in 2011), which could arise if there is a more pronounced or prolonged slowdown in Europe or the United States, it is likely that such rates will further increase.

In addition, inflation was 4.1% year-on-year in December 2012, exceeding the target set by the Mexican Central Bank. Any tightening of the monetary policy, including to address upward inflationary pressures, could make it more difficult for customers of our mortgage and consumer loan products in Mexico to service their debts, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations of our Mexican subsidiary or the Group as a whole. Additionally, if the approval of certain structural reforms is delayed, this could make it more difficult to reach potential growth rates in the Mexican economy. Among the reforms currently debated there is a fiscal reform (to extend social security across the whole population, an increase in value added tax and a decrease of non-wage labor cost) and an energy reform (to increase investment in the sector) Finally, growing social tensions in Mexico, including as a result of drug-related corruption and escalating violence, could weigh on the economic outlook, which could increase economic uncertainty and capital outflows.

 

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According to the mandate of the Law for Transparent and Ordered Financial Services in place (last modified in 2010), the Mexican National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Services Users (Comisión Nacional para la Defensa de los Usuarios de los Servicios Financieros or “Condusef”) has continued to request that banks send for revision several of its service contracts (e.g., credit cards, insurance, etc.), in order to check that they comply the dispositions on transparency and clarity for protecting financial service users. Condusef still does not have systematic ways to evaluate and grade service contracts, and this reflects on a substantial variation in grades from one year to the next and no clear instructions for adequating such contracts. Therefore, the Law Committee of the Banking Association (ABM) is coordinating a working group to propose improvements in the process. In addition, Condusef has asked banks to formulate new procedures so that beneficiaries of deposit accounts can collect the funds in the case of the death of the account owner.

The Money Laundering Law (Ley Federal para la Prevención e Identificación de Operaciones con Recursos de Procedencia Ilícita) will become effective in July 2013. The Ministry of Finance (Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público) and a special analysis unit within the Federal Attorney’s Office (Unidad Especializada en Análisis Financiero en Contra de la Delincuencia Organizada, de la Procuraduría General de la República) are in charge of this process. The Law specifies more severe penalties for non compliance and more information requirements for some transactions. However, authorities are working on evaluating the impact of the law before it comes into force.

Any of these risks or other adverse developments in laws, regulations, public policies or otherwise in Mexico may adversely affect the business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows of our Mexican subsidiary or the Group as a whole.

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

The Latin American countries in which we operate have experienced significant economic volatility in recent decades, characterized by recessions, foreign exchange crises 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. In addition, significant inflation can negatively affect our results of operations as was the case in the year ended December 31, 2009, when as a result of the characterization of Venezuela as a hyperinflationary economy, we recorded a €90 million decrease in our profit attributable to parent company.

Many of the main challenges for the region relate to the evolution of external factors, including the crisis in Europe or the fiscal adjustment measures in the U.S., and the increasing use of macroprudential measures to control global liquidity, which could deter financial flows to enter in Latin American countries. In addition, inflationary pressure and inflation forecasts have worsened in most countries in the region (with inflation in some countries exceeding the relevant central banks’ targets) due to the strength of economic activity and increased food prices. Price overheating is leaving Latin America economies more vulnerable to an adverse external shock since the more important role of exports in their GDP is making them more dependent on the maintenance of high terms of trade. Moreover, uncertainty on the evolution of the global economy conjunction with upward pressure from domestic demand will like make most central banks in the region to remain on hold, leaving interest rates unchanged. Therefore monetary policy is less likely to act as and stabilizer in case of domestic overheating.

In addition, 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 what we believe to be conservative risk policies, no assurance can be given that our Latin American subsidiaries’ growth, asset quality and profitability will not be further affected by volatile macroeconomic conditions in the Latin American countries in which we operate.

 

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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. The region’s growth has decelerated in 2012, registering a growth rate of 3%, in particular due to the economic slowdown of Brazil. Negative developments in the economy or securities markets in one country, particularly in the U.S. or in Europe under current circumstances, may have a negative impact on emerging market economies. We believe that the main global risk for Latin America countries is currently posed by the possible deterioration of the European crisis, which would especially affect countries with less capacity to access international markets to cushion the fall in commodity prices and with less room to use counter-cyclical policies. Any such developments may adversely affect the business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows of our subsidiaries in Latin America. These economies are also vulnerable to conditions in global financial markets and especially to commodities price fluctuations and these vulnerabilities usually reflect adversely in financial market conditions through exchange rate fluctuations, interest rate volatility and deposits volatility. For example, at the beginning of the financial crisis these economies were hit by a simultaneous drop in commodity export prices, a collapse in demand for non-commodity exports and a sudden halting of foreign bank loans. Even though most of these countries withstood the triple shock rather well, with limited damage to their financial sectors, non-performing loan ratios rose and bank deposits and loans contracted. These trends are been corrected in the last few quarters in most countries. As a global economic recovery remains fragile, there are risks of a relapse. If the global financial crisis continues and, in particular, if the effects on the Chinese, European and U.S. economies intensify, the business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows of our subsidiaries in Latin America are likely to be materially adversely affected.

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, results of operations.

We operate commercial banks and insurance and private pension companies in various 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 or expropriation 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, or the distribution of dividends. For example, in October 2012, Argentina sharply raised its excess-capital requirements from 30% to 75% of minimum capital before banks (including our subsidiary BBVA Banco Francés, S.A.) can distribute dividends. As a result, BBVA Banco Francés, S.A. will not make a dividend payment with respect to 2012. Furthermore, while most Latin American currencies to which we are exposed appreciated during 2012, this trend could be reversed. For example, in February 2013, the Venezuelan government decided to devaluate the Venezuelan bolivars fuerte for the fifth time in nine years by approximately 32% (from 4.30 to 6.30 per U.S. dollar), which undermined the dividends of our Venezuelan subsidiary awaiting repatriation.

Our presence in Latin American markets also 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, results of operations and cash flows.

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, particularly in Venezuela and Argentina. 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, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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Risks Relating to the United States

Adverse economic conditions in the United States may have a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

As a result of the business of our subsidiaries in the United States we are vulnerable to developments in this market, particularly the real estate market. During the summer of 2007, the difficulties experienced by the subprime mortgage market triggered a real estate and financial crisis, which had significant effects on the real economy and resulted in significant volatility and uncertainty in markets and economies around the world. The recovery is still weak, as the economy is growing at low rates and unemployment is persistently high. The recent economic growth estimates for the U.S., showing that economic recovery is slower than expected, and growing regulatory pressure in the U.S. financial sector resulted in a write down of goodwill related to our acquisition of BBVA Compass in the aggregate amount of €1,444 million as of December 31, 2011. See Note 20 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Similar or worsening economic conditions in the United States could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of our subsidiary BBVA Compass, or the Group as a whole, and could require us to provide BBVA Compass with additional capital.

Risks Relating to Other Countries

Our strategic growth in Asia exposes us to increased regulatory, economic and geopolitical risk relating to emerging markets in the region, particularly in China.

Pursuant to certain transactions completed in the past few years (see Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements), as of December 31, 2012, our ownership interests in members of the CITIC Group, a Chinese banking group, were a 29.7% stake in CITIC International Financial Holdings Ltd (“CIFH”) and a 15% stake in China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited (“CNCB”). CIFH is a banking entity headquartered in Hong Kong and CNCB is a banking entity headquartered in China.

As a result of our expansion into Asia, we are exposed to increased risks relating to emerging markets in the region, particularly in China. The Chinese government has exercised, and continues to exercise, significant influence over the Chinese economy. Chinese governmental actions, including changes in laws or regulations or in the interpretation of existing laws or regulations, concerning the economy and state-owned enterprises, or otherwise affecting our activity, could have a significant effect on Chinese private sector entities in general, and on CIFH or CNCB in particular. Chinese authorities have implemented a series of monetary tightening and macro prudential policies to slow credit growth and to contain rises in real estate prices. These could undermine profitability in the banking sector generally and CIFH’s and CNCB’s respective profitability in particular. Our business in China may also be affected by the increased credit quality risks resulting from the increase in local government debt and financial stresses in smaller companies as their access to various forms of non-bank credit is tightened.

In addition, while we believe long term prospects in both China and Hong Kong are positive, particularly for the consumer finance market, near term risks are present from the impact of a slowdown in global growth, which could result in tighter financing conditions and could pose risks to credit quality. China’s GDP growth has moderated following efforts to avert overheating and steer the economy towards a soft landing. China’s growth momentum continued to slow more than expected in 2012 due to external pressures and lags in the effect of policy stimulus put in place in 2012. While domestic demand and production remain strong, there is an increased probability of a hard landing as a result of the uncertainties concerning the global environment, exacerbated by a rise in domestic financial fragilities.

Any of these developments could have a material adverse effect on our investments in Asia or the business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Group.

 

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Since Garanti operates primarily in Turkey, economic, political and other developments in Turkey may have a material adverse effect on Garanti’s business, financial condition and results of operations and the value of our investment in Garanti.

In 2011, we acquired a 25.01% interest in Türkiye Garanti Bankası A.Ş. (“Garanti”). Most of Garanti’s operations are conducted, and most of its customers are located, in Turkey. Accordingly, Garanti’s ability to recover on loans, its liquidity and financial condition and its results of operations are substantially dependent upon the economic, political and other conditions prevailing in or that otherwise affect Turkey. For instance, if the Turkish economy is adversely affected by, among other factors, a reduction in the level of economic activity, continuing inflationary pressures, devaluation or depreciation of the Turkish Lira, a natural disaster or an increase in domestic interest rates, then a greater portion of Garanti’s customers may not be able to repay loans when due or meet their other debt service requirements to Garanti, which would increase Garanti’s past due loan portfolio and could materially reduce its net income and capital levels.

After growing by approximately 8.5% in 2011, the Turkish economy is expected to grow by 2.6% in 2012 and by 4.4% in 2013. In addition, inflation increased by 8.9% in 2012 on average and is expected to further increase by 5.3% in 2013. Furthermore, Turkey’s recent credit boom led to the rapid widening of its current account deficit, which reached a multi-year high of 9.9% of GDP in 2011 and is expected to amount to 6.5% by the end of 2012. Despite Turkey’s increased political and economic stability in recent years, the recent rating upgrade by Fitch in November 2012 and the implementation of institutional reforms to conform to international standards, Turkey is an emerging market and it is subject to greater risks than more developed markets. Financial turmoil in any emerging market could negatively affect other emerging markets, including Turkey, or the global economy in general. Moreover, financial turmoil in emerging markets tends to adversely affect stock prices and debt securities prices of other emerging markets as investors move their money to more stable and developed markets, and may reduce liquidity to companies located in the affected markets. An increase in the perceived risks associated with investing in emerging economies in general, or Turkey in particular (including as a result of a deterioration in the EU accession process), could dampen capital flows to Turkey and adversely affect the Turkish economy.

In addition, actions taken by the Turkish government could adversely affect Garanti’s business and prospects. For example, currency restrictions and other restraints on transfer of funds may be imposed by the Turkish government, Turkish government regulation or administrative polices may change unexpectedly or otherwise negatively affect Garanti, the Turkish government may increase its participation in the economy, including through nationalizations of assets, or the Turkish government may impose burdensome taxes or tariffs. The occurrence of any or all of the above risks could have a material adverse effect on Garanti’s business, financial condition and results of operations and the value of our investment in Garanti. Moreover, political uncertainty or instability within Turkey and in some of its neighboring countries (including as a result of the ongoing civil war in Syria) has historically been one of the potential risks associated with investments in Turkish companies.

Furthermore, a significant majority of Garanti’s total securities portfolio is invested in securities issued by the Turkish government. In addition to any direct losses that Garanti might incur, a default, or the perception of increased risk of default, by the Turkish government in making payments on its securities or the possible downgrade in Turkey’s credit rating would likely have a significant negative impact on the value of the government securities held in Garanti’s securities portfolio and the Turkish banking system generally and make such government securities difficult to sell, and may have a material adverse effect on Garanti’s business, financial condition and results of operations and the value of our investment in Garanti.

Any of the risks referred to above could have a material adverse effect on Garanti’s business, financial condition and results of operations and the value of our investment in Garanti.

We have entered into a shareholders’ agreement with Doğuş Holding A.Ş. in connection with the Garanti acquisition.

We have entered into a shareholders’ agreement with Doğuş Holding A.Ş. (“Doğuş”) in connection with the Garanti acquisition. Pursuant to the shareholders’ agreement, we and Doğuş have agreed to manage Garanti through the appointment of board members and senior management. Doğuş is one of the largest Turkish conglomerates and has business interests in the financial services, construction, tourism and automotive sectors. Any financial reversal, negative publicity or other adverse circumstance relating to Doğuş could adversely affect Garanti or BBVA. Furthermore, we must successfully cooperate with Doğuş in order to manage Garanti and grow its business. It is possible that we and Doğuş will be unable to agree on the management or operational strategies to be followed by Garanti, which could adversely affect Garanti’s business, financial condition and results of operations and the value of our investment and lead to our failure to achieve the expected benefits from the Garanti acquisition.

 

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Other Risks

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 private 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 EU-IFRS required to be applied under the Bank of Spain’s Circular 4/2004 and in compliance with IFRS-IASB, which differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP, the financial reporting standard to which many investors in the United States may be more accustomed.

Weaknesses or failures in our internal processes, systems and security could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition or prospects, and could result in reputational damage.

Operational risks, through inadequate or failed internal processes, systems (including financial reporting and risk monitoring processes) or security, or from people-related or external events, including the risk of fraud and other criminal acts carried out against us, are present in our businesses. Our businesses are dependent on processing and reporting accurately and efficiently a high volume of complex transactions across numerous and diverse products and services, in different currencies and subject to a number of different legal and regulatory regimes. Any weakness in these internal processes, systems or security could have an adverse effect on our results, reporting of such results, and on the ability to deliver appropriate customer outcomes during the affected period. In addition, any breach in security of our systems could disrupt our business, result in the disclosure of confidential information and create significant financial and legal exposure for us. Although we devote significant resources to maintain and regularly update our processes and systems that are designed to protect the security of our systems, software, networks and other technology assets, there is no assurance that all of our security measures will provide absolute security. Any damage to our reputation (including to customer confidence) arising from actual or perceived inadequacies, weaknesses or failures in our systems, processes or security could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or prospects.

Compliance with anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing rules involves significant cost and effort.

We are subject to rules and regulations regarding money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Monitoring compliance with anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing rules can put a significant financial burden on banks and other financial institutions and pose significant technical problems. Although we believe that our current policies and procedures are sufficient to comply with applicable rules and regulations, we cannot guarantee that our group-wide anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing policies and procedures completely prevent situations of money laundering or terrorism financing. Any of such events may have severe consequences, including sanctions, fines and notably reputational consequences, which could have a material adverse effect on our 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 following the merger of Argentaria into BBV, which was approved by the shareholders of each entity on December 18, 1999 and registered on January 28, 2000. It conducts its 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, and operates out of Paseo de la Castellana, 81, 28046, Madrid, Spain telephone number +34-91-374-6201. BBVA’s agent in the U.S. for U.S. federal securities law purposes is Emiliano Salcines (1345 Avenue of Americas, 44th Floor New York, NY 10105, telephone number +1-212-728-2405). BBVA is incorporated for an unlimited term.

Capital Expenditures

Our principal investments are financial investments in our subsidiaries and affiliates. The main capital expenditures from 2010 to the date of this Annual Report were the following:

 

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2013

Acquisition of Unnim Vida. On February 4, 2013, Unnim Banc, S.A. reached an agreement with Aegon Spain Holding B.V. to acquire its 50% stake in Unnim Vida, S.A. de Seguros y Reaseguros (“Unnim Vida”). As a result BBVA Group’s total holding in the share capital of Unnim Vida is 100%.

2012

Acquisition of Unnim. On March 7, 2012, the Management Commission of the Fund for Orderly Bank Restructuring (Fondo de Restructuración Ordenada Bancaria or “FROB”) accepted BBVA’s offer to acquire Unnim Banc, S.A. (“Unnim”). The FROB, the Deposit Guarantee Fund of Credit Institutions (Fondo de Garantía de Depósitos or “FGD”) and BBVA entered into a purchase agreement, by virtue of which BBVA acquired 100% of the shares of Unnim for a purchase price of €1.

In addition, BBVA, the FGD, the FROB and Unnim signed a Protocol of Financial Measures for the restructuring of Unnim, which regulates the Asset Protection Scheme through which the FGD will be responsible for 80% of the losses incurred by a predetermined asset portfolio of Unnim for a period of 10 years following the transaction.

On July 27, 2012, following the completion of the transaction, BBVA became the holder of 100% of the capital of Unnim.

As of December 31, 2012, Unnim’s assets amounted to €24,756 million, of which €15,932 million corresponded to Loans and advances to customers. Customer deposits amounted to €11,083 million as of such date.

Pursuant to the acquisition method of accounting, as of December 31, 2012, we recorded the difference between the fair values assigned to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed from Unnim, on one hand, and the cash payment made to the FROB in consideration of the transaction on the other hand, which totaled €376 million, under the heading “Negative goodwill in business combinations” in our consolidated income statement for the year 2012. As of the date of preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements, this amount is provisional, since IFRS 3 grants a period of one year to make a definitive determination on this negative consolidation difference; however, the Group does not expect any significant changes in the valuations of the assets and liabilities related to this acquisition. See Note 20.1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

2011

Acquisition of a capital holding in the Turkish bank Garanti. On March 22, 2011, through the execution of the agreements signed in November 2010 with the Doğuş group and having obtained the corresponding authorizations, BBVA completed the acquisition of a 24.89% holding of the share capital of Türkiye Garanti Bankası A.Ş. (“Garanti”). Subsequently, an additional 0.12% holding was acquired through the stock exchanges, increasing the BBVA Group’s total holding in the share capital of Garanti to 25.01% as of December 31, 2011. The total amount spent on these acquisitions totaled $5,876 million (approximately €4,408 million).

The agreements with the Doğuş group include an arrangement for the joint management of the bank and the appointment of some of the members of its Board of Directors by the BBVA Group. BBVA also has a perpetual option to purchase an additional 1% of Garanti, which will become exercisable on March 22, 2016. Considering its current shareholding structure, if the BBVA Group were to exercise this option, it would have effective control of Garanti. For additional information, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Purchase of Credit Uruguay Banco. On January 18, 2011, after obtaining the corresponding authorizations, the purchase of Credit Uruguay Banco was completed for approximately €78 million, generating goodwill for an insignificant amount.

Capital increase in CNCB. BBVA participated in the capital increase carried out by China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited (“CNCB”) in 2011, in order to maintain its stake in CNCB (15%), with a payment of €425 million.

 

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2010

On April 1, 2010, after obtaining the corresponding authorizations, the purchase of an additional 4.93% of CNCB’s capital was finalized for €1,197 million. As of December 31, 2010, BBVA had a 29.68% holding in CIFH and a 15% holding in CNCB.

Capital Divestitures

Our principal divestitures are financial divestitures in our subsidiaries and in affiliates. The main capital divestitures from 2010 to the date of this Annual Report were the following:

2013

On May 24, 2012, we announced our decision to conduct a study on strategic alternatives for our pension business in Latin America. The alternatives considered in this process include the total or partial sale of the businesses of the Pension Fund Administrators (AFP) in Chile, Colombia and Peru, and the Retirement Fund Administrator (Afore) in Mexico. For additional information, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On December 24, 2012, we reached an agreement with Sociedad Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones y Cesantías Porvenir, S.A., a subsidiary of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores, S.A., for the sale to the former of the total stake that we hold directly or indirectly in the Colombian company BBVA Horizonte Sociedad Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones y Cesantías S.A. (“Horizonte”). The closing of the transaction is subject to obtaining the required Colombian regulatory authorizations. The base purchase price agreed upon is $ 530 million (COP 941,731 million), subject to certain adjustments. It is anticipated that the closing of the transaction will take place in the first half of 2013 and that the capital gain net of taxes arising from the transaction will amount to approximately € 265 million.

On January 9, 2013, after having obtained the necessary approvals, we announced that we had completed the sale of our stake in the Mexican company Administradora de Fondos para el Retiro Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. to Afore XXI Banorte, S.A. de C.V. The purchase price agreed upon was $1,735 million. The capital gain (net of taxes) arising from this transaction amounted to approximately €800 million.

On February 1, 2013, we reached an agreement (the “Agreement”) with MetLife, Inc., for the sale of our stake in the Chilean pension fund manager Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Provida S.A. (“AFP Provida”), representing 64.3% of the share capital of AFP Provida.

Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth therein:

 

   

MetLife, Inc. has agreed to cause one or more of its wholly-owned affiliates to commence, both in the Republic of Chile and in the United States of America, a tender offer in cash (the “Tender Offer”) for 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of AFP Provida; and

 

   

BBVA has agreed to transfer the entirety of its 64.3% interest in AFP Provida to such affiliates of MetLife, Inc. either (i) directly through the Tender Offer, or (ii) partially directly through the Tender Offer and partially indirectly through the sale to MetLife, Inc. of a newly incorporated BBVA affiliate in Chile. In this case, BBVA shall be paid the same price that it would be paid by the transfer of the shares of AFP Provida through the Tender Offer.

The purchase price set forth in the Agreement for a 100% interest in AFP Provida, $2 billion, shall be supplemented by a fixed amount for each day having elapsed between the date of the most recent month-end balance sheet of AFP Provida available prior to the commencement of the Tender Offer and the date of publication of the Tender Offer’s results (as determined pursuant to the Agreement). In addition to the purchase price, the Agreement permits AFP Provida, subject to the prior approval of AFP Provida’s governing bodies, to make certain dividends prior to the commencement of the Tender Offer.

 

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The commencement of the Tender Offer and the subsequent closing of the transaction are subject, among other conditions, to receipt of regulatory approvals both in Chile and Ecuador. It is anticipated that the closing of the transaction will take place in the second half of 2013 and that the capital gain net of taxes arising from the transaction will amount to approximately €500 million.

2012

In June 2012, BBVA reached an agreement to sell its business in Puerto Rico to Oriental Financial Group Inc. The sale price was $500 million (approximately €385 million at the exchange rate on the date of the transaction). Gross capital losses from this sale amounted to approximately €15 million (taking into account the exchange rate at the time of the transaction and the earnings of the sold companies up to the closing of the transaction, on December 18, 2012).

2011 and 2010

During 2011 and 2010, BBVA sold its participation in certain non-strategic associates and also concluded the liquidation and merger of several issuers, financial services and real estate affiliates.

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 investments in some of Spain’s leading companies.

Operating Segments

The main change in the reporting structure of the BBVA Group’s operating segments in 2012 relates to the transfer of the assets and liabilities of a branch located in Houston from our Mexico operating segment to our United States operating segment. This was done to reflect the increasingly geographical orientation of the Group’s reporting structure. Despite this change and other insignificant changes, the composition of the operating segments in 2012 has remained very similar to their composition in 2011. Nevertheless, operating segment data relating to 2011 and 2010 contained in this Annual Report has been presented on a uniform basis consistent with our organizational structure in 2012 to ensure like-for-like comparisons.

Set forth below are our five operating segments. As indicated above, the composition of our operating segments in 2012 is very similar to last year’s:

 

   

Spain

 

   

Eurasia

 

   

Mexico

 

   

South America

 

   

United States

In addition to these operating segments, we continue to have a separate “Corporate Activities” segment. This segment handles our general management functions, which mainly consist of structural positions for interest rates associated with the euro balance sheet and exchange rates, together with liquidity management and shareholders’ funds. This segment also books the costs from central units that have a strictly corporate function and makes allocations to corporate and miscellaneous provisions, such as early retirement and others of a corporate nature. It also includes the Industrial and Financial Holdings Unit and the Group’s Spanish real estate business.

 

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The breakdown of the BBVA Group’s total assets by operating segments as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

 

     As of December 31,  
Total Assets by Operating Segment    2012      2011      2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Spain

     317,151         311,987         299,186   

Eurasia

     48,282         53,354         45,980   

Mexico

     82,432         72,488         73,321   

South America

     78,419         63,444         51,671   

United States

     53,850         57,207         59,173   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal Assets by Operating Segments

     580,134         558,480         529,331   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Corporate Activities

     57,652         39,208         23,407   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets BBVA Group

     637,786         597,688         552,738   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table sets forth information relating the profit attributable to parent company by each of our operating segments for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

 

     Profit/(Loss) Attributable to
Parent Company
    % of Profit/(Loss) Attributable to
Parent Company
 
     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2012(1)     2011(2)     2010     2012(1)     2011(2)     2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)     (In Percentage)  

Spain

     (1,267     1,352        2,210        (38.1     30.7        39.3   

Eurasia

     950        1,031        575        28.6        23.4        10.2   

Mexico(*)

     1,821        1,711        1,683        54.8        38.8        30.0   

South America(*)

     1,347        1,007        889        40.5        22.8        15.8   

United States

     475        (691     260        14.3        (15.7     4.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal Operating Segments

     3,326        4,410        5,617        100.0        100.0        100.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Corporate Activities

     (1,649     (1,405     (1,011      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit attributable to the BBVA Group

     1,677        3,004        4,606         
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Profit/(Loss) attributable to parent company for the year ended December 31, 2012 has been affected by the significant loan-loss provisions made to reflect the steady impairment of our real estate portfolios in Spain.
(2) Profit/(Loss) attributable to parent company for the year ended December 31, 2011 has been affected by the goodwill impairment in the U.S. and the acquisition of Garanti, which have affected, respectively, the contribution of the United States and Eurasia operating segments.
(*) Information of our pension business for 2011 and 2010 has been reclassified for comparative purposes. See “Presentation of Financial Information—Accounting Principles.”

 

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The following table sets forth information relating to the income of each operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

            Operating Segments        
     BBVA
Group
     Spain     Eurasia      Mexico(*)      South
America(*)
     United
States
    Corporate
Activities
 
     (In Millions of Euros)  

2012

                  

Net interest income

     15,122         4,836        847         4,164         4,291         1,682        (697

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     1,659         (1,841     1,054         2,225         2,240         667        (2,686
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit

     1,676         (1,267     950         1,821         1,347         475        (1,649
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

2011

                  

Net interest income

     13,152         4,391        802         3,776         3,161         1,635        (614

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     3,446         1,897        1,176         2,146         1,671         (1,020     (2,425
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit

     3,004         1,352        1,031         1,711         1,007         (691     (1,405
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

2010

                  

Net interest income

     13,316         4,898        333         3,648         2,494         1,825        117   

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     6,059         3,127        660         2,137         1,424         336        (1,625
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit

     4,606         2,210        575         1,683         889         260        (1,011
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*) Information of our pension business for 2011 and 2010 has been reclassified for comparative purposes. See “Presentation of Financial Information—Accounting Principles.”

Given the business model of the BBVA Group, the economic capital allocated to our operating segments is mainly determined by the credit risk arising from loans and advances to customers. Accordingly, changes in the amounts of allocated economic capital to each operating segment are mainly related to the evolution of such portfolios. A brief explanation of changes in the amounts of allocated economic capital to each operating segment is included in the segmental discussions that follow.

Spain

The operating segment of Spain includes all of BBVA’s banking and non-banking businesses in Spain, other than those included in the Corporate Activities area. The main business units included in this operating segment are:

 

   

Spanish Retail Network: including the segments of individual customers, private banking, small companies and businesses in the domestic market.

 

   

Corporate and Business Banking (CBB): which manages small and medium sized enterprises (“SMEs”), companies and corporations, public institutions and developer segments.

 

   

Corporate and Investment Banking (C&IB): responsible for business with large corporations and multinationals.

 

   

Other units: which include the insurance business unit in Spain (BBVA Seguros), and the Asset Management unit, which manages Spanish mutual fund and pension funds.

The following table sets forth information relating to the activity of this operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

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     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Total Assets

     317,151         311,987         299,186   

Loans and advances to customers

     210,982         214,277         218,620   

Of which:

        

Residential mortgages

     84,886         77,167         78,936   

Consumer finance

     7,663         8,077         8,106   

Loans

     6,043         6,500         6,453   

Credit cards

     1,620         1,577         1,653   

Loans to enterprises

     56,335         70,867         71,045   

Loans to public sector

     24,937         25,006         23,198   

Total customer deposits

     129,640         109,421         106,073   

Current and savings accounts

     45,325         41,613         41,471   

Time deposits

     61,055         48,447         48,116   

Other customer funds

     23,260         19,361         16,486   

Off-balance sheet funds

     52,735         51,159         53,559   

Mutual funds

     19,937         20,357         23,393   

Pension funds

     18,313         17,224         16,811   

Other placements

     14,486         13,578         13,355   

Economic capital allocated

     12,110         10,558         10,100   

As of December 31, 2012, the balance of loans and advances to customers was €210,982 million, a 1.5% decrease from the €214,277 million recorded as of December 31, 2011, as a result of the deleveraging process and weak consumption. The general trend has been a weak turnover, with the most notable decreases recorded in the segment of higher-risk businesses and corporations, and in consumer loans.

As of December 31, 2012, our outstanding payment protection insurance policies amounted to €39 billion and insured approximately 19% of our total loans and advances to customers in Spain as of such date. Substantially all of our payment protection insurance products provide consumer or mortgage payment protection in the case of loss of life or disability (while approximately 5.5% of these products provide protection in the case of unemployment or a work-related illness). These insurance products are granted by our insurance subsidiary to borrowers within our own consumer and mortgage portfolio. Upon the occurrence of the insured event, our insurance subsidiary pays the entire outstanding principal amount, together with any accrued interest, of the related loan. Since the risk remains within the Group, we do not consider our payment protection insurance products when determining the appropriate amount of allowance for loan losses on the related loans. We account for these products as insurance contracts.

As of December 31, 2012, total on-balance and off-balance sheet customer deposits and funds, including mutual funds, pension funds and customer portfolios, were €182,375 million, a 13.6% increase from the €160,580 million posted as of December 31, 2011.

Customer deposits were €129,640 million as of December 31, 2012 compared to €109,421 as of December 31, 2011, an increase of 18.5%, mainly due to the high percentage of renewals of time deposits during the period and, to a lesser extent, the integration of Unnim in 2012.

Mutual fund assets under management were €19,937 million as of December 31, 2012, a 2.1% decrease from the €20,357 million recorded as of December 31, 2011 as a result of a reduction in the assets under management due to turmoil in the markets.

As of December 31, 2012, our outstanding guaranteed mutual fund products amounted to €11,423 million (approximately 59.8% of our outstanding mutual fund products in Spain as of such date). Our guaranteed fund products relate mainly to mutual funds in respect of which the return of principal (rather than the yield) is guaranteed by means of a deposit and a derivative contract entered into by us, both of which are recognized on our balance sheet. We account for these products as deposits or derivative contracts.

 

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Pension fund assets under management were €18,313 million as of December 31, 2012, a 6.3% increase from the €17,224 million recorded as of December 31, 2011, as a result of the positive management of renewals and new accounts.

The economic capital allocated was €12,110 million as of December 31, 2012, a 14.7% increase from the €10,558 million recorded as of December 31, 2011. This increase was mainly related to the incorporation of Unnim, the recalibration of our internal model in mid 2012 based on backtesting results and the increased market risk resulting from the application of capital requirements currently applicable to BBVA.

Eurasia

This operating segment covers the Group’s activity in Europe (excluding Spain) and Asia. Accordingly, it includes BBVA Portugal, Consumer Finance Italy and Portugal, the retail business of branches in Paris, London and Brussels, and the retail and wholesale activity carried out within the various regions comprised in this business segment. It also includes the Group’s interest in Türkiye Garanti Bankası A.Ş (“Garanti”), which is proportionally consolidated, and its equity-accounting holdings in China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited (“CNCB”) and CITIC International Financial Holding Ltd. (“CIFH”).

The importance of this segment is increasing both in terms of earnings and our balance sheet and, as the rest of the franchises, it has evolved positively and increased the Group’s diversification and growth capacity. The positive contribution of Garanti starting in March 2011 and the increase in earnings from CNCB are worth mentioning in this regard.

The following table sets forth information relating to the business activity of this operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Total Assets

     48,282         53,354         45,980   

Loans and advances to customers

     30,228         34,740         23,909   

Of which:

        

Residential mortgages

     4,291         4,025         2,961   

Consumer finance

     4,281         3,421         913   

Loans

     3,069         2,400         903   

Credit cards

     1,212         1,021         10   

Loans to enterprises

     19,804         25,851         11,534   

Loans to public sector

     102         107         113   

Total customer deposits

     16,484         21,142         20,788   

Current and savings accounts

     3,098         3,162         1,358   

Time deposits

     9,576         10,012         2,380   

Other customer funds

     3,810         7,968         17,050   

Off-balance sheet funds

     1,195         1,036         566   

Mutual funds

     587         562         194   

Pension funds

     608         474         372   

Economic capital allocated

     4,607         4,245         2,546   

 

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As of December 31, 2012, the loans and advances to customers was €30,228 million, a 13.0% decrease from the €34,740 million recorded as of December 31, 2011, mainly due to the reduced loan portfolio with wholesale clients, due to the deleveraging process under way in Europe as a result of difficult economic conditions.

As of December 31, 2012 customer deposits were €16,484 million, a 22% decrease from the €21,142 million as of December 31, 2011. While Turkey performed well, wholesale deposits in the Paris, London and Brussels branches fell as a result mainly of the difficult economic conditions in the Eurozone, which have resulted in wholesale financial markets being affected by the high volatility of the risk premiums of certain EU peripheral countries (and, correspondingly, wholesale deposit flight from banks incorporated in such countries, including BBVA) and by the successive downgrades of sovereign ratings, which have also had an impact on the ratings of the financial institutions located in such countries.

The economic capital allocated was €4,607 million as of December 31, 2012, an 8.5% increase from the €4,245 million recorded as of December 31, 2011. This increase was mainly attributable to the increase in credit activity in Turkey and the increase in the value of our stake in CNCB, which increased our equity risk.

Mexico

The Mexico operating segment comprises the banking, pension and insurance businesses conducted in Mexico by the BBVA Bancomer financial group. The business units included in the Mexico area are:

 

   

Retail and Corporate banking, and

 

   

Pensions and Insurance. On January 9, 2013, after having obtained the necessary approvals, we completed the sale of our stake in Administradora de Fondos para el Retiro Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. (“Afore Bancomer”).

The following table sets forth information relating to the business activity of this operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Total Assets

     82,432         72,488         73,321   

Loans and advances to customers

     38,937         34,084         34,754   

Of which:

        

Residential mortgages

     9,399         8,854         9,538   

Consumer finance

     9,675         8,129         7,162   

Loans

     4,311         3,643         2,907   

Credit cards

     5,364         4,486         4,256   

Loans to enterprises

     12,494         11,435         12,372   

Loans to public sector

     3,590         2,871         2,957   

Total customer deposits

     34,071         31,097         32,054   

Current and savings accounts

     23,707         21,129         20,963   

Time deposits

     7,157         6,792         7,770   

Other customer funds

     3,207         3,177         3,322   

Off-balance sheet funds

     40,805         35,317         34,895   

Mutual funds

     17,492         15,612         15,341   

Pension funds

     16,390         13,132         12,781   

Other placements

     6,922         6,572         6,773   

Economic capital allocated

     4,991         4,236         3,290   

 

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As of December 31, 2012, the balance of loans and advances to customers was €38,937 million, a 14.2% increase from the €34,084 million as of December 31, 2011 which was attributable in part to the year-on-year appreciation of the Mexican peso against the euro as of December 31, 2012.

As of December 31, 2012, customer deposits were €34,071 million, a 9.6% increase from the €31,097 million recorded as of December 31, 2011, which was attributable to the year-on-year appreciation of the Mexican peso against the euro as of December 31, 2012 and increased retail network activity. The retail portfolio increased by 9.6% whereas the wholesale portfolio increased by 7.4% year-on-year.

Mutual fund assets under management were €17,492 million as of December 31, 2012, a 12.0% increase from the €15,612 million recorded as of December 31, 2011.

Pension fund assets under management were €16,390 million as of December 31, 2012, a 24.8% increase from the €13,132 million recorded as of December 31, 2011 due to the positive performance of Afore Bancomer. On January 9, 2013, after having obtained the necessary approvals, we completed the sale of our stake in Afore Bancomer. See “—History and Development of the Company—Capital Divestures—2013”.

The economic capital allocated was €4,991 million as of December 31, 2012, a 17.82% increase from the €4,236 million recorded as of December 31, 2011. This increase was mainly attributable to the recalibration of our internal model in mid 2012 based on backtesting results and lending growth.

South America

The South America operating segment manages the BBVA Group’s banking, pension and insurance businesses in the region.

The business units included in the South America operating segment are:

 

   

Retail and Corporate Banking: includes banks in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

 

   

Pension businesses: includes pension businesses in Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. As of the date of this Annual Report, we have entered into agreements to sell our stakes in the Colombian company BBVA Horizonte Sociedad Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones y Cesantías S.A. (“Horizonte”) and in the Chilean pension fund manager Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Provida S.A. (“AFP Provida”), respectively.

 

   

Insurance businesses: includes insurance businesses in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Venezuela.

 

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The following table sets forth information relating to the business activity of this operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Total Assets

     78,419         63,444         51,671   

Loans and advances to customers

     48,721         40,219         31,512   

Of which:

        

Residential mortgages

     8,653         7,047         5,851   

Consumer finance

     12,888         9,888         6,608   

Loans

     9,564         7,454         5,029   

Credit cards

     3,325         2,434         1,579   

Loans to enterprises

     16,896         17,492         14,569   

Loans to public sector

     623         763         681   

Total customer deposits

     56,937         45,279         35,963   

Current and savings accounts

     34,352         26,131         19,341   

Time deposits

     17,107         15,094         12,958   

Other customer funds

     5,478         4,054         3,664   

Off-balance sheet funds

     57,820         50,855         51,744   

Mutual funds

     3,355         3,037         2,944   

Pension funds

     54,465         47,818         48,800   

Economic capital allocated

     3,275         2,912         2,423   

As of December 31, 2012, the loans and advances to customers were €48,721 million, a 21.1% increase from the €40,219 million recorded as of December 31, 2011. All countries in this operating segment have seen growth, with significant increases in the retail segment (where loans and advances to customers grew by 38.6% year-on-year), consumer loans and credit cards. In Venezuela, loans and advances to customers grew by almost 50% year-on-year principally as a result of increased consumer finance activity.

As of December 31, 2012, customer deposits were €56,937 million, a 25.7% increase from the €45,279 million recorded as of December 31, 2011. In 2012, there has been strong growth in lower-cost transactional items (such as checking and savings accounts), which have increased by 30.6%. In Venezuela, customer deposits grew by over 50% year-on-year.

As of December 31, 2012, off-balance sheet funds were €57,820 million, a 13.7% increase from the €50,855 million recorded as of December 31, 2011 principally due to the increase in assets of our pension funds. As indicated above, as of the date of this Annual Report, we have entered into agreements to sell our stakes in Horizonte and AFP Provida. We expect the sales of Horizonte and AFP Provida to close during the first and second half of 2013, respectively. See “—History and Development of the Company—Capital Divestitures—2013.”

The economic capital allocated was €3,275 million as of December 31, 2012, a 12.5% increase from the €2,912 million recorded as of December 31, 2011. This increase was principally the result of the general and strong lending growth in all the countries in the region and the appreciation of the currencies in the region against the euro.

United States

This operating segment encompasses the Group’s business in the United States. BBVA Compass accounted for approximately 95% of the area’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. Given its weight, most of the comments below refer to BBVA Compass. This operating segment also covers the assets and liabilities of the BBVA office in

 

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New York, which specializes in transactions with large corporations. Until December 2012, this operating segment also encompassed the Group’s business in Puerto Rico. In December 2012, the Group closed the sale of its business in Puerto Rico to Oriental Financial Group Inc. See “—History and Development of the Company—Capital Divestitures—2012.”

The business units included in the United States operating segment are:

 

   

BBVA Compass Banking Group, and

 

   

Other units: Bancomer Transfers Services (“BTS”).

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Total Assets

     53,850         57,207         59,173   

Loans and advances to customers

     36,892         41,819         41,127   

Of which:

        

Residential Mortgages

     9,107         8,487         6,762   

Consumer Finance

     4,406         5,399         5,551   

Loans

     3,926         4,949         5,151   

Credit cards

     480         450         400   

Loans to enterprises

     19,199         21,450         17,213   

Loans to public sector

     1,961         1,979         1,339   

Total Customer deposits

     37,721         37,137         41,702   

Current and savings accounts

     29,060         27,716         25,216   

Time deposits

     7,885         8,569         9,596   

Other customer funds

     775         852         6,890   

Economic capital allocated

     2,638         3,379         2,827   

As of December 31, 2012, loans and advances to customers were €36,892 million, an 11.8% decrease from the €41,819 million recorded as of December 31, 2011, principally due to the sale of our business in Puerto Rico and, to a lesser extent, due to the fall in real estate construction in the United States. If loans and advances to customers contributed by our Puerto Rico business were disregarded both as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 in order to ensure like-for-like comparisons, loans and advances to customers would have decreased by 4.9%. In 2012 we continued to aim for the selective growth of lending in BBVA Compass, with a change in the portfolio mix towards items with less cyclical risk such as loans to the commercial and industrial sector (which increased by 24.5% year-on-year) and reducing higher risk portfolios such as construction real estate loans (which decreased by 48.2% year-on-year principally as a result of the sale of certain loan portfolios).

As of December 31, 2012, customer deposits were €37,721 million, a 1.6% increase from €37,137 million as of December 31, 2011. If deposits contributed by our Puerto Rico business were disregarded both as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 in order to ensure like-for-like comparisons, customer deposits would have increased by 7.2%. In 2012, demand deposits grew by 12.3% and accounted for 29.1% of the customer deposits in BBVA Compass as of December 31, 2012.

The economic capital allocated was €2,638 million as of December 31, 2012, a 21.9% decrease from the €3,379 million recorded as of December 31, 2011, principally due to the sale of our business in Puerto Rico.

 

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Insurance Activity

See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for information on our insurance activity.

Monetary Policy

The integration of Spain into the European Monetary Union (“EMU”) on January 1, 1999 implied the yielding of monetary policy sovereignty to the Eurosystem. The “Eurosystem” is composed of the ECB and the national central banks of the 17 member countries that form the EMU.

The Eurosystem determines and executes the policy for the single monetary union of the 17 member countries of the EMU. The Eurosystem 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 carried out by the Eurosystem include:

 

   

defining and implementing the single monetary policy of the EMU;

 

   

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

 

   

lending to national monetary financial institutions in collateralized operations;

 

   

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

 

   

promoting the smooth operation of the payment systems.

In addition, the Treaty on European Union (“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.

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 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”.

Since January 1, 1999, the Bank of Spain has performed the following basic functions attributed to the Eurosystem:

 

   

defining and implementing the Eurosystem’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 111 of the EU Treaty, and holding and managing the Member States’ official currency reserves;

 

   

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

 

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issuing legal tender banknotes.

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

 

   

holding and managing currency and precious metal reserves not transferred to the 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.

Deposit Guarantee Fund of Credit Institutions

The Deposit Guarantee Fund of Credit Institutions (Fondo de Garantía de Depósitos or “FGD”), which operates under the guidance of the Bank of Spain, was set up by virtue of Royal Decree-Law 16/2011, of October 14. It is an independent legal entity and enjoys full authority to fulfill its functions. Royal Decree-Law 16/2011 unified the three previous guarantee funds that existed in Spain: the Deposit Guarantee Fund of Saving Banks, the Deposit Guarantee Fund of Credit Entities and the Deposit Guarantee Fund of Banking Establishments.

The main objective of the FGD is to guarantee deposits and securities held by credit institutions, up to the limit of €100,000. It also has the authority to carry out any such actions necessary to reinforce the solvency and operation of credit institutions in difficulty, with the purpose of defending the interests of depositors and deposit guarantee funds.

The FGD is funded by annual contributions from member banks. The rate of our contributions in 2011 was 0.06% of the year-end amount of bank deposits to which the guarantee extended and 0.06% over the 5% of the securities held on our clients’ behalf. Pursuant to Royal Decree-Law 19/2011, the rate of our contributions is equal to 0.2% of the year-end amount of bank deposits to which the guarantee extends and 0.2% over 5% of the securities held on our clients’ behalf as of December 31.

 

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In addition, pursuant to Royal Decree-Law 771/2011, during 2011 an additional contribution was made in connection with deposits the remuneration of which exceeded the level established by the Bank of Spain in its Circular 3/2011, of June 30. This contribution was repealed in 2012 pursuant to Royal Decree-Law 24/2012, of August 31.

As of December 31, 2011, all of the Spanish banks belonging to the BBVA Group were members of the FGD and thus obligated to make annual contributions to it.

Investment Guarantee Fund

Royal Decree 948/2001, of August 3, regulates investor guarantee schemes (Fondo de Garantía de Inversores) 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.

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 0.06% over the 5% 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 Union monetary policy, effective January 1, 1999, the ECB and the national central banks of the member states of the 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 European System of Central Banks (“ESCB”). Qualifying liabilities for this purpose include:

 

   

deposits;

 

   

debt securities issued; and

 

   

monetary market instruments.

Furthermore, the liquidity ratio is set at 0% instead of 2% 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.

Fund for Orderly Bank Restructuring

The crisis that has affected the financial markets since 2007 obliged the Spanish authorities to create the Fund for Orderly Bank Restructuring (Fondo de Restructuración Ordenada Bancaria or “FROB”) by Decree-Law 9/2009, of June 26. Its purpose is to help the restructuring processes undertaken by credit institutions and strengthen their capital positions subject to certain conditions. The FROB will support the restructuring strategy of those institutions that require assistance, in three distinct stages:

 

   

search for a private solution by the credit institution itself;

 

   

adopt measures to tackle any weaknesses that may affect the viability of credit institutions; and

 

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initiate a restructuring process in which the Fund itself has to intervene directly.

The FROB has to act in what is an absolutely exceptional situation that is closely linked to the development of the financial crisis. In order to comply with its objectives, FROB will be funded jointly from the Spanish national budget and the FGD. The FROB will be able to raise funds on securities markets through the issue of debt securities, lending and engaging in any other debt transaction necessary to fulfill its objects.

Capital Requirements

Bank of Spain Circular 3/2008 (“Circular 3/2008”), of May 22, on the calculation and control of minimum capital requirements, regulates the minimum capital requirements for Spanish credit institutions, on an individual and consolidated group basis, and sets forth how to calculate capital meeting such requirements, as well as the various internal capital adequacy assessment processes credit institutions should have in place and the information they should disclose to the market.

Circular 3/2008 is the final implementation, for credit institutions, of the legislation on capital and consolidated supervision of financial institutions, which was contained in Law 36/2007, of November 16, amending Law 13/1985, of May 25, on the investment ratios, capital and reporting requirements of financial intermediaries, and other financial regulations, which also includes Royal Decree 216/2008, of February 15, on the capital of financial institutions. Circular 3/2008 also conforms Spanish legislation to Directive 2006/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, of June 14, 2006, and Directive 2006/49/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, of June 14, 2006. The minimum capital requirements for credit institutions and their consolidated groups were thoroughly revised in both EC directives based on the Capital Accord adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“Basel II”).

The minimum capital requirements established by Circular 3/2008 are calculated on the basis of the Group’s exposure (i) to credit risk and dilution risk (on the basis of the assets, obligations and contingent exposures and commitments that present these risks, depending on their amounts, characteristics, counterparties, guarantees, etc.); (ii) to counterparty risk and position and settlement risk in the trading book; (iii) to foreign exchange risk (on the basis of the overall net foreign currency position); and (iv) to operational risk. Additionally, the Group is subject to compliance with the risk concentration limits established in Circular 3/2008 and with the requirements related to corporate governance, internal capital adequacy assessment, measurement of interest rate risk and certain additional public disclosure obligations set forth therein. With a view to ensuring compliance with the aforementioned objectives, the Group performs integrated management of these risks, in accordance with its internal policies. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the eligible capital of the Group exceeded the minimum required under the regulations then in force. See Note 33 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Under Basel II calculation of the minimum regulatory capital requirements under the standards, referred to as “Pillar 1”, is supplemented with an internal capital adequacy assessment and supervisory review process, referred to as “Pillar 2”. The Group’s internal capital adequacy assessment process is based on the internal model for the quantification of the economic capital required on the basis of the Group’s overall risk profile. Finally, Basel II standards establish, through what is referred to as “Pillar 3”, strict transparency requirements regarding the information on risks to be disclosed to the market.

Circular 3/2008 was modified by Circular 9/2010, of December 22, and Circular 4/2011, of November 30, in order to proceed with the implementation in Spain of the changes to the solvency framework approved at a European level and known as CRD II (Directive 2009/27/EC, of April 7, Directive 2009/89/EC of July 27 and Directive 2009/111/EC, of September 16) and CRD III (Directive 2010/76/EU, of November 24).

The main changes considered in these directives are:

 

   

European harmonization of large exposures limits: a bank will be restricted in lending beyond a certain limit (25% of regulatory capital) to any one party.

 

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Obligation to establish and maintain, for categories of staff whose professional activities have a material impact on the risk profile of a bank, remuneration policies and practices that are consistent with effective risk management.

 

   

Improved quality of banks’ capital: additional loss absorbency criteria for hybrid capital instruments have been introduced, anticipating Basel III recommendations.

 

   

Improved liquidity risk management: for banking groups that operate in multiple countries, their liquidity risk management – i.e., how they fund their operations on a day-to-day basis – will also be discussed and coordinated within ‘colleges of supervisors’.

 

   

Improved risk management for securitized products: rules on securitized debt – the repayment of which depends on the performance of a dedicated pool of loans – have been tightened. Firms that re-package loans into tradable securities will be required to retain some risk exposure to these securities, while firms that invest in the securities will be allowed to make their decisions only after conducting comprehensive due diligence. If they fail to do so, they will be subject to capital penalties.

 

   

Strengthened capital requirements have been introduced to cover risks in the trading book and related to re-securitizations.

As part of a wider plan of the Spanish Government for the strengthening of the financial sector, the Royal Decree-Law 2/2011, of February 18 (“RD-L 2/2011”), established new stricter minimum capital requirements for Spanish credit institutions, with a new capital requirement (“capital principal”) for all credit institutions of a minimum of 8%. This ratio will be 10% for those institutions that are not listed on an stock exchange, which have a small presence of private investors, and are dependent upon wholesale funding markets for over 20% of their assets, since they have more limited access to the capital markets. Entities with capital shortages were forced to implement a strategy for closing any detected capital gap in 2011, with the FROB acting as a backstop, in the event of a failure to cover the capital needs through the market.

The entry into force of RD-L 2/2011 opened up a new stage in the process of restructuring and strengthening of the Spanish savings banks. The focus was on recapitalizing institutions that need more capital and encouraging savings banks to merge or to transfer their financial activity to a bank to ease their access to capital markets and wholesale funding. These restructuring and recapitalization processes should ease compliance with Basel III, even if some differences exist between the RD-L 2/2011 and the Basel III capital standards.

RD-L 2/2011’s “capital principal” is largely composed of the same items as those considered in the Basel III accord, that is, capital instruments, share premiums, reserves and minority interests. In addition, losses, intangibles and negative value adjustments are deducted in both definitions. The differences between the definitions set forth in RD-L 2/2011 and Basel III relate to the treatment of some deductions, such as investments in financial institutions.

As shown below, we fulfilled the minimum capital requirements as required by RD-L 2/2011 as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

     Basel II
Capital Ratio
    RD-L 2/2011
“Capital Principal” ratio
 

Minimum required

     8     8

December 2012

     13.0     10.5

December 2011

     12.9     9.7

Our estimated capital ratios and its related components are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe these metrics provide useful information to investors and others by measuring our progress against regulatory capital standards. For additional information on how these ratios were calculated, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital.”

 

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Capital Management

Basel Capital Accord—Basel II—Economic Capital

The Group’s capital management is performed at both the regulatory and economic levels.

Regulatory capital management is based on the analysis of the capital base and the capital ratios (core capital, Tier 1, etc.) using Basel (“BIS”) and Bank of Spain criteria. See Note 33 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The aim is to achieve a capital structure that is as efficient as possible in terms of both cost and compliance with the requirements of regulators, ratings agencies and investors. Active capital management includes securitizations, sales of assets, and preferred and subordinated issues of equity and hybrid instruments. In recent years we have taken various actions in connection with our capital management and in order to comply with various capital requirements applicable to us. We may make securities issuances or undertake asset sales in the future, which could involve outright sales of businesses or reductions in interests held by us, which could be material and could be undertaken at less than their respective book values, resulting in material losses thereon, in connection with our capital management and in order to comply with capital requirements or otherwise.

The Bank has obtained the Bank of Spain’s approval with respect to its internal model of capital estimation (“IRB”) concerning certain portfolios and its operational risk internal model.

From an economic standpoint, capital management seeks to optimize value creation at the Group and at its different business units.

The Group allocates economic capital (“CER”) commensurate with the risks incurred by each business. This is based on the concept of unexpected loss at a certain level of statistical confidence, depending on the Group’s targets in terms of capital adequacy. These targets are applied at two levels: the first is core equity, which determines the allocated capital. The Group uses this amount as a basis for calculating the return generated on the equity (“ROE”) in each business. The second level is total capital, which determines the additional allocation in terms of subordinated debt and preference shares. The CER calculation combines lending risk, market risk (including structural risk associated with the balance sheet and equity positions), operational risk and fixed asset and technical risks in the case of insurance companies.

Stockholders’ equity, as calculated under BIS rules, is an important metric for the Group. However, for the purpose of allocating capital to operating segments the Group prefers CER. It is risk-sensitive and thus better reflects management policies for the individual businesses and the business portfolio. These provide an equitable basis for assigning capital to businesses according to the risks incurred and make it easier to compare returns.

To internal effects of management and pursuit of the operating segments, the Group realizes a capital allocation to each operating segment.

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 non-consolidated companies of the economic group) 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 Requirements”.

Allowance for Loan Losses

For a discussion of allowances for loan losses and country risk, see Note 2.2.1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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.

 

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Law 44/2002, of November 22, concerning measures to reform the Spanish financial system, contained a 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 2.2.12 and Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Dividends

If a bank meets the Bank of Spain’s minimum capital requirements described above under “—Capital 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. 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. Our 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.

The Bank of Spain recommends that interim dividends not exceed an amount equal to one-half of profit attributable to parent company 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 had asked that banks consult with it on a voluntary basis before declaring interim dividends. It should be noted that the Bank of Spain recommended in 2008 to Spanish banks general moderation on the distribution of dividends, to increase their voluntary reserves in order to strengthen their financial situation and to distribute any dividends in treasury stock.

Our bylaws allow for dividends to be paid in cash or in kind as determined by shareholder resolution.

Scrip Dividend

As in 2011, during 2012, a scrip dividend scheme called “Dividendo Opción” was successfully implemented as approved by the annual general meeting of shareholders held on March 16, 2012. In line with the 2012 “Dividendo Opción” scheme, the BBVA annual general meeting of shareholders held on March 15, 2013, passed two resolutions adopting two different free-of-charge capital increases for the implementation of a new “Dividendo Opción” scheme for this year.

Upon the execution of each such free-of-charge capital increase, BBVA shareholders will have the option to receive all or part of their remuneration in newly issued free-of-charge shares or in cash. For additional information on the “Dividendo Opción” scheme, including its tax implications, see “Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation—Spanish Tax Considerations—Taxation of Dividends—Scrip Dividend”.

The “Dividendo Opción” is implemented as an alternative remuneration scheme for BBVA shareholders with the aim to provide BBVA shareholders with a flexible option to receive newly issued free-of-charge shares of the Bank, without thereby altering BBVA’s cash remuneration policy, in line with the current trend that is being put into practice by other entities in the domestic and international markets.

 

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Shareholders may have the “Dividendo Opción” available to them on two different dates, coinciding with the dates on which dividends have been historically paid out. However, it should be noted that each capital increase is independent of the other, so that one may be executed on a different date than the other and either one, or both of them, may even not be implemented.

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

Law 2/1981, of March 25, on mortgage market, as amended by Law 41/2007, regulates the different aspects of the Spanish mortgage market and establishes additional rules for the mortgage and financial system.

Royal Decree 716/2009, of April 24, implements several aspects of Law 2/1981, of March 25. The most significant aspects implemented by Royal Decree 716/2009 are, among others, (i) the modification on the loan-to-value ratio requirement intending to improve the quality of Spanish mortgage-backed securities; (ii) the elimination of many of the administrative requirements for the issuance of covered bonds and mortgage bonds; and (iii) the implementation of a special accounting record of the loans and credit facilities used to back issuances of covered bonds and mortgage-backed bonds.

Increasing social pressure for the reform of mortgage legislation in Spain has resulted in recent changes to such legislation (which are described below) and may result in further changes to such legislation in the future.

Royal Decree 6/2012, of March 9, on Urgent measures to protect mortgage debtors without financial resources introduced measures to enable the restructuring of mortgage debt and easing of collateral foreclosure aimed to protect especially vulnerable debtors.

Such measures include the following:

 

   

the moderation of interest rates charged on mortgage arrears;

 

   

the improvement of extrajudicial procedures as an alternative to legal foreclosure;

 

   

the introduction of a voluntary code of conduct among lenders for regulated mortgage debt restructuring affecting especially vulnerable debtors; and

 

   

where restructuring is unviable, lenders may, where appropriate and on an optional basis, offer the debtor partial debt forgiveness.

In addition, Royal Decree 27/2012, of November 15, on Urgent measures to enhance the protection of mortgage debtors provided for a two year moratorium, from the date of its adoption, on evictions applicable to debtor groups especially susceptible to social exclusion, who may resultantly remain at their homes for such period.

Mutual Fund Regulation

Mutual funds in Spain are regulated by the Ministry of the Economy (Dirección General del Tesoro y Política Financiera del Ministerio de Economía) and by the Spanish Securities Market Commission (Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores or “CNMV”). All mutual funds and mutual fund management companies are required to be registered with the CNMV. Spanish mutual funds may be 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.

 

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Spanish Corporate Enterprises Act

The consolidated text of the Corporate Enterprises Act adopted under Legislative Royal Decree 1/2010, of July 2, repealed the former Companies Act, adopted under Legislative Royal Decree 1564/1989, of December 22. This royal legislative decree has consolidated the legislation for joint stock companies (“sociedades anónimas”) and limited liability companies (“sociedades de responsabilidad limitada”) in a single text, bringing together the contents of the two aforementioned acts, as well as a part of the Securities Exchange Act. The consolidated text also includes the articles of the Commercial Code that address limited partnerships, a derivative corporate device that is barely used in practice. Law 25/2011, of August 1, partially amended the Corporate Enterprises Act and incorporated Directive 2007/36/EC, of July 11, on the exercise of certain rights of shareholders in listed companies.

Spanish Auditing Law

Law 12/2010, of June 30, amended Law 19/1988, of July 12, on Accounts Audit, Law 24/1988, of July 28, on Securities Exchanges and the consolidated text of the former Companies Act adopted by Legislative Royal Decree 1564/1989, of December 22 (currently, the Corporate Enterprises Act), for its adaptation to EU regulations. This law transposed Directive EU/2006/43 which regulates aspects, among others, related to: authorization and registry of auditors and auditing companies, confidentiality and professional secrecy which the auditors may observe, rules on independency and liability as well as certain rules on the composition and functions of the auditing committee. The Royal Decree 1/2011, of July 1, approved the consolidated text of the Accounts Audit Law 12/2010 and repealed Law 19/1988, of July 12.

Law 9/2012 of November 14, on Restructuring and Resolution of Credit Entities

Law 9/2012, of November 14, 2012, on restructuring and resolution of credit entities, sets up a comprehensive framework to deal with financial institutions in stressed situations. Depending on the financial entity’s situation, three types of measures can be applied: early intervention (for mild difficulties), restructuring measures (for temporary troubles, able to be coped with by means of public financial support) and orderly resolution (for non-viable institutions). Law 9/2012 also grants the Fund for Orderly Bank Restructuring (FROB) the power to implement these measures and provides for the creation of an Asset Management Company which will allow the removal from the balance sheet of state aided banks of certain problematic assets in order to ease their viability. The FROB is entitled to commit the entities receiving state aids to transfer those problematic assets.

Law 9/2012 also establishes the burden sharing regime between the public sector and the private stakeholders, defining the mechanism by means of which the owners of hybrid capital instruments could be forced to bear part of the losses of a troubled institution. This burden sharing could be done through exchanges of hybrid capital instruments into capital instruments, direct or conditioned cash repurchases, or reduction and anticipated amortization of the nominal value of the relevant instruments.

U.S. Regulation

Banking Regulation

BBVA is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”). As such, BBVA is subject to the regulation and supervision of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). Among other things, the Group’s direct and indirect activities and investments in the United States are limited to banking activities and certain non-banking activities that are “closely related to banking,” as determined by the Federal Reserve, and certain other activities permitted under the BHC Act. BBVA also is required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before acquiring, directly or indirectly, the ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting stock of any U.S. bank or bank holding company.

A bank holding company is required to act as a source of financial strength for its U.S. bank subsidiaries. Among other things, this source of strength obligation may result in a requirement for BBVA, as controlling shareholder, to inject capital into its U.S. bank subsidiary.

The Group’s U.S. bank subsidiary and BBVA’s U.S. branch are also subject to supervision and regulation by a variety of other U.S. regulatory agencies. In addition to supervision by the Federal Reserve, BBVA’s New York branch is licensed and supervised by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Each of BBVA USA Bancshares, Inc., a direct subsidiary of BBVA, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, BBVA Compass Bancshares, Inc. (“BBVA Compass”), an indirect subsidiary of BBVA, is considered a bank holding company within the meaning of the BHC Act and is subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve. Compass Bank is an Alabama state-chartered bank, is a member of the Federal Reserve System, and has branches in Alabama, Arizona, California,

 

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Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, and Texas. Compass Bank is supervised and inspected by the Federal Reserve and the State of Alabama Banking Department. In addition, certain aspects of Compass Bank’s branch operations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, and Texas are subject to inspection by their respective state banking regulators in such states. Compass Bank is also a depository institution insured by, and subject to the regulation of, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”).

BBVA Bancomer, S.A.’s agency office in Houston, Texas is a non-FDIC insured agency office of BBVA Bancomer, S.A., an indirect subsidiary of BBVA, that is licensed under the laws of the State of Texas and supervised by the Texas Department of Banking and the Federal Reserve.

Bancomer Transfer Services, Inc., a non-banking affiliate of BBVA and a direct subsidiary of BBVA Bancomer USA, Inc., is licensed as a money transmitter by the State of California Department of Financial Institutions, the Texas Department of Banking, and certain other state regulatory agencies. Bancomer Transfer Services, Inc. is also registered as a money services business with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

A major focus of U.S. governmental policy relating to financial institutions in recent years has been aimed at fighting money laundering and terrorist financing. Regulations applicable to BBVA and certain of its affiliates impose obligations to maintain appropriate policies, procedures, and controls to detect, prevent, and report money laundering. In particular, Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act), as amended, requires financial institutions operating in the United States to (i) give special attention to correspondent and payable-through bank accounts, (ii) implement enhanced reporting due diligence, and ‘know your customer’ standards for private banking and correspondent banking relationships, (iii) scrutinize the beneficial ownership and activity of certain non-U.S. and private banking customers (especially for so-called politically exposed persons), and (iv) develop new anti-money laundering programs, due diligence policies and controls to ensure the detection and reporting of money laundering. Such required compliance programs are intended to supplement compliance programs under the Bank Secrecy Act and the sanctions programs administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution.

Regulation of Other U.S. Entities

The Group’s U.S. broker-dealers are subject to regulation and supervision by the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) with respect to their securities activities, as well as various U.S. state regulatory authorities. Additionally, the securities underwriting and dealing activities of BBVA’s indirect U.S. broker-dealer subsidiary, BBVA Securities, Inc., are subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve.

The activities of the Group’s U.S. investment adviser affiliates are regulated and supervised by the SEC.

In addition, the Group’s U.S. insurance agency affiliate is subject to regulation and supervision by various U.S. state insurance regulatory authorities.

Dodd-Frank Act

In July 2010, the United States enacted the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which provides a broad framework for significant regulatory changes that extends to almost every area of U.S. financial regulation. The Dodd-Frank Act addresses, among other issues, systemic risk oversight, bank capital standards, the resolution of failing systemically significant U.S. financial institutions, over-the-counter derivatives, restrictions on the ability of banking entities to engage in proprietary trading activities and invest in hedge funds and private equity funds (known as the “Volcker Rule”), consumer and investor protection, hedge fund registration, municipal advisor registration and regulation, securitization, investment advisor registration and regulation and the role of credit-rating agencies. Compass Bank has registered with the SEC and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board as a municipal advisor pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act’s municipal advisor registration requirements.

 

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U.S. regulators are implementing many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act through detailed rulemaking, and the implementation process will likely continue for several more years. Once fully implemented, the Dodd-Frank Act and related rules are expected to result in additional costs and impose certain limitations and restrictions affecting the conduct of our businesses, although uncertainty remains about the final details, impact and timing of many provisions.

Among other changes, the Dodd-Frank Act requires that the Federal banking agencies, including the Federal Reserve, establish minimum leverage and risk-based capital requirements applicable to insured depository institutions, bank and thrift holding companies and systemically important non-bank financial companies. These minimum requirements must be not less than the generally applicable risk-based capital and leverage capital requirements, and not quantitatively lower than the requirements in effect for insured depository institutions as of the date of enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act. In response to these requirements, the Federal banking agencies have adopted a rule effectively establishing a permanent capital floor for covered institutions equal to the risk-based capital requirements under the banking agencies’ Basel I capital adequacy guidelines. In June 2012, the Federal banking agencies proposed a broad revision of the regulatory capital rules applicable to U.S. banks and bank holding companies. The new rules, which are intended to implement the Basel III capital standards and comply with the Dodd-Frank Act’s minimum risk-based capital requirements, will be phased in over a multi-year period and, once fully implemented, will generally require higher amounts of capital to be held against risk weighted assets. In November 2012, the implementation of these rules, which was originally planned to begin in January 2013, was delayed, and the Federal banking agencies are continuing their work towards developing final versions of the rules.

The Dodd-Frank Act also provides Federal banking agencies with tools to impose greater capital, leverage and liquidity requirements and other enhanced prudential standards, particularly for financial institutions that pose significant systemic risk and bank holding companies with greater than $50 billion in assets. The Federal Reserve has proposed two different sets of rules pursuant to its enhanced prudential standards authority under the Dodd-Frank Act. The first set of rules is applicable to U.S.-based bank holding companies with consolidated assets in excess of $50 billion, and it provides for additional capital and leverage requirements, additional liquidity requirements, limits on single counterparty exposure, risk management and risk committee requirements, more stringent stress testing requirements, and various mandatory remediation actions under certain circumstances. The second set of rules, proposed in December 2012, is directly applicable to foreign bank holding companies such as BBVA.

Under the prudential standards rules proposed in December 2012, most large foreign bank holding companies would be required to create a separately capitalized top-tier U.S. intermediate holding company (“IHC”) that would hold all of a foreign bank holding company’s U.S. bank and nonbank subsidiaries, although a foreign bank holding company subject to the IHC requirement could request permission from the Federal Reserve to establish multiple IHCs or use an alternative organizational structure, and the proposed rules permit the Federal Reserve to apply the IHC requirements in a manner that takes into account the separate operations of multiple foreign banks that are owned by a single foreign bank holding company. An IHC would be subject to U.S. capital, liquidity and other enhanced prudential standards on a consolidated basis, and the Federal Reserve would have the authority to examine any IHC and any subsidiary of an IHC. Although U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks would not be required to be held beneath an IHC, branches and agencies would be subject to liquidity, single counterparty credit limits, and, in certain circumstances, asset maintenance requirements. The rules include a proposed effective date of July 1, 2015. The Federal Reserve is currently accepting comments on the proposed rules.

Under capital plan and stress test rules adopted by the Federal Reserve, BBVA USA Bancshares, Inc. is required to conduct periodic stress tests and submit an annual capital plan to the Federal Reserve for review, which must, among other things, include a description of planned capital actions and demonstrate the company’s ability to maintain minimum capital above existing minimum capital ratios and above a Tier 1 common equity-to-total risk-weighted asset ratio of 5% under both expected and stressed conditions over a minimum nine-quarter planning horizon. BBVA USA Bancshares, Inc. submitted its most recent annual capital plan on January 7, 2013.

The Dodd-Frank Act’s Volcker Rule also limits the ability of banking entities, except solely outside the United States in the case of non-U.S. banking entities, to sponsor or invest in private equity or hedge funds and to engage in certain types of proprietary trading unrelated to serving clients. U.S. regulators have proposed rules implementing the statute, but final rules have not yet been issued. The Dodd-Frank Act also changes the FDIC deposit insurance

 

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assessment framework (the amounts paid by FDIC-insured institutions into the deposit insurance fund of the FDIC), primarily by basing assessments on an FDIC-insured institution’s total assets less tangible equity rather than on U.S. domestic deposits, which is expected to shift a greater portion of the aggregate assessments to large banks (such as Compass Bank).

Under the so-called swap “push-out” provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, the derivatives activities of U.S. banks (such as Compass Bank) and U.S. branch offices of foreign banks (such as BBVA’s New York branch) will be restricted, necessitating changes to how we conduct our derivatives activities. Entities that are swap dealers, security-based swap dealers, major swap participants or major security-based swap participants will be required to register with the SEC, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or both, and will become subject to additional requirements relating to capital, margin, business conduct, and recordkeeping, among others.

There are various qualitative and quantitative restrictions on the extent to which BBVA and its non-bank subsidiaries can borrow or otherwise obtain credit from their U.S. banking affiliates or engage in certain other transactions involving those subsidiaries. In general, these transactions must be on terms that would ordinarily be offered to unaffiliated entities, must be secured by designated amounts of specified collateral and are subject to quantitative limitations. These restrictions also apply to certain transactions of our New York Branch with our U.S. broker-dealer affiliates and certain of our other affiliates. Since July 2012, the Dodd-Frank Act has broadened these restrictions to subject credit exposure arising from derivative transactions, securities borrowing and lending transactions, as well as repurchase/reverse repurchase agreements to the above-mentioned collateral and quantitative limitations.

New consumer protection regulations that may be adopted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, established under the Dodd-Frank Act, could affect the nature of the activities which a bank with over $10 billion in assets (including Compass Bank) may conduct, and may impose restrictions and limitations on the conduct of such activities.

Furthermore, the Dodd-Frank Act requires the SEC to cause issuers with listed securities, which may include foreign private issuers such as BBVA, to establish a “clawback” policy to recoup previously awarded employee compensation in the event of an accounting restatement. The Dodd-Frank Act also grants the SEC discretionary rule-making authority to impose a new fiduciary standard on brokers, dealers and investment advisers, and expands the extraterritorial jurisdiction of U.S. courts over actions brought by the SEC or the United States with respect to violations of the antifraud provisions in the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

Disclosure of Iranian Activities under Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act

Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act, which requires an issuer to disclose whether it or any of its affiliates knowingly engaged in certain activities, transactions or dealings relating to Iran or with natural persons or entities designated by the U.S. government under specified Executive Orders, including activities not prohibited by U.S. law and conducted outside the United States by non-U.S. affiliates in compliance with local law. In order to comply with this new requirement, we have requested relevant information from our affiliates globally.

The following activities are set forth below as required by Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act. These activities have also been reported to the relevant Spanish authorities where required.

Legacy contractual obligations related to counter indemnities. Before 2007, we issued certain counter indemnities to our non-Iranian customers in Europe for various business activities relating to Iran in support of guarantees provided by Bank Melli, four of which remained outstanding as of January 1, 2012 (three as of December 31, 2012). Estimated gross revenue for 2012 from these counter indemnities, which includes fees and/or commissions, did not exceed €9,000 and was entirely derived from payments made by our non-Iranian customers in Europe. We do not allocate direct costs to fees and commissions and therefore have not disclosed a separate profits measure. In addition, in accordance with Council Regulation (EU) No 267/2012 of March 23, payments of any amounts due to Bank Melli under these counter indemnities have been blocked. We are committed to terminating these business relationships as soon as contractually possible and we do not intend to enter into new business relationships involving Bank Melli.

 

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Letters of credit. During 2012, we had credit exposure to Bank Mellat, Bank Tejarat and Bank Sepah arising from a total of four letters of credit issued by such Iranian banks (one by Bank Mellat, two by Bank Tejarat and one by Bank Sepah) to our non-Iranian clients in Europe. These letters of credit, all of which were granted before 2004, were used to secure our loans to our clients in order to finance certain Iran-related activities. These loans were supported by the Spanish export credit agency (CESCE). Three of these loans related to our clients’ exportation of goods to Iran (consisting of medical supplies, electrical equipment, air conditioning equipment and port infrastructures). The remaining loan, which matured in 2012, was granted to an Spanish customer in connection with its provision of engineering services and supply of equipment for the construction of a petrochemical plant in Iran.

As of December 31, 2012, only one of the letters of credit referred to above (issued by Bank Sepah) remained outstanding. Estimated gross revenue for 2012 from the loans underlying these letters of credit, which includes fees and/or commissions, did not exceed € 250,000. We do not allocate direct costs to fees and commissions and therefore have not disclosed a separate profits measure. Payments of any amounts due by Bank Mellat, Bank Tejarat or Bank Sepah in 2012 under these letters of credit were initially blocked and thereafter released upon authorization by the relevant Spanish authorities. We are committed to terminating the outstanding business relationship with Bank Sepah as soon as contractually possible and we do not intend to enter into new business relationships involving Bank Mellat, Bank Tejarat or Bank Sepah.

Bank Accounts. In 2012, we maintained one account (which was closed in March 2013) for a company that produces farm vehicles and tractors. and a number of accounts for certain of its employees (some of whom have the Iranian nationality). We believe that 51% of the share capital of such company is controlled by an Iranian company in which the Iranian Government might have an interest. Estimated gross revenue for 2012 from these accounts, which includes fees and/or commissions, did not exceed €5,000. We do not allocate direct costs to fees and commissions and therefore have not disclosed a separate profits measure. We are committed to terminating our business relationships with the employees of this company as soon as contractually possible and we do not intend to enter into new business relationships involving this company or its employees.

Iranian embassy-related activity. We maintain bank accounts in Spain for three employees of the Iranian embassy in Spain. In addition, we maintain bank accounts in Venezuela for seven employees of the Iranian embassy in Venezuela and have provided one employee with an insurance against theft at ATMs which will expire on November 6, 2013. Estimated gross revenue for 2012 from embassy-related activity, which includes fees and/or commissions, did not exceed €2,000. We do not allocate direct costs to fees and commissions and therefore have not disclosed a separate profits measure. We are committed to terminating these business relationships as soon as legally possible.

Activity related to U.S. Executive Order 13,224. Until January 2, 2012 we maintained two deposit accounts and three credit cards in Colombia for one individual designated by the U.S. under Executive Order 13,224 on December 29, 2011. On January 2, 2012 such deposit accounts and credit cards were closed and cancelled, respectively. Estimated gross revenue in 2012 for the activity referred to above, which includes fees and/or commissions, was nil.

Correspondent relationship with the Central Bank of Iran. Until September 11, 2012, we maintained a correspondent relationship with the Central Bank of Iran in connection with non-U.S. dollar payments made in connection with certain transactions described above. There were no transactions with the Central Bank of Iran during 2012. Accordingly, there was no related gross revenue or net profits recognized in 2012. On September 11, 2012, we terminated our correspondent relationship with the Central Bank of Iran.

 

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C. Organizational Structure

As of December 31, 2012, the BBVA Group was made up of 320 fully consolidated and 29 proportionately consolidated companies, as well as 102 companies consolidated using the equity method.

The companies are principally domiciled in the following countries: Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay and Venezuela. In addition, BBVA has an active presence in Asia.

Below is a simplified organizational chart of BBVA’s most significant subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012.

 

     Country of
Incorporation
   Activity    BBVA
Voting
Power
     BBVA
Ownership
     Total Assets  
               (in Percentages)      (In Millions
of Euros)
 

BBVA BANCOMER, S.A. DE C.V.

   Mexico    Bank      100.00         99.97         75,845   

COMPASS BANK

   United States    Bank      100.00         100.00         56,622   

UNNIM BANC, S.A.

   Spain    Bank      100.00         100.00         28,044   

BANCO PROVINCIAL S.A. – BANCO UNIVERSAL

   Venezuela    Bank      55.60         55.60         19,977   

BANCO CONTINENTAL, S.A.

   Peru    Bank      46.12         46.12         14,762   

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA CHILE, S.A.

   Chile    Bank      68.18         68.18         14,742   

BBVA SEGUROS, S.A. DE SEGUROS Y REASEGUROS

   Spain    Insurance      99.95         99.95         14,117   

BBVA COLOMBIA, S.A.

   Colombia    Bank      95.43         95.43         13,099   

BBVA BANCO FRANCES, S.A.

   Argentina    Bank      75.99         75.99         6,816   

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA (PORTUGAL), S.A.

   Portugal    Bank      100.00         100.00         6,203   

PENSIONES BANCOMER, S.A. DE C.V.

   Mexico    Insurance      100.00         100.00         3,276   

SEGUROS BANCOMER, S.A. DE C.V.

   Mexico    Insurance      100.00         99.98         2,969   

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA (PANAMA), S.A.

   Panama    Bank      98.92         98.92         1,609   

BBVA SUIZA, S.A. (BBVA SWITZERLAND)

   Switzerland    Bank      100.00         100.00         1,355   

UNO-E BANK, S.A.

   Spain    Bank      100.00         100.00         1,312   

BBVA PARAGUAY, S.A.

   Paraguay    Bank      100.00         100.00         1,252   

D. Property, Plants and Equipment

We own and rent a substantial network of properties in Spain and abroad, including 3,518 branch offices in Spain and, principally through our various affiliates, 4,460 branch offices abroad as of December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2012, approximately 84% of our branches in Spain and 54% of our branches abroad were rented from third parties pursuant to short-term leases that may be renewed by mutual agreement.

BBVA, through a real estate company of the Group, is constructing its new corporate headquarters at a development area in the north of Madrid (Spain). As of December 31, 2012, the accumulated investment for this project amounted to € 612 million.

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.

 

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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  
     Year Ended December 31, 2012     Year Ended December 31, 2011     Year Ended December 31, 2010  
     Average
Balance
     Interest      Average
Yield(1)
    Average
Balance
     Interest      Average
Yield(1)
    Average
Balance
     Interest      Average
Yield(1)
 
     (In Millions of Euros, Except Percentages)  

Assets

                        

Cash and balances with central banks

     26,148         259         0.99     21,245         250         1.18     21,342         239         1.12

Debt securities, equity instruments and derivatives

     167,080         4,793         2.87     141,780         4,238         2.99     145,993         3,939         2.70

Loans and receivables

     385,215         21,008         5.45     368,312         19,485         5.29     358,582         16,797         4.68

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     26,500         475         1.79     26,390         632         2.39     25,561         497         1.95

Loans and advances to customers

     358,716         20,533         5.72     341,922         18,846         5.51     333,023         16,296         4.89

In Euros(2)

     217,378         7,267         3.34     219,887         7,479         3.40     219,857         7,023         3.19

In other currencies(3)

     141,337         13,266         9.39     122,034         11,367         9.31     113,167         9,273         8.19

Other financial income

     —           —           —          —           —           —          —           —           —     

Non-earning assets

     45,470         202         0.44     37,241         214         0.57     32,895         158         0.48
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total average assets

     623,912         26,263         4.21     568,579         24,180         4.25     558,814         21,130         3.78
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

     Average Balance Sheet—Liabilities and Interest Paid on Interest Bearing Liabilities  
     Year Ended December 31, 2012     Year Ended December 31, 2011     Year Ended December 31, 2010  
     Average
Balance
     Interest      Average
Yield(1)
    Average
Balance
     Interest      Average
Yield(1)
    Average
Balance
     Interest      Average
Yield(1)
 
     (In Millions of Euros, Except Percentages)  

Liabilities

                        

Deposits from central banks and credit institutions

     107,917         2,307         2.14     77,382         2,037         2.63     80,177         1,515         1.89

Customer deposits

     283,211         5,207         1.84     276,683         5,644         2.04     259,330         3,551         1.37

In Euros(2)

     146,833         1,963         1.34     153,514         2,419         1.58     121,956         1,246         1.02

In other currencies(3)

     136,377         3,244         2.38     123,169         3,225         2.62     137,374         2,304         1.68

Debt certificates and subordinated liabilities

     104,117         2,818         2.71     109,860         2,613         2.38     119,684         2,126         1.95

Other financial costs

     —           —           —          —           —           —          —           —           —     

Non-interest-bearing liabilities

     85,834         808         0.94     65,980         734         1.11     66,541         622         0.94

Stockholders’ equity

     42,833         —           —          38,674         —           —          33,079         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total average liabilities

     623,912         11,140         1.79     568,579         11,028         1.94     558,807         7,814         1.40
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

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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 2012 compared to 2011, and 2011 compared to 2010. 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.

 

     2012/2011  
     Increase (Decrease) Due to Changes in  
     Volume(1)     Rate(1)(2)     Net Change  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Interest income

      

Cash and balances with central banks

     58        (48     9   

Securities portfolio and derivatives

     756        (202     555   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     3        (159     (157

Loans and advances to customers

     926        762        1,687   

In Euros

     (85     (126     (212

In other currencies

     1,798        101        1,899   

Other assets

     47        (59     (12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income

     2,353        (270     2,083   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense

      

Deposits from central banks and credit institutions

     804        (534     270   

Customer deposits

     133        (569     (436

In Euros

     (105     (351     (456

In other currencies

     346        (326     20   

Debt certificates and subordinated liabilities

     (137     342        206   

Other liabilities

     221        (147     73   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expense

     1,073        (960     113   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

     1,280        690        1,970   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

     2011/2010  
     Increase (Decrease) Due to Changes in  
     Volume(1)     Rate(1)(2)     Net Change  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Interest income

      

Cash and balances with central banks

     (1     12        11   

Securities portfolio and derivatives

     (114     413        299   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     16        118        135   

Loans and advances to customers

     435        2,114        2,549   

In Euros

     1        455        456   

In other currencies

     727        1,367        2,094   

Other assets

     21        35        56   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income

     369        2,681        3,050   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense

      

Deposits from central banks and credit institutions

     (53     575        522   

Customer deposits

     238        1,855        2,093   

In Euros

     323        850        1,173   

In other currencies

     (238     1,159        920   

Debt certificates and subordinated liabilities

     (175     661        487   

Other liabilities

     (5     117        112   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expense

     137        3,077        3,214   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

     232        (396     (164
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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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.

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  
     (In Millions of Euro, except Percentages)  

Average interest earning assets

     578,443        531,337        525,919   

Gross yield(1)

     4.5     4.6     4.0

Net yield(2)

     4.2     4.3     3.8

Net interest margin(3)

     2.6     2.5     2.5

Average effective rate paid on all interest-bearing liabilities

     2.2     2.4     1.7

Spread(4)

     2.3     2.2     2.3

 

(1) Gross yield represents total interest income divided by average interest earning assets.
(2) Net yield represents total interest income divided by total average 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, 2012, interbank deposits represented 3.81% of our assets. Of such interbank deposits, 34.63% were held outside of Spain and 65.37% 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, 2012, our securities were carried on our consolidated balance sheet at a carrying amount of €112,894 million, representing 17.7% of our assets. €36,048 million, or 31.9%, of our securities consisted of Spanish Treasury bonds and Treasury bills. The average yield during 2012 on investment securities that BBVA held was 4.3%, compared to an average yield of approximately 5.5% earned on loans and receivables during 2012. The market or appraised value of our total securities portfolio as of December 31, 2012, was €112,592 million. See Notes 10, 12 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For a discussion of our investments in affiliates, see Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For a discussion of the manner in which we value our securities, see Notes 2.2.1 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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The following tables analyze the carrying amount and market value of debt securities as of December 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Trading portfolio is not included in the tables below because the amortized costs and fair values of these items are the same. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

     As of December 31, 2012  
     Amortized
cost
     Fair
Value(1)
     Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
 
     (In Millions of Euros)  

DEBT SECURITIES—

           

AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

           

Domestic

     35,043         34,451         388         (980
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Spanish Government and other government agency debt securities

     25,439         24,822         243         (860

Other debt securities

     9,604         9,629         145         (120

Issued by central banks

     —           —           —           —     

Issued by credit institutions

     7,888         7,900         71         (59

Issued by other institutions

     1,716         1,729         74         (61
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

International

     32,012         33,092         1,732         (652
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Mexico

     8,251         9,214         964         (1

Mexican Government and other government agency debt securities

     7,251         8,086         835         —     

Other debt securities

     1,000         1,128         129         (1

Issued by central banks

     —           —           —           —     

Issued by credit institutions

     334         389         56         (1

Issued by other institutions

     666         739         73         —     

United States

     6,944         7,045         189         (88

U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government agencies debt securities

     228         228         1         (1

States and political subdivisions

     486         497         20         (9

Other debt securities

     6,230         6,320         168         (78

Issued by central banks

     —           —           —           —     

Issued by credit institutions

     151         155         11         (7

Issued by other institutions

     6,079         6,165         157         (71

Other countries

     16,817         16,833         579         (563

Securities of other foreign Governments

     9,285         9,229         321         (377

Other debt securities

     7,532         7,604         258         (186

Issued by central banks

     1,161         1,162         2         (1

Issued by credit institutions

     4,663         4,772         210         (101

Issued by other institutions

     1,708         1,670         46         (84
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

     67,055         67,543         2,120         (1,632
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

HELD TO MATURITY PORTFOLIO

           

Domestic

     7,278         6,849         4         (433
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Spanish Government and other government agency debt securities

     6,469         6,065         2         (406

Other debt securities

     809         784         2         (27

Issued by central banks

     —           —           —           —     

Issued by credit institutions

     250         249         2         (3

Issued by other institutions

     559         535         —           (24
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

International

     2,884         3,011         127         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Securities of other foreign Governments

     2,741         2,862         121         —     

Other debt securities

     143         149         6         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL HELD TO MATURITY PORTFOLIO

     10,162         9,860         131         (433
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL DEBT SECURITIES

     77,217         77,403         2,251         (2,065
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Fair values for listed securities are determined on the basis of their quoted values at the end of the period. Appraised values are used for unlisted securities based on our estimates and valuation techniques. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents
     As of December 31, 2011  
     Amortized
cost
     Fair
Value(1)
     Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
 
     (In Millions of Euros)  

DEBT SECURITIES—

           

AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

           

Domestic

     25,023         23,522         183         (1,684

Spanish Government and other government agency debt securities

     20,597         19,271         58         (1,384

Other debt securities

     4,426         4,251         125         (300

Issued by central banks

     —           —           —           —     

Issued by credit institutions

     3,307         3,140         80         (247

Issued by other institutions

     1,119         1,111         45         (53

International

     29,573         29,392         1,038         (1,219

Mexico

     4,815         4,991         176         —     

Mexican Government and other government agency debt securities

     4,742         4,906         164         —     

Other debt securities

     73         85         12         —     

Issued by central banks

     —           —           —           —     

Issued by credit institutions

     59         70         11         —     

Issued by other institutions

     14         15         1         —     

United States

     7,355         7,363         243         (235

U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government agencies debt securities

     487         483         8         (12

States and political subdivisions

     509         537         28         —     

Other debt securities

     6,359         6,343         207         (223

Issued by central banks

     —           —           —           —     

Issued by credit institutions

     631         617         22         (36

Issued by other institutions

     5,728         5,726         185         (187

Other countries

     17,403         17,038         619         (984

Securities of other foreign Governments

     11,617         11,296         345         (666

Other debt securities

     5,786         5,742         274         (318

Issued by central banks

     849         855         6         —     

Issued by credit institutions

     3,080         2,998         184         (266

Issued by other institutions

     1,857         1,889         84         (52
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

     54,596         52,914         1,221         (2,903
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

HELD TO MATURITY PORTFOLIO

           

Domestic

     7,373         6,848         1         (526

Spanish Government and other government agency debt securities

     6,520         6,060         1         (461

Other debt securities

     853         788         —           (65

Issued by central banks

     —           —           —           —     

Issued by credit institutions

     255         244         —           (11

Issued by other institutions

     598         544         —           (54

International

     3,582         3,342         12         (252

Securities of other foreign Governments

     3,376         3,149         9         (236

Other debt securities

     206         193         3         (16
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL HELD TO MATURITY PORTFOLIO

     10,955         10,190         13         (778
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL DEBT SECURITIES

     65,551         63,104         1,234         (3,681
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Fair values for listed securities are determined on the basis of their quoted values at the end of the period. Appraised values are used for unlisted securities based on our estimates and valuation techniques. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents
     As of December 31, 2010  
     Amortized
cost
     Fair
Value(1)
     Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
 
     (In Millions of Euros)  

DEBT SECURITIES

           

AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

           

Domestic

     21,929         20,566         107         (1,470

Spanish Government and other government agency debt securities

     16,543         15,337         58         (1,264

Other debt securities

     5,386         5,229         49         (206

Issued by central banks

     —           —           —           —     

Issued by credit institutions

     4,222         4,090         24         (156

Issued by other institutions

     1,164         1,139         25         (50

International

     30,109         30,309         1,080         (880

Mexico

     9,653         10,106         470         (17

Mexican Government and other government agency debt securities

     8,990         9,417         441         (14

Other debt securities

     663         689         29         (3

Issued by central banks

     —           —           —           —     

Issued by credit institutions

     553         579         28         (2

Issued by other institutions

     110         110         1         (1

United States

     6,850         6,832         216         (234

U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government agencies debt securities

     580         578         6         (8

States and political subdivisions

     187         193         7         (1

Other debt securities

     6,083         6,061         203         (225

Issued by central banks

     —           —           —           —     

Issued by credit institutions

     2,981         2,873         83         (191

Issued by other institutions

     3,102         3,188         120         (34

Other countries

     13,606         13,371         394         (629

Securities of other foreign Governments

     6,743         6,541         169         (371

Other debt securities

     6,863         6,830         225         (258

Issued by central banks

     944         945         1         —     

Issued by credit institutions

     4,431         4,420         177         (188

Issued by other institutions

     1,488         1,465         47         (70
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

     52,038         50,875         1,187         (2,350
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

HELD TO MATURITY PORTFOLIO

           

Domestic

     7,503         6,771         2         (734

Spanish Government and other government agency debt securities

     6,611         5,942         2         (671

Other debt securities

     892         829         —           (63

Issued by central banks

     —           —           —           —     

Issued by credit institutions

     290         277         —           (13

Issued by other institutions

     602         552         —           (50

International

     2,443         2,418         16         (41

Securities of other foreign Governments

     2,181         2,171         10         (20

Other debt securities

     262         247         6         (21
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL HELD TO MATURITY PORTFOLIO

     9,946         9,189         18         (775
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL DEBT SECURITIES

     61,984         60,064         1,205         (3,125
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Fair values for listed securities are determined on the basis of their quoted values at the end of the period. Appraised values are used for unlisted securities based on our estimates and valuation techniques. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

As of December 31, 2012 the carrying amount of the debt securities classified within the available for sale portfolio and the held to maturity portfolio by rating categories defined by external rating agencies, were as follows:

 

     As of December 31, 2012  
     Debt Securities Available for Sale     Debt Securities Held to Maturity  
     Carrying Amount
(In Millions of Euros)
     %     Carrying Amount
(In Millions of Euros)
     %  

AAA

     1,436         2.1     320         3.2

AA+

     5,873         8.7     24         0.2

AA

     214         0.3     —           —     

AA-

     1,690         2.5     350         3.4

A+

     741         1.1     8         0.1

A

     1,125         1.7     —           —     

A-

     6,521         9.7     2,690         26.5

With rating BBB+ or below

     41,153         60.9     6,756         66.5

Non-rated

     8,790         13.0     14         0.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     67,543         100.0     10,162         100.0

The following tables analyze the carrying amount and market value of our ownership of equity securities as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Trading portfolio and investments in affiliated companies consolidated under the equity method are not included in the tables below because the amortized costs and fair values of these items are the same. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

     As of December 31, 2012  
     Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value(1)
     Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
 
     (In Millions of Euros)  

EQUITY SECURITIES—

           

AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

           

Domestic

     3,377         3,117         124         (384

Equity listed

     3,301         3,043         122         (380

Equity unlisted

     76         74         2         (4

International

     868         840         17         (45

United States

     506         503         1         (4

Equity listed

     32         29         1         (4

Equity unlisted

     474         474         —           —     

Other countries

     362         337         16         (41

Equity listed

     265         233         9         (41

Equity unlisted

     97         104         7         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

     4,245         3,957         141         (429
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY SECURITIES

     4,245         3,957         141         (429
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES

     81,462         81,360         2,392         (2,494
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Fair 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 estimates or on unaudited financial statements, when available.

 

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Table of Contents
     As of December 31, 2011  
     Amortized
cost
     Fair
Value(1)
     Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
 
     (In Millions of Euros)  

EQUITY SECURITIES—

           

AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

           

Domestic

     3,838         4,304         468         (2

Equity listed

     3,802         4,268         468         (2

Equity unlisted

     36         36         —           —     

International

     999         926         18         (91

United States

     601         591         2         (12

Equity listed

     41         29         —           (12

Equity unlisted

     560         562         2         —     

Other countries

     398         335         16         (79

Equity listed

     320         246         5         (79

Equity unlisted

     78         89         11         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

     4,837         5,230         486         (93
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY SECURITIES

     4,837         5,230         486         (93
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES

     70,388         68,334         1,720         (3,774
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Fair 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 estimates or on unaudited financial statements, when available.

 

     As of December 31, 2010  
     Amortized
cost
     Fair
Value(1)
     Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
 
     (In Millions of Euros)  

EQUITY SECURITIES—

           

AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

           

Domestic

     3,403         4,608         1,212         (7

Equity listed

     3,378         4,583         1,212         (7

Equity unlisted

     25         25         —           —     

International

     927         973         71         (25

United States

     605         662         56         —     

Equity listed

     11         13         1         —     

Equity unlisted

     594         649         55         —     

Other countries

     322         311         15         (25

Equity listed

     258         240         7         (25

Equity unlisted

     64         71         8         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

     4,330         5,581         1,283         (32
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY SECURITIES

     4,330         5,581         1,283         (32
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES

     66,314         65,645         2,488         (3,157
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Fair 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 estimates or on unaudited financial statements, when available.

 

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Table of Contents

The following table analyzes the maturities of our debt investment and fixed income securities, excluding trading portfolio, by type and geographical area as of December 31, 2012.

 

     Maturity at One
Year or Less
     Maturity After
One Year to
Five Years
     Maturity After
Five Years to
10 Years
     Maturity After
10 Years
     Total  
   Amount      Yield
%(1)
     Amount      Yield
%(1)
     Amount      Yield
%(1)
     Amount      Yield
%(1)
     Amount  
     (Millions of Euros, Except Percentages)  

DEBT SECURITIES

                          

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE PORTFOLIO

                          

Domestic

                          

Spanish government and other government agency debt securities

     3,088         16.88         13,156         3.69         4,040         4.90         4,539         5.21         24,822   

Other debt securities

     3,607         2.27         5,108         4.22         423         3.49         490         5.90         9,629   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Domestic

     6,695         7.76         18,264         3.85         4,463         4.70         5,029         5.33         34,451   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

International

                          

Mexico

     666         7.98         4,483         6.07         255         7.15         3,810         6.24         9,214   

Mexican Government and other government agency debt securities

     652         8.00         4,168         6.07         73         5.50         3,193         4.49         8,086   

Other debt securities

     14         7.10         315         6.07         183         8.08         617         6.42         1,128   

United States

     568         2.57         4,405         2.80         1,583         2.58         489         5.35         7,045   

U.S. Treasury and other government agency debt securities

     148         0.36         39         3.18         25         3.53         16         5.26         228   

States and political subdivisions debt securities

     49         6.68         274         4.29         151         4.64         23         4.98         497   

Other debt securities

     371         3.66         4,091         2.69         1,408         2.35         450         5.37         6,320   

Other countries

     3,623         2.26         7,720         3.59         2,812         8.83         2,675         5.18         16,833   

Securities of foreign governments(2)

     1,377         1.31         4,540         3.52         2,154         10.05         1,159         5.38         9,229   

Other debt securities of other countries

     2,246         2.80         3,181         3.70         659         4.33         1,517         5.01         7,604   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total International

     4,857         3.04         16,609         4.08         4,651         6.54         6,975         5.30         33,092   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

     11,552         6.12         34,873         3.96         9,114         5.58         12,004         5.32         67,543   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

HELD-TO-MATURITY PORTFOLIO

                          

Domestic

                          

Spanish government

     2         6.15         1,239         3.37         1,921         4.25         3,307         4.95         6,469   

Other debt securities

     83         4.06         597         4.33         129         3.81         —           —           809   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Domestic

     85         4.11         1,836         3.68         2,050         4.22         3,307         4.95         7,278   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total International

     49         2.69         2,055         3.32         780         4.09         —           —           2,884   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL HELD-TO-MATURITY

     134         3.59         3,891         3.49         2,830         4.18         3,307         4.95         10,162   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL DEBT SECURITIES

     11,686         6.09         38,764         3.91         11,944         5.25         15,311         5.24         77,705   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Rates have been presented on a non-taxable equivalent basis.
(2) Securities of other foreign Governments mainly include investments made by our subsidiaries in securities issued by the Governments of the countries where they operate.

Loans and Advances to Credit Institutions

As of December 31, 2012, our total loans and advances to credit institutions amounted to €26,447 million, or 4.2% of total assets. Net of our valuation adjustments, loans and advances to credit institutions amounted to €26,522 million as of December 31, 2012, or 4.2% of our total assets.

 

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Table of Contents

Loans and Advances to Customers

As of December 31, 2012, our total loans and leases amounted to €366,047 million, or 57.4% of total assets. Net of our valuation adjustments, loans and leases amounted to €352,931 million as of December 31, 2012, or 55.3% of our total assets. As of December 31, 2012 our loans in Spain amounted to €207,131 million. Our foreign loans amounted to €158,916 million as of December 31, 2012. For a discussion of certain mandatory ratios relating to our loan portfolio, see “—Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Liquidity Ratio” and “—Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Investment Ratio”.

Loans by Geographic Area

The following table analyzes, by domicile of the customer, our net loans and leases as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Domestic

     207,131        198,948        210,102   

Foreign

      

Western Europe

     29,944        32,445        23,139   

Latin America

     90,079        81,205        70,497   

United States

     35,838        41,222        38,649   

Other

     3,055        6,035        4,823   

Total foreign

     158,916        160,907        137,108   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loans and leases

     366,047        359,855        347,210   

Valuation adjustments

     (13,116     (7,955     (8,353
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net lending

     352,931        351,900        338,857   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Domestic

      

Government

     25,407        25,372        23,542   

Agriculture

     1,417        1,526        1,619   

Industrial

     16,415        16,286        17,452   

Real estate and construction

     30,642        29,261        29,944   

Commercial and financial

     17,202        21,800        23,409   

Loans to individuals(1)

     96,003        85,207        91,730   

Other

     20,047        19,496        22,406   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total domestic

     207,133        198,948        210,102   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign

      

Government

     9,636        9,718        7,682   

Agriculture

     3,469        3,315        2,358   

Industrial

     16,374        20,931        19,126   

Real estate and construction

     18,663        21,728        25,910   

Commercial and financial

     34,956        33,948        22,280   

Loans to individuals

     58,380        53,856        44,138   

Other

     17,436        17,411        15,614   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total foreign

     158,914        160,907        137,108   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loans and leases

     366,047        359,855        347,210   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Valuation adjustments

     (13,116     (7,955     (8,353
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net lending

     352,931        351,900        338,857   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes mortgage loans to households for the acquisition of housing.

 

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The following table sets forth a breakdown, by currency, of our net loan portfolio for 2012, 2011 and 2010.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

In euros

     212,742         216,889         221,269   

In other currencies

     140,189         135,011         117,588   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net lending

     352,931         351,900         338,857   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2012, loans by BBVA and its subsidiaries to associates and jointly controlled companies amounted to €820 million, compared to €372 million as of December 31, 2011. Loans outstanding to the Spanish government and its agencies amounted to €25,408 million, or 6.9% of our total loans and leases as of December 31, 2012, compared to €25,372 million, or 7.1% of our total loans and leases as of December 31, 2011. 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 five largest borrowers as of December 31, 2012, excluding government-related loans, amounted to €18,480 million or approximately 5.1% of our total outstanding loans and leases. As of December 31, 2012 there did not exist any concentration of loans exceeding 10% of our total outstanding loans and leases, other than by category as disclosed in the chart above.

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, 2012. The determination of maturities is based on contract terms.

 

     Maturity  
     Due in
One Year
or Less
    

Due After
One Year
Through

Five Years

     Due After
Five Years
     Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Domestic

           

Government

     12,149         7,614         5,644         25,407   

Agriculture

     598         510         309         1,417   

Industrial

     12,307         2,940         1,168         16,415   

Real estate and construction

     15,657         11,005         3,980         30,642   

Commercial and financial

     9,078         3,415         4,709         17,202   

Loans to individuals

     10,645         16,309         69,049         96,003   

Other

     13,913         3,265         2,869         20,047   

Total Domestic

     74,347         45,058         87,728         207,133   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Foreign

           

Government

     1,357         1,659         6,620         9,636   

Agriculture

     2,053         1,028         388         3,469   

Industrial

     7,152         5,535         3,687         16,374   

Real estate and construction

     6,026         6,804         5,833         18,663   

Commercial and financial

     15,863         16,249         2,844         34,956   

Loans to individuals

     9,049         14,793         34,538         58,380   

Other

     8,511         5,651         3,274         17,436   

Total Foreign

     50,011         51,719         57,184         158,914   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Loans and Leases

     124,358         96,777         144,912         366,047   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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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, 2012.

 

     Interest Sensitivity of Outstanding
Loans and Leases Maturing in More
Than One Year
 
     Domestic      Foreign      Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Fixed rate

     19,514         53,146         72,660   

Variable rate

     113,271         55,758         169,028   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loans and leases

     132,785         108,903         241,688   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loan Loss Reserve

For a discussion of loan loss reserves, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Critical Accounting Policies—Allowance for loan losses” and Note 2.2.1) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
     (In Millions of Euros, except Percentages)   

Loan loss reserve at beginning of period:

          

Domestic

     4,714        4,935        4,853        3,765        2,899   

Foreign

     4,755        4,539        3,952        3,740        3,088   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loan loss reserve at beginning of period

     9,470        9,473        8,805        7,505        5,987   

Loans charged off:

          

Total domestic(1)

     (2,283     (1,977     (1,774     (966     (655

Total foreign(2)

     (1,842     (2,062     (2,628     (2,876     (1,296
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Loans charged off

     (4,125     (4,039     (4,402     (3,842     (1,951

Provision for possible loan losses:

          

Domestic

     5,881        2,229        2,038        3,079        2,110   

Foreign

     2,392        2,299        2,778        2,307        2,035   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Provision for possible loan losses

     8,273        4,528        4,816        5,386        4,145   

Acquisition and disposition of subsidiaries

     2,066        305        —          —          —     

Effect of foreign currency translation

     58        (123     344        (29     (487

Other

     (1,208     (674     (90     (216     (189
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loan loss reserve at end of period:

          

Domestic

     9,687        4,714        4,935        4,853        3,765   

Foreign

     4,847        4,755        4,539        3,952        3,740   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Loan loss reserve at end of period

     14,534        9,470        9,473        8,805        7,505   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loan loss reserve as a percentage of total loans and receivables at end of period

     3.79     2.48     2.60     2.54     2.03

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

     1.08     1.06     1.21     1.11     0.53

 

(1) Loans charged off in 2012 were mainly related to the real estate sector.
(2) Loans charged off in 2012 include €1,646 million related to real estate loans and loans to individuals and others, €195 million related to commercial and financial loans and €1 million related to loans to governmental and non-governmental agencies. Loans charged off in 2011 include €1,794 million related to real estate loans and loans to individuals and others, €267 million related to commercial and financial loans and €1 million related to loans to governmental and non-governmental agencies.

 

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When the recovery of any recognized amount is considered to be remote, this amount is removed from the consolidated balance sheet, without prejudice to any actions taken by the consolidated entities in order to collect the amount until their rights extinguish in full through expiry, forgiveness or for other reasons.

The loans charged off amounted to €4,125 million as of December 31, 2012 compared to €4,039 million as of December 31, 2011.

Our loan loss reserves as a percentage of total loans and leases increased to 3.8% as of December 31, 2012 from 2.5% as of December 31, 2011, principally due to the impairment of the assets related to the real state sector in Spain.

Impaired Loans

As described in Note 2.2.1) to the Consolidated Financial Statements, loans are considered to be impaired loans when there are reasonable doubts that the loans will be recovered in full and/or the related interest will be collected for the amounts and on the dates initially agreed upon, taking into account the guarantees received by the consolidated entities to assure (in part or in full) the performance of transactions.

Amounts collected in relation to impaired loans and receivables are used to recognize the related accrued interest and any excess amount is used to reduce the principal not yet repaid. The approximate amount of interest income on our impaired loans which was included in profit attributable to parent company in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was €228.1 million, €203.4 million, €203.5 million, €192.3 million and €149.7 million, respectively.

The following table provides information regarding our impaired loans, by domicile and type of customer, as of the dates indicated:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
     (In Millions of Euros, Except Percentages)  

Impaired loans

          

Domestic

     15,160        11,043        10,954        10,973        5,562   

Public sector

     145        130        111        61        79   

Other resident sector

     15,015        10,913        10,843        10,912        5,483   

Foreign

     5,165        4,642        4,518        4,338        2,979   

Public sector

     20        6        12        25        20   

Non-resident sector

     5,145        4,637        4,506        4,313        2,959   

Total Impaired loans

     20,325        15,685        15,472        15,311        8,541   

Total loan loss reserve

     (14,534     (9,470     (9,473     (8,805     (7,505

Impaired loans net of reserves

     5,790        6,215        5,999        6,506        1,036   

Our total impaired loans amounted to €20,325 million as of December 31, 2012, a 29.6% increase compared to €15,685 million as of December 31, 2011. This increase is mainly attributable to the increase in impaired loans in the “Other resident sector” as a result of the economic deterioration in Spain and the incorporation of Unnim. The increase is also attributable, to a lesser extent, to the increase in impaired loans in the “Non-resident sector” as a result of the ongoing deterioration of the economic situation in Portugal.

 

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As mentioned in Note 2.2.1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, our loan loss reserve includes loss reserve for impaired assets and loss reserve for not impaired assets but which present an inherent loss. As of December 31, 2012, the loss reserve for impaired assets amounted to €9,870 million, a 54.8% increase compared to €6,378 million as of December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2012, the loss reserve for not impaired assets amounted to €4,664 million, a 50.9% increase compared to €3,091 million as of December 31, 2011. These increases in our loss reserve for impaired assets and loss reserve for not impaired assets are due to the deterioration of the real estate sector in Spain.

The following table provides information, by domicile and type of customer, regarding our impaired loans and the loan loss reserves to customers taken for each impaired loan category, as of December 31, 2012.

 

     Impaired
Loans
     Loan Loss
Reserve
    Impaired
Loans as a
percentage
of Loans
in Category
 
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Domestic:

       

Government

     145         (10     0.57

Credit institutions

     —           —          —     

Other sectors

     15,013         (7,158     8.26

Agriculture

     123         (44     8.66

Industrial

     914         (389     5.57

Real estate and construction

     8,032         (4,685     26.21

Commercial and other financial

     989         (352     5.75

Loans to individuals

     3,733         (1,177     3.89

Other

     1,222         (511     6.10
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total Domestic

     15,159         (7,168     7.21
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Foreign:

       

Government

     20         (1     0.20

Credit institutions

     31         (22     0.14

Other sectors

     5,114         (2,444     3.43

Agriculture

     185         (94     5.34

Industrial

     180         (131     1.10

Real estate and construction

     1,700         (476     9.11

Commercial and other financial

     717         (474     2.05

Loans to individuals

     2,089         (1,071     3.58

Other

     243         (198     1.40
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total Foreign

     5,165         (2,466     2.84
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

General reserve

     —           (4,900  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total Impaired loans

     20,324         (14,534     5.18
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Troubled Debt Restructurings

As of December 31, 2012, “troubled debt restructurings” totaling €11,952 million were not considered impaired loans. For additional information on our restructured or renegotiated loans, see Appendix XI to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Potential Problem Loans

The identification of “Potential problem loans” is based on the analysis of historical delinquency rates trends, categorized by products/clients and geographical locations. This analysis is focused on the identification of portfolios with delinquency rates higher than our average delinquency rates. Once these portfolios are identified, we segregate such portfolios into groups with similar characteristics based on the activities to which they are related, geographical location, type of collateral, solvency of the client and loan to value ratio.

The delinquency rate in our domestic real estate and construction portfolio was 26.1% as of December 31, 2012, substantially higher than the average delinquency rate for all of our domestic activities (7.2%) and the average delinquency rate for all of our consolidated activities (5.1%) as of such date. Within such portfolio, construction loans and property development loans (which exclude mainly infrastructure and civil construction) had a delinquency rate of 28.1% as of such date. Given such delinquency rate, we performed an analysis in order to define the level of loan provisions attributable to these loan portfolios (see Note 2.2.1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements). The table below sets forth additional information on our “Potential problem loans” as of December 31, 2012:

 

     Book
Value
     Allowance
for Loan
Losses
     % of Loans
in Each Category
to Total Loans to
Customers
 
     (In Millions of Euros, Except Percentages)  

Domestic(1)

        

Doubtful Loans

     6,814         3,193         1.8

Substandard loans

     2,092         731         0.5

Of which:

        

Troubled debt restructurings

     1,784         600         0.5

 

(1) Potential problem loans outside of Spain as of December 31, 2012 were not significant.

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 1% of our total assets as of December 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. 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 subsidiaries in South America, Mexico and United States.

 

     2012     2011     2010  
     Amount      % of Total
Assets
    Amount      % of Total
Assets
    Amount      % of Total
Assets
 
     (In Millions of Euros, Except Percentages)  

United Kingdom

     6,227         1.0     6,258         1.1     5,457         1.0

Mexico

     1,539         0.2     1,885         0.3     2,175         0.4

Other OECD

     7,168         1.1     7,521         1.3     5,674         1.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total OECD

     14,934         2.3     15,664         2.6     13,306         2.4

Central and South America

     2,176         0.3     3,161         0.5     3,074         0.6

Other

     3,626         0.6     4,568         0.8     5,411         1.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     20,736         3.3     23,393         3.9     21,791         3.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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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 1% of our total assets.

 

     Governments      Banks and
Other
Financial
Institutions
     Commercial,
Industrial
and Other
     Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

As of December 31, 2012

           

Mexico

     3         47         1,490         1,539   

United Kingdom

     —           4,082         2,145         6,227   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     3         4,129         3,635         7,766   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011

           

Mexico

     31         210         1,644         1,885   

United Kingdom

     —           4,145         2,113         6,258   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     31         4,355         3,757         8,143   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2010

           

Mexico

     51         1         2,123         2,175   

United Kingdom

     —           4,078         1,379         5,457   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     51         4,079         3,502         7,632   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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, 2012.

 

Categories(1)

   Minimum Percentage of Coverage
(Outstandings Within Category)
 

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

     0.0   

Countries with transitory difficulties(2)

     10.1   

Doubtful countries(2)

     22.8   

Very doubtful countries(2)(3)

     83.5   

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 (countries with transitory difficulties, doubtful countries and very doubtful countries) 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.

Our exposure to borrowers in countries with difficulties (the last four categories in the foregoing table), excluding our exposure to subsidiaries or companies we manage and trade-related debt, amounted to €279 million, €340 million and €311 million as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These figures do not reflect loan loss reserves of 14.3%, 13.2%, and 11.6% respectively, against the relevant amounts outstanding at such dates. Deposits with or loans to borrowers in all such countries as of December 31, 2012 did not in the aggregate exceed 0.1% of our total assets.

 

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The country-risk exposures described in the preceding paragraph as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 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, non-transfer, non-convertibility and, if appropriate, war and political violence. The sums insured as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 amounted to $47 million, $58 million and $44 million, respectively (approximately €36 million, €45 million and €33 million, respectively, based on a euro/dollar exchange rate on December 31, 2012 of $1.00 = €0.76, on December 31, 2011 of $1.00 = €0.77, and on December 31, 2010 of $1.00 = €0.75).

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, disregarding any valuation adjustments and accrued interest.

 

     As of December 31, 2012  
     Customer
Deposits
     Bank of Spain
and Other
Central Banks
     Other
Credit
Institutions
     Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Total Domestic

     137,013         45,808         11,647         194,468   

Foreign

           

Western Europe

     22,807         664         22,418         45,889   

Mexico

     37,267         —           14,861         52,128   

South America

     54,770         32         4,308         59,110   

United States

     38,989         —           5,762         44,751   

Other

     725         —           464         1,189   

Total Foreign

     154,558         696         47,813         203,067   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     291,571         46,504         59,460         397,535   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     As of December 31, 2011  
     Customer
Deposits
     Bank of Spain
and Other
Central Banks
     Other
Credit
Institutions
     Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Total Domestic

     124,928         24,570         9,230         158,729   

Foreign

           

Western Europe

     37,137         8,098         27,547         72,781   

Latin America

     79,792         228         14,913         94,932   

United States

     37,199         241         6,318         43,757   

Other

     1,925         —           1,040         2,965   

Total Foreign

     156,053         8,566         49,817         214,435   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     280,981         33,136         59,047         373,164   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
     As of December 31, 2010  
     Customer
Deposits
     Bank of Spain
and Other
Central Banks
     Other
Credit
Institutions
     Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Total Domestic

     133,032         2,779         8,867         144,679   

Foreign

           

Western Europe

     24,120         7,205         22,626         53,951   

Latin America

     72,014         96         14,758         86,869   

United States

     42,495         364         6,840         49,698   

Other

     3,179         543         3,855         7,576   

Total Foreign

     141,808         8,208         48,079         198,094   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     274,840         10,987         56,946         342,773   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For an analysis of our deposits, including non-interest bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing demand deposits, saving deposits and time deposits, see Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

As of December 31, 2012, the maturity of our time deposits (excluding interbank deposits) in denominations of $100,000 (approximately €75,838 considering the noon buying rate as of December 31, 2012) or greater was as follows:

 

     As of December 31, 2012  
     Domestic      Foreign      Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

3 months or under

     8,809         20,380         29,189   

Over 3 to 6 months

     6,731         3,781         10,512   

Over 6 to 12 months

     11,687         5,451         17,138   

Over 12 months

     10,505         6,692         17,198   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     37,733         36,304         74,037   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Time deposits from Spanish and foreign financial institutions amounted to €32,684 million as of December 31, 2012, substantially all of which were in excess of $100,000 (approximately €75,838 considering the noon buying rate as of December 31, 2012).

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 customer deposits as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, see Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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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 as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

 

     2012     2011     2010  
     Amount      Average
Rate
    Amount      Average
Rate
    Amount      Average
Rate
 
     (In Millions of Euros, Except Percentages)  

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

               

As of December 31

     48,820         1.9     59,738         2.1     39,587         2.0

Average during year

     50,008         1.8     49,670         2.0     31,056         2.2

Maximum quarter-end balance

     56,440         —          59,738         —          39,587         —     

Bank promissory notes

               

As of December 31

     10,893         3.7     6,970         3.1     13,215         0.9

Average during year

     10,802         3.0     11,502         1.4     24,405         0.6

Maximum quarter-end balance

     13,590         —          14,890         —          28,937         —     

Bonds and Subordinated debt

               

As of December 31

     19,538         3.4     11,736         3.9     11,041         2.6

Average during year

     16,388         3.8     11,945         4.0     10,825         3.2

Maximum quarter-end balance

     19,537         —          15,738         —          13,184         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total short-term borrowings as of December 31

     79,251         2.5     78,444         2.5     63,844         1.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Return on Equity

The following table sets out our return on equity ratios:

 

     As of or for the
Year Ended December 31,
 
     2012      2011      2010  
     (In Percentages)  

Return on equity(1)

     4.0         8.0         15.8   

Return on assets(2)

     0.4         0.6         0.9   

Dividend pay-out ratio(3)

     79.6         37.4         23.4   

Equity to assets ratio(4)

     6.9         6.8         5.9   

 

(1) Represents profit attributable to parent company for the year as a percentage of average stockholder’s funds for the year.
(2) Represents profit attributable to parent company as a percentage of average total assets for the year.
(3) Represents dividends declared by BBVA (including the cash remuneration paid under the “Dividendo Opción” scheme) as a percentage of profit attributable to parent company. This ratio does not take into account the non-cash remuneration paid by BBVA under the “Dividendo Opción” scheme (in the form of BBVA shares or ADSs). See “—Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends” and “Item 8. Financial Information—Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Dividends”.
(4) Represents average total equity over average total assets.

 

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F. Competition

The commercial banking sector in Spain has undergone significant consolidation. In the majority of the markets where we provide financial services, the Banco Santander Group is our largest competitor, but the restructuring process that it is taking place is expected to increase the size of certain banks, such as Bankia (an integration of seven regional saving banks, led by Caja Madrid and Bancaja) and La Caixa (which has recently acquired Banco de Valencia).

We face strong competition in all of our principal areas of operations. The deregulation of interest rates on deposits in the past decade led to increased competition for large demand deposits in Spain and the widespread promotion of interest-bearing demand deposit accounts and mutual funds. The Bank of Spain, through its Circular 3/2011, of June 30, required that a higher contribution be made to the FGD in connection with deposits the remuneration of which exceeded certain thresholds dependent on the evolution of the Euribor. However, this new requirement was removed in the summer of 2012. While in early 2013 the Bank of Spain informally advised financial institutions not to over-remunerate their deposits, some local branches of foreign banks have continued to offer high yields.

Former Spanish savings banks, many of which have become banks and received financial or other support from the Spanish government and the European Stability Mechanism, and money market mutual funds provide strong competition for savings deposits, particularly in the context of increasing interest rates of term deposits, which form an important part of our deposit base, and, in the case of savings banks, for other retail banking services. While the European Commission has imposed certain size limits to institutions receiving public capital, such limits affect only entities that account for around 30% of the total assets of the Spanish financial system which, in addition, will have a relatively long period (five years) to comply with such limits.

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. The entry of on-line banks into the Spanish banking system has also increased competition, including in customer funds businesses such as deposits. Insurance companies and other financial services firms also compete for customer funds. In addition, the high interest rates offered by Spanish public debt has made it a strong competitor to deposits. Like the commercial banks, former savings banks, insurance companies and other financial services firms are expanding the services offered to consumers in Spain. We face competition in mortgage loans from saving banks and, to a lesser extent, cooperatives.

Furthermore, 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. Besides, several initiatives have been implemented recently in order to facilitate the creation of a Pan-European financial market. For example, SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area), which is a payment-integration initiative for simplification of bank transfers mainly within the EU and the MiFID project (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive), which aims to create a European framework for investment services. In addition, steps are being taken towards achieving a banking union in Europe (as agreed at a Eurogroup meeting in June 2012). It has been decided that the ECB will play a key role in the supervision of around 130 entities (including us) in the Eurozone beginning in May-June 2014. Other aspects of the EU banking union are still under discussion, such as the representation and voting power of non-eurozone countries, the accountability of the ECB to European institutions as part of the supervision mechanism, the adoption of a single resolution mechanism, the final status of the European Banking Authority and the creation of a common deposit-guarantee scheme.

Following the recent financial turmoil, a number of banks have disappeared or have been absorbed by other banks. The trend indicates that this will continue in the future, with a number of mergers and acquisitions between financial entities. In Spain, Royal Decree-Laws 2/2012, of February 3, and 18/2012, of May 11, represent an additional step in the reform of the Spanish financial system which, with the purpose of achieving a stronger banking sector, is expected to intensify this process. Besides, the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the government in order to receive ESM funds reinforces this objective. In the U.S., the government has already facilitated the purchase of troubled banks by other competitors, and European governments, including the Spanish government, have expressed their willingness to facilitate these types of operations.

 

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In the United States, where we operate through BBVA Compass, the competitive landscape has also been significantly affected by the financial crisis. The U.S. banking industry has experienced significant impairment on its assets since 2009, which has resulted in continuing losses in select product categories and slow loan growth. Data published by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) in the Quarterly Banking Profile for the third quarter of 2012 suggests that the total delinquency rate for commercial banks declined in almost all portfolios. However, residential delinquencies in the third quarter of 2012 increased by 3.4%, the first quarterly increase in almost a year and the largest since the crisis started. Charge-offs for mortgage loans also increased. We believe that improvement in banks’ asset quality is dependent on the evolution of the real estate market, while consumer and commercial and industrial charge-offs and delinquencies are closer to normal ranges.

In Mexico, where we operate through BBVA Bancomer, the banking industry remained solvent throughout the financial crisis. The total credit of the banking system has registered 30 consecutive months of growth from April 2010 to September 2012. We expect that credit will continue increasing only if economic growth is positive and sustained.

In Mexico, changes in banking regulation could have a significant potential impact on competition. Rules to limit loans to firms within a certain financial group (préstamos relacionados) were adopted in March 2011. Such limits impact some small banks of the system with strong connections with retail stores (for example, Inbursa and Banco Azteca). In addition, authorities have strengthened the measures to improve transparency and information about financial services by enacting new legislation that gives more powers to the central bank (Banco de México) to regulate interest rates and bank fees. It also gives more powers to the Mexican National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Services Users (Comisión Nacional para la Defensa de los Usuarios de los Servicios Financieros or “Condusef”) to set information requirements for bank account statements, product publicity, and contracts, and to improve financial education. The consolidation and restructuring of some non-banking financial intermediaries (Sofoles) will imply that some of them will go out of business or be acquired. Along these lines, the mortgage subsidiary of BBVA-Bancomer (Hipotecaria Nacional) acquired the portfolio of certain Sofoles in 2010.

In October 2012, the Monitoring Rules of the Condusef were passed by a Presidential decree. Among other provisions, the Monitoring Rules set forth preventive and corrective measures that may be adopted by the Condusef and set forth the Condusef’s supervisory procedures. In addition, a new federal law was passed in 2012 for the prevention and identification of operations with illicit funds.

 

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

Overview

In the first half of 2012, the global economy was affected by a new outbreak of financial tensions resulting from the debt and institutional crisis in Europe, which dissipated only in part in the second half of the year. Bold actions taken by central banks have improved the global economic outlook but challenges remain for policy makers to avoid setbacks. This improvement has been supported by lower risk aversion, following the influential decisions taken by central banks, especially the European Central Bank (“ECB”). However, three factors stand out among those that could make this outlook deteriorate significantly: first and foremost, troubles in Europe if the euro break-up fears that loomed large during the first half of the year among market participants resurface; second, in the United States,

 

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the still-hanging threat of the so-called fiscal cliff (the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was passed by Congress on January 1, 2013, but discussions on the debt ceiling and on the level of indebtedness are ongoing); third, a severe slowdown in the emerging economies, in particular in China and some commodity-oriented economies, if Chinese appetite for raw materials decreased.

The financial turmoil in Europe has been a fundamental reason for the worsening of the global economic activity in 2012. The European authorities have implemented a number of measures aimed at tackling the current tensions, one of the most important among which is the announcement by the ECB of the implementation of a new bond-purchase program (Outright Monetary Transactions or “OMT”) in late July, which was a decisive step to ease the financial tensions. Other measures have also been implemented. First, the establishment of a permanent bailout fund (the European Stability Mechanism or “ESM”) that, subject to certain conditions, will provide financial assistance to members of the Eurozone in financial difficulty. Second, steps are being taken towards achieving a banking union in Europe (as agreed at a Eurogroup meeting in June 2012), though progress remains slow.

However, these measures have not been enough to dissipate tensions as they do not target the underlying sources of the crisis: the depressed growth of the global economy. Advanced economies have been losing momentum since 2011.

In Spain, the economy had a negative performance, which translated into a decline in GDP for 2012 of 1.4%. After a significant upturn in the third quarter of 2012, sales overseas fell back towards the end of the year. In addition, domestic demand decreased during the fourth quarter of 2012 and it continues to be affected by fiscal adjustments implemented in Spain. As a result, the Spanish economy is expected to continue in recession for the coming quarters and it is probable that GDP will decrease further in 2013. The Spanish economy remains exposed to several risks, including financial tensions in the Eurozone arising from Cyprus’ financial crisis.

The recovery in the U.S. has not been particularly vigorous. With the U.S. economy growing at low rates, the unemployment rate remaining persistently high and amid huge uncertainty in Europe, the fiscal cliff debate has helped increasing uncertainty during 2012.

More recently, the emerging economies have also begun to slow down. In this regard, exports and GDP growth have been negatively affected by the decline in international trade. Certainly that is the case in the three largest emerging economies. Brazil’s economy almost stalled in the first half of the year; India’s GDP grew by 5.3% and 5.5% year-on-year in the first and second quarter of 2012, respectively, the slowest pace since the beginning of 2009; and in the third quarter of 2012 the Chinese economy slowed to a rate of 7.4%, the lowest growth rate since 2009 although the most recent data points to a bottoming-out. Chinese economy is expected to grow by 7.9% in 2013.

In Mexico, despite the global slowdown, the outlook for growth in 2013 is still positive (3.0%), supported by the positive performance of employment and financing. While inflation levels exceed the target set by the Mexican Central Bank, their increase is expected to be temporary and inflation is expected to return to below 4%.

Turkey has been affected by European tensions, both through the financial markets and the lower external demand. In addition, measures taken to contain the deficit and inflation imbalances have also had a negative effect on activity. The 2012 growth rate has remained around 3%.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were prepared by the Bank’s directors in accordance with EU-IFRS required to be applied under the Bank of Spain’s Circular 4/2004, and in compliance with IFRS-IASB, and by applying the basis of consolidation, accounting policies and measurement bases described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, so that they present fairly the Group’s equity and financial position as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, and its results of operations and consolidated cash flows in 2012, 2011 and 2010. The Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared on the basis of the accounting records kept by the Bank and by each of the other Group companies and include the adjustments and reclassifications required to unify the accounting policies and measurement bases used by the Group. See Note 2.2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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In preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements estimates were made by the Group and the consolidated companies in order to quantify certain of the assets, liabilities, income, expenses and commitments reported herein. These estimates relate mainly to the following:

 

   

The impairment on certain assets.

 

   

The assumptions used to quantify other provisions and for the actuarial calculation of the post-employment benefit liabilities and commitments.

 

   

The useful life and impairment losses of tangible and intangible assets.

 

   

The measurement of goodwill arising on consolidation.

 

   

The fair value of certain unlisted financial assets and liabilities.

Although these estimates were made on the basis of the best information available as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, on the events analyzed, events that take place in the future might make it necessary to revise these estimates (upwards or downwards) in coming years.

Note 2 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 and 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 the 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 when 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.

Fair value of financial instruments

The fair value of an asset or a liability on a given date is taken to be the amount for which it could be exchanged or settled, respectively, between two knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction. The most objective and common reference for the fair value of an asset or a liability is the price that would be paid for it on an organized, transparent and deep market (“quoted price” or “market price”).

If there is no market price for a given asset or liability, its fair value is estimated on the basis of the price established in recent transactions involving similar instruments and, in the absence thereof, by using mathematical measurement models sufficiently tried and trusted by the international financial community. Such estimates would take into consideration the specific features of the asset or liability to be measured and, in particular, the various types of risk associated with the asset or liability. However, the limitations inherent to the measurement models developed and the possible inaccuracies of the assumptions required by these models may signify that the fair value of an asset or liability thus estimated does not coincide exactly with the price for which the asset or liability could be purchased or sold on the date of its measurement.

See Note 2.2.1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which contains a summary of our significant accounting policies.

Derivatives and other future transactions

These instruments include outstanding foreign currency purchase and sale transactions, outstanding 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.

 

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All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value from the date of arrangement. If the fair value of a derivative is positive, it is recorded as an asset and if it is negative, it is recorded as a liability. Unless there is evidence to the contrary, it is understood that on the date of arrangement the fair value of the derivatives is equal to the transaction price. Changes in the fair value of derivatives after the date of arrangement are recognized with a balancing entry under the heading “Gains or Losses on Financial Assets and Liabilities” in the consolidated income statement.

Specifically, the fair value of the standard financial derivatives included in the held for trading portfolios is equal to their daily quoted price. If, under exceptional circumstances, their quoted price cannot be established on a given date, these derivatives are measured using methods similar to those used to measure over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives.

The fair value of OTC derivatives is equal to the sum of the future cash flows arising from the instruments discounted at the measurement date (“present value” or “theoretical value”). These derivatives are measured using methods recognized by the financial markets, including the net present value (“NPV”) method and option price calculation models.

Financial derivatives that have as their underlying equity instruments, whose fair value cannot be determined in a sufficiently objective manner and are settled by delivery of those instruments, are measured at cost.

Financial derivatives designated as hedging items are included in the heading of the balance sheet “Hedging derivatives”. These financial derivatives are valued at fair value.

See Note 2.2.1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which contains a summary of our significant accounting policies with respect to these instruments.

Goodwill in consolidation

Pursuant to IFRS 3, if the difference on the date of a business combination between the sum of the fair value of the price paid, the amount of all the non-controlling interests and the fair value of stock previously held in the acquired entity, on one hand, and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, on the other hand, is positive, it is recorded as goodwill on the asset side of the balance sheet. Goodwill represents the future economic benefits from assets that cannot be individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is not amortized and is subject periodically to an impairment analysis. Any impaired goodwill is written off.

If the difference is negative, it is recognized directly in the income statement under the heading “Negative goodwill in business combinations”.

Goodwill is allocated to one or more cash-generating units, or CGUs, expected to benefit from the synergies arising from business combinations. The CGUs units represent the Group’s smallest identifiable business and/or geographical segments as managed internally by its directors within the Group.

The CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment based on the carrying amount of the unit including the allocated goodwill. Such testing is performed at least annually and whenever there is an indication of impairment.

For the purpose of determining the impairment of a CGU to which a part or all of goodwill has been allocated, the carrying amount of that unit, adjusted by the theoretical amount of the goodwill attributable to the non-controlling interest, shall be compared to its recoverable amount. The resulting loss shall be apportioned by reducing, firstly, the carrying amount of the goodwill allocated to that unit and, secondly, if there are still impairment losses remaining to be recognized, the carrying amount of the rest of the assets. This shall be done by allocating the remaining loss in proportion to the carrying amount of each of the assets in the unit. In any case, impairment losses on goodwill can never be reversed.

See Notes 2.2.7 and 2.2.8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which contains a summary of our significant accounting policies related to goodwill.

 

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As mentioned in Note 20.1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Group has performed a goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

The results from each of these tests on the dates mentioned were as follows:

As of December 31, 2012, there were no indications of significant impairment losses on the principal Group’s CGUs, except for insignificant impairments on the goodwill of the Retail Banking Euro (estimated to amount to €49 million) and the goodwill of the Corporate & Investment Banking Euro (estimated to amount to €4 million). These amounts have been recognized under “Impairment losses on other assets (net)—Goodwill and other intangible assets” in the consolidated income statement for 2012.

As of December 31, 2011, impairment losses of €1,444 million were estimated in the United States CGU which were recognized under “Impairment losses on other assets (net)—Goodwill and other intangible assets” in the consolidated income statement for 2011. This loss was the result of a downward revision of the cash flows projections estimated for this CGU, as a result of the following factors:

 

   

the economic recovery was slower than expected and demand for loans was lower than forecasted; this, together with a low interest rate forecast implied a bigger than expected slowdown in net interest income growth; and

 

   

growing regulatory pressure, with the implementation of new regulations, will imply lower than expected fee income, mainly related to the use of credit cards, while operating costs will rise with respect to our initial expectations.

Both the U.S. CGU’s fair values and the fair values assigned to its assets and liabilities were based on the estimates and assumptions that the Group’s management deemed most likely given the circumstances. However, some changes to the valuation assumptions used could result in differences in the impairment test result. If the discount rate had increased or decreased by 50 basis points, the difference between the carrying amount and its recoverable amount would have increased or decreased by up to €585 million and €671 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2011. If the growth rate had increased or decreased by 50 basis points, the difference between the carrying amount and its recoverable amount would have increased or decreased by €517 million and €452 million, respectively, as of such date.

As of December 31, 2010, there were no impairment losses on the goodwill recognized in the Group’s CGUs, except for an insignificant impairment on the goodwill of the Spain CGU, related to the impairment on the investments in Rentrucks, Alquiler y Servicios de Transportes, S.A. and in BBVA Finanzia SpA (of €9 million and €4 million, respectively).

The most significant goodwill corresponded to the United States CGU. The recoverable amount of this CGU was equal to its value in use. This was calculated as the discounted value of the cash flow projections estimated by our management based on the latest budgets available for the next five years. As of December 31, 2010, the Group used an estimated sustainable growth rate of 4.2% to extrapolate the cash flows in perpetuity based on the U.S. real GDP growth rate. The discount rate used to discount the cash flows was the cost of capital of the CGU, which stood at 11.4% as of December 31, 2010, consisting of the free risk rate plus a risk premium.

Insurance contracts

The methods and techniques used to calculate the mathematical reserves for the insurance contracts mainly involve the valuation of the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the technical interest rate for each contract. Changes in insurance mathematical reserves may occur in the future as a consequence of changes in interest rates and other key assumptions. See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which contains a summary of our significant accounting policies and assumptions about our most significant insurance contracts.

Post-employment benefits and other long term commitments to employees

Pension and post-retirement benefit costs and credits are based on actuarial calculations. Inherent in these calculations are assumptions including discount rates, rate of salary increase and expected return on plan assets. Changes in pension and post-retirement costs may occur in the future as a consequence of changes in interest rates, expected return on assets or other assumptions. See Note 2.2.12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which contains a summary of our significant accounting policies about pension and post-retirement benefit costs and credits.

 

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Allowance for loan losses

As we describe in Note 2.2.1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, a loan is considered to be an impaired loan and, therefore, its carrying amount is adjusted to reflect the effect of its impairment when there is objective evidence that events have occurred which give rise to a negative impact on the future cash flows that were estimated at the time the transaction was arranged. The potential impairment of these assets is determined individually or collectively.

Losses determined collectively are calculated using statistical procedures and are deemed equivalent to the portion of losses incurred on the date that the consolidated financial statements are prepared that has yet to be allocated to specific transactions.

The Group uses historic statistical data in its internal ratings models (“IRBs”), which were approved by the Bank of Spain for some portfolios in 2009, albeit only for the purpose of estimating regulatory capital under Basel II. It uses these internal models to calculate the economic capital required in its activities and uses the expected loss concept to quantify the cost of credit risk for incorporation in its calculation of the risk-adjusted return on capital of its operations.

These models allow us to estimate the expected loss of the credit risk of each portfolio during the one-year period after the relevant reporting date, taking into consideration the characteristics of the counterparty and the guarantees and collateral associated with the transactions.

The expected loss is calculated taking into account three factors: exposure at default, probability of default and loss given default.

 

   

Exposure at default (“EAD”) is the amount of risk exposure at the date of default by the counterparty.

 

   

Probability of default (“PD”) is the probability of the counterparty failing to meet its principal and/or interest payment obligations. The PD is associated with the rating/scoring of each counterparty/transaction. PD is measured using a time horizon of one year, i.e., it quantifies the probability of the counterparty defaulting in the coming year. The definition of default used includes amounts past due by 90 days or more and cases in which there is no default but there are doubts as to the solvency of the counterparty (subjective doubtful assets). A PD of 100% is assigned when the asset is considered impaired.

 

   

Loss given default (“LGD”) is the estimated loss arising in the event of default. It depends mainly on the characteristics of the counterparty, and the valuation of the guarantees or collateral associated with the transaction.

 

   

In order to calculate the LGD at each balance sheet date, the Group evaluates the estimated cash flows from the sale of the collateral by estimating its sale price (in the case of real estate collateral, the Group takes into account declines in property values which could affect the value of such collateral) and its estimated cost of sale. In the event of a default, the Group becomes contractually entitled to the property at the end of the foreclosure process or when purchased from borrowers in distress, and recognizes the collateral at its fair value. After the initial recognition of these assets classified as “Non-current assets held for sale” (see Note 2.2.4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) or “Inventories” (see Note 2.2.6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), they are valued at the lower of their carrying amount and their fair value less their estimated selling price.

The expected loss calculation used to determine the economic capital under our internal models includes ‘through-the-cycle’ adjustments of the aforementioned factors, particularly of PD and LGD. Through these adjustments, the Group seeks to set the value of the parameters used in our model at their average level throughout the economic cycle. The Group’s calculation of economic capital is expected to be more stable and accurate as a result.

By contrast, allowances for loan losses are calculated based on estimates of incurred losses at the reporting date (without any ‘through-the-cycle’ adjustments), in compliance with IFRS-IASB requirements.

 

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With its methodology for determining the allowance for determined collectively losses, the Group seeks to identify the amounts of losses which, although incurred at the reporting date, have not yet been reported and which the Group knows, on the basis of historical experience and other specific information, will arise following the reporting date.

In order to calculate such non-reported incurred losses, the Group makes certain adjustments to the expected loss used to calculate economic capital under our internal models in order to eliminate the ‘through-the-cycle’ adjustments and focus on incurred loss (rather than expected loss) as required by IFRS-IASB. Such adjustments are based on the following two parameters:

 

   

The point-in-time (“PIT”) parameter, which is an adjustment to eliminate the ‘through-the-cycle’ component of the expected loss.

The ‘point-in-time’ parameter converts a ‘through-the-cycle’ probability of default (defined as the average probability of default over a complete economic cycle) into the probability of default at the reporting date (‘point-in-time’ probability).

 

   

The loss identification period (“LIP”) parameter, which is the time lag period between the occurrence of a specific impairment or loss event and objective evidence of impairment becoming apparent on an individual basis; in other words, the time lag period between the loss event and the date an entity identified its occurrence.

This adjustment relates to the fact that, in calculating expected loss for purposes of calculating economic capital and BIS II regulatory capital, the Group measures the probability of default using a time horizon of one year. Therefore, in order to calculate our allowance for loan losses, the Group has to convert the one-year expected loss to the incurred loss concept at the reporting date required by IAS 39. The Group calculates the incurred loss at the reporting date by adjusting the expected loss for the next twelve months based on the estimated LIPs of the various homogenous portfolios.

The analysis of LIPs is performed on a homogenous portfolio basis. For the portfolios in Spain and in Mexico, which are the most significant portfolios, BBVA uses the following methodology to determine an interval of LIP that has occurred over time:

 

   

Analysis of the frequency of regulatory and internal review: The review of the credit quality of customers results in loss being identified. The more frequently the entity reviews the credit quality of its customers, the quicker losses are identified and therefore the lower is the resulting LIP (incurred but not reported losses decrease but ‘identified’ incurred losses increase). By contrast, the less frequently the entity reviews the credit quality of its customers, the slower losses are identified and therefore the higher is the resulting LIP.

 

   

Analysis of the correlation between macroeconomic factors and probability of default: The deterioration of certain macroeconomic factors can be considered as a loss event if it results in an increase in the credit risk of a portfolio. Analysis performed shows the existence of correlation between some macroeconomic indicators and the probability of default, with a time lag existing between changes in such parameters and changes in the default rate. The Economic Research Department (“BBVA Research”) analyses the correlation between macroeconomic indicators (mainly GDP and interest rates) and probability of default (PD) for the portfolios.

The analysis includes PD available information by portfolio for the last 25 years. The purpose of the analysis is to evaluate the impact of macroeconomic indicators on the PD and identify the time lag between the deterioration of a macroeconomic indicator and the increase in PD. This time lag illustrates the time period between the loss event and the identification of the loss which leads to an individual provisioning. The research shows that changes in macroeconomic indicators, such as GDP and interest rates, result in variations in the PD of these portfolios within less than six months

 

   

An internal benchmark of the LIPs used by European peers (based on 12 European banks from Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom): For corporate loans, 3-12 months; for retail loans, 2-9 months.

 

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The LIPs BBVA uses, which were determined in accordance with the methodology described above, are set forth in the table below:

 

Portfolio

  

Ranges of LIPs

   Weighted Average of LIPs
Used as of December 31,
2012

Sovereign and Public Institutions

   12 months    12 months

Corporates

   Real estate developers    From 1 months to 18 months    3 months
  

Large corporates

Others corporates

SMEs

   From 1 months to 12 months    9-10 months

Retail

  

Mortgage loans

Consumer loans

   From 2 months to 9 months    7-8 months

At least once a year, BBVA performs a backtesting analysis in order to assess the accuracy of the LIP estimates for the corporate portfolios. The backtesting involves assessing the evolution of the most significant impaired loans over a period of time, on a periodic basis, to identify the actual LIPs for each portfolio. In addition, with respect to all of the portfolios, BBVA reviews the correlation between the evolution of macroeconomic indicators (mainly GDP and interest rates) and PD for such portfolios.

The allowance for loan losses for loan portfolios of BBVA’s U.S. subsidiaries (which represented approximately 9.1% of the consolidated loans and receivables as of December 31, 2012) is determined under U.S. GAAP. There is no significant difference between the allowance for loan losses accounting under ASC-310 and under IAS 39. The methodology followed by Compass (BBVA’s bank subsidiary in the U.S.) for determining the allowance for loan losses is based on the average expected loss over the last five years. The calculation of expected losses is segmented by common portfolio characteristics such as product type, risk rating, bureau score, past due status, collateral type and loan to value. In the process of calculating the allowance for loan losses, Compass assigns a PD and an LGD for the different portfolios. The weighted average of the LIP used as of December 31, 2012 was one year, based on internal analysis of the management, following an approach that is consistent with that described above for the Spain and Mexico loan portfolios.

The Bank of Spain requires that the calculation of the allowance for collective losses incurred must also be calculated based on the information provided by the Bank of Spain until the Spanish regulatory authority has verified and approved these internal models.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, there is no material difference in the amount of allowances for loan losses calculated in accordance with EU-IFRS required to be applied under the Bank of Spain’s Circular 4/2004 and IFRS-IASB.

The estimates of the portfolio’s inherent risks and overall recovery vary with changes in the economy, individual industries, countries and individual borrowers’ or counterparties’ ability and willingness to repay their obligations. The degree to which any particular assumption affects the allowance for credit losses depends on the severity of the change and its relationship to the other assumptions.

Key judgments used in determining the allowance for loan losses include: (i) risk ratings for pools of commercial loans and leases; (ii) market and collateral values and discount rates for individually evaluated loans; (iii) product type classifications for consumer and commercial loans and leases; (iv) loss rates used for consumer and commercial loans and leases; (v) adjustments made to assess current events and conditions; (vi) considerations regarding domestic, global and individual countries economic uncertainty; and (vii) overall credit conditions.

Cybersecurity and fraud management

The BBVA Group has established computer security controls to prevent and mitigate potential computer attacks that may materially affect the Group’s results. These controls are part of the risk assessment and mitigation system established in our corporate operational risk and internal control structure in order to ensure compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, with a view to guaranteeing the proper identification and effective control of such risks. In the implementation, audit and review of such controls we have identified no material risk to our operations, owing to the effective mitigation of such risk as such security controls have provided.

We have divided identified risks into two categories distinguishing between risks that may affect the availability of our computer systems and their supporting processes and risks that may affect the confidentiality and integrity of the information processed by such systems.

Risks related to lack of availability are managed and mitigated through our Business Continuity Plans and our Systems Continuity Plans.

We have 128 Business Continuity Plans in operation across 26 countries. A number of such plans have been activated during the past year as a result the of floods that have affected New York in the fourth quarter of 2012 due to hurricane Sandy.

The European Union Critical Infrastructure Protection Directive was incorporated into Spanish law in 2011. We believe that BBVA is fully prepared to fulfill any possible obligations and requirements set forth therein.

 

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The risks identified that may affect the confidentiality and integrity of our information are managed and mitigated within the programs established throughout the BBVA Group in our respective Information security master plans. These plans are designed to mitigate prospective risks through a security model that includes Identity Management, Security Architectures, Monitoring Systems and Incident Management.

We believe that the services outsourced by the BBVA Group are not exposed to material cyber security risks.

The BBVA Group has not undergone any security incidents which individually or in the aggregate can be considered material.

For the type of business and operations carried out by the BBVA Group, we have identified no cyber security incident related risks that could remain undetected for an extended period of time and represent a material risk. Moreover, and with regard to any possible banking-related cyber security risks which might affect the Group, there is no public evidence of incidents occurring within the financial sector which might represent a material risk to the Group.

In 2012, fraud management in the various businesses segments and geographical areas has been focused primarily on fraud prevention and early detection of alerts through the use of technology.

A. Operating Results

Factors Affecting the Comparability of our Results of Operations and Financial Condition

Trends in Exchange Rates

We are exposed to foreign exchange rate risk in that our reporting currency is the euro, whereas certain of our subsidiaries keep their accounts in other currencies, principally Mexican pesos, U.S. dollars, Argentine pesos, Chilean pesos, Colombian pesos, Venezuelan bolivars fuerte and New Peruvian Soles. For example, if Latin American currencies and the U.S. dollar depreciate against the euro, when the results of operations of our subsidiaries in the countries using these currencies are included in our consolidated financial statements, the euro value of their results declines, even if, in local currency terms, their results of operations and financial condition have remained the same or improved relative to the prior period. Accordingly, 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 subsidiaries. By contrast, the appreciation of Latin American currencies and the U.S. dollar against the euro would have a positive impact on the results of operations of our subsidiaries in the countries using these currencies when their results of operations are included in our consolidated financial statements. We are also exposed to fluctuations of the Turkish lira and the Chinese yuan, as a result of our investments in Garanti and CIFH and CNCB, respectively.

The assets and liabilities of our subsidiaries which maintain their accounts in currencies other than the euro have been converted to the euro at the period-end exchange rates for inclusion in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Income statement items have been converted at the average exchange rates for the period. The following table sets forth the exchange rates of several Latin American currencies, the U.S. dollar, the Turkish lira and the Chinese yuan against the euro, expressed in local currency per €1.00 for 2012, 2011 and 2010 and as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 according to the European Central Bank (“ECB”).

 

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     Average Exchange Rates      Period-End Exchange Rates  
     Year Ended
December 31,
2012
     Year Ended
December 31,
2011
     As of
December 31,
2012
     As of
December 31,
2011
 

Mexican peso

     16.9033         17.2906         17.1845         18.0512   

U.S. dollar

     1.2850         1.3916         1.3194         1.2939   

Argentine peso

     5.8434         5.7467         6.4768         5.5679   

Chilean peso

     625.0000         672.0430         633.3122         674.7638   

Colombian peso

     2,309.4688         2,570.6941         2,331.0023         2,512.5628   

Peruvian new sol

     3.3896         3.8323         3.3678         3.4890   

Venezuelan bolivar

     5.5187         5.9765         5.6616         5.5569   

Turkish lira

     2.3139         2.3383         2.3551         2.4432   

Chinese Yuan

     8.1063         8.9932         8.2207         8.1588   

During 2012, all currencies whose fluctuation may have an impact on the Group’s financial statements appreciated against the euro on average terms, with the exception of the Argentine peso. However, there was a year-on-year slight depreciation of the U.S. dollar, Argentine peso, Venezuelan bolivar and Chinese yuan against the euro as of December 31, 2012. Overall, the effect of changes in the exchange rates on the year-on-year comparison of the Group’s income statement and balance sheet was positive.

Divestment of the Pension Business in Latin America

On May 24, 2012, we announced our decision to conduct a study on strategic alternatives for our pension business in Latin America. The alternatives contemplated in this process include the partial or total sale of the Pension Fund Administrators Companies in Chile, Colombia and Peru, as well as the Mexican Pension Fund business. As of December 31, 2012, the aforementioned pension businesses had total registered assets of €1,150 million and liabilities of €318 million, which have been reclassified under the headings “Non-current assets held for sale” and “Liabilities associated with non-current assets held for sale,” respectively, in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. In accordance with IFRS 5, the revenues and expenses from these companies have been reclassified under the heading “Profit from discontinued operations” in our consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

As of the date hereof, we have entered into agreements to sell our stakes in the Mexican company Administradora de Fondos para el Retiro Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. and in the Colombian company BBVA Horizonte Sociedad Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones y Cesantías S.A., respectively (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In addition, on February 1, 2013, we reached an agreement with MetLife, Inc., for the sale of our stake in the Chilean pension fund manager Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Provida S.A. (“AFP Provida”), representing 64.3% of the share capital of AFP Provida. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—History and Development of the Company—Capital Divestitures—2013.”

Proportional Consolidation of Garanti for the Full Year

We consolidated Garanti for the full year ended December 31, 2012 (compared with only nine months for the year ended December 31, 2011), which has generally had a positive effect on our 2012 consolidated income statement.

 

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BBVA Group Results of Operations for 2012 Compared to 2011

The changes in the Group’s consolidated income statements for 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2012     2011    

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)    

Interest and similar income

     26,262        24,180        8.6   

Interest expense and similar charges

     (11,140     (11,028     1.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net interest income

     15,122        13,152        15.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Dividend income

     390        562        (30.6

Share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method

     727        595        22.2   

Fee and commission income

     5,574        5,075        9.8   

Fee and commission expenses

     (1,221     (1,044     17.0   

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities

     1,645        1,117        47.3   

Net exchange differences

     122        364        (66.5

Other operating income

     4,812        4,244        13.4   

Other operating expenses

     (4,730     (4,037     17.2   

Administration costs

     (9,768     (8,898     9.8   

Personnel expenses

     (5,662     (5,191     9.1   

General and administrative expenses

     (4,106     (3,707     10.8   

Depreciation and amortization

     (1,018     (839     21.3   

Provisions (net)

     (651     (509     27.9   

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (7,980     (4,226     88.8   

Impairment losses on other assets (net)

     (1,123     (1,885     (40.4

Gains (losses) on derecognized assets not classified as non-current assets held for sale

     4        46        (91.3

Negative goodwill

     376        —          n.m. (1) 

Gains (losses) in non-current assets held for sale not classified as discontinued operations

     (622     (271     129.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit before tax

     1,659        3,446        (51.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     275        (206     n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     1,934        3,240        (40.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     393        245        60.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     2,327        3,485        (33.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     1,676        3,004        (44.2

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     651        481        35.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Not meaningful.

The changes in our consolidated income statements for 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

 

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Net interest income

The following table summarizes the principal components of net interest income for 2012 compared to 2011.

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2012     2011    

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)    

Interest and similar income

     26,262        24,180        8.6   

Interest expense and similar charges

     (11,140     (11,028     1.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net interest income

     15,122        13,152        15.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net interest income increased 15.0% to €15,122 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from €13,152 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 due to the reduction of the cost of deposits in Spain and in Mexico and South America, the proportional consolidation of Garanti for the full year ended December 31, 2012 compared with only nine months for the year ended December 31, 2011, and strong business activity in Mexico and South America. These positive effects were partially offset by the performance of the Unites States, where net interest income continued to be negatively affected by the Guaranty run-off, lower business volume in Corporate Investment Banking, and the current environment of low interest rates with a practically flat curve.

Dividend income

Dividend income decreased 30.6% to €390 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from €562 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This decrease was primarily due to the year-on-year decrease in the dividends received from Telefónica, S.A., which decreased from €1.52 per share in 2011 to €0.53 per share in 2012. Telefónica, S.A. has publicly announced that it will pay no dividends until November 2013.

Share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method

Share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method increased 22.2% to €727 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from €595 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 due to the increased profit of CNCB.

Fee and commission income

The breakdown of fee and commission income for 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
        
     2012      2011     

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)     

Commitment fees

     186         157         18.5   

Contingent risks

     355         318         11.6   

Letters of credit

     60         54         11.1   

Bank and other guarantees

     295         264         11.7   

Arising from exchange of foreign currencies and banknotes

     25         25         0.0   

Collection and payment services income

     3,088         2,694         14.6   

Bills receivables

     77         67         14.9   

Current accounts

     404         360         12.2   

Credit and debit cards

     1,913         1,619         18.2   

Checks

     224         229         (2.2

Transfers and others payment orders

     338         294         15.0   

Rest

     132         125         5.6   

Securities services income

     1,147         1,105         3.8   

Securities underwriting

     100         70         42.9   

Securities dealing

     206         200         3.0   

Custody securities

     329         330         (0.3

Investment and pension funds

     388         389         (0.3

Rest assets management

     124         116         6.9   

Counseling on and management of one-off transactions

     8         13         (38.5

Financial and similar counseling services

     40         55         (27.3

Factoring transactions

     38         33         15.2   

Non-banking financial products sales

     107         97         10.3   

Other fees and commissions

     580         578         0.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Fee and commission income

     5,574         5,075         9.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

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Fee and commission income increased by 9.8% to €5,574 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from €5,075 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 due principally to greater business activity in Mexico and South America, where credit and debit cards commissions increased by 8.1% and 41.8% respectively, and the proportional consolidation of Garanti for the full year ended December 31, 2012 compared with only nine months for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Fee and commission expenses

The breakdown of fee and commission expenses for 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
        
     2012      2011     

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)     

Brokerage fees on lending and deposit transactions

     3         5         (40.0

Fees and commissions assigned to third parties

     898         741         21.2   

Credit and debit cards

     758         609         24.5   

Transfers and others payment orders

     46         34         35.3   

Securities dealing

     13         14         (7.1

Rest

     81         84         (3.6

Other fees and commissions

     320         298         7.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Fee and commission expenses

     1,221         1,044         17.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Fee and commission expenses increased by 17.0% to €1,221 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from €1,044 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to the greater business activity in Mexico and South America.

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and exchange differences

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities increased by 47.3% to €1,645 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from €1,117 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase is mainly attributable to the increase in the net gains on “Available-for-sale financial assets”, which reflects the capital gains derived from the repurchase of securitization bonds and subordinated debt (which has generated gross capital gains of approximately €444 million) and, to a lesser extent, the capital gains derived from the sale of public debt in Turkey and South America. In addition, net gains on “Loans and receivables” increased by 66.7% from €33 million in 2011 to €55 million in 2012, primarily due to the higher activity on loan sales mainly in Mexico and South America. These increases were partially offset by the 38.3% year-on-year decrease in the net gains on “Financial assets held for trading”, which was primarily due to the turbulences in the markets which resulted in lower intermediation income in Spain and Mexico.

 

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The table below provides a breakdown of net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities for 2012 and 2011:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2012      2011    

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)    

Financial assets held for trading

     649         1,052        (38.3

Other financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss

     73         8        n.m. (1) 

Other financial instruments not designated at fair value through profit or loss

     923         57        n.m. (1) 

Available-for-sale financial assets

     806         82        n.m. (1) 

Loans and receivables

     55         33        66.7   

Rest

     62         (58     n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities

     1,645         1,117        47.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

(1) Not meaningful.

Net exchange differences decreased to €122 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from €364 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, due primarily to the evolution of foreign currencies.

Other operating income and expenses

Other operating income amounted to €4,812 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 a 13.4% increase compared to €4,244 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, due primarily to increased income derived from insurance and reinsurance contracts.

Other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012, amounted to €4,730 million, a 17.2% increase compared to the €4,037 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011 due primarily to higher contributions to deposit guarantee funds in the countries in which we operate and to increased provisions related to insurance and reinsurance contracts.

Administration costs

Administration costs comprise personnel expenses and general and administrative expenses and for the year ended December 31, 2012 were €9,768 million, a 9.8% increase from the €8,898 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011, due primarily to the investments made to implement our expansion and technological transformation plans and, to a lesser extent, to the proportional consolidation of Garanti for the full year ended December 31, 2012 compared with only nine months for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the acquisition of Unnim in the second half of 2012.

The table below provides a breakdown of personnel expenses for 2012 and 2011.

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
        
     2012      2011     

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)     

Wages and salaries

     4,348         4,023         8.1   

Social security costs

     678         614         10.4   

Transfers to internal pension provisions

     56         51         9.8   

Contributions to external pension funds

     85         80         6.3   

Other personnel expenses

     495         423         17.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Personnel expenses

     5,662         5,191         9.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Wages and salaries expenses increased from €4,023 million in 2011 to €4,348 million in 2012 mainly due to the proportional consolidation of Garanti for the full year ended December 31, 2012, compared with only nine months for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the acquisition of Unnim, in the second half of 2012 and, to a lesser extent, to the high inflation recorded in South America and the expansion plans carried out during 2012.

 

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The table below provides a breakdown of general and administrative expenses for 2012 and 2011:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
        
     2012      2011     

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)     

Technology and systems

     745         647         15.1   

Communications

     330         289         14.2   

Advertising

     378         369         2.4   

Property, fixtures and materials

     916         839         9.2   

Of which:

        

Rent expenses

     516         470         9.8   

Taxes other than income tax

     433         356         21.6   

Other expenses

     1,304         1,207         8.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Other General and administrative expenses

     4,106         3,707         10.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Technology and systems expenses increased from €647 million in 2011 to €745 million in 2012. In recent years, we have undertaken significant investments in global technology projects, particularly in the area of transformation and innovation. We started up a number of projects in 2012, including the implementation of the new BBVA Compass technological platform in all our branches in the United States. Progress has also been made in the Group’s multichannel distribution model.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2012 amounted to €1,018 million a 21.3% increase compared to €839 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011, due primarily to the amortization of software and tangible assets for own use.

Provisions (net)

Provisions (net) for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to €651 million, a 27.9% increase compared to €509 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily to cover early retirement benefits, other allocations to pension funds and transfers to provisions for contingent liabilities.

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) for the year ended December 31, 2012 amounted to €7,980 million, a 88.8% increase compared to the €4,226 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase is mainly due to the increase of provisions in connection with assets related to the real estate business in Spain to cover the additional impairment in the value of such assets owing to the worsening macroeconomic conditions in Spain. The Group’s non-performing assets ratio was 5.1% as of December 31, 2012, compared to 4.0% as of December 31, 2011.

Impairment losses on other assets (net)

Impairment losses on other assets (net) for the year ended December 31, 2012 amounted to €1,123 million, a 40.4% decrease compared to the €1,885 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011, when an impairment in goodwill of €1,444 million was registered. However, impairments losses on real estate inventories were higher in 2012 than in 2011, as a result of the continuing deterioration of the value of these assets.

 

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Gains (losses) on derecognized assets not classified as non-current assets held for sale

Gains (losses) on derecognized assets not classified as non-current assets held for sale for the year ended December 31, 2012 amounted to a gain of €4 million, a 91.3% decrease compared to €46 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Negative goodwill

Negative goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2012 amounted to a gain of €376 million, compared with no gain for the year ended December 31, 2011. Negative goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2012 was derived from the acquisition of Unnim Banc, S.A. (“Unnim”). See “Item 4. Information on the Company—History and Development of the Company—Capital Expenditures—2012—Acquisition of Unnim” and Note 20.1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Gains (losses) in non-current assets held for sale not classified as discontinued operations

Gains (losses) in non-current assets held for sale not classified as discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2012, amounted to a loss of €622 million, compared to a loss of €271 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase was primarily due to the higher provisions made in connection with real estate foreclosed assets in Spain and sales of these assets which amounted to a loss of €83 million in 2012 compared to a gain of €127 million in 2011.

Operating profit before tax

As a result of the foregoing, operating profit before tax for the year ended December 31, 2012 was €1,659 million, a 51.9% decrease from the €3,446 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Income tax

Income tax for the year ended December 31, 2012 was a benefit of €275 million, compared to an expense of €206 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011, due to lower operating profit before tax, the higher proportion of revenues with low or zero tax rates (primarily dividends and equity accounted earnings), the higher proportion of results coming from Latin America and Garanti, which carry a lower effective tax rate, and the higher provisions made with respect to real estate assets.

Profit from continuing operations

As a result of the foregoing, profit from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 was €1,934 million, a 40.3% decrease from the €3,240 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

Profit from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 was €393 million, a 60.4% increase from the €245 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011, due to increased activity in the insurance and pension business. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—History and Development of the Company—Capital Divestitures—2013” and “—Factors Affecting the Comparability of our Results of Operations and Financial Condition—Divestment of the Pension Business in Latin America.”

Profit

As a result of the foregoing, profit for the year ended December 31, 2012 was €2,327 million, a 33.2% decrease from the €3,485 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Profit attributable to parent company

Profit attributable to parent company for the year ended December 31, 2012 was €1,676 million, a 44.2% decrease from the €3,004 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

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Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests for the year ended December 31, 2012 was €651 million, a 35.3% increase over the €481 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011, principally due to the positive performance of our Venezuelan and Peruvian operations where there are significant minority shareholders.

BBVA Group Results of Operations for 2011 Compared to 2010

The changes in the Group’s consolidated income statements for 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2011     2010    

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)    

Interest and similar income

     24,180        21,130        14.4   

Interest expense and similar charges

     (11,028     (7,814     41.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net interest income

     13,152        13,316        (1.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Dividend income

     562        529        6.2   

Share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method

     595        331        79.8   

Fee and commission income

     5,075        4,864        4.3   

Fee and commission expenses

     (1,044     (831     25.6   

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities

     1,117        1,372        (18.6

Net exchange differences

     364        455        (20.0

Other operating income

     4,244        3,537        20.0   

Other operating expenses

     (4,037     (3,240     24.6   

Administration costs

     (8,898     (8,007     11.1   

Personnel expenses

     (5,191     (4,698     10.5   

General and administrative expenses

     (3,707     (3,309     12.0   

Depreciation and amortization

     (839     (754     11.3   

Provisions (net)

     (509     (475     7.2   

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (4,226     (4,718     (10.4

Impairment losses on other assets (net)

     (1,885     (489     285.5   

Gains (losses) on derecognized assets not classified as non-current assets held for sale

     46        41        12.2   

Negative goodwill

     —          1        (100.0

Gains (losses) in non-current assets held for sale not classified as discontinued operations

     (271     127        n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit before tax

     3,446        6,059        (43.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     (206     (1,345     (84.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     3,240        4,714        (31.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     245        281        (12.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     3,485        4,995        (30.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     3,004        4,606        (34.8

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     481        389        23.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Not meaningful.

The changes in our consolidated income statements for 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

Net interest income

The following table summarizes the principal components of net interest income for 2011 compared to 2010.

 

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     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2011     2010    

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)    

Interest and similar income

     24,180        21,130        14.4   

Interest and similar expense

     (11,028     (7,814     41.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net interest income

     13,152        13,316        (1.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net interest income decreased 1.2% to €13,152 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from €13,316 million for year ended December 31, 2010, due mainly to the upturn in interest rates in the Eurozone in the 2011, which affected liability costs to a greater extent, and a faster impact, than the return on assets. The decrease in net interest income was also the result of the extremely complex environment in which it was produced, with restricted lending activity in Spain and more expensive wholesale funding due to the increased spread paid for Spain’s risk. The decrease in net interest income was modestly offset by the increased volume of business and sound price management in South America as well as the acquisition of Garanti in March 2011.

Dividend income

Dividend income increased 6.2% to €562 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from €529 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, due primarily to dividends from Telefónica, S.A.

Share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method

Share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method increased to €595 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from €331 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 due to the increased profit of CNCB.

Fee and commission income

The breakdown of fee and commission income for 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
        
     2011      2010     

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)     

Commitment fees

     157         133         18.0   

Contingent risks

     318         282         12.8   

Letters of credit

     54         45         20.0   

Bank and other guarantees

     264         237         11.4   

Arising from exchange of foreign currencies and banknotes

     25         19         31.6   

Collection and payment services income

     2,694         2,500         7.8   

Bills receivables

     67         60         11.7   

Current accounts

     360         402         (10.4

Credit and debit cards

     1,619         1,384         17.0   

Checks

     229         263         (12.9

Transfers and others payment orders

     294         274         7.3   

Rest

     125         117         6.8   

Securities services income

     1,105         1,142         (3.2

Securities underwriting

     70         64         9.4   

Securities dealing

     200         181         10.5   

Custody securities

     330         357         (7.6

Investment and pension funds

     389         414         (6.0

Rest assets management

     116         126         (7.9

Counseling on and management of one-off transactions

     13         11         18.2   

Financial and similar counseling services

     55         60         (8.3

Factoring transactions

     33         29         13.8   

Non-banking financial products sales

     97         102         (4.9

Other fees and commissions

     578         586         (1.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Fee and commission income

     5,075         4,864         4.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

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Fee and commission income increased 4.3% to €5,075 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from €4,864 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 due principally to increased fees linked to credit and debit cards (€100 million originated by Garanti), which more than offset a decline in fees related to current accounts and checks.

Fee and commission expenses

The breakdown of fee and commission expenses for 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
        
     2011      2010     

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)     

Brokerage fees on lending and deposit transactions

     5         5         0.0   

Fees and commissions assigned to third parties

     741         571         29.8   

Credit and debit cards

     609         449         35.6   

Transfers and others payment orders

     34         27         25.9   

Securities dealing

     14         13         7.7   

Rest

     84         82         2.4   

Other fees and commissions

     298         255         16.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Fee and commission expenses

     1,044         831         25.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Fee and commission expenses increased 25.6% to €1,044 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from €831 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily due to the increase in fees and commissions assigned to third party banking services, specifically credit and debit cards, and other fees and commissions.

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and exchange differences

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities decreased by 18.6% to €1,117 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from €1,372 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily due to declines in the value of assets as a result of market prices evolution, reduced customer activity and the absence of earnings from portfolio sales.

Net exchange differences decreased 20.0% to €364 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from €455 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. In the first half of 2011, the euro appreciated against the U.S. dollar due to the increasing spread between interest rates; however, in the second half of the year, the European debt crisis weakened the euro’s position. The combination of a stronger euro and the relative strength of emerging currencies against the U.S. dollar resulted in a generally unfavorable performance.

Other operating income and expenses

Other operating income amounted to €4,244 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, a 20.0% increase compared to €3,537 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, due primarily to increased income derived from insurance and reinsurance contracts.

Other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011, amounted to €4,037 million, a 24.6% increase compared to the €3,240 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010 due primarily to higher contributions to deposit guarantee funds in the countries in which we operate and to increased provisions related to insurance and reinsurance contracts.

 

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Administration costs

Administration costs comprise personnel expenses and general and administrative expenses and for the year ended December 31, 2011 were €8,898 million, an 11.1% increase from the €8,007 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010, due primarily to the Group’s growth (mainly through the acquisition of our stake in Garanti) and expansion plans. Progress continues to be made in developing customer products and segments in franchises operating in emerging countries and in extending banking penetration to take advantage of economic growth. In contrast, in developed markets, BBVA focuses on improving customer relations and distribution efficiency. Additionally, investment in technology, personnel and brand awareness continues in the Bank as a whole.

The table below provides a breakdown of personnel expenses for 2011 and 2010.

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
        
     2011      2010     

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)     

Wages and salaries

     4,023         3,643         10.4   

Social security costs

     614         555         10.6   

Transfers to internal pension provisions

     51         37         37.8   

Contributions to external pension funds

     80         84         (4.8

Other personnel expenses

     423         379         11.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Personnel expenses

     5,191         4,698         10.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

The table below provides a breakdown of general and administrative expenses for 2011 and 2010.

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
        
     2011      2010     

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)     

Technology and systems

     647         551         17.4   

Communications

     289         274         5.5   

Advertising

     369         336         9.8   

Property, fixtures and materials

     839         739         13.5   

Of which:

        

Rent expenses

     470         393         19.6   

Taxes other than income tax

     356         318         11.9   

Other expenses

     1,207         1,091         10.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Other General and administrative expenses

     3,707         3,309         12.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to €839 million an 11.3% increase compared to €754 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010, due primarily to the amortization of software and tangible assets for own use.

Provisions (net)

Provisions (net) for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to €509 million, a 7.2% increase compared to €475 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily to cover early retirement benefits, other allocations to pension funds and transfers to provisions for contingent liabilities.

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to €4,226 million, a 10.4% decrease compared to the €4,718 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

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Impairment on financial assets (net) was negatively affected in 2009 and 2010 in Spain and in the United States by the significant increase in substandard loans, mainly as a result of the deterioration of the economic environment. Impairment losses on financial assets (net) for the year ended December 31, 2011, continued to be impacted in Spain, Portugal and, to a lesser extent, in the United States by the challenging economic environment. The Group’s non-performing assets ratio was 4.0% as of December 31, 2011, compared to 4.1% as of December 31, 2010.

Impairment losses on other assets (net)

Impairment losses on other assets (net) for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to €1,885 million, compared to the €489 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010. Impairment losses on other assets (net) for 2011 includes impairment losses relating to goodwill of €1,444 million in the United States and provisions made for real estate and foreclosed assets.

Gains (losses) on derecognized assets not classified as non-current assets held for sale

Gains (losses) on derecognized assets not classified as non-current assets held for sale for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to a gain of €46 million, a 12.2% increase over the €41 million gain recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Gains (losses) in non-current assets held for sale not classified as discontinued operations

Gains (losses) in non-current assets held for sale not classified as discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2011, amounted to a loss of €271 million, compared to a gain of €127 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, mainly as a result of an increase in write-downs on real estate investments and a decrease in the profits on sales and lease back operations which amounted to €67 million in 2011 compared to €273 million in 2010.

Operating profit before tax

As a result of the foregoing, operating profit before tax for the year ended December 31, 2011 was €3,446 million, a 43.1% decrease from the €6,059 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Income tax

Income tax for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to €206 million, an 84.7% decrease from the €1,345 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010, due to lower operating profit before tax, a decrease in tax expenses due to the amortization of certain goodwill arising from investments in foreign companies made prior to December 31, 2007, whose deductibility is contemplated in the European Union decision published on May 21, 2011, revenues with low or zero tax rates (basically dividends and equity accounted earnings), and the higher proportion of results coming from Latin America and Garanti, which carry a low effective tax rate.

Profit from continuing operations

As a result of the foregoing, profit from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 was €3,240 million, a 31.3% decrease from the €4,714 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

Profit from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 was €245 million, a 12.8% decrease from the €281 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Profit

As a result of the foregoing, profit for the year ended December 31, 2011 was €3,485 million, a 30.2% decrease from the €4,995 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

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Profit attributable to parent company

Profit attributable to parent company for the year ended December 31, 2011 was €3,004 million, a 34.8% decrease from the €4,606 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests for the year ended December 31, 2011 was €481 million, a 23.7% increase over the €389 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010, principally due to the performance of Venezuela.

Results of Operations by Operating Segment for 2012 Compared to 2011

SPAIN

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2012     2011    

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)    

Net interest income

     4,836        4,391        10.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net fees and commissions

     1,607        1,461        10.0   

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

     (13     11        n.m. (1) 

Other operating income and expenses

     355        464        (23.6

Administration costs

     (2,722     (2,689     1.2   

Depreciation and amortization

     (96     (98     (1.9

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (5,710     (1,711     233.6   

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

     (98     68        n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     (1,841     1,897        n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     575        (546     n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     (1,267     1,352        n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     —          —          n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     (1,267     1,352        n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     (1     —          106.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     (1,267     1,352        n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Not meaningful.

Spain’s income statement for 2012 was adversely affected by the significant loan-loss provisions made to reflect the steady impairment of our real estate portfolios. The acquisition of Unnim in July 2012 had a non-material impact on the performance of this area.

Net interest income

Net interest income of this operating segment for 2012 was €4,836 million, a 10.1% increase compared to the €4,391 million recorded for 2011, due mainly to the reduction of the cost of deposits that which more than offset the decrease in income from loans.

Net fees and commissions

Net fees and commissions of this operating segment amounted to €1,607 million for 2012, a 10.0% increase from the €1,461 million recorded for 2011, primarily due to an increase in securities services income.

 

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Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences of this operating segment for 2012 was a loss of €13 million compared with the €11 million gain recorded for 2011, mainly due to the negative effect of exchanges differences (which resulted in a loss of €122 million in 2012 compared with a gain of €51 million in 2011) which was partially offset by the higher net gains on financial assets (a gain of €109 million in 2012 compared with a €40 million loss in 2011) which were principally due to the sales of some portfolios of Unnim.

Other operating income and expenses (net)

Other operating income and expenses (net) of this operating segment for 2012 was a gain of €355 million, a 23.6% decrease from the €464 million gain recorded for 2011, primarily due to increased contributions to the Deposit Guarantee Fund.

Administration costs

Administration costs of this operating segment for 2012 were €2,722 million, a 1.2% increase from the €2,689 million recorded for 2011, primarily due to an increase in general and personnel expenses due to the acquisition of Unnim.

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) of this operating segment for 2012 was €5,710 million, a 233.6% increase from the €1,711 million recorded for 2011 which is mainly attributable to the impairment of assets related to the real estate sector as a result of the deterioration of economic conditions in Spain. This operating segment’s non-performing assets ratio increased to 6.5%, as of December 31, 2012, from 4.8% as for December 31, 2011, due to the increase in substandard loans which was partially offset by a decrease in loans and advances to customers.

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

As a result of the foregoing, the operating loss before tax of this operating segment for 2012 was €1,841 million, compared with operating profit before tax of €1,897 million recorded in 2011.

Income tax

Income tax of this operating segment for 2012 was a benefit of €575 million, compared with a €546 million expense recorded in 2011, primarily as result of the operating loss before tax.

Profit attributable to parent company

As a result of the foregoing, profit attributable to parent company of this operating segment for 2012 was a loss of €1,267 million, compared with a gain of €1,352 million recorded in 2011.

 

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EURASIA

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2012     2011     Change  
     (In Millions of Euros)     (In %)  

Net interest income

     847        802        5.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net fees and commissions

     451        391        15.4   

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

     131        113        16.4   

Other operating income and expenses

     781        655        19.2   

Administration costs

     (724     (604     19.8   

Depreciation and amortization

     (54     (44     23.6   

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (328     (149     120.8   

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

     (50     11        n.m.(1)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     1,054        1,176        (10.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     (103     (145     (28.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     950        1,031        (7.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     —          —          n.m.(1)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     950        1,031        (7.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     —          —           n.m.(1)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     950        1,031        (7.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Not meaningful.

In 2012, the importance of this area continued to increase both in terms of total income and our balance sheet, primarily due to the proportional consolidation of Garanti for the full year ended December 31, 2012 (compared with only nine months for the year ended December 31, 2011) and the increase of earnings from CNCB.

Net interest income

Net interest income of this operating segment for 2012 was €847 million, a 5.5% increase compared to the €802 million recorded for 2011 primarily due to the proportional consolidation of Garanti for the full year ended December 31, 2012 (compared with only nine months for the year ended December 31, 2011).

Net fees and commissions

Net fees and commissions of this operating segment amounted to €451 million for 2012, a 15.4% increase from the €391 million recorded for 2011 primarily due to the proportional consolidation of Garanti for the full year ended December 31, 2012 (compared with only nine months for the year ended December 31, 2011).

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

Net gains and financial assets and liabilities and exchange differences of this operating segment for 2012 was €131 million, a 16.4% increase compared with the €113 million recorded for 2011, primarily due to the positive impact of exchange rates.

Other operating income and expenses (net)

Other operating income and expenses (net) of this operating segment for 2012 was a gain of €781 million, a 19.2% increase from the €655 million gain recorded for 2011, primarily due to the growing contribution of CNCB.

 

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Administration costs

Administration costs of this operating segment for 2012 were €724 million, a 19.8% increase over the €604 million recorded for 2011, primarily due to the proportional consolidation of Garanti for the full year ended December 31, 2012 (compared with only nine months for the year ended December 31, 2011)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) of this operating segment for 2012 was €328 million, a 120.8% increase from the €149 million recorded for 2011 due to the loan-loss provisions made in Portugal due to the ongoing deterioration of the economic situation. The operating segment’s non-performing assets ratio increased to 1.7% as of December 31, 2012 from 1.5% as of December 31, 2011.

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

As a result of the foregoing, operating profit before tax of this operating segment for 2012 was €1,054 million, a 10.4% decrease from the €1,176 million recorded in 2011.

Income tax

Income tax of this operating segment for 2012 was €103 million, a 28.6% decrease from the €145 million recorded in 2011, primarily as result of the decrease in operating profit before tax.

Profit attributable to parent company

As a result of the foregoing, profit attributable to parent company of this operating segment for 2012 was €950 million, a 7.8% decrease from the €1,031 million recorded in 2011.

MEXICO

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2012     2011     Change  
     (In Millions of Euros)     (In %)  

Net interest income

     4,164        3,776        10.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net fees and commissions

     1,087        1,022        6.4   

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

     218        296        (26.3

Other operating income and expenses

     288        227        27.0   

Administration costs

     (2,038     (1,831     11.3   

Depreciation and amortization

     (133     (105     27.0   

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (1,320     (1,180     11.9   

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

     (41     (59     (30.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     2,225        2,146        3.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     (538     (513     4.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     1,688        1,633        3.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     136        81        69.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     1,824        1,714        6.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     (3     (3     20.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     1,821        1,711        6.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

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As discussed above under “—Factors Affecting the Comparability of our Results of Operations and Financial Condition,” in 2012 the Mexican peso appreciated against the euro on average terms, resulting in a positive exchange rate effect on our income statement for 2012.

In the second half of 2012, we signed an agreement for the sale of our pension business in Mexico. The earnings from this activity have therefore been classified under discontinued operations in the income statement for 2012 and also for 2011, for comparison purposes.

Net interest income

Net interest income of this operating segment for 2012 was €4,164 million, a 10.3% increase from the €3,776 million recorded for 2011, due primarily to increased business activity, with greater volumes of lending and customer funds, and sound price management, which effects were partially offset by the impact of lower interest rates throughout the year.

Net fees and commissions

Net fees and commissions of this operating segment amounted to €1,087 million for 2012, a 6.4% increase from the €1,022 million recorded for 2011, due to increased transactions by customers with credit cards and the higher volume of assets under management of mutual funds.

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

Net gains on financial assets and liabilities and exchange differences of this operating segment for 2012 amounted to €218 million, a 26.3% decrease from the €296 million for 2011, primarily due to lower brokerage revenues.

Other operating income and expenses (net)

Other operating income and expenses (net) of this operating segment for 2012, was a gain €288 million, a 27.0% increase from the €227 million gain recorded for 2011, principally due to growth in the insurance business.

Administration costs

Administration costs of this operating segment for 2012 amounted to €2,038 million, an 11.3% increase from the €1,831 million recorded for 2011, primarily due to the investment in technology and infrastructure. The number of ATMs grew over the year to 7,733 units, while the POS terminals increased by 9,176 units.

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) of this operating segment for 2012 was €1,320 million, an 11.9% increase from the €1,180 million recorded for 2011, in line with the activity increase in the area. The operating segment’s non-performing assets ratio increased to 3.8% as of December 31, 2012 from 3.7% as of December 31, 2011.

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

As a result of the foregoing, operating profit before tax of this operating segment for 2012 was €2,225 million, a 3.7% increase from the €2,146 million recorded for 2011.

Income tax

Income tax of this operating segment for 2012 was €538 million, a 4.7% increase from the €513 million recorded for 2011.

 

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Profit from continuing operations

Profit from continuing operations of this operating segment for 2012 was €1,688 million, a 3.4% increase from the €1,633 million recorded for 2011.

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

As mentioned above, in the second half of 2012, we signed an agreement for the sale of our pension business in Mexico. Accordingly, the earnings from this activity have been classified under discontinued operations in the income statement for 2012 and 2011 (for comparison purposes). Profit from discontinued operations (net) of this operating segment for 2012 was €136 million, a 69.1% increase from the €81 million recorded for 2011.

Profit attributable to parent company

As a result of the foregoing, profit attributable to parent company of this operating segment for 2012 was €1,821 million, a 6.4% increase from the €1,711 million recorded for 2011.

SOUTH AMERICA

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2012     2011     Change  
     (In Millions of Euros)     (In %)  

Net interest income

     4,291        3,161        35.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net fees and commissions

     910        720        26.4   

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

     443        485        (8.6

Other operating income and expenses

     (281     (264     6.4   

Administration costs

     (2,154     (1,741     23.7   

Depreciation and amortization

     (173     (152     14.3   

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (593     (449     32.1   

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

     (202     (89     127.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     2,240        1,671        34.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     (486     (343     41.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     1,754        1,327        32.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     241        160        51.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     1,995        1,487        34.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     (649     (480     35.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     1,347        1,007        33.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

As discussed above under “—Factors Affecting the Comparability of our Results of Operations and Financial Condition,” the average exchange rates of the currencies of the countries in which we operate in South America, except for the Argentine peso, against the euro, increased in 2012, resulting in a positive impact on the results of operations of the South America operating segment expressed in euro.

During the second half of 2012 we embarked on various negotiations for the sale of our pension business in South America and, in late 2012, we entered into an agreement for the sale of our stake in the Colombian company BBVA Horizonte Sociedad Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones y Cesantías S.A. The earnings from our pension business in South America have been classified as discontinued operations in the income statement for 2012 and 2011 (for comparison purposes).

Net interest income

Net interest income of this operating segment for 2012 was €4,291 million, a 35.7% increase from the €3,161 million recorded in 2011, mainly due to the increase in volume of customer loans and deposits during the period, combined with sound price management.

 

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Net fees and commissions

Net fees and commissions of this operating segment amounted to €910 million in 2012, a 26.4% increase from the €720 million recorded in 2011, primarily due to the increasing pace of business in most of the countries throughout the region.

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

Net gains on financial assets and liabilities and exchange differences of this operating segment in 2012 were €443 million, an 8.6% decrease from the €485 million recorded in 2011. Net gains on financial assets and liabilities and exchange differences of this operating segment in 2011 were positively affected by the revaluation of the U.S. dollar positions of BBVA Provincial in Venezuela, and no similar revaluation was recorded in 2012.

Other operating income and expenses (net)

Other operating income and expenses (net) of this operating segment for 2012, was a loss of €281 million, a 6.4% increase from the loss of €264 million recorded for 2011, principally due to the impact of Venezuela as a hyperinflationary economy since 2009 and the greater contribution made to the deposit guarantee funds in the countries in which we operate.

Administration costs

Administration costs of this operating segment in 2012 were €2,154 million, a 23.7% increase from the €1,741 million recorded in 2011, primarily due to the implementation of growth plans and the higher inflation recorded in the area.

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) of this operating segment in 2012 was €593 million, 32.1% increase from the €449 million recorded in 2011, primarily due to the growth of loans and advances to customers. The operating segment’s non-performing assets ratio was 2.1% as of December 31, 2012, compared with 2.2% as of December 31, 2011.

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

As a result of the foregoing, operating profit before tax of this operating segment in 2012 amounted to €2,240 million, a 34.1% increase compared to the €1,671 million recorded in 2011.

Income tax

Income tax of this operating segment in 2012 was €486 million, a 41.6% increase from the €343 million recorded in 2011.

Profit from continuing operations

Profit from continuing operations of this operating segment for 2012 was €1,754 million, a 32.2% increase from the €1,327 million recorded for 2011.

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

As discussed above, the earnings from our pension business in South America have been classified as discontinued operations in the income statement for 2012 and 2011 (for comparison purposes). Profit from discontinued operations (net) of this operating segment for 2012 was €241 million, a 51.2% increase from the €160 million recorded for 2011.

 

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Profit attributable to parent company

Profit attributable to parent company of this operating segment in 2012 was €1,347 million, a 33.8% increase from the €1,007 million recorded in 2011.

UNITED STATES

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2012     2011     Change  
     (In Millions of Euros)     (In %)  

Net interest income

     1,682        1,635        2.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net fees and commissions

     603        633        (4.8

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

     160        140        14.5   

Other operating income and expenses

     (49     (84     (41.8

Administration costs

     (1,396     (1,327     5.2   

Depreciation and amortization

     (188     (170     10.4   

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (90     (346     (73.8

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

     (54     (1,501     n.m.(1)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     667        (1,020     n.m.(1)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     (192     329        n.m.(1)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     475        (691     n.m.(1)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     —          —          n.m.(1)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     475        (691     n.m.(1)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     —          —          n.m.(1)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     475        (691     n.m.(1)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Not meaningful.

As discussed above under “—Factors Affecting the Comparability of our Results of Operations and Financial Condition” in 2012 the U.S. dollar appreciated against the euro on average terms, resulting in a positive exchange rate effect on our income statement in 2012.

Net interest income

Net interest income of this operating segment for 2012 was €1,682 million, a 2.8% increase from the €1,635 million recorded in 2011, primarily as a result of the appreciation of the U.S. dollar.

Net fees and commissions

Net fees and commissions of this operating segment in 2012 were €603 million, a 4.8% decrease from the €633 million recorded in 2011, due primarily to the coming into force of restrictive regulations on fees and commissions. This negative effect was partially offset by the positive performance of service fees from new residential mortgages.

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences of this operating segment in 2012 were €160 million, a 14.5% increase from the €140 million recorded in 2011, mainly due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollar.

Other operating income and expenses (net)

Other operating income and expenses (net) of this operating segment in 2012 were an expense of €49 million, compared to an expense of €84 million recorded in 2011 mainly due to lower contributions to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

 

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Administration costs

Administration costs of this operating segment in 2012 were €1,396 million, a 5.2% increase from the €1,327 million recorded in 2011.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization of this operating segment for 2012 was €188 million, a 10.4% increase from €170 million in 2011.

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) of this operating segment for 2012 was €90 million, a 73.8% decrease from the €346 million recorded for 2011, primarily due to the improvement in the loan-book mix. The non-performing assets ratio of this operating segment as of December 31, 2012 decreased to 2.4% from 3.5% as of December 31, 2011.

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses) for 2012 reflected losses of €54 million, compared to the €1,501 million losses recorded for 2011. Provisions (net) and other gains (losses) for 2011 were mainly related to impairment losses for goodwill (totaling €1,444 million). This goodwill adjustment was of an accounting nature and did not have any negative impact on the liquidity or capital adequacy of either the operating segment or the Group.

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

As a result of the foregoing, the operating profit before tax of this operating segment for 2012 was a gain of €667 million, compared to a loss of €1,020 million recorded in 2011.

Income tax

Income tax of this operating segment for 2012 was a loss of €192 million, compared to a gain of €329 million recorded in 2011.

Profit attributable to parent company

Profit attributable to parent company of this operating segment for 2012 was a gain of €475 million, compared to a loss of €691 recorded in 2011.

 

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CORPORATE ACTIVITIES

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2012     2011     Change  
     (In Millions of Euros)     (In %)  

Net interest income

     (697     (614     13.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net fees and commissions

     (304     (196     55.6   

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

     828        436        89.7   

Other operating income and expenses

     105        366        (71.2

Administration costs

     (734     (706     4.0   

Depreciation and amortization

     (373     (270     38.1   

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     60        (392     n.m. (1) 

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

     (1,569     (1,049     49.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     (2,686     (2,425     10.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     1,020        1,012        0.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     (1,665     (1,413     17.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     15        5        177.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     (1,651     (1,407     17.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     2        2        (26.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     (1,649     (1,405     17.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Not meaningful.

Net interest income

Net interest income of this operating segment for 2012 was an expense of €697 million compared to an expense of €614 million recorded in 2011. Net interest income has been negatively affected by the rising cost of wholesale finance resulting from the instability in the Euro zone area.

Net fees and commissions

Net fees and commissions of this operating segment amounted to an expense of €304 million for 2012, a 55.6% increase from the €196 million expense recorded for 2011.

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences of this operating segment for 2012 were a gain of €828 million, a 89.7% increase from the €436 million gain recorded in 2011, primarily as a result of the capital gains derived from the repurchase of securitization bonds and subordinated debt carried out in 2012.

Other operating income and expenses (net)

Other operating income and expenses (net) of this operating segment for 2012 was a gain of €105 million, a 71.2% decrease from the €366 million gain recorded in 2011. Other operating income and expenses (net) of this operating segment for both years was primarily composed of Telefónica, S.A.’s dividends, which decreased from €1.52 per share in 2011 to €0.53 per share in 2012.

 

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Administration costs

Administration costs of this operating segment for 2012 were €734 million, a 4.0% increase from the €706 million recorded in 2011, primarily due to the increase in costs associated with certain investments that are currently being undertaken including for the upgrading of systems, infrastructure and image and brand identity.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization of this operating segment for 2012 was €373 million, a 38.1% increase from the €270 million recorded in 2011, primarily due to charges related to corporate offices and software amortization.

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) of this operating segment for 2012 was a gain of €60 million compared with a loss of €392 million recorded for 2011, when higher provisions for loan losses were made to increase the Group’s coverage ratio in light of the adverse economic conditions.

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses) for 2012 was an expense of €1,569 million, a 49.6% increase from the €1,049 million expense recorded in 2011, primarily due to an increase in provisions for foreclosed assets and real estate assets and partially offset by the negative goodwill generated by the acquisition of Unnim. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—History and Development of the Company—Capital Expenditures—2012—Acquisition of Unnim” and Note 20.1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

As a result of the foregoing, operating loss before tax of this operating segment for 2012 was a loss of €2,686 million, compared to a loss of €2,425 million in 2011.

Income tax

Income tax of this operating segment for 2012 was €1,020 million, a 0.9% increase from the €1,012 million recorded for 2011.

Profit attributable to parent company

Profit attributable to parent company of this operating segment for 2012 was a loss of €1,649 million, compared to a loss of €1,405 million in 2011.

 

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Results of Operations by Operating Segment for 2011 Compared to 2010

SPAIN

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2011     2010    

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)    

Net interest income

     4,391        4,898        (10.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net fees and commissions

     1,461        1,673        (12.7

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

     11        3        n.m. (1) 

Other operating income and expenses

     464        497        (6.7

Administration costs

     (2,689     (2,764     (2.7

Depreciation and amortization

     (98     (97     0.8   

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (1,711     (1,321     29.6   

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

     68        236        (71.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     1,897        3,127        (39.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     (546     (914     (40.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     1,352        2,212        (38.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     —          —          n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     1,352        2,212        (38.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     —          (3     (89.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     1,352        2,210        (38.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Not meaningful.

Net interest income

Net interest income of this operating segment for 2011 was €4,391 million, a 10.4% decrease compared to the €4,898 million recorded for 2010, due mainly to the upturn in interest rates in the Eurozone in the 2011, which affected liability costs to a greater extent, and a faster impact, than the return on assets. The decrease in net interest income was also the result of the extremely complex environment in which it was produced, with restricted lending activity in Spain and more expensive wholesale funding due to the increased spread paid for Spain’s risk.

Net fees and commissions

Net fees and commissions of this operating segment amounted to €1,461 million for 2011, a 12.7% decrease from the €1,673 million recorded for 2010, primarily due to the application of loyalty-based reductions to a greater number of customers and the fall in the volume of managed mutual funds.

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences of this operating segment for 2011 was a gain of €11 million compared with the €3 million gain recorded for 2010. The positive effect of exchanges differences (€51 million in 2011 compared with €4 million in 2010) was partially offset by the higher net losses on financial assets (€40 million in 2011 compared with €1 million in 2010).

Other operating income and expenses (net)

Other operating income and expenses (net) of this operating segment for 2011 was a gain of €464 million, a 6.7% decrease from the €497 million gain recorded for 2010, primarily due to the increased contributions to the Deposit Guarantee Fund.

Administration costs

Administration costs of this operating segment for 2011 were €2,689 million, a 2.7% decrease from the €2,764 million recorded for 2010, primarily due to the decline in general and personnel expenses.

 

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Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) of this operating segment for 2011 was €1,711 million, a 29.6% increase from the €1,321 million recorded for 2010 which is mainly attributable to the deterioration of the economic situation. This operating segment’s non-performing assets ratio remained stable during 2011 and was 4.8%, as of December 31, 2011, due to the decrease in loans and advances to customers and in substandard loans due to the write-off.

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

As a result of the foregoing, operating profit before tax of this operating segment for 2011 was €1,897 million, a 39.3% decrease from the €3,127 million recorded in 2010.

Income tax

Income tax of this operating segment for 2011 was €546 million, a 40.3% decrease from the €914 million recorded in 2010, primarily as result of the decrease in operating profit before tax.

Profit attributable to parent company

As a result of the foregoing, profit attributable to parent company of this operating segment for 2011 was €1,352 million, a 38.8% decrease from the €2,210 million recorded in 2010.

EURASIA

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2011     2010    

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)    

Net interest income

     802        333        141.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net fees and commissions

     391        228        71.5   

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

     113        132        (14.6

Other operating income and expenses

     655        367        78.4   

Administration costs

     (604     (274     120.9   

Depreciation and amortization

     (44     (17     158.0   

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (149     (89     66.3   

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

     11        (20     n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     1,176        660        78.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     (145     (85     70.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     1,031        575        79.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     —          —          n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     1,031        575        79.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     —           1        (100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     1,031        575        79.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Not meaningful.

The importance of this operating segment increased in 2011 both in terms of earnings and our balance sheet, primarily due to the contribution of Garanti starting in March 2011 and the increase of earnings from CNCB.

Net interest income

Net interest income of this operating segment for 2011 was €802 million, a 141.2% increase compared to the €333 million recorded for 2010.

 

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Net fees and commissions

Net fees and commissions of this operating segment amounted to €391 million for 2011, a 71.5% increase from the €228 million recorded for 2010.

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

Net gains and financial assets and liabilities and exchange differences of this operating segment for 2011 was €113 million, a 14.6% decrease compared with the €132 million recorded for 2010, primarily due to the negative impact of exchange rates.

Other operating income and expenses (net)

Other operating income and expenses (net) of this operating segment for 2011 was a gain of €655 million, a 78.4% increase from the €367 million gain recorded for 2010, primarily due to the growing contribution of CNCB.

Administration costs

Administration costs of this operating segment for 2011 were €604 million, a 120.9% increase over the €274 million recorded for 2010.

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) of this operating segment for 2011 was €149 million, a 66.3% increase from the €89 million recorded for 2010. The operating segment’s non-performing assets ratio increased to 1.5% as of December 31, 2011 from 0.9% as of December 31, 2010.

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

As a result of the foregoing, operating profit before tax of this operating segment for 2011 was €1,176 million, a 78.2% increase from the €660 million recorded in 2010.

Income tax

Income tax of this operating segment for 2011 was €145 million, a 70.1% increase from the €85 million recorded in 2010, primarily as result of the increase in operating profit before tax.

Profit attributable to parent company

As a result of the foregoing, profit attributable to parent company of this operating segment for 2011 was €1,031 million, a 79.2% increase from the €575 million recorded in 2010.

 

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MEXICO

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2011     2010    

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)    

Net interest income

     3,776        3,648        3.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net fees and commissions

     1,022        1,066        (4.2

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

     296        384        (22.7

Other operating income and expenses

     227        180        26.3   

Administration costs

     (1,831     (1,742     5.1   

Depreciation and amortization

     (105     (85     24.1   

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (1,180     (1,229     (4.0

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

     (59     (85     (30.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     2,146        2,137        0.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     (513     (530     (3.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     1,633        1,607        1.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     81        80        1.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     1,714        1,687        1.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     (3     (4     (32.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     1,711        1,683        1.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

In 2011 the Mexican peso depreciated against the euro on average terms, resulting in a negative exchange rate effect on our income statement for 2011.

Net interest income

Net interest income of this operating segment for 2011 was €3,776 million, a 3.5% increase from the €3,648 million recorded for 2010, due primarily to increased business activity, with greater volumes of lending and customer funds, and sound price management.

Net fees and commissions

Net fees and commissions of this operating segment amounted to €1,022 million for 2011, a 4.2% decrease from the €1,066 million recorded for 2010, primarily as a result of the exchange rate effect.

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

Net gains on financial assets and liabilities and exchange differences of this operating segment for 2011 amounted to €296 million, a 22.7% decrease from the €384 million for 2010, primarily due to the lower intermediation income received as a result of the financial markets situation.

Other operating income and expenses (net)

Other operating income and expenses (net) of this operating segment for 2011, was a gain €227 million, a 26.3% increase from the €180 million gain recorded for 2010, principally due to growth in the insurance business.

Administration costs

Administration costs of this operating segment for 2011 amounted to €1,831 million, a 5.1% increase from the €1,742 million recorded for 2010, primarily due to a three-year expansion and transformation plan implemented by BBVA Bancomer to take advantage of the long-term growth opportunities offered by the Mexican market.

 

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Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) of this operating segment for 2011 was €1,180 million, a 4.0% decrease from the €1,229 million recorded for 2010, primarily due to the recovery in economic conditions in Mexico. However, the operating segment’s non-performing assets ratio increased to 3.5% as of December 31, 2011 from 3.2% as of December 31, 2010.

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

As a result of the foregoing, operating profit before tax of this operating segment for 2011 was €2,146 million, a 0.4% increase from the €2,137 million recorded for 2010.

Income tax

Income tax of this operating segment for 2011 was €513 million, a 3.2% decrease from the €530 million recorded for 2010.

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

Profit from discontinued operations (net) of this operating segment for 2011 was €81 million, a 1.1% increase from the €80 million recorded for 2010.

Profit attributable to parent company

Profit attributable to parent company of this operating segment for 2011 was €1,711 million, a 1.7% increase from the €1,683 million recorded for 2010.

SOUTH AMERICA

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2011     2010    

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)    

Net interest income

     3,161        2,494        26.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net fees and commissions

     720        620        16.0   

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

     485        458        5.9   

Other operating income and expenses

     (264     (170     55.3   

Administration costs

     (1,741     (1,398     24.5   

Depreciation and amortization

     (152     (126     20.5   

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (449     (419     7.2   

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

     (89     (35     156.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     1,671        1,424        17.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     (343     (347     (1.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     1,327        1,077        23.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     160        195        (18.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     1,487        1,273        16.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     (480     (383     25.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     1,007        889        13.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

The average exchange rates of the currencies of the countries in which we operate in South America, except for the Chilean peso, against the euro, decreased in 2011, resulting in a negative impact on the results of operations of the South America operating segment expressed in euro.

 

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Net interest income

Net interest income of this operating segment for 2011 was €3,161 million, a 26.8% increase from the €2,494 million recorded in 2011, mainly due to the increase in volume of customer loans and deposits during the period, combined with sound price management.

Net fees and commissions

Net fees and commissions of this operating segment amounted to €720 million in 2011, a 16.0% increase from the €620 million recorded in 2010, primarily due to the increasing pace of business in most of the countries throughout the region.

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

Net gains on financial assets and liabilities and exchange differences of this operating segment in 2011 were €485 million, a 5.9% decrease from the €458 million recorded in 2010, primarily due to the negative impact of exchange differences.

Other operating income and expenses (net)

Other operating income and expenses (net) of this operating segment for 2011, was a loss of €264 million, a 55.3% increase from the loss of €170 million recorded for 2010, principally due to the impact of Venezuela as a hyperinflationary economy since 2009.

Administration costs

Administration costs of this operating segment in 2011 were €1,741 million, a 24.5% increase from the €1,398 million recorded in 2010, primarily due to the implementation of growth plans.

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) of this operating segment in 2011 was €449 million, a 7.2% increase from the €419 million recorded in 2010, primarily due to the growth of loans and advances to customers. The operating segment’s non-performing assets ratio decreased to 2.2% as of December 31, 2011 from 2.5% as of December 31, 2010.

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

As a result of the foregoing, operating profit before tax of this operating segment in 2011 amounted to €1,671 million, a 17.3% increase compared to the €1,424 million recorded in 2010.

Income tax

Income tax of this operating segment in 2011 was €343 million, a 1.0% decrease from the €347 million recorded in 2010.

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

Profit from discontinued operations (net) of this operating segment for 2011 was €160 million, a 18.3% decrease from the €195 million recorded for 2010.

Profit attributable to parent company

Profit attributable to parent company of this operating segment in 2011 was €1,007 million, a 13.2% increase from the €889 million recorded in 2010.

 

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UNITED STATES

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2011     2010    

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)    

Net interest income

     1,635        1,825        (10.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net fees and commissions

     633        651        (2.8

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

     140        156        (10.6

Other operating income and expenses

     (84     (50     69.8   

Administration costs

     (1,327     (1,322     0.4   

Depreciation and amortization

     (170     (199     (14.7

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (346     (703     (50.9

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

     (1,501     (22     n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     (1,020     336        n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     329        (76     n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     (691     260        n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     —          —          n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     (691     260        n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     —          —          n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     (691     260        n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Not meaningful.

In 2011 the U.S. dollar depreciated against the euro on average terms, resulting in a negative exchange rate effect on our income statement in 2011.

Net interest income

Net interest income of this operating segment for 2011 was €1,635 million, a 10.4% decrease from the €1,825 million recorded in 2010, primarily due to the strategies implemented by the operating segment to reduce the loan portfolio risk. Our developer and construction portfolios, which have high interest rates but also represents high risks, contracted significantly, while mortgage loans and individual loans and lending to the industrial and commercial sector, which entail a lower risk and therefore have a narrower spread, grew.

Net fees and commissions

Net fees and commissions of this operating segment in 2011 were €633 million, a 2.8% decrease from the €651 million recorded in 2010, due primarily to the exchange rate effect

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences of this operating segment in 2011 were €140 million, a 10.6% decrease from the €156 million recorded in 2010, mainly due to the turmoil in the markets.

Other operating income and expenses (net)

Other operating income and expenses (net) of this operating segment in 2011 were a loss of €84 million, compared to a loss of €50 million recorded in 2010 mainly due to higher contributions to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Administration costs

Administration costs of this operating segment in 2011 were €1,327 million, a 0.4% decrease from the €1,322 million recorded in 2010.

 

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Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization of this operating segment for 2011 was €170 million, a 14.7% decrease from €199 million in 2010.

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) of this operating segment for 2011 was €346 million, a 50.9% decrease from the €703 million recorded for 2010, primarily due to the improvement in the loan-book mix. The non-performing assets ratio of this operating segment as of December 31, 2011 decreased to 3.6% from 4.4% as of December 31, 2010.

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses) for 2011 reflected losses of €1,501 million, compared to the €22 million losses recorded for 2010, due primarily to impairment losses for goodwill (totaling €1,444 million). This goodwill adjustment was of an accounting nature and did not have any negative impact on the liquidity or capital adequacy of either the operating segment or the Group.

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

As a result of the foregoing, the operating loss before tax of this operating segment for 2011 was €1,020 million, compared to a gain of €336 million recorded in 2010.

Income tax

Income tax of this operating segment for 2011 was a gain of €329 million, compared to a loss of €76 million recorded in 2010, due to the operating loss before tax referred to above.

Profit attributable to parent company

Profit attributable to parent company of this operating segment for 2011 was a loss of €691 million, compared to a gain of €260 recorded in 2010.

CORPORATE ACTIVITIES

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2011     2010    

Change

(In %)

 
     (In Millions of Euros)    

Net interest income

     (614     117        n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net fees and commissions

     (196     (205     (4.8

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

     436        695        (37.3

Other operating income and expenses

     366        332        10.0   

Administration costs

     (706     (508     39.40   

Depreciation and amortization

     (270     (230     17.7   

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     (392     (957     (59.0

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

     (1,049     (870     20.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

     (2,425     (1,625     49.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income tax

     1,012        608        66.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations

     (1,413     (1,017     38.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from discontinued operations (net)

     5        6        (5.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit

     (1,407     (1,011     39.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     2        —          n.m. (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit attributable to parent company

     (1,405     (1,011     39.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   
(1) Not meaningful.

 

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Net interest income

Net interest income of this operating segment for 2011 was a loss of €614 million compared to a gain of €117 million recorded in 2010. Net interest income in 2011 was negatively affected by the rising cost of wholesale finance.

Net fees and commissions

Net fees and commissions of this operating segment amounted to a loss of €196 million for 2011, a 4.8% decrease from the €205 million loss recorded for 2010.

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and net exchange differences of this operating segment for 2011 were a gain of €436 million, a 37.3% decrease from the €695 million gain recorded in 2010, primarily due to the absence of earnings from portfolio sales and the loss of value of the assets as a result of the turmoil in the markets.

Other operating income and expenses (net)

Other operating income and expenses (net) of this operating segment for 2011 was a gain of €366 million, a 10.0% increase from the €332 million gain recorded in 2010.

Administration costs

Administration costs of this operating segment for 2011 were €706 million, a 39.0% increase from the €508 million recorded in 2010, primarily due to the increase in costs associated with certain investments that are currently being undertaken including for the upgrading of systems, infrastructure and image and brand identity.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization of this operating segment for 2011 was €270 million, a 17.7% increase from the €230 million recorded in 2010.

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

Impairment losses on financial assets (net) of this operating segment for 2011 was €392 million compared with €957 million recorded for 2010, when higher provisions for loan losses were made to increase the Group’s coverage ratio in light of the adverse economic conditions.

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses)

Provisions (net) and other gains (losses) for 2011 was a loss of €1,049 million, a 20.6% increase from a loss of €870 million for 2010, primarily due to an increase in provisions for foreclosed assets and real estate assets designed to maintain coverage at an adequate level.

Operating profit / (loss) before tax

As a result of the foregoing, the operating loss before tax of this operating segment for 2011 was €2,425 million, compared to a loss of €1,625 million in 2010.

Income tax

Income tax of this operating segment for 2011 was €1,012 million, a 66.5% increase from the €608 million recorded for 2010.

 

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Profit attributable to parent company

Profit attributable to parent company of this operating segment for 2011 was a loss of €1,405 million, compared to a loss of €1,011 million in 2010.

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity risk management and controls are explained in Note 7.3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, information on outstanding contractual maturities of assets and liabilities is provided in Note 7.5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For information concerning our short-term borrowing, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Selected Statistical Information—LIABILITIES—Short-term Borrowings”.

Liquidity and finance management of the BBVA Group’s balance sheet seeks to fund the growth of the banking business at suitable maturities and costs, using a wide range of instruments that provide access to a large number of alternative sources of finance.

A core principle in the BBVA Group’s liquidity and finance management is the financial independence of its banking subsidiaries. This aims to ensure that the cost of liquidity is correctly reflected in price formation. Accordingly, we maintain a liquidity pool at an individual entity level at each of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and our banking subsidiaries, including BBVA Compass, BBVA Bancomer and our Latin American subsidiaries. The only exception to this principle is Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Portugal), S.A., which is funded by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Portugal), S.A. represented 0.91% of our total consolidated assets and 0.43% of our total consolidated liabilities, as of December 31, 2012.

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 liquidity pool of liquid assets and securitized assets at an individual entity level (except with respect to Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Portugal), S.A.). Another source of liquidity is our generation of cash flow from our operations. Finally, we supplement our funding requirements with borrowings from the Bank of Spain and from the European Central Bank (“ECB”) or the respective central banks of the countries where our subsidiaries are located. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on our borrowings from central banks.

The table below shows the types and amounts of securities included within the liquidity pool of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Portugal), S.A. and each of our significant subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012:

 

     BBVA
Eurozone(1)
     BBVA
Bancomer
     BBVA
Compass
     Others  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Cash and balances with central banks

     10,106         5,950         4,310         6,133   

Assets for credit operations with central banks

     33,086         6,918         10,215         7,708   

Central governments issues

     25,148         3,865         —           7,275   

Of Which: Spanish government securities

     21,729         —           —           —     

Other issues

     7,939         3,053         3,627         432   

Loans

     —           —           6,587         —     

Other non-eligible liquid assets

     3,975         460         198         765   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accumulated available balance

     47,167         13,328         14,723         14,606   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Portugal), S.A.

 

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The following table shows the balances as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 of our principal sources of funds (including accrued interest, hedge transactions and issue expenses):

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (in Millions of Euros)  

Deposits from central banks

     46,790         33,147         11,010   

Deposits from credit institutions

     59,722         59,356         57,170   

Customer deposits

     292,716         282,173         275,789   

Debt certificates

     87,212         81,930         85,179   

Subordinated liabilities

     11,831         15,419         17,420   

Other financial liabilities

     8,216         7,879         6,596   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     506,487         479,904         453,164   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Customer deposits

Customer deposits amounted to €292,716 million as of December 31, 2012, compared to €282,173 million as of December 31, 2011 and €275,789 million as of December 31, 2010. The increase from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012 was primarily caused by an increase in fixed-term deposits in the domestic sector.

Our customer deposits, excluding assets sold under repurchase agreements, amounted to €263,663 million as of December 31, 2012 compared to €237,686 million as of December 31, 2011 and €234,302 million as of December 31, 2010.

Amounts due to credit institutions

Amounts due to credit institutions, including central banks, amounted to €106,512 million as of December 31, 2012, compared to €92,503 million as of December 31, 2011 and €68,180 million as of December 31, 2010. The increase as of December 31, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011, was related to increased deposits from central banks, mainly from the ECB long-term financing.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  

Deposits from credit entities

     59,722         59,356         57,170   

Deposits from central banks

     46,790         33,147         11,010   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Deposits from credit institutions

     106,512         92,503         68,180   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capital markets

We have continued making debt issuances in the domestic and international capital markets in order to finance our activities and as of December 31, 2012 we had €87,212 million of senior debt outstanding, comprising €76,028 million in bonds and debentures and €11,183 million in promissory notes and other securities, compared to €81,930 million, €74,429 million and €7,501 million outstanding as of December 31, 2011, respectively (€85,179 million, €71,964 million and €13,215 million outstanding, respectively, as of December 31, 2010). See Note 23.3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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In addition, we had a total of €9,275 million in subordinated debt and €1,847 million in preferred securities outstanding as of December 31, 2012, compared to €12,781 million and €1,760 million outstanding as of December 31, 2011, respectively.

The breakdown of the outstanding subordinated debt and preferred securities by entity issuer, maturity, interest rate and currency is disclosed in Appendix VI of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following is a breakdown as of December 31, 2012 of the maturities of our debt certificates (including bonds) and subordinated liabilities, disregarding any valuation adjustments and accrued interest:

 

     Demand      Up to
1 Month
     1 to 3
Months
     3 to 12
Months
     1 to 5
Years
     Over 5
Years
     Total  
     (in Millions of Euros)  

Debt certificates (including bonds)

     —           6,140         4,146         18,116         39,332         15,126         82,860   

Subordinated liabilities

     —           50         —           724         3,243         7,104         11,122   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     —           6,190         4,146         18,840         42,575         22,230         93,982   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*) Regulatory equity instruments have been classified according to their contractual maturity

Generation of Cash Flow

We operate in Spain, Mexico, the United States and over 30 other countries, mainly in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Our banking subsidiaries around the world, including BBVA Compass, are subject to supervision and regulation by a variety of regulatory bodies relating to, among other things, the satisfaction of minimum capital requirements. The obligation to satisfy such capital requirements may affect the ability of our banking subsidiaries, including BBVA Compass, to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. In addition, under the laws of the various jurisdictions where our subsidiaries, including BBVA Compass, are incorporated, dividends may only be paid out of funds legally available therefor. For example, BBVA Compass is incorporated in Alabama and under Alabama law it is not able to pay any dividends without the prior approval of the Superintendent of Banking of Alabama if the dividend would exceed the total net earnings for the year combined with the bank’s retained net earnings of the preceding two years.

Even where minimum capital requirements are met and funds are legally available therefore, the relevant regulator could advise against the transfer of funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances, for prudence reasons or otherwise.

There is no assurance that in the future other similar restrictions will not be adopted or that, if adopted, they will not negatively affect our liquidity. The geographic diversification of our businesses, however, could help to limit the effect on the Group any restrictions that could be adopted in any given country.

We believe that our working capital is sufficient for our present requirements and to pursue our planned business strategies.

See Note 53 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Capital

Our estimated capital ratios and its related components are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe these metrics provide useful information to investors and others by measuring our progress against regulatory capital standards. Our estimated capital ratios are based on our interpretation, expectations and understanding of the respective requirements, and are necessarily subject to further regulatory clarity and rulemaking.

 

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Under the Bank of Spain’s capital adequacy regulations applicable as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 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, 2012, this ratio was 10.5%, down from 10.9% as of December 31, 2011, and our stockholders’ equity exceeded the minimum level required by 40.3%, up from 40.1% as of December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2010, this ratio was 11.9% and our stockholders’ equity exceeded the minimum level required by 53.7%. For additional information on the calculation of these ratios, see Note 33 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Based on the Basel II framework, our estimated consolidated ratios as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

 

     As of
December 31,
2012
    As of
December 31,
2011
    % Change
2012-2011
 

Stockholders’ funds

     43,614        40,952        6.5   

Adjustments

     (9,401     (10,221     (8.0

Mandatory convertible bonds

     1,238        3,430        (63.9

CORE CAPITAL

     35,451        34,161        3.8   

Preferred securities

     1,860        1,759        5.7   

Adjustments

     (1,860     (1,759     5.7   

CAPITAL (TIER I)

     35,451        34,161        3.8   

Subordinated debt and other

     10,022        11,258        (11.0

Deductions

     (2,636     (2,649     (0.5

OTHER ELIGIBLE CAPITAL (TIER II)

     7,386        8,609        (14.2

CAPITAL BASE (TIER I + TIER II) (a)

     42,836        42,770        0.2   

Minimum capital requirement (BIS II Regulations)

     26,323        26,462        (0.5

CAPITAL SURPLUS

     16,514        16,308        1.3   

RISK WEIGHTED ASSETS (b)

     329,033        330,771        (0.5

BIS RATIO (a)/(b)

     13.0     12.9  

CORE CAPITAL

     10.8     10.3  

TIER I

     10.8     10.3  

TIER II

     2.2     2.6  

The Group’s capital base, calculated in accordance with the rules set forth in the Basel II capital accord, stood at €42,836 million as of December 31, 2012, in line with our capital base as of December 31, 2011.

Risk-weighted assets (“RWA”) decreased slightly in 2012, reaching €329,033 million as of December 31, 2012 (compared with €330,771 as of December 31, 2011). This decrease was mainly due to the deleveraging process in Spain, reduced activity with wholesale customers and the sale of our Puerto Rico subsidiary, which was partially offset by the increased banking business in emerging countries and the incorporation of Unnim.

The minimum capital requirements under BIS II (8% of RWA) amounted to €26,323 million as of December 31, 2012. Thus, excess capital resources (over the required 8% of RWA) stood at €16,514 million. Therefore, as of December 31, 2012, the Group’s capital resources were 62.7% higher than the minimum required levels.

The quality of the capital base improved during 2012, since core capital as of December 31, 2012 amounted to €35,451 million, up from €34,161 million as of December 31, 2011. This increase was principally due to the generation of earnings attributed both to the Group and to non-controlling interests and to foreign exchange rate differences (see Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).

Core capital accounted for 10.8% of RWA as of December 31, 2012, compared with 10.3% as of December 31, 2011, an increase of 50 basis points.

 

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Tier I capital stood at €35,451 million or 10.8% of RWA as of December 31, 2012, 50 basis points up higher than on December 31, 2011. Preferred securities accounted for 5.25% of Tier I capital as of December 31, 2012.

As of December 31, 2012, Tier II capital was €7,386 million or 2.2% of RWA, 40 basis points lower than on December 31, 2011, due mainly to repurchases and conversions of subordinated debt in 2012.

By aggregating Tier I and Tier II capital, as of December 31, 2012, the BIS total capital ratio is 13.0%, compared with 12.9% as of December 31, 2011.

Other Requirements on Minimum Capital Levels

In addition to the requirements referred to above, in 2011, the European Banking Authority (“EBA”) issued a recommendation pursuant to which financial institutions based in the EU should reach a new minimum Core Tier 1 (CT1) ratio of 9%, after setting an additional buffer against sovereign risk holdings, by June 30, 2012. While this recommendation was initially made on an exceptional and temporary basis, it continues to be in place. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2012, the BBVA Group’s EBA Core Tier I capital stood at 9.9% and 9.7% (this is a provisional figure), respectively, thus complying with the minimum required level.

In recent years we have taken various actions in connection with our capital management and in order to comply with various capital requirements applicable to us. We may make securities issuances or undertake asset sales in the future, which could involve outright sales of businesses or reductions in interests held by us, which could be material and could be undertaken at less than their respective book values, resulting in material losses thereon, in connection with our capital management and in order to comply with capital requirements or otherwise.

See “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Us and Our Business—We are subject to substantial regulation, and regulatory and governmental oversight. Adverse regulatory developments or changes in government policy could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Capital Requirements”. For qualitative and quantitative information on the principal risks we face, including market, credit, and liquidity risks as well as information on funding and treasury policies and exchange rate risk, see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”.

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

In 2012, we continued to foster the use of new technologies as a key component of our global development strategy. We explored new business and growth opportunities, focusing on three major areas: emerging technologies; asset capture/exploitation; and the customer as the focal point of our banking business.

The BBVA Group is not materially dependent on the issuance of patents, licenses and industrial, mercantile or financial contracts or on new manufacturing processes in carrying out its business purpose.

D. Trend Information

The European financial services sector is likely to remain competitive. 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 or via acquisition of distressed entities. It is foreseeable that regulatory changes will take place in the future that will diminish barriers to such consolidation transactions. However, some of the hurdles that should be dealt with are the result of local preferences and their impact on legal culture, as it is the case with consumer protection rules. If there are clear local consumer preferences, leading to specific local consumer protection rules, the same products cannot be sold across all the jurisdictions in which the Group operates, which reduces potential synergies.

In addition, there are other challenges which are unrelated to the interest or preferences of consumers, such as the Value Added Tax regime for banks. The Value Added Tax regime for banks is consistent with a more general trend of increasing pressure on financial systems. Within the Euro area, several countries are imposing new taxes on the financial industry, such as bank levies, financial activity taxes or financial transactions taxes. In addition, the introduction of a general Financial Transaction Tax at a EU-level is being discussed. Differing tax regimes could set incentives for banks to operate, or transactions to take place, in those geographies where the tax pressure is lower. The implementation of new regulations in countries where we operate which results in increased tax pressure, or our inability to operate in geographies where the tax pressure is lower, could have a material impact on our profitability.

 

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Regarding consumer protection rules, initiatives such as the review of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), the EU Commission consultation on the legislative steps for the Packaged Retail Investment Products (PRIPs) proposal or the EU proposal for a regulation on a new Key Information Document for investment products (of July 3, 2012) could entail significant costs for our operations. In addition, it is unclear whether these initiatives will be applied equally across European countries, and differences in the implementation of these initiatives could affect the level-playing-field in the industry.

Regarding MiFID, on October 20, 2011, the European Commission presented a legislative proposal to review the MiFID in order to set clearer and more comprehensive rules across all financial instruments, in line with G-20 recommendations and specific U.S. Dodd-Frank Act provisions. The current proposal includes enhanced transparency requirements concerning trading activities in equity markets, tougher rules for algorithmic and high frequency trading activities and stricter requirements for portfolio management, investment advice and the offer of complex financial products such as structured products. These stricter rules on investment advice include, among others, telephone recordings, stricter categorization of clients, limits to “execution only” services for retail clients and stricter information duties for complex products. According to estimates published by the European Commission, the MiFID review is estimated to impose initial compliance costs of between €512 and €732 million and ongoing costs of between €312 and €586 million per year in the aggregate for participants in the EU banking sector. This represents an impact for initial and ongoing costs of 0.10% to 0.15% and 0.06% to 0.12%, respectively, of total operating spending in the EU banking sector. However, banking industry estimates are higher since the European Commission’s estimates do not account for all costs associated with the implementation of the MiFID review, including IT costs to be incurred in order to comply with the new transparency requirements. In addition, the MiFID review represents an overhaul of our business model, mainly regarding our investment advice services.

Regarding PRIPs, the measures planned by the European Commission aim to achieve higher transparency in the packaged retail investment products sector by requiring that certain mandatory information is made available to investors prior to making an investment decision and imposing stricter commercial practices. The MiFID provisions are considered to be a benchmark on conduct of business and the management of conflicts of interest. The preparation and provision to investors of the proposed mandatory information, as well as the revision of our commercial practices and the monitoring of the implementation of the new rules, are expected to entail costs for BBVA.

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:

 

   

the prolonged downturn in the Spanish economy and sustained unemployment above historical averages;

 

   

the restructuring and consolidation of the Spanish banking sector, after recent injections of €39 billion of capital from the European Financial Stability Fund;

 

   

doubts about European economies (both peripheral and core Eurozone economies) may continue in 2013 affecting financial markets;

 

   

uncertainties relating to the sustainability of any recovery in economic growth and interest rate cycles, especially in the United States;

 

   

the fragility of the recovery from the financial crisis triggered by defaults on subprime mortgages and related asset-backed securities in the United States which has significantly disrupted the liquidity of financial institutions and markets;

 

   

the fragility of the Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Cypriot and Irish economies, which could affect the funding costs of Spanish financial institutions and the Spanish Government;

 

   

the effects of the withdrawal of significant monetary and fiscal stimulus programs and uncertainty over government responses to growing public deficits;

 

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uncertainty over regulation of the financial industry, including the potential limitation on the size or scope of the activities of certain financial institutions, the regulation on systemic financial institutions or additional capital requirements, coming both from the Bank of Spain or globally;

 

   

uncertainty over the minimum solvency levels to be required in the future to the financial institutions by the Spanish government or the European authorities;

 

   

the continued downward adjustment in the housing sector in Spain, which could further negatively affect credit demand and household wealth, disposable income and consumer confidence. The existence of a significant over supply in the housing market in Spain and the pessimistic expectations about house price increases may postpone investment decisions, therefore negatively affecting mortgage growth rates;

 

   

continued volatility in capital markets or a downturn in investor confidence, linked to factors such as geopolitical risk, particularly in the Middle East. Continued or new crises in the region, such as Iran-U.S. tensions, could cause an increase in oil prices, generating inflationary pressures that could have a negative effect on interest rates and economic growth;

 

   

the effect that an economic slowdown may have over Latin American markets and fluctuations in local interest and exchange rates; 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 by protectionist policies of national governments, which are generally higher in times of crisis.

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In addition to loans, we had outstanding the following contingent liabilities and commitments at the dates indicated:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Contingent Risk

        

Rediscounts, endorsements and acceptances

     111         88         49   

Guarantees and other sureties

     32,007         31,103         28,092   

Other contingent risk

     7,422         8,713         8,300   

Total contingent risk

     39,540         39,904         36,441   

Contingent Commitments

        

Balances drawable by third parties:

        

Credit entities

     1,946         2,417         2,303   

Public authorities

     1,360         3,143         4,135   

Other domestic customers

     21,982         24,119         27,201   

Foreign customers

     60,939         59,299         53,151   

Total balances drawable by third parties

     86,227         88,978         86,790   

Other contingent commitments

     6,871         4,788         3,784   

Total contingent commitments

     93,098         93,766         90,574   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contingent risk and contingent commitments

     132,638         133,670         127,015   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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In addition to the contingent liabilities and commitments described above, the following table provides information regarding off-balance sheet funds managed by us as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Mutual funds

     40,118         43,134         41,006   

Pension funds

     84,500         73,783         72,598   

Other managed assets

     28,138         26,349         25,435   

Total

     152,756         143,266         139,039   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Note 38 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information with respect to our off-balance sheet arrangements.

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

Our consolidated contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012 based on when they are due, were as follows:

 

     Less Than
One Year
     One to
Three Years
     Three to
Five Years
     Over
Five Years
     Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Senior debt

     28,402         35,429         3,903         15,126         82,860   

Subordinated liabilities

     775         2,028         1,215         7,104         11,122   

Deposits from customers

     256,535         22,834         3,825         8,384         291,577   

Capital lease obligations

     —           —           —           —           —     

Operating lease obligations

     136         157         67         69         428   

Purchase obligations

     38         —           —           —           38   

Post-employment benefits(1)

     861         1,524         1,293         2,217         5,895   

Insurance commitments

     1,403         1,268         924         5,437         9,032   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(2)

     288,150         63,239         11,227         38,336         400,952   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents the Group’s estimated aggregate amounts for pension commitments in defined-benefit plans and other post-employment commitments (such as early retirement and welfare benefits) for the next ten years, based on certain actuarial assumptions. Post-employment benefits are detailed in Note 26.2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Interest to be paid is not included. The majority of the senior and subordinated debt was issued at variable rates. The financial cost of such issuances for 2012, 2011 and 2010 is detailed in Note 39.2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

Our Board of Directors is committed to a good corporate governance system in the design and operation of our corporate bodies in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders.

Our Board of Directors is subject to Board regulations that reflect and implement the principles and elements of BBVA’s concept of corporate governance. These Board regulations comprise standards for the internal management and operation of the Board and its committees, as well as the rights and obligations of directors in pursuit of their duties, which are contained in the directors’ charter.

Shareholders’ general meetings are subject to their own set of regulations on issues such as how they operate and what rights shareholders enjoy regarding such meetings. These establish the possibility of exercising or delegating votes over remote communication media.

Our Board of Directors has approved a report on corporate governance for 2012, according to the guidelines set forth under Spanish regulation for listed companies, and a report on the remuneration policy of the Board of Directors.

Shareholders and investors may find the documents referred to above on our website (www.bbva.com).

Our website was created as an instrument to facilitate information and communication with shareholders. It provides special direct access to all information considered relevant to BBVA’s corporate governance system in a user-friendly manner. In addition, all the information required by article 539 of the Corporate Enterprises Act can be accessed on BBVA’s website (www.bbva.com) in the section entitled Corporate Governance.

A. Directors and Senior Management

We are managed by a Board of Directors that currently has 14 members.

Pursuant to article one of the Board regulations, Bank directorships may be executive or external. Executive directors have been conferred general powers to represent the Company on a permanent basis; they perform senior-management duties or are employees of the Company or its Group companies. All other Board members will be considered external.

Independent directors are those external directors who have been appointed in view of their personal and professional qualifications and can carry out their duties without being compromised by their relationships with us, our significant shareholders or our senior managements. Independent directors may not:

 

(i) Have been employees or executive directors in Group companies, unless three or five years, respectively, have passed since they ceased to be so.

 

(ii) Receive any amount or benefit from the Company or its Group companies for any reason other than remuneration of their directorship, unless it is insignificant.

Neither dividends nor supplementary pension payments that the director may receive from earlier professional or employment relationships shall be taken into account for the purposes of this section, provided they are not subject to conditions and the company paying them may not at its own discretion suspend, alter or revoke their accrual without breaching its obligations.

 

(iii) Be or have been a partner in the external auditors’ firm or in charge of the auditor’s report with respect to the Company or any other Group company during the last three years.

 

(iv) Be executive director or senior manager in any other company on which a Company executive director or senior manager is external director.

 

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(v) Maintain or have maintained during the past year an important business relationship with the Company or any of its Group companies, either on his/her own behalf or as relevant shareholder, director or senior manager of a company that maintains or has maintained such relationship.

Business relationships shall mean relationships as provider of goods and/or services, including financial, advisory and/or consultancy services.

 

(vi) Be significant shareholders, executive directors or senior managers of any organization that receives or has received significant donations from the Company or its Group during the last three years.

Those who are merely trustees on a foundation receiving donations shall not be ineligible under this letter.

 

(vii) Be married to or linked by equivalent emotional relationship, or related by up to second-degree family ties to an executive director or senior manager of the Company.

 

(viii) Have not been proposed by the Appointments Committee for appointment or renewal.

 

(ix) Fall within the cases described under letters i), v), vi) or vii) above, with respect to any significant shareholder or shareholder represented on the Board. In cases of family relationships described under letter g), the limitation shall not only apply to the shareholder, but also to the directors it nominates for the Company’s Board.

Directors owning shares in the Company may be independent providing they comply with the above conditions and their shareholding is not legally considered as significant.

Regulations of the Board of Directors

The principles and elements comprising our corporate governance are set forth in our Board regulations, which govern the internal procedures and the operation of the Board and its committees and directors’ rights and duties as described in their charter.

The Board regulations can be read on the Bank’s corporate website (www.bbva.com)

The following provides a brief description of several significant matters covered in the regulations of the Board of Directors.

Appointment and Re-election of Directors

The proposals that the Board submits to the Company’s annual shareholders’ general meeting for the appointment or re-election of directors and the resolutions to appoint directors made by the Board of Directors shall be approved at the proposal of the Appointments Committee in the case of independent directors and on the basis of a report from said committee in the case of all other directors.

To such end, the committee assesses the skills, knowledge and experience required on the Board and the capacities the candidates must offer to cover any vacant seats. It evaluates how much time and work members may need to carry out their duties properly as a function of the needs that the Company’s governing bodies may have at any time.

Term of Directorships and Director Age Limit

Directors shall stay in office for the term defined by our bylaws (three years). If a director has been co-opted, they shall stay in office until the first shareholders’ general meeting is held. The general meeting may then ratify their appointment for the term of office remaining to the director whose vacancy they have covered through co-option, or else appoint them for the term of office established under our bylaws.

 

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BBVA’s Board of Directors regulations establish an age limit for sitting on the Bank’s Board. Directors must present their resignation at the first Board meeting following the annual shareholders’ general meeting approving the accounts of the year in which they reach the age of seventy-five.

Evaluation

Article 17 of the Board regulations indicates that the Board of Directors will be responsible for assessing the quality and efficiency in the operation of the Board and its Committees, on the basis of the reports that said Committees submit. The Board is also tasked with assessing the performance of the Chairman of the Board and, where pertinent, of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, on the basis of the report submitted by the Appointments Committee.

Moreover, article 5 of the Board regulations establishes that the Chairman, who is responsible for the efficient running of the Board, will organize and coordinate with the Chairs of the relevant Committees to carry out periodic assessments of the Board and of the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, when this post is not also held by the Chairman.

Pursuant to the provisions of these Board regulations, as in previous years, in 2012 the Board of Directors assessed the quality and efficiency of its own operation and that of its Committees, as well as the performance of the duties of the Chairman, both as Chairman of the Board and as Chief Executive Officer of the Bank.

Performance of Directors’ Duties

Board members must comply with their duties as defined by legislation and by the bylaws in a manner that is faithful to the interests of the Company.

They shall participate in the deliberations, discussions and debates arising on matters put to their consideration and shall have sufficient information to be able to form a sound opinion on the questions corresponding to our governing bodies. They may request additional information and advice if they so require in order to perform their duties. Their participation in the Board’s meetings and deliberations shall be encouraged.

The directors may also request help from external experts with respect to business submitted to their consideration whose complexity or special importance makes it advisable.

Conflicts of Interest

The rules comprising the BBVA directors’ charter detail different situations in which conflicts of interest could arise between directors, their family members and/or organizations with which they are linked, and the BBVA Group. They establish procedures for such cases, in order to avoid conduct contrary to our best interests.

These rules help ensure directors’ conduct reflects stringent ethical codes, in keeping with applicable standards and according to core values of the BBVA Group.

Incompatibilities

Directors are also subject to a regime of incompatibilities, which places strict constraints on holding posts on governing bodies of Group companies or companies in which the Group has a holding. Non-executive directors may not sit on the boards of subsidiaries or related companies because of the Group’s holding in them, whilst executive directors may only do so if they have express authority.

Directors who cease to be members of the Bank’s Board may not offer their services to any other financial institution competing with the Bank or of its subsidiaries for two years after leaving, unless expressly authorized by the Board. Such authorization may be denied on the grounds of corporate interest.

 

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Directors’ Resignation and Dismissal

Furthermore, in the following circumstances, reflected in the Board regulations, directors must tender their resignation to the Board and accept its decision regarding their continuity in office (formalizing said resignation when the Board so resolves):

 

   

When barred (on grounds of incompatibility or other) under prevailing legal regulations, under the bylaws or under the directors’ charter.

 

   

When significant changes occur in their professional situation or that may affect the condition by virtue of which they were appointed to the Board.

 

   

When they are in serious dereliction of their duties as directors.

 

   

When the director, acting as such, has caused severe damage to the Company’s assets or its reputation or credit, and/or no longer displays the commercial and professional honor required to hold a Bank directorship.

The Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is currently comprised of 14 members.

The following table sets forth the names of the members of the Board of Directors as of that date of this Annual Report on Form 20-F, their date of appointment and, if applicable, reelection, their current positions and their present principal outside occupation and employment history.

 

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Name

  

Birth
Year

  

Current Position

  

Date Nominated

  

Date Re-elected

  

Present Principal Outside
Occupation and Employment
History(*)

Francisco González Rodríguez(1)

  

1944

   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer   

January 28, 2000

  

March 15, 2013

   Chairman and CEO of BBVA, since January 2000. Director of Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. and BBVA Bancomer S.A.

Ángel Cano Fernández(1)

  

1961

   President and Chief Operating Officer   

September 29, 2009

  

March 15, 2013

   President and Chief Operating Officer of BBVA, since 2009. Substitute director of Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer and BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V., and director of China Citic Bank Corporation Limited and Türkiye Garanti Bankası A.Ş. BBVA Director of Resources and Means from 2005 to 2009.

Tomás Alfaro Drake(2)(3)

  

1951

   Independent Director   

March 18, 2006

  

March 11, 2011

   Chairman of the Appointments Committee of BBVA since May 25, 2010. Director of Internal Development and Professor in the Finance department of Universidad Francisco de Vitoria.

Juan Carlos Álvarez Mezquíriz(1)(3)

  

1959

   Independent Director   

January 28, 2000

  

March 11, 2011

   Managing Director of Grupo El Enebro, S.A. Former Manager Director of Grupo Eulen. S.A. until 2010.

Ramón Bustamante y de la Mora(2)(5)

  

1948

   Independent Director   

January 28, 2000

  

March 15, 2013

   Was Director and General Manager and Non-Executive Vice-President of Argentaria and Chairman of Unitaria (1997).

José Antonio Fernández Rivero(3)(5)

  

1949

   Independent Director   

February 28, 2004

  

March 16, 2012

   Chairman of the Risk Committee since March 30, 2004; On 2001 was appointed Group General Manager, until January 2003. Has been director representing BBVA on the Boards of Telefónica, Iberdrola, and of Banco de Crédito Local, and Chairman of Adquira.

Ignacio Ferrero Jordi(1)(4)

  

1945

   Independent Director   

January 28, 2000

  

March 15, 2013

   Chief Operating Officer of Nutrexpa, S.A. and Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of La Piara, S.A. Chairman of Aneto Natural.

Belén Garijo López(2)

  

1960

   Independent Director   

March 16, 2012

      Chair of the International Executive Committee of PhRMA, ISEC (Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America) and Chief Operating Officer of Merck Serono, S.A. (Geneva, Switzerland) since 2011.

Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo(2)(4)

  

1947

   Independent Director   

February 28, 2004

  

March 11, 2011

   Chairman of the Compensation Committee of BBVA since May 2010 (former Chairman of the Appointments and Compensation Committee). Was Partner of J&A Garrigues, from 1977 until 2004.

José Maldonado Ramos(1)(3)(4)

  

1952

   External Director   

January 28, 2000

  

March 16, 2012

   Was appointed Director and General Secretary of BBVA, in January 2000. Took early retirement as Bank executive in December 2009.

Enrique Medina Fernández(1)(5)

  

1942

   Independent Director   

January 28, 2000

  

March 16, 2012

   State Attorney. Deputy Chairman of Ginés Navarro Construcciones until it merged to become Grupo ACS.

José Luis Palao García-Suelto(2)(5)

  

1944

   Independent Director   

February 1, 2011

  

March 11, 2011

   Chairman of the Audit and Compliance Committee of BBVA since March 29, 2011. Senior Partner of the Financial Division in Spain at Arthur Andersen, from 1979 until 2002. Freelance consultant, from 2002 to 2010.

Juan Pi Llorens(4)(5)

  

1950

   Independent Director   

July 27, 2011

  

March 16, 2012

   Had a professional career at IBM holding various senior posts at a national and international level including Vice President for Sales at IBM Europe, Vice President of Technology & Systems at IBM Europe and Vice President of the Finance department at GMU (Growth Markets Units) in China. He was executive chairman of IBM Spain.

Susana Rodríguez Vidarte(2)(3)(4)

  

1955

   Independent Director   

May 28, 2002

  

March 11, 2011

   Full-time professor of Strategy at the School of Economics and Business Studies at Universidad de Deusto. Member of the Instituto de Contabilidad y Auditoría de Cuentas (Accountants and Auditors Institute) and PhD degree from Universidad de Deusto.

 

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(*) 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 Committee.
(4) Member of the Compensation Committee.
(5) Member of the Risk Committee.

Executive Officers or Management Committee (Comité de Dirección)

Our executive officers were each appointed for an indefinite term. Their positions as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 20-F are as follows:

 

Name    Current Position    Present Principal Outside Occupation and
Employment History(*)

Francisco González Rodríguez

   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer    Chairman and CEO of BBVA, since January 2000. Director of Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. and BBVA Bancomer, S.A.

Ángel Cano Fernández

   President and Chief Operating Officer    President and Chief Operating Officer of BBVA, since 2009. Substitute director of Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer and BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V., and director of China Citic Bank Corporation Limited and Türkiye Garanti Bankası A.Ş. BBVA Director of Resources and Means from 2005 to 2009.

Juan Ignacio Apoita Gordo

   Head of Human Resources and Services    BBVA Head of Human Resources and Services since September 2009. BBVA Head of Human Resources Director from 2006 to 2009.

Eduardo Arbizu Lostao

   Head of Legal, Audit and Compliance Services    Head of Legal department of BBVA, since 2002; Managing Director of Barclays Retail Operations in Continental Europe (France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece) from 2000 to 2002.

Juan Asúa Madariaga

   Head of Corporate and Investment Banking    Head of Corporate and Investment Banking in BBVA. Head of Spain and Portugal in BBVA from 2007 to 2012. Head of Spain and Portugal in BBVA from 2006 to 2007.

Manuel Castro Aladro

   Head of Global Risk Management    Head of BBVA Global Risk Management department since September 2009. Head of Business Development and Innovation in BBVA from 2003 to 2009.

Ignacio Deschamps González

   Head of Global Retail and Business Banking    Head of Global Retail and Business Banking of BBVA since 2012. Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of BBVA Bancomer from 2008 to 2012. Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of BBVA Bancomer from 2006 to 2008.

Ricardo Gómez Barredo

   Head of Global Accounting and Information Management    Head of Global Accounting and Information Management since 2011. Head of Planning, analysis and control of BBVA’s Group from 2006 to 2011.

Manuel González Cid

   Chief Financial Officer    Chief Financial Officer since 2005. Head of Corporate Development of BBVA from 2001 to 2002. Head of the Merger-Office of BBVA from 1999 to 2001. Director and Vice president of Repsol YPF, S.A. from 2003 to 2005.

Ignacio Moliner Robredro

   Global Communications and Brand Director    Global Communications and Brand Director since 2012. Deputy Director of Communication and Brand department in BBVA from 2010 to 2012. Chief Executive Officer of Uno-e Bank and Consumer Finance from 2008 to 2010.

Ramón Monell Valls

   Head of Innovation & Technology    Head of BBVA Innovation and Technology since September 2009. BBVA Director of Technology & Operations from 2006 to 2009. From 2002 to 2005, Chief Executive Officer of BBVA in Chile.

Vicente Rodero Rodero

   Head of Mexico    Head of Mexico since 2011. General Manager for Commercial Banking at BBVA Spain from 2004 to 2007. Regional Manager at BBVA Madrid from 2002 to 2004.

Jaime Saenz de Tejada

   Head of Spain and Portugal    Head of Spain and Portugal since 2012. Business Development Manager of Spain and Portugal at BBVA from 2010 to 2012. Central Area Manager of Madrid and Castilla La Mancha from 2007 to 2010.

Manuel Sánchez Rodríguez

   Country Manager BBVA USA    Chairman and CEO of BBVA Compass from 2008 to 2010 and Country Manager from 2010. From 2007 to 2008 Chief of Community Banking at BBVA. Chairman and CEO of Laredo National Bank from 2005 to 2007.

Carlos Torres Vila

   Head of Strategy & Corporate Development    BBVA Strategy & Corporate Development Director since January 2009. He entered in BBVA on September 2008. Corporate Director of Strategy and Chief Financial Officer at Endesa S.A. Vice-Chairman of Endesa Chile from 2003 to 2008.

 

(*) Where no date is provided, positions are currently held.

 

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B. Compensation

The provisions of BBVA’s bylaws that relate to compensation of directors are in strict accordance with the relevant provisions of Spanish law.

Remuneration of Non-executive Directors

The remuneration paid to non-executive directors who were members of the Board of Directors during 2012 is indicated below, broken down by type of remuneration in thousands of euros:

 

     Board      Executive
Committee
     Audit and
Compliance
Committee
     Risk
Committee
     Appointments
Committee
     Compensation
Committee
     Total  

Tomás Alfaro Drake

     129         —           71         —           102         —           302   

Juan Carlos Álvarez Mezquíriz

     129         167         —           —           41         —           336   

Ramón Bustamante y de la Mora

     129         —           71         107         —           —           307   

José Antonio Fernández Rivero(1)

     129         —           —           214         41         —           383   

Ignacio Ferrero Jordi

     129         167         —           —           —           43         338   

Belén Garijo López(2)

     107         —           24         —           —           —           131   

Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo

     129         —           71         —           —           107         307   

José Maldonado Ramos

     129         167         —           —           41         43         379   

Enrique Medina Fernández

     129         167         —           107         —           —           402   

Jose Luis Palao García-Suelto

     129         —           179         107         —           —           414   

Juan Pi Llorens

     129         —           —           107         —           43         278   

Susana Rodríguez Vidarte

     129         —           71         —           41         43         284   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,523         667         488         642         265         278         3,863   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Mr. José Antonio Fernández Rivero, apart from the amounts detailed in the table above, also received a total of €652 thousand in early retirement benefits as a former director of BBVA.
(2) Ms. Belén Garijo López was appointed as director of BBVA on March 16, 2012 and member of the Audit Committee on September 26, 2012.

 

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Remuneration of Executive Directors

The remuneration paid to executive directors of the Bank in 2012 is indicated below, broken down by type of remuneration in thousands of euros:

 

     Fixed
Remuneration
in Cash
     Variable
Remuneration
in Cash(1)
     Total
Remuneration
in Cash(2)
     Variable
Remuneration
in BBVA
Shares(1)
 

Chairman and CEO

     1,966         1,000         2,966         155,479   

President and COO

     1,748         636         2,384         98,890   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     3,714         1,636         5,350         254,369   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) These amounts correspond to annual variable remuneration for 2011 received in 2012. The annual variable remuneration is made up of ordinary variable remuneration in cash and variable remuneration paid in shares, based on an incentive plan for the executive team of the BBVA Group, whose settlement and payment conditions are detailed below.
(2) In addition, the executive directors were paid remunerations in kind and in other forms in 2012 for a total amount of €36 thousand, of which €12 thousand correspond to the Chairman and CEO and €24 thousand to the President and COO.

In 2012, the executive directors received the fixed remuneration corresponding to 2012 and 50% of the annual variable remuneration in cash and shares corresponding to 2011, in accordance with the settlement and payment system agreed by the annual shareholders’ general meeting held on March 11, 2011.

This settlement and payment system for the annual variable remuneration (“Settlement and Payment System”) applies to all categories of employees who carry out professional activities which have a material impact on the Bank’s risk profile or who perform control functions. It also establishes the following conditions with respect to executive directors and other members of the Management Committee:

 

   

At least 50% of the total annual variable remuneration shall be paid in BBVA shares.

 

   

Payment of 50% of the annual variable remuneration, in both cash and shares, shall be deferred, with the deferred amount being paid over a period of three years.

 

   

Any shares awarded as part of the annual variable remuneration shall not be freely disposable for one year from their award, except for a portion equivalent to the taxes derived from the allotment of the shares with respect to each beneficiary;

 

   

In addition, under certain circumstances, payment of the annual variable remuneration that has been deferred and pending payment may be limited or even stopped, and it has been decided to update these deferred amounts.

Deferred Part of the Variable Remuneration for 2011

Under the Settlement and Payment System, payment of the remaining 50% of the annual variable remuneration of the executive directors for 2011 has been deferred for a 3-year period, to be paid out in thirds in each of the first quarters of 2013, 2014 and 2015, in accordance with the aforementioned conditions. As a result, after the corresponding update, on 2013 the executive directors will be paid €364,519 and 51,826 shares in the case of the

 

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Chairman and CEO, and €231,848 and 32,963 shares in the case of the President and COO. Payment of the remaining two-thirds of the deferred part of the annual variable remuneration for 2011 has been deferred until the first quarter of 2014 and 2015, each third representing an amount of €333,244 and 51,826 BBVA shares in the case of the Chairman and CEO, and €211,955 and 32,963 BBVA shares in the case of the President and COO.

Annual Variable Remuneration for 2012

At the close of 2012, the annual variable remuneration for the executive directors corresponding to that year has been determined in accordance with the conditions established by the annual shareholders’ general meeting. Thus, in the first quarter of 2013, the executive directors will receive 50% of this remuneration, amounting to €785,028 and 108,489 BBVA shares in the case of the Chairman and CEO and €478,283 and 66,098 BBVA shares in the case of the President and COO. Payment of the remaining 50% has been deferred for a 3-year period. In each of the first quarters of 2014, 2015 and 2016, the Chairman and CEO will be paid €261,676 and 36,163 BBVA shares, while the President and COO will receive €159,428 and 22,032 BBVA shares.

Payment of the deferred part of the annual variable remuneration for 2012 is subject to the conditions set out in the Settlement and Payment System established in accordance with the resolution adopted by the annual shareholders’ general meeting.

As of December 31, 2012, these amounts were recognized under the heading “Other liabilities—Accrued interest” of the consolidated balance sheet.

Remuneration of the Members of the Management Committee

Set forth below is aggregate information on the remuneration of the members of the Management Committee who held this position as of December 31, 2012 (13 members, including the deferments pending for the members of the Management Committee who joined in 2012), excluding the executive directors.

The remuneration paid in 2012 to the members of BBVA’s Management Committee amounted to a total of €8,563 thousand in fixed remuneration and €3,142 thousand and 485,207 BBVA shares in variable remuneration.

In addition, the members of the Management Committee received remuneration in kind and other items totaling €729 thousand in 2012.

The amounts received as variable remuneration in 2012 amount to 50% of the annual variable remuneration for 2011 for this group, under the Settlement and Payment System approved by the annual shareholders’ general meeting in March 2011. Payment of the remaining 50% of the annual variable remuneration for 2011 has been deferred for a 3-year period, to be paid out in thirds during each of the first quarters of 2013, 2014 and 2015, in accordance with the aforementioned conditions. As a result, after the corresponding update, in 2013 the members of the Management Committee as a whole will be paid €1,120 thousand and 158,214 BBVA shares. Payment of the remaining two-thirds of the deferred part of the annual variable remuneration for 2011 has been deferred until the first quarter of 2014 and 2015, each third representing the amount of €1,024 thousand and 158,214 BBVA shares.

Multi-Year Variable Share-Based Remuneration Program for 2010-2011

Under the Settlement and Payment System agreed by the annual shareholders’ general meeting in March 2011 for the Multi-Year Variable Share-Based Remuneration Program for 2010-2011 (hereinafter the “Program”) approved by the annual shareholders’ general meeting on March 12, 2010, in 2012 the executive directors and remaining members of the Management Committee received 50% of the shares due to them under the settlement of the Program, i.e., 105,000 BBVA shares for the Chairman and CEO, 90,000 BBVA shares for the President and COO and 329,000 shares for all the remaining members of the Management Committee.

The remaining 50% of the shares resulting from the settlement of the Program corresponding to the executive directors and the rest of the members of the Management Committee have been deferred, to be paid out in thirds in 2013, 2014 and 2015. As a result, in 2013 the executive directors will be paid as follows: 35,000 shares for the Chairman and CEO and 30,000 shares for the President and COO, in addition to an amount in cash of €15 thousand

 

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in the case of the Chairman and CEO and €13 thousand in the case of the President and COO as a result of the update. Delivery of the remaining two-thirds of the deferred part of the Program has been deferred, so that the Chairman and CEO will be paid 35,000 shares and the President and COO will receive 30,000 shares in the each of the first quarters of 2014 and 2015.

The rest of the members of the Management Committee will receive 106,998 shares in 2013, in addition to €45 thousand resulting from the corresponding update. Delivery to this group of the remaining two-thirds has been deferred until 2014 and 2015.

Scheme for Remuneration for Non-Executive Directors with Deferred Distribution of Shares

BBVA has a remuneration system with deferred distribution of shares in place for its non-executive directors that was approved by the annual shareholders’ general meeting held on March 18, 2006 and renewed for an additional 5-year period through a resolution of the annual shareholders’ general meeting held on March 11, 2011.

This system consists in the annual allocation of a number of “theoretical shares” to the non-executive directors equivalent to 20% of the total remuneration received by each in the previous year. This is based on the average closing prices of the BBVA shares during the sixty trading sessions prior to the dates of the ordinary general meetings approving the annual financial statements for each year.

The shares will be delivered to each beneficiary, if applicable, on the date he or she leaves the position of director for any reason except serious breach of duties.

The number of “theoretical shares” allocated in 2012 to the non-executive directors who are beneficiaries of the deferred share distribution system, corresponding to 20% of the total remuneration received by each in 2011, is as follows:

 

     Theoretical Shares
Assigned in 2012
     Accumulated
Theoretical Shares as of
December 31, 2012
 

Tomás Alfaro Drake

     8,987         28,359   

Juan Carlos Álvarez Mezquíriz

     10,061         57,534   

Ramón Bustamante y de la Mora

     9,141         54,460   

José Antonio Fernández Rivero

     11,410         50,224   

Ignacio Ferrero Jordi

     10,072         58,117   

Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo

     9,147         42,245   

José Maldonado Ramos

     10,955         17,688   

Enrique Medina Fernández

     11,979         73,293   

José Luis Palao García-Suelto

     9,355         9,355   

Juan Pi Llorens

     2,712         2,712   

Susana Rodríguez Vidarte

     8,445         39,484   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     102,264         433,471   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pension Commitments

Under rule 78 of IAS 19, at the close of 2012 the deteriorating situation in the high-quality corporate bond markets required an update of the interest rates used by the Group entities to discount post-employment benefits. While the pension commitments assumed by the Bank have not changed during 2012, this deterioration has resulted in an increase in the amount of the provisions needed to cover them.

Thus, the provisions registered as of December 31, 2012 for pension commitments to the President and COO amounted to €22,703 thousand. Of this amount, under current accounting regulations, €1,701 were provisioned in 2012 against earnings and €4,307 thousand against equity in order to adapt the interest rate assumption used for the valuation of our pension commitments in Spain. As of that date, there were no further pension commitments with respect to the executive directors.

 

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As for the rest of the members of the Management Committee, the provisions registered as of December 31, 2012 for pension commitments amounted to €80,602 thousand. Of this amount, under current accounting regulations, €13,077 thousand were charged in 2012 against earnings and €17,347 thousand against equity in order to adapt the aforementioned interest rate assumption.

In addition, insurance premiums totaling €117 thousand were paid in 2012 on behalf of non-executive directors who are members of the Board of Directors.

Termination of the Contractual Relationship

There were no commitments as of December 31, 2012 for the payment of compensation to executive directors.

In the case of the President and COO, the contract lays down that in the event that he lose this status due to a reason other than his own will, retirement, disability or dereliction of duty, he shall take early retirement with a pension, which can be received as a life annuity or lump sum equivalent to 75% of his pensionable salary if this occurs before he reaches the age of 55, or 85% after that age.

C. Board Practices

Committees

Our corporate governance system is based on the distribution of functions between the Board, the Executive Committee and the other specialized Board Committees, namely: the Audit and Compliance Committee; the Appointments Committee; the Compensation Committee; and the Risk Committee.

Executive Committee

Our Board of Directors is assisted in fulfilling its responsibilities by the Executive Committee (Comisión Delegada Permanente) of the Board of Directors. 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 the date of this Annual Report, BBVA’s Executive Committee was comprised of two executive directors and four external directors being three of them independent, as follows:

 

Position

  

Name

Chairman

  

Mr. Francisco González Rodríguez

Members

  

Mr. Ángel Cano Fernández

Mr. Juan Carlos Álvarez Mezquíriz

Mr. Ignacio Ferrero Jordi

Mr. José Maldonado Ramos

Mr. Enrique Medina Fernández

According to our bylaws, the Executive Committee’s responsibilities include the following: to formulate and propose policy guidelines, the criteria to be followed in the preparation of programs and to fix targets, to examine the proposals put to it in this regard, comparing and evaluating the actions and results of any direct or indirect activity carried out by the Group; to determine the volume of investment in each individual activity; to approve or reject operations, determining methods and conditions; to arrange inspections and internal or external audits of all operational areas of the Group; and in general to exercise the faculties delegated to it by the Board of Directors.

Specifically, the Executive Committee is entrusted with evaluation of our system of corporate governance. This shall be analyzed in the context of our development and of the results we have obtained, taking into account any regulations that may be passed and/or recommendations made regarding best market practices and adapting these to our specific circumstances.

 

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The Executive Committee shall meet on the dates indicated in the annual calendar of meetings and when the chairman or acting chairman so decides. During 2012, the Executive Committee met 22 times.

Audit and Compliance Committee

This committee shall perform the duties required under applicable laws, regulations and our bylaws. Essentially, it has authority from the Board to supervise the financial statements and the oversight of the Group.

The Board regulations establish that the Audit and Compliance Committee shall have a minimum of four non-executive directors appointed by the Board in light of their know-how and expertise in accounting, auditing and/or risk management. They shall all be independent directors, one of whom shall act as chairman, also appointed by the Board. See “Item 16.A. Audit Committee Financial Expert”.

As of the date of this Annual Report, the Audit and Compliance Committee members were:

 

Position

  

Name

Chairman

  

Mr. José Luis Palao García-Suelto

Members

  

Mr. Tomás Alfaro Drake

Mr. Ramón Bustamante y de la Mora

Mr. Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo

Mrs. Susana Rodríguez Vidarte

Mrs. Belén Garijo López

The scope of its functions is as follows (for purposes of the below, “entity” refers to BBVA):

 

   

Report to the shareholders’ general meeting on matters that are raised at its meetings on matters within its competence.

 

   

Supervise the efficacy of the Company’s internal control and oversight, internal audit, where applicable, and the risk-management systems, and discuss with the auditors or audit firms any significant issues in the internal control system detected when the audit is conducted.

 

   

Supervise the process of drawing up and reporting regulatory financial information.

 

   

Propose the appointment of auditors or audit firms to the Board of Directors for it to submit the proposal to the shareholders’ general meeting, in accordance with applicable regulations.

 

   

Establish correct relations with the auditors or audit firms in order to receive information on any matters that may jeopardize their independence, for examination by the Committee, and any others that have to do with the process of auditing the accounts; as well as those other communications provided for in laws and standards of audit. It must unfailingly receive written confirmation by the auditors or audit firms each year of their independence with regard to the entity or entities directly or indirectly related to it and information on additional services of any kind provided to these entities by said auditors or audit firms, or by persons or entities linked to them as provided under Law 19/1988, July 12, on the auditing of accounts.

 

   

Each year, before the audit report is issued, to put out a report expressing an opinion on the independence of the auditors or audit firms. This report must, in all events, state the provision of any additional services referred to in the previous subsection.

 

   

Oversee compliance with applicable domestic and international regulations on matters related to money laundering, conduct on the securities markets, data protection and the scope of Group activities with respect to anti-trust regulations. Also to ensure that any requests for action or information made by official authorities in these matters are dealt with in due time and in due form.

 

   

Ensure that the internal codes of ethics and conduct and securities market trading, as they apply to Group personnel, comply with legislation and are appropriate for the Bank.

 

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Especially to enforce compliance with provisions contained in BBVA Director’s Charter, and ensure that directors satisfy applicable standards regarding their conduct on the securities markets.

 

   

Any others that may have been allocated under these regulations or attributed to the committee by a Board of Directors resolution.

 

   

The committee shall also monitor the independence of external auditors. This entails the following two duties:

 

   

Ensuring that the auditors’ warnings, opinions and recommendations are followed.

 

   

Establishing the incompatibility between the provision of audit and the provision of consultancy services, unless there are no alternatives in the market to the auditors or companies in the auditors’ group of equal value in terms of their content, quality or efficiency. In such event, the committee must grant its approval, which can be done in advance by delegation to its chairman.

The committee selects the external auditor for the Bank and its Group, and for all the Group companies. It must verify that the audit schedule is being carried out under the service agreement and that it satisfies the requirements of the competent authorities and the Bank’s governing bodies. The committee will also require the auditors, at least once each year, to assess the quality of the Group’s internal oversight procedures.

The Audit and Compliance Committee meets as often as necessary to comply with its tasks, although an annual meeting schedule is drawn up in accordance with its duties. During 2012, the Audit and Compliance Committee met 12 times.

Executives responsible for control, internal audit and regulatory compliance can be invited to attend its meetings and, at the request of these executives, other staff from these departments who have particular knowledge or responsibility in the matters contained in the agenda, can also be invited when their presence at the meeting is deemed appropriate. However, only the committee members and the secretary shall be present when the results and conclusions of the meeting are evaluated.

The committee may engage external advisory services for relevant issues when it considers that these cannot be properly provided by experts or technical staff within the Group on grounds of specialization or independence.

Likewise, the committee can call on the personal cooperation and reports of any member of the Management Committee when it considers that this is necessary to carry out its functions with regard to relevant issues.

The committee has its own specific regulations, approved by the Board of Directors. These are available on our website and, amongst other things, regulate its operation.

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee is tasked with assisting the Board on issues related to the appointment and re-election of Board members.

This committee shall comprise a minimum of three members who shall be external directors appointed by the Board, which shall also appoint its chairman. However, the chairman and the majority of its members must be independent directors, in compliance with the Board regulations.

 

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As of the date of this Annual Report, the members of the Appointments Committee were:

 

Position

  

Name

Chairman

  

Mr. Tomás Alfaro Drake

Members

  

Mr. Juan Carlos Álvarez Mezquíriz

Mr. José Antonio Fernández Rivero

Mr. José Maldonado Ramos

Mrs. Susana Rodríguez Vidarte

The duties of the Appointments Committee are as follows:

 

   

Draw up and report proposals for appointment and re-election of directors.

To such end, the Committee will evaluate the skills, knowledge and experience that the Board requires, as well as the conditions that candidates should display to fill the vacancies arising.

The Committee will ensure that the selection procedures are not marred by implicit biases that may hinder the selection of female directors to fill vacancies, while trying to ensure that women who possess the professional profile sought are included on the shortlists when there are no or few current female directors.

When drafting proposals for the appointment and re-election of directors, the Committee will consider applications for potential candidates submitted by current Board members when appropriate.

 

   

Review the status of each director each year, so that this may be reflected in the annual report on corporate governance.

 

   

Report on the performance of the Chairman of the Board and, where applicable, the Company’s CEO, such that the Board can make its periodic assessment, under the terms established in the Board regulations.

 

   

Should the chairmanship of the Board or the post of CEO fall vacant, the Committee will examine or organize, in the manner it deems suitable, the succession of the Chairman and/or CEO and make corresponding proposals to the Board for an orderly, well-planned succession.

 

   

Report any appointment and separation of senior managers.

 

   

Any others that may have been allocated under the Board regulations or attributed to the Committee by a Board of Directors resolution.

In the performance of its duties, the Appointments Committee will consult with the Chairman of the Board and, where applicable, the CEO via the committee chair, especially with respect to matters related to executive directors and senior managers.

In accordance with our Board regulations, the Committee may ask members of the BBVA Group to attend its meetings, when their responsibilities relate to its duties. It may also receive any advisory services it requires to inform its criteria on issues falling within the scope of its powers.

The chair of the Appointments Committee will convene it as often as necessary to comply with its functions although an annual meeting schedule will be drawn up in accordance with its duties. During 2012, the Appointments Committee met 5 times.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee’s essential function is to assist the Board on matters regarding the remuneration policy for directors and senior management. It seeks to ensure that the remuneration policy established by the Company is duly observed.

 

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The Committee will comprise a minimum of three members who will be external directors appointed by the Board, which will also appoint its chair. The chair and the majority of its members must be independent directors, in compliance with the Board regulations.

As of the date of this Annual Report, the members of the Appointments Committee were:

 

Position

  

Name

Chairman

  

Mr. Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo

Members

  

Mr. Ignacio Ferrero Jordi

Mr. José Maldonado Ramos

Mr. Juan Pi Llorens

Mrs. Susana Rodríguez Vidarte

The scope of the functions of the Compensation Committee is as follows:

 

   

Propose the remuneration system for the Board of Directors as a whole, in accordance with the principles established in the Company bylaws, their amounts and method of payment.

 

   

Determine the extent and amount of the remuneration, entitlements and other economic rewards for the Chairman and CEO, the President and COO and, where applicable, other executive directors of the Bank, so that these can be reflected in their contracts. The Committee’s proposals on such matters will be submitted to the Board of Directors.

 

   

Issue a report on the directors’ remuneration policy each year. This will be submitted to the Board of Directors, which will apprise the Company’s annual shareholders’ general meeting of this.

 

   

Propose the remuneration policy for senior management to the Board, and the basic terms and conditions to be contained in their contracts, directly supervising the remuneration of the senior managers responsible for risk management and with compliance functions within the Bank.

 

   

Propose the remuneration policy to the Board for employees whose professional activities may have a significant impact on the Bank’s risk profile.

 

   

Oversee observance of the remuneration policy established by the Company and periodically review the remuneration policy applied to executive directors, senior management and employees whose professional activities may have a significant impact on the Bank’s risk profile.

 

   

Any others that may have been allocated under the Board regulations or attributed to the Committee by a Board of Directors resolution.

In the performance of its duties, the Compensation Committee will consult with the Chairman of the Board and, where applicable, the Company’s CEO via the Committee chair, especially with respect to matters related to executive directors and senior managers.

Pursuant to our Board regulations, the Committee may ask members of the BBVA Group to attend its meetings, when their responsibilities relate to its duties. It may also receive any advisory services it requires to inform its criteria on matters falling within the scope of its powers.

The chair of the Compensation Committee will convene it as often as necessary to comply with its functions although an annual meeting schedule will be drawn up in accordance with its duties. During 2012, the Compensation Committee met 8 times.

 

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Risk Committee

The Board’s Risk Committee is tasked with the analysis of issues related to our risk management and control policy and strategy. It assesses and approves any risk transactions that may be significant.

The Risk Committee shall have a majority of external directors, with a minimum of three members, appointed by the Board of Directors, which shall also appoint its chairman.

As of the date of this Annual Report, the members of the Risk Committee were:

 

Position

  

Name

Chairman

   Mr. José Antonio Fernández Rivero

Members

  

Mr. Ramón Bustamante y de la Mora

Mr. Enrique Medina Fernández

Mr. José Luis Palao García-Suelto

Mr. Juan Pi Llorens

Under the Board regulations, it has the following duties:

 

   

Analyze and evaluate proposals related to our risk management and oversight policies and strategy. In particular, these shall identify:

 

  a) the risk map;

 

  b) the setting of the level of risk considered acceptable according to the risk profile (expected loss) and capital map (risk capital) broken down by our businesses and areas of activity;

 

  c) the internal information and oversight systems used to oversee and manage risks; and

 

  d) the measures established to mitigate the impact of risks identified should they materialize.

 

   

Monitor the match between risks accepted and the profile established.

 

   

Assess and approve, where applicable, any risks whose size could compromise our capital adequacy or recurrent earnings, or that present significant potential operational or reputational risks.

 

   

Check that we possess the means, systems, structures and resources benchmarked against best practices to allow implementation of its risk management strategy.

Pursuant to our Board regulations, the Committee may request the attendance at its sessions of persons with positions in the group that are related to the Committee’s functions. It may also obtain advice as necessary to establish criteria related to its functions.

The committee meets as often as necessary to best perform its duties, usually once a week. In 2012, it held 46 meetings.

D. Employees

As of December 31, 2012, we, through our various affiliates, had 115,852 employees. Approximately 85% 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.

 

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Country

   BBVA      Banks      Companies      Total  

Spain

     25,841         2,947         2,909         31,697   

United Kingdom

     166         —           —           166   

France

     94         —           —           94   

Italy

     54         —           168         222   

Germany

     46         —           —           46   

Switzerland

     —           131         —           131   

Portugal

     —           855         —           855   

Belgium

     34         —           —           34   

Russia

     3         —           —           3   

Ireland

     —           5         —           5   

Luxembourg

     3         —           —           3   

Turkey

     16         —           —           16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Europe

     26,257         3,938         3,077         33,272   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

United States

     204         11,384         —           11,588   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Panama

     —           378         —           378   

Argentina

     —           5,371         —           5,371   

Brazil

     3         —           6         9   

Colombia

     —           6,460         —           6,460   

Venezuela

     —           5,316         —           5,316   

Mexico

     —           39,244         —           39,244   

Uruguay

     —           585         —           585   

Paraguay

     —           495         —           495   

Bolivia

     —           —           249         249   

Chile

     —           6,256         —           6,256   

Cuba

     1         —           —           1   

Peru

     —           6,162         —           6,162   

Ecuador

     —           —           221         221   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Latin America

     4         70,267         476         70,747   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Hong Kong

     164         —           —           164   

Japan

     10         —           —           10   

China

     12         —           17         29   

Singapore

     9         —           —           9   

India

     4         —           —           4   

South Korea

     18         —           —           18   

United Arab Emirates

     1         —           —           1   

Taiwan

     8         —           —           8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Asia

     226         —           17         243   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Australia

     2         —           —           2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Oceania

     2         —           —           2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     26,693         85,589         3,570         115,852   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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As of December 31, 2011, we, through our various affiliates, had 110,645 employees. Approximately 84% 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

     26,188         19         2,727         28,934   

United Kingdom

     162         —           —           162   

France

     98         —           —           98   

Italy

     55         —           226         281   

Germany

     51         —           —           51   

Switzerland

     —           127         —           127   

Portugal

     —           877         —           877   

Belgium

     37         —           —           37   

Russia

     4         —           —           4   

Ireland

     —           5         —           5   

Luxembourg

     3         —           —           3   

Turkey

     11         —           —           11   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Europe

     26,609         1,028         2,953         30,590   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

United States

     228         11,947         —           12,175   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Panama

     —           365         —           365   

Puerto Rico

     —           906         —           906   

Argentina

     —           5,896         —           5,896   

Brazil

     3         —           13         16   

Colombia

     —           6,151         —           6,151   

Venezuela

     —           5,398         —           5,398   

Mexico

     —           35,950         —           35,950   

Uruguay

     —           542         —           542   

Paraguay

     —           452         —           452   

Bolivia

     —           —           206         206   

Chile

     —           5,710         —           5,710   

Cuba

     1         —           —           1   

Peru

     —           5,769         —           5,769   

Ecuador

     —           —           235         235   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Latin America

     4         67,139         454         67,597   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Hong Kong

     198         —           —           198   

Japan

     11         —           —           11   

China

     16         —           16         32   

Singapore

     15         —           —           15   

India

     5         —           —           5   

South Korea

     18         —           —           18   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Asia

     263         —           16         279   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Australia

     4         —           —           4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Oceania

     4         —           —           4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     27,108         80,114         3,423         110,645   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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As of December 31, 2010, we, through our various affiliates, had 106,976 employees. Approximately 83% 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

     25,939         442         2,035         28,416   

United Kingdom

     93         —           —           93   

France

     94         —           —           94   

Italy

     53         —           226         279   

Germany

     40         —           —           40   

Switzerland

     —           128         —           128   

Portugal

     —           925         —           925   

Belgium

     40         —           —           40   

Russia

     4         —           —           4   

Ireland

     —           5         —           5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Europe

     26,263         1,500         2,261         30,024   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

United States

     165         11,975         —           12,140   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Panama

     —           345         —           345   

Puerto Rico

     —           865         —           865   

Argentina

     —           5,705         —           5,705   

Brazil

     3         —           17         20   

Colombia

     —           5,867         —           5,867   

Venezuela

     —           5,509         —           5,509   

Mexico

     —           34,082         —           34,082   

Uruguay

     —           200         —           200   

Paraguay

     —           372         —           372   

Bolivia

     —           —           209         209   

Chile

     —           5,413         —           5,413   

Cuba

     1         —           —           1   

Peru

     —           5,715         —           5,715   

Ecuador

     —           —           273         273   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Latin America

     4         64,073         499         64,576   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Hong Kong

     169         —           —           169   

Japan

     13         —           —           13   

China

     13         —           11         24   

Singapore

     17         —           —           17   

India

     2         —           —           2   

South Korea

     8         —           —           8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Asia

     222         —           11         233   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Australia

     3         —           —           3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Oceania

     3         —           —           3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     26,657         77,548         2,771         106,976   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The terms and basic conditions of employment in private sector banks in Spain are negotiated with trade unions representing sector 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 collective bargaining agreement in application during 2009 and 2010 came into effect as of January 1, 2007 and ended on December 31, 2010. On March 14, 2012, the XXII collective bargain agreement was signed. This agreement became effective on January 1, 2011 and will remain in effect until December 31, 2014.

As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we had 1,145, 1,689 and 1,060 temporary employees in our Spanish offices, respectively.

 

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E. Share Ownership

As of March 22, 2013, the members of the Board of Directors owned an aggregate of BBVA shares as shown in the table below:

 

Name

   Directly
owned
shares
     Indirectly
owned
shares
     Total
shares
     % Capital
Stock
 

Gonzalez Rodríguez, Francisco

     1,581,665         1,446,647         3,028,312         0.056   

Cano Fernández, Ángel

     682,062         —           682,062         0.013   

Alfaro Drake, Tomás

     14,584         —           14,584         0.000   

Álvarez Mezquíriz, Juan Carlos

     183,515         —           183,515         0.003   

Bustamante y de la Mora, Ramón

     13,271         2,617         15,888         0.000   

Fernández Rivero, José Antonio

     65,455         —           65,455         0.001   

Ferrero Jordi, Ignacio

     4,080         61,730         65,810         0.001   

Garijo López, Belén

     —           —           —           —     

Loring Martínez de Irujo, Carlos

     51,250         —           51,250         0.001   

Maldonado Ramos, José

     73,264         —           73,264         0.001   

Medina Fernández, Enrique

     45,096         1,695         46,791         0.001   

Palao García-Suelto, José Luis

     9,607         —           9,607         0.000   

Pi Llorens, Juan

     35,892         —           35,892         0.001   

Rodriguez Vidarte, Susana

     23,177         835         24,012         0.000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     2,782,918         1,513,524         4,296,442         0.079   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

BBVA has not granted options on its shares to any members of its administrative, supervisory or Management bodies. Information regarding the variable share-based remuneration system for BBVA’s executive team, including the executive director’s and the Multi-year variable share-based remuneration program for 2010-2011, is provided under Compensation.

As of March 22, 2013 the Management Committee (excluding executive directors) and their families owned 1,968,557 shares. None of the members of our Management Committee held 1% or more of BBVA’s shares as of such date.

As of March 22, 2013 a total of 23,388 employees (excluding the members of the Management committee and executive directors) owned 56,546,208 shares, which represents 1.04% of our capital stock.

 

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A. Major Shareholders

As of March 22, 2013, no person, corporation or government beneficially owned, 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 22, 2013, there were 988,926 registered holders of BBVA’s shares, with an aggregate of 5,448,849,545 shares, of which 485 shareholders with registered addresses in the United States held a total of 1,448,548,894 shares (including shares represented by American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”)). Since certain of such shares and ADRs are held by nominees, the foregoing figures are not representative of the number of beneficial holders.

B. Related Party Transactions

Loans to Directors, Executive Officers and Other Related Parties

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011 there were no loans granted by the Group’s credit institutions to the members of the Bank’s Board of Directors (compared loans totaling to €531 thousand as of December 31, 2010). As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the amounts disposed under the loans granted by the Group’s entities to the members of the Management Committee (excluding executive directors) amounted to €7,401, €6,540 and €4,924 thousand, respectively.

As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the amounts disposed of the loans granted to parties related to the members of the Bank’s Board of Directors amounted to €13,152, €20,593 and €28,493 thousand, respectively. As of these dates, there were no loans granted to parties linked to members of the Bank’s Management Committee.

 

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As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 no guarantees had been granted to any member of the Board of Directors.

As of December 31, 2012 and 2010, no guarantees had been granted to any member of the Management Committee, and the amount of guarantees granted as of December 31, 2011 totaled €9 thousand.

As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, guarantees and commercial loans to parties related to the members of the Bank’s Board of Directors and Management Committee amounted to €3,327, €10,825 and €4,424 thousand, respectively.

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 collectability 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 our 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 collectability or present other unfavorable features.

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not Applicable.

 

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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 cash dividends paid by BBVA on its shares for the years 2008 to 2012. The rate used to convert euro amounts to dollars was the noon buying rate at the end of each year.

 

     Per Share  
     First Interim      Second Interim     Third Interim      Final     Total  
          $          $          $          $          $  

2008

   0.167       $ 0.232       0.167      $ 0.232      0.167       $ 0.232         (*)        (*)      0.501       $ 0.697   

2009

   0.090       $ 0.129       0.090      $ 0.129      0.090       $ 0.129       0.150      $ 0.215      0.420       $ 0.602   

2010

   0.090       $ 0.119       0.090      $ 0.119      0.090       $ 0.119         (**)        (**)      0.270       $ 0.307   

2011

   0.100       $ 0.130         (**)        (**)      0.100       $ 0.130         (**)        (**)      0.200       $ 0.259   

2012

   0.100       $ 0.132         (**)        (**)      0.100       $ 0.132         (**)        (**)      0.200       $ 0.264   

 

(*) On March 13, 2009, our shareholders approved the distribution of additional shareholder remuneration to complement the 2008 cash dividend in the form of an in-kind distribution of a portion of the share premium reserve. On April 20, 2009, our shareholders received BBVA shares from treasury stock in the proportion of one share for every 62 shares outstanding. Accordingly, the number of shares distributed was 60,451,115. This payment entailed a charge against the share premium reserve of €317 million, the weighted average market price of BBVA shares in the continuous electronic market on the trading session on March 12, 2009, the day immediately preceding the date of the annual shareholders’ general meeting.
(**) In execution of the 2011, 2012 and 2013 “Dividendo Opción” schemes described under “Item 4. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends” approved by the shareholders in the respective general shareholders meetings, BBVA shareholders were given the option to receive all or part of their remuneration in newly issued free-of-charge shares or in cash.

We have paid annual dividends to our shareholders since the date we were founded. Historically, we have paid interim dividends each year. The cash dividend for a year is proposed by the Board of Directors to be approved by the general shareholders meeting following the end of the year to which it relates. The scrip dividends are proposed for approval of our shareholders in the general shareholders meeting, for being implemented during a period of one year from their approval. The unpaid portion of this dividend (the final dividend) is paid in cash or scrip after the approval of our financial statements by the shareholders at the annual shareholders’ general meeting. Interim and final dividends are payable to holders of record on the record date for the dividend payment date. Unclaimed cash dividends revert to BBVA five years after declaration. For additional information see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends”.

While we expect to declare and pay dividends (in cash or scrip) on our shares on a quarterly basis in the future, the payment of dividends will depend upon our earnings, financial condition, governmental regulations and policies and other factors.

As described under “Item 4. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends”, the annual shareholders’ general meeting held on March 15, 2013 passed two resolutions adopting a new scrip dividend scheme called “Dividendo Opción” on similar terms as the 2012 and 2011 “Dividendo Opción” schemes. Accordingly, the “Dividendo Opción” is implemented as an alternative remuneration scheme for BBVA shareholders with the aim to provide BBVA shareholders with a flexible option to receive newly issued free-of-charge shares of the Bank, without thereby altering BBVA’s cash remuneration policy.

 

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Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement entered into with the Bank of New York Mellon, holders of ADSs are entitled to receive dividends (in cash or scrip) 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—Business Overview—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—Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Capital 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, 2012, BBVA had approximately €11 billion of reserves in excess of applicable capital and reserve requirements, which were not restricted as to the payment of dividends.

Legal Proceedings

The Group is party to certain legal actions in a number of jurisdictions, including, among others, Spain, Mexico and the United States, arising in the ordinary course of business. BBVA considers that none of such actions is material, individually or in the aggregate, and none of such actions is expected to result in a material adverse effect on the Group’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity, either individually or in the aggregate. Management believes that adequate provisions have been made in respect of the actions arising in the ordinary course of business. BBVA has not disclosed to the markets any contingent liability that could arise from such actions as it does not consider them material.

B. Significant Changes

No significant change has occurred since the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements other than those mentioned in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

A. Offer and Listing Details

BBVA’s shares are listed on the Spanish stock exchanges in Madrid, Bilbao, Barcelona and Valencia (the “Spanish Stock Exchanges”) and listed on the computerized trading system of the Spanish Stock Exchanges (the “Automated Quotation System”). BBVA’s shares are also listed on the Mexican and London stock exchanges as well as quoted on SEAQ International in London. BBVA’s shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange as American Depositary Shares (ADSs).

ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are also traded on the Lima (Peru) Stock Exchange, by virtue of an exchange agreement entered into between these two exchanges. Each ADS represents the right to receive one share.

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 ADRs on conversion by The Bank of New York Mellon (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 BBVA on the Automated Quotation System.

 

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     Euro per Share  
     High      Low  

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

     

Annual

     16.58         7.16   

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

     

Annual

     13.17         4.68   

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

     

Annual

     13.15         7.08   

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

     

Annual

     9.43         5.14   

First Quarter

     9.43         6.92   

Second Quarter

     8.82         7.49   

Third Quarter

     8.34         5.14   

Fourth Quarter

     6.93         5.50   

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

     

Annual

     7.30         4.43   

First Quarter

     7.30         5.86   

Second Quarter

     5.97         4.57   

Third Quarter

     6.68         4.43   

Fourth Quarter

     7.04         5.92   

Month ended September 30, 2012

     6.68         6.06   

Month ended October 31, 2012

     6.66         5.92   

Month ended November 30, 2012

     6.55         6.02   

Month ended December 31, 2012

     7.04         6.50   

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

     

Month ended January 31, 2013

     7.82         7.25   

Month ended February 28, 2013

     7.70         6.97   

Month ended March 31, 2013 (through March 22)

     7.79         7.23   

From January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012 the percentage of outstanding shares held by BBVA and its affiliates ranged between 0.240% and 2.019%, calculated on a daily basis. As of March 21, 2013, the percentage of outstanding shares held by BBVA and its affiliates was 0.183%.

The table below sets forth the reported high and low sales closing prices for the ADSs of BBVA on the New York Stock Exchange for the periods indicated.

 

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     U.S. Dollars per ADS  
     High      Low  

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

     

Annual

     24.27         8.45   

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

     

Annual

     19.69         5.76   

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

     

Annual

     18.99         8.87   

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

     

Annual

     12.95         7.32   

First Quarter

     12.95         9.03   

Second Quarter

     12.90         10.49   

Third Quarter

     12.13         7.49   

Fourth Quarter

     9.94         7.32   

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

     

Annual

     9.72         5.34   

First Quarter

     9.72         7.61   

Second Quarter

     7.97         5.63   

Third Quarter

     8.67         5.34   

Fourth Quarter

     9.42         7.60   

Month ended September 30, 2012

     8.67         7.59   

Month ended October 31, 2012

     8.67         7.60   

Month ended November 30, 2012

     8.45         7.66   

Month ended December 31, 2012

     9.42         8.38   

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

     

Month ended January 31, 2013

     10.54         9.44   

Month ended February 28, 2013

     10.29         9.33   

Month ended March 31, 2013 (through March 22)

     10.11         9.33   

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 2012, 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 (Sistema de Interconexión Bursátil) 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. We are currently a member of the four Spanish Stock Exchanges and can trade through the Automated Quotation System.

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 regime concerning opening prices was changed by an internal rule issued by the Sociedad de Bolsas. In this new regime all references to maximum changes in share prices are substituted by static and dynamic price ranges for each listed share, calculated on the basis of the most recent historical volatility of each share, and made publicly available and updated on a regular 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 levels. If, during the open session, the quoted price of a share exceeds these static or dynamic price ranges, Volatility Auctions are triggered, resulting in new static or dynamic price ranges being set for the share object of the same. 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.

Trading hours for block trades (i.e., operations involving a large number of shares) are also from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., special operations, whether Authorized or Communicated, can take place outside the computerized matching system of the Sociedad de Bolsas if they fulfill certain requirements. In such respect Communicated special operations (those that do not need the prior authorization of the Sociedad de Bolsas) can be traded if all of the following requirements are met: (i) the trade price of the share must be 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; (ii) the market member executing the trade must have previously covered certain positions in securities and cash before executing the trade; and (iii) the size of the trade must involve at least

 

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€300,000 and represent at least a 20% of the average daily trading volume of the shares in the Automated Quotation System during the preceding three months. If any of the aforementioned requirements is not met, a special operation may still take place, but it will need to take the form of Authorized special operation (i.e., those needing the prior authorization of the Sociedad de Bolsas). Such authorization will only be upheld if any of the following requirements is met:

 

   

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.

Sociedad de Bolsas is also the manager of the IBEX 35® Index. This index is made up by the 35 most liquid securities traded on the Spanish Market and, technically, it is a price index that is weighted by capitalization and adjusted according to the free float of each company comprised in the index. Apart from its quotation on the four Spanish Exchanges, BBVA is also currently included in the IBEX 35® Index.

Clearing and Settlement System.

On April 1, 2003, by virtue of Law 44/2002 and of Order ECO 689/2003 of March 27, 2003 approved by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, the integration of the two main existing book-entry settlement systems existing in Spain at the time—the equity settlement system Servicio de Compensación y Liquidación de Valores (“SCLV”) and the Public Debt settlement system Central de Anotaciones de Deuda del Estado (“CADE”)—took place. As a result of this integration, a single entity, known as Sociedad de Gestión de los Sistemas de Registro Compensación y Liquidación de Valores (“Iberclear”) assumed the functions formerly performed by SCLV and CADE according to the legal regime stated in article 44 bis of the Spanish Securities Market Act.

Notwithstanding the above, rules concerning the book-entry settlement systems enacted before this date by SCLV and the Bank of Spain, as former manager of CADE, continue in force, but any reference to the SCLV or CADE must be substituted by Iberclear.

In addition, and according to Law 41/1999, Iberclear manages three securities settlement systems for securities in book-entry form: The system for securities listed on the four Spanish Stock Exchanges, the system for Public Debt and the system for debt securities traded in AIAF Mercado de Renta Fija. Cash settlement, from February 18, 2008 for all systems is managed through the TARGET2-Banco de España payment system.

The following four paragraphs exclusively address issues relating to the securities settlement system managed by Iberclear for securities listed on the Spanish Stock Exchanges (the “SCLV system”).

Under Law 41/1999 and Royal Decree 116/1992, transactions carried out on the Spanish Stock Exchanges are cleared and settled through Iberclear and its participants (each an “entidad participante”), through the SCLV system. Only Iberclear participants to this SCLV system are entitled to use it, with participation restricted to authorized members of the Spanish Stock Exchanges (for whom participation was compulsory until March 2007), 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 clearing and settlement systems. BBVA is currently a participant in Iberclear. Iberclear and its participants are responsible for maintaining records of purchases and sales under the book-entry system. In

 

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order to be listed, shares of Spanish companies must be held in book-entry form. Iberclear, maintains a “two-step” book-entry registry reflecting the number of shares held by each of its participants as well as the amount of such shares held on behalf of beneficial owners. Each participant, in turn, maintains a registry of the owners of such shares. Spanish law considers the legal owner of the shares to be:

 

   

the participant appearing in the records of Iberclear as holding the relevant shares in its own name, or

 

   

the investor appearing in the records of the participant as holding the shares.

Iberclear settles Stock Exchange trades in the SCLV system in the so-called “D+3 Settlement” by which the settlement of Stock Exchange trades takes place three business days after the date on which the transaction was carried out in the Stock Exchange.

Ministerial Order EHA/2054/2010, amended Iberclear’s Regulation permitting Iberclear to clear and settle trades of equity securities listed in the Spanish Stock Exchanges that are entered into outside such stock exchanges (whether over-the-counter or in multilateral trading facilities).

Obtaining legal title to shares of a company listed on a Spanish Stock Exchange requires the participation of a Spanish broker-dealer, bank or other entity authorized under Spanish law to record the transfer of shares in book-entry form in its capacity as Iberclear participant for the SCLV system. To evidence title to shares, at the owner’s request the relevant participant entity must issue a certificate of ownership. In the event the owner is a participant entity, Iberclear is in charge of the issuance of the certificate with respect to the shares held in the participant entity’s own name.

According to article 42 of the Securities Market Act 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 ADSs, and upon any later sale of such shares by such holder. Transfers of ADSs do not require the participation of a member of a Spanish Stock Exchange. 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.

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 April 12, 2007, the Spanish Congress approved Law 6/2007, which amends the Securities Markets Act in order to adapt it to Directive 2004/25/EC on takeover bids, and Directive 2004/109/EC on the harmonization of

 

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transparency requirements in relation to information about issuers whose securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market (amending Directive 2001/34/EC). Regarding the transparency of listed companies, Law 6/2007 has amended the reporting requirements and the disclosure regime, and has established changes in the supervision system. On the takeover bids side, Law 6/2007 has established the cases in which a company must launch a takeover bid and the ownership thresholds at which a takeover bid must be launched. It also regulates conduct rules for the board of directors of target companies and the squeeze-out and sell-out when a 90% of the share capital is held after a takeover bid. Additionally, Law 6/2007 has been further developed by Royal Decree 1362/2007, on transparency requirements for issuers of listed securities.

On December 19, 2007, the Spanish Congress approved Law 47/2007, which amends the Securities Markets Act in order to adapt it to Directive 2004/37/EC on markets in financial instruments (MiFID), Directive 2006/49/EC on the capital adequacy of investment firms and credit institutions, and Directive 2006/73/EC implementing Directive 2004/39/EC with respect to organizational requirements and operating conditions for investment firms and defined terms for the purposes of that Directive. Further MiFID implementation has been introduced by Royal Decree 217/2008 and Ministerial Order EHA/1665/2010, which developed articles 71 and 76 of such Royal Decree 217/2008 regarding fees and types of agreements.

On October 4, 2011, the Spanish Congress approved Law 32/2011, which amends the Securities Markets Act by enhancing the clearing, settlement and book-entry system (by establishing central counterparty equity clearing).

The Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on short selling and certain aspects of credit default swaps (EU) No 236/2012 (Regulation) has been in force since March 25, 2012 and became directly effective in EU countries from November 1, 2012. This Regulation introduced a pan-European regulatory framework for dealing with short selling and requires persons to disclose short positions in relation to shares of EU listed companies and EU sovereign debt. For significant net short positions in shares of EU listed companies, these regulations create a two-tier reporting model: (i) when a net short position reaches 0.20% of an issuer’s share capital (and at every 0.1% thereafter), such position must be privately reported to the relevant regulator; and (ii) when such position reaches 0.50% (and at every 0.1% thereafter) of an issuer’s share capital, apart from being disclosed to the regulators, such position must be publicly reported to the market.

Law 9/2012 and Royal Decree 1698/2012 implemented European Directive 2010/73/EU, (which amended Directive 2003/71/EC, on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading and Directive 2004/109/EC, on the harmonization of transparency requirements in relation to information about issuers whose securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market).

Trading by the Bank and its Affiliates in the Shares

Trading by subsidiaries in their parent companies shares is restricted by the Corporate Enterprises 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 and the authorization term, which cannot exceed five years. 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 ten percent of BBVA’s total capital, as per the new treasury stock limits set forth in Law 3/2009 of structural modifications of commercial companies. 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

Royal Decree 1362/2007 requires that any person or entity which acquires or transfers shares and as a consequence the number of voting rights held exceeds, reaches or is below the thresholds of 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80% y 90% of the capital stock of a company listed on a Spanish Stock Exchange must, within four days after that acquisition or transfer, report it to such company, and to the CNMV. This duty to report the holding of a significant stake will be applicable not only to the acquisitions and transfers in the terms described above, but also to those cases in which in the absence of an acquisition or transfer of shares, the ratio of an individual’s voting rights exceeds, reaches or is below the thresholds that trigger the duty to report, as a consequence of an alteration in the total number of voting rights of an issuer.

 

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In addition, any company listed on a Spanish Stock Exchange must report on a non-public basis to the CNMV, within 4 Stock Exchange business days, 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 the ratio of voting rights held at the time of their appointment as members of the board, when they are ceased as members, as well as 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 who 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—Exchange Controls—Restrictions on Acquisitions of Shares”.

Royal Decree 1362/2007 also establishes 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 three percent is reduced to one percent.

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.

In addition, BBVA shares were included, among others, in Annex 1 of the Agreement of the Executive Committee of the CNMV on naked short selling dated September 22, 2008, which was supplemented by a further agreement of this body dated May 27, 2010. Different temporary restrictions on short selling over securities admitted to trading in Spanish regulated markets (including BBVA’s securities) have subsequently been imposed by the CNMV. Upon Regulation (EU) 236/2012’s entry into force (on November 1, 2012) the CNMV made public a new agreement extending the ban on transactions by any legal or natural person which create a short position in shares listed in the Spanish regulated markets (including BBVA’s shares), setting forth some exceptions, such as for market making transactions. This ban was in effect until January 31, 2013, when CNMV decided not to extend the same.

Ministerial Order EHA/1421/2009, implements Article 82 of Securities Market (Law 24/1988 of July 28, 1988) on the publication of significant information. The Ministerial Order specifies certain aspects relating to notice of significant information that were pending implementation in Law 24/1988. In this respect, the principles to be followed and conditions to be met by entities when they publish and report significant information are set forth, along with the content requirements, including when significant information is connected with accounting, financial or operational projections, forecasts or estimates. The reporting entity must designate at least one interlocutor whom the CNMV may consult or from whom it may request information relating to dissemination of the significant information. Lastly, some of the circumstances in which it is considered that an entity is failing to comply with the duty to publish and report significant information are described. These include, among others, cases in which significant information is disseminated at meetings with investors or shareholders or at presentations to analysts or to media professionals, but is not communicated, at the same time, to the CNMV.

Circular 4/2009 of the CNMV further develops Ministerial Order EHA1421/2009. In this respect, the Circular sets forth a precise proceeding for the actual report of the significant information and draws up an illustrative list of the events that may be deemed to constitute significant information. This list includes, among others, events connected with strategic agreements and mergers and acquisitions, information relating to the reporting entity’s financial statements or those of its consolidated group, information on notices of call and official matters and information on significant changes in factors connected with the activities of the reporting entity and its group.

 

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Tax Requirements

According to Law 19/2003 and its associated regulations, an issuer’s parent company (credit entity or listed company) is required, on an annual basis, to provide the Spanish tax authorities with the following: (i) disclosure of information regarding those investors with Spanish Tax residency obtaining income from securities and (ii) the amount of income obtained by them in each period.

B. Plan of distribution

Not Applicable.

C. Markets

Not Applicable.

D. Selling Shareholders

Not Applicable.

E. Dilution

Not Applicable.

F. Expenses of the Issue

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A. Share Capital

Not Applicable.

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.

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, Company section folio 1, sheet BI-17-1, 1st entry. 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 regarding directors are contained in our bylaws. Also, our Board regulations govern the internal procedures and the operation of the Board and its committees and directors’ rights and duties as described in their charter. The referred Board regulations (i) limit a director’s right to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which the director is materially interested; (ii) limit the power or directors to vote on compensation for themselves; (iii) limit borrowing powers exercisable by the directors and how such borrowing powers can be amended; or (iv) require retirement of directors at a certain age. In addition, the Board regulations contain a series of ethical standards. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees”.

 

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Certain Provisions Regarding Privileged Shares

The bylaws authorize us to issue ordinary, non-voting, redeemable and privileged shares. As of the date of the filing of this Annual Report, we have no non-voting, redeemable or privileged shares outstanding.

The Company may issue shares that confer some privilege over ordinary shares under the legally established terms and conditions, complying with the formalities prescribed for amending our bylaws.

Only shares that have been issued as redeemable may be redeemed by us. 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, our capital is comprised of one class of ordinary shares, all of which have the same rights.

Once the perquisites established by law or in our bylaws have been covered, dividends may be paid out to shareholders and charged to the year’s profit or to unrestricted reserves, in proportion to the capital they may have paid up, provided the value of the total net assets is not, or as a result of such distribution would not be, less than the share 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 voting share will confer the right to one vote on the holder present or represented at the general meeting. 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.

The bylaws do not contain any provisions relating to sinking funds or potential liability of shareholders to further capital calls by us.

The bylaws do not establish that special 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

The annual shareholders’ general meeting has its own set of regulations on issues such as how it operates and what rights shareholders enjoy regarding annual general shareholders’ meeting. These establish the possibility of exercising or delegating votes over remote communication media.

General shareholders’ meetings may be annual or extraordinary. Annual general shareholders’ 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 shareholders’ 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.

 

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General shareholders’ meetings must be convened by the Board of Directors, whether by their own decision or upon the request of shareholders holding at least five percent of our share capital.

Our shareholders’ general meeting regulations establish that annual and extraordinary shareholders’ general meetings must be called within the notice period required by law. This will be done by means of an announcement published by the Board of Directors or its proxy in the Official Gazette of the Companies Registry (“BORME”) or one of the daily newspapers in Spain with the highest-readership, within the notice period required by law, as well as being disseminated on the CNMV website and the Company website, except when legal provisions establish other media for disseminating the notice.

The Company’s shareholders’ general meetings may be attended by anyone owning the minimum number of shares established in our bylaws(500), provided that their holding is registered in the corresponding accounting records five days before the general meeting is scheduled and that they conserve at least this same number of shares until the time when the general meeting is held. Holders of fewer shares may group together until achieving the required number, appointing a representative.

General shareholders’ meetings will be validly constituted on first call with the presence of at least 25% of our voting capital, either in person or by proxy. No minimum quorum is required to hold a general shareholders’ meeting on second call. In either case, resolutions will be agreed by the majority of the votes. However, a general shareholders’ meeting will only be validly held with the presence of 50% of our 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;

 

   

the elimination on or limitation of the pre-emptive subscription rights over new shares;

 

   

transformation, merger of BBVA or break-up of the company and global assignment of assets and liabilities;

 

   

the off-shoring of domicile, 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.

Additionally, our bylaws state that, in order to adopt resolutions regarding a change in corporate purpose or the total liquidation or dissolution of BBVA, at least two-thirds of the voting capital must be present at the meeting on first call and at least 60% of voting capital must be present on second call.

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

The 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 be notified to the Ministry of Economy and Treasury prior to its execution. All other investments in our 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, see “—Exchange Controls”, foreign investors may freely transfer out of Spain any amounts of invested capital, capital gains and dividends.

 

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C. Material Contracts

Shareholders’ agreement in connection with Garanti

On November 1, 2010, we entered into share purchase agreements with GE Araştırma ve Müşavirlik Limited Şirketi and General Electric Capital Corporation and Doğuş Holding A.Ş. (“Doğuş”), respectively, pursuant to which, on March 22, 2011, we acquired Garanti shares representing 18.60% and 6.29%, respectively, of the total issued share capital of Garanti. In addition, on November 1, 2010, we entered into a shareholders’ agreement with Doğuş which is in effect since March 2011 (the “SHA”). Doğuş is one of the largest Turkish conglomerates and has business interests in the financial services, construction, tourism and automotive sectors. Pursuant to the SHA, BBVA and Doğuş have agreed to manage Garanti through the appointment of board members and senior management. The SHA provides for two phases (“Phase 1” and “Phase 2”, respectively), with the rights between the two shareholders differing based on the respective phase. In addition, during the Phase 2 period, BBVA’s rights will depend on the level of Doğuş’ shareholding. The Phase 1 period commenced in March 2011 and will end upon the occurrence of certain trigger events which relate to changes in BBVA’s and Doğuş’ shareholding in Garanti. If further new shares are acquired by either BBVA or Doğuş during Phase 1, the other party will have the right to acquire 50% of the shares so acquired and, if such party chooses not to acquire them, it will nevertheless have voting usufruct rights over 50% of the shares acquired. In addition, the shareholders’ agreement provides for rights of first offer, tag-along rights and a lock-up period in respect of Garanti shares owned by BBVA and Doğuş which will end on the earlier of (i) the end of the Phase 1 period, or (ii) March 22, 2014. Moreover, the parties will seek to maintain Garanti’s listing on the Istanbul Exchange and to distribute at least 25% of Garanti’s distributable profits as long as they hold a certain stake in Garanti. BBVA also has a perpetual option to purchase an additional 1% of Garanti, which will become exercisable on March 22, 2016.

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 and Royal Decree 664/1999, 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 1080/1991.

On July 5, 2003, Law 19/2003 came into effect. This law is an update to other Spanish exchange control and money laundering prevention laws.

Restrictions on Acquisitions of Shares

The Discipline and Intervention of Credit Institutions Act (Law 26/1988), amended by Law 5/2009, of June 29, provides that any individual or corporation, acting alone or in concert with others, intending to directly or indirectly acquire a significant holding in a Spanish financial institution (as defined in article 56 of the aforementioned Law 26/1998) or to directly or indirectly increase its holding in one in such a way that either the percentage of voting rights or of capital owned were equal to or more than 20%, 30% or 50%, or by virtue of the acquisition, might take control over the financial institution, must first notify the Bank of Spain. The Bank of Spain will have 60 working days after the date on which the notification was received, to evaluate the transaction and, where applicable, challenge the proposed acquisition on the grounds established by law.

 

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A significant participation is considered 10% of the outstanding share capital of a bank or a lower percentage if such holding allows for the exercise of a significant influence.

Any acquisition without such prior notification, or before the period established in article 58.2 has elapsed 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 60 working days after the date on which the notification was received 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.

Regarding the transparency of listed companies, Law 6/2007 amended the Securities Markets Act on takeover bids and transparency requirements for issuers. The transparency requirements have been further developed by Royal Decree 1362/2007 developing the Securities Markets Act on transparency requirement for issuers of listed securities, specifically information on significant stakes, reducing the communication threshold to 3%, and extending the disclosure obligations to the acquisition or transfer of financial instruments that grant rights to acquire shares with voting rights.

Tender Offers

The Spanish legal regime concerning takeover bids was amended by Law 6/2007 in order to adapt the Spanish Securities Market Act to the Directive 2004/25/EC on takeover bids, and Directive 2004/109/EC on the harmonization of transparency requirements in relation to information about issuers.

Additionally, Royal Decree 1066/2007, of July 29, on takeover bids, completes the modifications introduced by Law 6/2007, further developing the takeover bids legal framework in Spain and harmonizing the Spanish legislation with Directive 2004/25/EC.

E. Taxation

Spanish Tax Considerations

The following is a summary of the material Spanish tax consequences to U.S. Residents (as defined below) of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of BBVA’s ADSs or ordinary shares as of the date of the filing of this Annual Report. 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 U.S. Holders (as defined below) that will hold ADSs or ordinary shares as capital assets and who do not at any time own individually, and are not 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) “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of BBVA’s ADSs or ordinary shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

   

a citizen or an individual resident of the United States,

 

   

a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation, created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state therein or the District of Columbia, 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) “U.S. Resident” means a U.S. 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.

 

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Holders of ADSs or ordinary shares should consult their 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 the 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, cash 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 at a 21% tax rate for 2012 and 2013 (after this period of time the tax rate is expected to be 19%). 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 a withholding tax rate of 21% for 2012 and 2013), transferring the resulting net amount to the depositary.

However, under the Treaty, if you are a U.S. Resident, you are entitled to a reduced withholding tax rate of 15%. To benefit from the Treaty-reduced rate of 15%, if you are a U.S. Resident, you must provide to BBVA through our paying agent depositary, before the tenth day following the end of the month in which the dividends were payable, a certificate from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) stating that, to the best knowledge of the IRS, you are a resident of the United States within the meaning of the Treaty and entitled to its benefits.

If the paying agent depositary provides timely evidence (i.e., by means of the IRS certificate) of your right to apply the Treaty-reduced rate it will immediately receive the surplus amount withheld, which will be credited to you. The IRS certificate is valid for a period of one year from issuance.

To help shareholders obtain such certificates, BBVA has set up an online procedure to make this as easy as possible.

If the certificate referred to in the above paragraph is not provided to us through our paying agent depositary within said term, you may afterwards obtain a refund of the amount withheld in excess of the rate provided for in the Treaty.

Scrip Dividend

As described under “Item 4. Information on the Company Business—Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends”, the BBVA annual shareholders’ general meeting held on March 15, 2013, passed a resolution adopting two different free-of-charge capital increases for the implementation of a new “Dividendo Opción” scheme for this year, the first of which relates to the dividend traditionally paid in April and which execution we expect to complete in early May 2013. This dividend scheme lets the shareholders choose how they would like to receive their dividends: in cash or in new shares.

Pursuant to the terms of the “Dividendo Opción” program, upon its implementation, the shareholders will receive one free-of-charge allocation right for each share of BBVA that they hold as of a given record date. These rights will be tradable on the Spanish Stock Exchanges for a minimum period of 15 natural days. BBVA will undertake to purchase free allocation rights tendered by a shareholder to it during a certain period of time at a fixed price, subject to the conditions that may be imposed each time the “Dividendo Opción” program is implemented. This fixed price will be the result of dividing the Reference Price (as defined below) by the number of rights necessary to receive one new share plus one. At the end of the 15 natural days period, the free-of-charge allocation rights not validly tendered to BBVA will be converted into newly-issued shares of the Company. The number of rights necessary for the allocation of one new share and the total number of shares to be issued by BBVA will depend, amongst other factors, on the arithmetic mean of the weighted average prices of BBVA’s shares on the Spanish Stock Exchanges over the five trading sessions immediately prior to the Board’s resolution concerning the implementation of the relevant free-of-charge capital increase (the “Reference Price”).

Consequently, when each of the free-of-charge capital increases implementing the “Dividendo Opción” scheme is executed, the shareholders of BBVA will be able to freely choose among:

 

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  (a) Not transferring their free-of charge allocation rights. In this case, at the end of the trading period, the shareholders will receive the number of new totally paid-up shares to which they are entitled. For tax purposes the delivery of paid-up shares does not constitute income for purposes of the Spanish Non-Resident Income Tax, whether or not non-residents act through a permanent establishment in Spain.

The acquisition value of both the new shares received and the shares from which they derive, will result from distributing the total cost among the number of securities (both existing and those issued as paid-up shares corresponding thereto). Such paid-up shares will be deemed to have been held for as long as the shares from which they derive.

 

  (b) Sell their free-of-charge allocation rights on the market. In this event, the amount obtained for the transfer of such rights on the market will be subject to the following tax treatment:

For purposes of the Spanish Non-Resident Income Tax on non-residents without a permanent establishment, the amount obtained for the transfer of the free-of-charge allocation rights on the market is subject to the same treatment that tax regulations provide for pre-emptive rights. Accordingly, the amount obtained for the transfer of the free-of-charge allocation rights decreases the acquisition value for tax purposes of the shares from which such rights derive, pursuant to Section 37.1.a) of Law 35/2006, of November 28, on Personal Income Tax (Ley del Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas).

Thus, if the amount obtained for the aforementioned transfer is larger than the acquisition value of the securities from which they derive, the difference will be deemed to be a capital gain earned by the transferor in the tax period in which the transfer is effected.

 

  (c) Use the purchase commitment assumed by BBVA of free-of-charge allocation rights. The tax treatment applicable to the amount received for the transfer to the Company of the free-of-charge allocation rights held by them in their capacity as shareholders or acquired on the market will be equal to the treatment applicable to dividends directly distributed in cash and, consequently, such amount will be subject to the corresponding withholding.

It should be borne in mind that this analysis does not cover all the possible tax consequences. Therefore, shareholders are advised to consult with their tax advisors.

Spanish Refund Procedure

According to Spanish Regulations on Non-Resident Income Tax, approved by Royal Decree 1776/2004 dated July 30, 2004, as amended, a refund for the amount withheld in excess of the Treaty-reduced rate can be obtained from the relevant Spanish tax authorities. To pursue the refund claim, if you are a U.S. Resident, you are required to file:

 

   

the corresponding Spanish tax form,

 

   

the certificate referred to in the preceding section, and

 

   

evidence of the Spanish Non-Resident Income Tax that was withheld with respect to you.

The refund claim must be filed within four years from the date in which the withheld tax was collected by the Spanish tax authorities, but not before February 1, of the following year.

U.S. Residents are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding refund procedures and any U.S. tax implications thereof.

Additionally, under the Spanish law, the first €1,500 of dividends received by individuals who are not resident in Spain for tax purposes, and do not operate through a permanent establishment in Spain, will be exempt from taxation in certain circumstances.

U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of, and the procedures to be followed in connection with, this exemption.

 

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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 received by U.S. 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, gain recognized by you, if you are a U.S. Resident, from the sale of BBVA’s ADSs or ordinary shares will be treated as capital gains. Spanish Non-Resident Income Tax is levied at a 21% tax rate for 2012 and 2013 (after this period of time the tax rate is expected to be 19%) on capital gains recognized by persons who are not 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 discussion above, capital gains derived from the transfer of shares on 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 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 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 U.S. Resident, under 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 a certificate of residence in the United States from the IRS (discussed above in “—Taxation of Dividends”), together with the corresponding Spanish tax form.

Spanish Inheritance and Gift Taxes

Transfers of BBVA’s shares or ADSs upon death or by gift to individuals 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 ADSs are located in Spain, regardless of the residence of the transferee. In this regard, the Spanish tax authorities may argue that all shares of a Spanish corporation and all ADSs representing such shares are located in Spain for Spanish tax purposes. The applicable tax rate for individuals, after applying all relevant factors, ranges between approximately 7.65% and 81.6%.

Corporations that are non-residents of Spain that receive BBVA’s shares or ADSs as a gift are subject to Spanish Non-Resident Income Tax at a 21% tax rate for 2012 and 2013 (after this period of time the tax rate is expected to be 19%) on the fair market value of such ordinary shares or ADSs as a capital gain tax. 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 U.S. federal income tax consequences of the 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 hold the securities. The summary applies only to U.S. Holders (as defined under “Spanish Tax Considerations” above) that are eligible for the benefits of the Treaty and that hold ADSs or ordinary shares as capital assets for tax purposes and does not address all of the tax consequences, including the potential application of the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), known as the Medicare contribution tax, and tax consequences that may be relevant to holders subject to special rules, such as:

 

   

certain financial institutions;

 

   

dealers or traders in securities who use a mark-to-market method of accounting;

 

   

persons holding ADSs or ordinary shares as part of a hedging transaction, straddle, wash sale, conversion transaction or integrated transaction or persons entering into a constructive sale with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares;

 

   

persons whose “functional currency” for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar;

 

   

persons liable for the alternative minimum tax;

 

   

tax-exempt entities;

 

   

partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

   

persons holding ADSs or ordinary shares in connection with a trade or business conducted outside of the United States;

 

   

persons who acquired our ADSs or ordinary shares pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation; or

 

   

persons who own or are deemed to own 10% or more of our voting shares.

If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds ADSs or ordinary shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding ADSs or ordinary shares and partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisors as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of the ADSs or ordinary shares.

The summary is based upon the tax laws of the United States including the Code, the Treaty, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, all as of the date hereof. These laws are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. In addition, the summary is based in part on representations by the depositary and assumes that each obligation provided for in or otherwise contemplated by BBVA’s deposit agreement and 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 tax advisors as to the U.S., Spanish or other tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares in their particular circumstances, including the effect of any U.S. state or local tax laws.

In general, for United States federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder who owns ADSs will be treated as the owner of the underlying ordinary shares represented by those ADSs. 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 American depositary shares are pre-released may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits by U.S. holders of American depositary shares. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax applicable to dividends received by certain non-corporate 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 non-corporate U.S. Holders, could be affected by future actions that may be taken by such parties.

 

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This discussion assumes that BBVA is not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) (as discussed below).

Taxation of Distributions

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 ordinary shares or rights to subscribe for ordinary shares of its capital stock) will be includible in the income of a U.S. Holder as ordinary dividend income, to the extent paid out of BBVA’s current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. Because we do not maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles, it is expected that distributions generally will be reported to U.S. Holders as dividends. The amount of such dividends will generally be treated as foreign-source dividend income and will not be eligible for the “dividends-received deduction” generally allowed to U.S. corporations under the Code. Subject to applicable limitations and the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, dividends paid to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders will be taxable at favorable rates applicable to long-term capital gains. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors to determine the availability of these favorable rates in their particular circumstances.

The amount of dividend income will equal the U.S. dollar value of the euro received, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of receipt (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. If the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. A U.S. Holder may have foreign currency gain or loss if the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars after the date of its receipt.

A scrip dividend (such as a dividend distributed under the “Dividendo Opción” program, described in “Item 4. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends”) will be treated in the same manner as a distribution of cash, regardless of whether a U.S. Holder elects to receive the dividend in shares rather than cash. If the U.S. Holder elects to receive the dividend in shares, the U.S. Holder will be treated as having received a distribution equal to the U.S. dollar fair market value of the shares on the date of distribution. The U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such shares received will be equal to the U.S. dollar fair market value of the shares on the date of distribution and the holding period for such shares will begin on the day following the distribution.

Subject to applicable limitations that may vary depending upon a U.S. Holder’s circumstances and subject to the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, 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 at a rate not exceeding the rate the U.S. Holder is entitled to under the Treaty. Spanish taxes withheld in excess of the rate applicable under the Treaty will not be eligible for credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. See “Spanish Tax Considerations—Taxation of Dividends” for a discussion of how to obtain the Treaty rate. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex and, therefore, U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of foreign tax credits in their particular circumstances.

Sale or Other Disposition of ADSs or Shares

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares will be 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 disposed of and the amount realized on the disposition, in each case as determined in U.S. dollars. Such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder held the ordinary shares or ADSs for more than one year at the time of disposition. Gain or loss, if any, will generally be U.S. source for foreign tax credit purposes. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

Based upon certain proposed Treasury regulations which are proposed to be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1994 (“Proposed Regulations”), we believe that we were not a PFIC for U.S. federal

 

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income tax purposes for our 2012 taxable year. 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 and since there is no guarantee that the Proposed Regulations will be adopted in their current form and because the manner of the application of the Proposed Regulations is not entirely clear, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year.

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 (including certain pledges) of an ADS or an ordinary share would be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADS or the 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 individuals or corporations, as appropriate for that taxable year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the amount allocated to such taxable year. The same treatment would apply to any distribution received by a U.S. Holder on its ordinary shares or ADSs to the extent that such distribution exceeds 125% of the average of the annual distributions on the ordinary shares or ADSs received during the preceding three years or the U.S. Holder’s holding period, whichever is shorter. In addition, if we were a PFIC or, with respect to a particular U.S. Holder, were treated as a PFIC for the taxable year in which we paid a dividend or the prior taxable year, the favorable tax rates discussed above with respect to dividends paid to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders would not apply. Certain elections may be available (including a mark-to-market election) that may provide alternative tax treatments. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding whether we are or were a PFIC, the potential application of the PFIC rules to determine whether any of these elections for alternative treatment would be available and, if so, what the consequences of the alternative treatments would be in their particular circumstances. 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 may be required to file a report containing such information as the U.S. Treasury may require.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Information returns may be filed with the IRS 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 U.S. backup withholding on these payments if the U.S. 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 timely furnished to the IRS.

Certain U.S. Holders who are individuals (and under proposed Treasury regulations, certain entities controlled by individuals) may be required to report information relating to their ownership of an interest in certain foreign financial assets, including stock of a non-U.S. person, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for stock held in custodial accounts maintained by a U.S. financial institution). Certain U.S. Holders who are entities may be subject to similar rules in the future. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations with respect to the ordinary shares or ADSs.

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not Applicable.

G. Statement by Experts

Not Applicable.

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 private 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 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. 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 or furnished electronically with the SEC, which can be accessed over the internet at http://www.sec.gov.

 

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I. Subsidiary Information

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Financial institutions that deal in financial instruments must assume or transfer one or more types of risks with each transaction. The main risks associated with financial instruments are:

 

   

Credit risk: which arises from the possibility that one party to a financial instrument may fail to meet its contractual obligations, causing a financial loss for the other party.

 

   

Market risk: which relates to the likelihood of losses with respect to the value of securities held in our portfolio as a result of changes in the market prices of financial instruments. It includes three types of risks:

 

   

Interest-rate risk: which arises from variations in market interest rates.

 

   

Currency risk: resulting from variations in foreign-currency rates.

 

   

Price risk: resulting from variations in market prices, either due to factors specific to the instrument itself, or alternatively to factors which affect all the instruments traded on a specific market.

 

   

Liquidity risk: which arises from the possibility that a company cannot meet its payment commitments without having to resort to borrowing funds under onerous conditions, or risking the image and the reputation of the entity.

Value-at-Risk (VaR) is the basic risk measure used to manage and control the Group’s market risks. It estimates the maximum loss at a specific confidence level, for a given portfolio, probability and time horizon. We calculate VaR based on a 99% confidence level and a one-day time horizon.

BBVA, S.A. and BBVA Bancomer have received approval from the Bank of Spain to use a model developed by the Group to calculate bank capital requirements related to market risk. This model estimates VaR in accordance with the “historical simulation” methodology, which consists of estimating the losses or gains that would have been produced in the current portfolio if the changes in market conditions occurring over a specific period of time were repeated. Using this information, we infer the maximum foreseeable loss in the current portfolio with a determined level of confidence. This methodology presents the advantage of replicating historical market variables rather than requiring the assumption of any specific probability distribution. The historical period used in this model is two years.

In addition, the Bank follows the guidelines set out by Spanish and European authorities regarding other metrics, including the Bank of Spain’s regulatory requirements. The new measurements of market risk for the trading portfolio include the calculation of stressed VaR (which quantifies the level of risk in extreme historical situations) and the quantification of default risks and the downgrading of credit ratings of bonds and credit portfolio derivatives.

We determine a system of VaR and economic capital limits by market risk for each business unit, with specific ad-hoc sub-limits by type of risk, activity and trading desk.

Validity tests are performed periodically on the risk measurement models used by the Group. They estimate the maximum loss that could have been incurred in the securities assessed with a certain level of probability (back-testing), as well as measurements of the impact of extreme market events on risk positions (stress testing). In addition, BBVA Research (the BBVA Group’s Research Department) carries out stress analysis by simulating historical crisis scenarios and evaluating the impacts resulting from profound market alterations.

 

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Market Risk Management

Market Risk in Trading Portfolio in 2012

The market risk factors used to measure and control risks in the trading portfolio are the basis of all calculations using the VaR.

VaR measures the maximum loss with a given probability over a given period as a result of changes in the general conditions of financial markets and their effects on market risk factors. We mainly conduct daily VaR estimates using the historic simulation methodology.

The types of risk factors we use to measure VaR are:

 

   

Interest rate risk: the potential loss in value of the portfolio due to movements in interest rate curves. We use all interest rate curves in which we have positions and risks exist. We also use a wide range of vertices reflecting the different maturities within each curve.

 

   

Credit spread risk: the potential loss in the value of corporate bonds or any corporate bond derivatives caused by movements in credit spreads for such instruments. Credit spread VaR is estimated by moving the credit spreads used as risk factors through a range of scenarios. The risk factors used in the simulation are credit spread curves by sector and by rating, and specific spread curves for individual issuers.

 

   

Exchange rate risk: the potential loss caused by movements in exchange rates. Exchange rate risk VaR is estimated by analyzing present positions with observed actual changes in exchange rates.

 

   

Equity or commodity risk: the potential loss caused by movements in equity prices, stock-market indices and commodity prices. Equity or commodity risk VaR is estimated by re-measuring present positions using actual changes in equity prices, stock-market indices and commodity prices.

 

   

Vega risk: the potential loss caused by movements in implied volatilities affecting the value of options. Vega (equities, interest rate and exchange rate) risk VaR is estimated by analyzing implied volatility surfaces with observed changes in the implied volatilities of equity, interest rate and exchange rate options.

 

   

Correlation risk: the potential loss caused by a disparity between the estimated and actual correlation between two assets, currencies, derivatives, instruments or markets.

In addition, all these measurements are supplemented with VaR estimation with exponential smoothing, to better reflect the impact of movements.

 

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The evolution of the BBVA Group’s market risk during 2012, measured as VaR without smoothing, with a 99% confidence level and 1-day horizon, was as follows:

 

LOGO

The average daily VaR was €22 million in 2012, compared with €24 million in 2011 and €33 million in 2010. This decrease in the average daily VaR was basically related to the reduction of market activities in Europe which resulted in a reduction of its average risk by 14% year-on-year (having an average daily VaR of €13.8 million in 2012). This decrease was partially offset by the increase in the average risk faced by Global Market Bancomer and Global Market South America and Compass by 13% and 17%, respectively year-on-year (having average daily VaRs of €5.1 million and €3.5 million, respectively, in 2012) as a result of an increase in the volatility in Global Market Bancomer and an increase in the interest rate and spread factor in the case of Global Market South America.

The number of risk factors currently used to measure portfolio risk is around 2,200. This number varies according to the possibility of doing business with other underlying assets and in other markets.

By type of market risk assumed by the Group’s trading portfolio as of December 31, 2012, the main risks were interest rate and credit spread risks, which rose by €8 million compared with December 31, 2011. Equity risk decreased by €4 million compared with December 31, 2011, while currency correlation risk rose by €5 million compared with December 31, 2011, and currency risk remained stable year-on-year. The table below shows the components of VaR as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and the average, maximum and minimum VaRs for the years then ended.

 

Risk    December 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Interest/Spread risk

     35        27   

Currency risk

     3        3   

Stock-market risk

     3        7   

Vega/Correlation risk

     9        4   

Diversification effect(*)

     (19     (23

Total

     30        18   

VaR average in the period

     22        24   

VaR max in the period

     31        36   

VaR min in the period

     15        16   

 

(*) The diversification effect is the difference between the sum of the average individual risk factors and the total VaR figure (which implicitly reflects the correlation between all the individual risk factors and scenarios used in the measurement).

 

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Stress testing is carried out using historical crisis scenarios. The base historical scenario is the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008.

Economic crisis scenarios are also prepared on an ad hoc basis for each of the BBVA Group’s treasuries and they are updated on a monthly basis. The most significant market risk positions are identified for these scenarios, and an assessment is made of the impact that changes in market variables may have on them. The economic scenarios are established and analyzed by the Group’s Market Stress Committee.

BBVA continues to work on improving and enriching the information provided by stress exercises. It prepares scenarios intended to detect the possible combination of changes in market variables that may significantly affect the result of BBVA’s trading portfolios; this complements the information provided by VaR analysis and historical scenarios and reinforces BBVA’s normal policies of risk measurement and control by serving as an alert indicator.

The internal market risk model is validated periodically by back-testing. The back-testing comparison performed with market risk management results for the parent company (which accounts for most of the Group’s market risk) follows the principles set out in the Basel Accord. It makes a day-on-day comparison between actual risks and those estimated by the model, and proved that the risk measurement model continued to work correctly throughout 2012.

In 2012, portfolio losses in BBVA, S.A. were higher than daily VaR on one occasion (none in the case of BBVA Bancomer). This number of exceptions is within the bands set in the tests used in the Basel model. Accordingly, no significant changes have been made neither to the methodology of measurement, nor to the parameters of the current measurement model.

 

LOGO

By geographical area, and as an annual average, 64.5% of the market risk in 2012 corresponded to our trading desks in Europe, the U.S. and Asia and 35.5% to the Group’s banks in Latin America, 24.3% of which was in Mexico.

 

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The breakdown of our risk exposure by categories of the instruments within the trading portfolio as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was as follows:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
Financial assets held for trading    (In Millions of Euros)  

Debt securities

     28,066         20,975         24,358   

Government

     23,411         17,989         20,397   

Credit institutions

     2,548         1,882         2,275   

Other sectors

     2,107         1,104         1,687   

Trading derivatives

     48,722         47,429         33,665   

Market Risk in Non–Trading Activities in 2012

Structural Interest Rate Risk

Structural interest rate risk refers to the potential alteration of a company’s net interest income and/or total net-asset value caused by variations in interest rates. A financial institution’s exposure to adverse changes in market rates is a risk inherent in the banking business, while also presenting an opportunity to create value.

In 2012, the economic slowdown became more pronounced, particularly in the Eurozone, where the crisis was aggravated by the doubts regarding the capacity of certain peripheral countries to undertake fiscal and structural reforms. This situation led to new falls in interest rates in Europe, where they stood at all-time lows, as well as in the United States and Mexico. In South America, central banks maintained an expansive policy, despite upward pressure on inflation.

Movements in interest rates lead to changes in a bank’s net interest income and book value, which constitutes a key source of asset and liability interest rate risk. The extent of impacts of this kind will depend on the bank’s exposure to changes in interest rates. This exposure is mainly the result of the time difference between the repricing and maturities of the different products on the banking book. The accompanying chart shows the difference between the interest rate sensitivity of assets on our banking book which will reprice within a specific period of time and the interest rate sensitivity of liabilities on our banking book which will reprice within such period of time, showing our exposure to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2012.

 

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LOGO

As stated above, a financial institution’s exposure to adverse changes in interest rates is a risk inherent in the banking business, while at the same time representing an opportunity to generate value. This is why the management of asset and liability interest rate risk takes on particular importance in the current environment. This function falls to the Balance Sheet Management unit, within the Financial Management area. Working through the Assets and Liabilities Committee (“ALCO”) within each management unit and the Group’s ALCO, it is in charge of maximizing the Bank’s economic value, preserving the net interest income and guaranteeing the generation of recurrent earnings. To do so, it develops various strategies based on its expectations of the market. It seeks to achieve the risk profile defined by the BBVA Group’s management bodies and maintain a balance between expected results and the level of risk assumed. BBVA has a transfer pricing system, which centralizes the Bank’s interest rate risk on ALCO’s books and is designed to facilitate proper balance sheet risk management.

The Corporate Risk Management (“CRM”) area is responsible for controlling and monitoring asset and liability interest rate risk, acting as an independent unit to guarantee that the risk management and control functions are properly segregated. This policy is in line with the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision recommendations. The CRM area also calculates the asset and liability interest rate risk measurements used by the Group’s management, designs measurement models and systems and develops monitoring, information and control systems. In addition, it carries out the function of risk control and analysis through the Risk Management Committee (“RMC”). Information produced by the CRM is then reported to the main governing bodies, such as the Executive Committee and the Board of Director’s Risk Committee.

The BBVA Group has a structural interest rate risk model made up of a set of metrics and tools which objective is to enable its risk profile to be monitored precisely. For accurately characterizing the balance sheet, analysis models have been developed to establish assumptions dealing fundamentally with expected loans amortization and the behavior of deposits with no explicit maturity. In addition to risks associated with parallel movements from cash-flow mismatch, the model includes other sources of risk such as changes in the yield slope and curve. This is done by applying a simulation model of interest rate curves that quantify risks in probabilistic terms and take into account the diversity of currencies and business units. This calculates the Group’s earnings at risk (EaR) and economic capital, defined as the maximum adverse deviations in net interest income and economic value, respectively, for a particular confidence level and time horizon. The model is periodically subjected to internal validation through the back-testing of the simulation model and the assumptions.

 

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In addition, sensitivity is measured to a standard deviation of 100 basis points for all the market yield curves. The chart below shows the asset and liability interest rate profile of the main entities in the BBVA Group, according to their sensitivities, as of December 31, 2012.

 

LOGO

The risk appetite of each entity is determined by the Executive Committee and expressed through the limits structure, which is one of the mainstays in our control policies. The maximum negative impacts, in terms of both earnings and value, are in this way controlled in each of the Group’s entities through a limits policy. Active balance sheet management in 2012 has enabled the Group’s exposure to be maintained in keeping with its target risk profile, as presented in the chart below, which shows average limits used in each of the Group entities.

 

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LOGO

The risk measurement model is supplemented by analysis of specific scenarios and stress tests. Stress tests have taken on particular importance in recent years. Progress has therefore been made in the analysis of extreme scenarios in a possible breakthrough in both current interest rate levels and historical correlations and volatility. At the same time, the evaluation of scenarios forecast by BBVA Research has been maintained. In addition, monitoring of the contribution to risk by portfolios, factors and regions, and its subsequent integration into joint measurements, continued during 2012.

The table below shows the estimated impact on the BBVA Group’s net interest income and economic value for 2012 of a 100 basis point increase and decrease in average interest rates for the year.

 

     Impact on Net Interest Income   Impact on Economic Value(1)
     100 Basis-Point
Increase
  100 Basis-Point
Decrease
  100 Basis-Point
Increase
  100 Basis-Point
Decrease

BBVA Group

   +0.88%   -0.71%   +1.02%   -1.92%

 

(1) Percentage relating to equity.

Structural Exchange Rate Risk

Structural exchange rate risk management in BBVA aims to minimize the potential negative impact from fluctuations in exchange rates on the capital ratios and the contribution to earnings of international investments maintained on a long-term basis by the Group.

The CRM area acts as an independent unit responsible for monitoring and analyzing risks, standardizing risk management metrics and providing tools that can anticipate potential deviations from targets. It also monitors the level of compliance with established risk limits, and reports regularly to the RMC, the Board of Directors’ Risk Committee and the Executive Committee, particularly in the case of deviations in the levels of risk assumed.

The Balance Sheet Management unit, through the ALCO, designs and executes the risk mitigation strategies with the main objective of minimizing the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on capital adequacy ratios, as well as

 

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assuring the equivalent value in euros of the foreign-currency earnings of the Group’s various subsidiaries, and adjusting transactions according to market expectations and risk mitigation measures costs. The Balance Sheet Management area carries out this work by ensuring that the Group’s risk profile is, at all times, adapted to the framework defined by the limits structure authorized by the Executive Committee. To do so, it uses risk metrics obtained according to the corporate model designed by the Global Risk Management (“GRM”) area.

The corporate model is based on simulating exchange rate scenarios, based on historical trends for the past five years (based on weekly data), and evaluating the impact on capital ratios, equity and the Group’s income statement.

The risk mitigation measures aimed at reducing exchange rate risk exposures are considered in calculating risk estimates. Diversification resulting from investments in different geographical areas is also considered through the analysis of historical correlations between different currencies.

Our model provides a distribution of the impact on three core elements (capital ratios, equity and the Group’s income statement) and helps determine their maximum adverse deviation for a particular confidence level and time horizon (of 3, 6 or 12 months), depending on market liquidity in each currency. The use of these holding periods assumes that all the exposures can be fully mitigated within those periods of time. The exposure is determined with a confidence level of 99%.

The Executive Committee authorizes the system of limits and alerts for these risk measurements, which include a sub-limit on the economic capital (an unexpected loss arising from the currency risk of investments financed in foreign currency).

In order to try to mitigate our model’s limitations, the risk measurements are complemented with analyses of scenarios, stress testing and back-testing, thus giving a more complete overview of the Group’s exposure to structural exchange rate risk.

In 2012, in a context characterized by market volatility and uncertainty, a policy of prudence has been maintained, which has moderated the risk assumed despite the growing contribution of the “non-euro” area to the Group’s earnings and equity. The risk mitigation level of the carrying value of the BBVA Group’s holdings in foreign currency has remained at 42% on average. The estimated exposure coverage of 2012 earnings in foreign currency has been 47%.

In 2012, the average asset exposure sensitivity to a 1% depreciation in exchange rates stood at €188 million, 33% of which related to the Mexican peso, 25% to South American currencies, 23% to Asian and Turkish currencies, and 16% to the U.S. dollar.

Structural Risk in Equity Portfolio

The BBVA Group’s exposure to structural equity risk is basically derived from investments in industrial and financial companies with medium- and long-term investment horizons. This exposure is mitigated through net short positions held in derivatives of the underlying securities, used to limit portfolio sensitivity to potential falls in prices.

The GRM area is responsible for measuring and effectively monitoring structural risk in the equity portfolio. To do so, it estimates the sensitivity figures and the capital necessary to cover possible unexpected losses due to the variations in the trading value of the companies making up the Group’s equity portfolio, at a confidence level that corresponds to Group’s target risk profile, and taking into account the liquidity of the positions and the statistical performance of the securities under consideration. These figures are supplemented by periodic stress tests, back-testing and scenario analyses.

 

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Liquidity Risk Management

The aim of liquidity risk management, tracking and control is to ensure, in the short term, that the payment commitments of the BBVA Group entities can be duly met without having to resort to borrowing funds under burdensome terms, or damaging the image and reputation of the entities. In the medium term the aim is to ensure that the Group’s financing structure is ideal and that it is moving in the right direction with respect to the economic situation, the markets and regulatory changes.

Management of liquidity and structural finance within the BBVA Group is based on the principle of financial autonomy of the entities that make it up. This approach helps prevent and limit liquidity risk by reducing the Group’s vulnerability in periods of high risk.

A core principle of the BBVA Group’s liquidity management is the financial independence of our banking subsidiaries. This aims to ensure that the cost of liquidity is correctly reflected in price formation. Accordingly, the Group maintains a liquidity pool at an individual entity level, both in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and in our banking subsidiaries, including BBVA Compass, BBVA Bancomer and our Latin American subsidiaries. The only exception to this principle is Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Portugal), S.A., which is funded by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Portugal), S.A. accounted for 0.91% of our total consolidated assets and 0.43% of our total consolidated liabilities, as of December 31, 2012.

The management and monitoring of liquidity risk is carried out comprehensively in each of the BBVA Group’s business units using a double (short- and long-term) approach. The short-term liquidity approach has a time horizon of up to 365 days. It is focused on the management of payments and collections from the Treasury and market activity, and includes operations specific to the area and the possible liquidity requirements of each Group entity. The medium-term approach is focused on financial management of the whole consolidated balance sheet, with a time horizon of one year or more.

The ALCO within each business unit is responsible for the comprehensive management of liquidity. The Balance Sheet Management unit, as part of the Financial Division, analyzes the implications of the Bank’s various projects in terms of finance and liquidity and their compatibility with the target financing structure and the situation of the financial markets. The Balance Sheet Management unit executes the resolutions agreed by the ALCO in accordance with the agreed budgets and manages liquidity risk using a broad scheme of limits, sub-limits and alerts approved by the Executive Committee. The GRM measures and controls these limits independently and provides the managers with support tools and metrics needed for decision-making.

Each of the local risk areas, which are independent from the local managers, complies with the corporate principles of liquidity risk control established by GRM, the global unit which is in charge of structural risks for the entire BBVA Group.

At the level of each BBVA Group entity, the managing areas request and propose a scheme of quantitative and qualitative limits and alerts related to short- and medium-term liquidity risks. Once agreed with GRM, controls and limits are proposed to the Bank’s Board of Directors (through its delegate bodies) for approval at least once a year. The proposals submitted by GRM are adapted to the situation of the markets according to the risk appetite level aimed for by the Group.

The development and updating of the Group’s Corporate Liquidity and Finance Policy has contributed to the strict adjustment of liquidity risk management in terms of limits and alerts, as well as in procedures. In accordance such policy, GRM carries out regular measurements of risk incurred and monitors the consumption of limits. It develops management tools and adapts valuation models, carries out regular stress tests and reports on the liquidity risk levels to ALCO and the Group’s Management Committee on a monthly basis. Its reports to the management areas and Management Committee are more frequent.

Under the current Contingency Plan, the frequency of communication and the nature of the information provided are decided by the Liquidity Committee at the proposal of the Technical Liquidity Group (“TLG”). In the event of an alert or possible crisis, the TLG carries out an initial analysis of the liquidity situation (short- or long-term) of the entity affected.

 

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The TLG is made up of technical staff from the Short-Term Cash Desk, the Balance Sheet Management and Structural Risk areas. If the alert signals established make clear that a situation of tension has arisen, the TLG informs the Liquidity Committee (made up of managers of the corresponding areas). The Liquidity Committee is responsible for calling the Financing Committee, if appropriate, which is made up of the BBVA’s President and COO and the managers from the Financial Area, the GRM, Global Business and the Operating Segment of the country affected.

One of the most significant aspects that have affected the BBVA Group in 2012 and in previous years is the continuation of the sovereign debt crisis, during which the role played by official bodies in the Eurozone and the ECB have been key in ensuring liquidity in the European banking system.

Our principal source of funds is our customer deposit base, which consists primarily of demand, savings and time deposit accounts. In addition to relying on our customer deposits, the Group also accesses the interbank market (overnight and time deposits) and domestic and international capital markets for our additional liquidity requirements. To access the capital markets, the Group has in place a series of domestic and international programs for the issuance of commercial paper and medium- and long-term debt. The Group also generally maintains a diversified liquidity pool of liquid assets and securitized assets at an individual entity level. Another source of liquidity is our generation of cash flow from our operations. Finally, we supplement our funding requirements with loans from the Bank of Spain and the European Central Bank (ECB) or the respective central banks of the countries where our subsidiaries are located.

The table below shows the types and amounts of securities included within the liquidity pool of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Portugal), S.A. and each of our significant subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012:

 

     BBVA
Eurozone(1)
     BBVA
Bancomer
     BBVA
Compass
     Others  
     (in Millions of Euros)  

Cash and balances with central banks

     10,106         5,950         4,310         6,133   

Assets for credit operations with central banks

     33,086         6,918         10,215         7,708   

Central governments issues

     25,148         3,865         —           7,275   

Of Which: Spanish government securities

     21,729         —           —           —     

Other issues

     7,939         3,053         3,627         432   

Loans

     —           —           6,587         —     

Other non-eligible liquid assets

     3,975         460         198         765   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accumulated available balance

     47,167         13,328         14,723         14,606   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Portugal), S.A.

In recent years, the regulators have established new requirements with the aim of strengthening the balance sheets of banks and making them more resistant to potential short-term liquidity shocks. The Liquidity Coverage Ratio (“LCR”) is the metric proposed by the Committee on Banking Supervision of the Bank for International Settlements in Basel to achieve this objective. It aims to ensure that financial institutions have a sufficient stock of liquid assets to allow them to survive a 30-day liquidity stress scenario. Some aspects of the document published by the Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2010 were updated and made more flexible in January 2013. The revised LCR standards provide for a phased-in implementation of LCR beginning on January 1, 2015. In the first year, banks would be required to maintain an LCR of 60%. The required LCR would climb by 10 percentage points each year until it is fully implemented at 100% on January 1, 2019. However, the frequency for reporting information to the supervisory bodies has been increased from a quarterly basis to a monthly basis since January 2013.

Finally, until 2015, the Basel Committee intends to prioritize its review of the long-term funding ratio (more than twelve months) or Net Stable Funding Ratio (“NSFR”), which was introduced in the December 2010 Basel III liquidity framework alongside the LCR with the aim of increasing the weight of medium- and long-term funding on the banks’ balance sheets. The BBVA Group has continued to develop a plan to adapt to these regulatory ratios so as to allow it to adopt best practices and the most effective and strict criteria for their implementation sufficiently in advance.

 

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Below is a breakdown by contractual maturity of the balances of certain headings in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

Contractual Maturities 2012    Demand      Up to 1
Month
     1 to 3
Months
     3 to 12
Months
     1 to 5
Years
     Over 5
Years
     Total  
Assets -    (In Millions of Euros)  

Cash and balances with central banks

     33,396         2,539         608         366         508         —           37,417   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     3,633         14,641         1,516         1,813         3,678         1,187         26,468   

Loans and advances to customers

     23,305         34,848         22,615         43,619         96,879         145,024         366,291   

Debt securities

     198         3,247         4,573         12,853         48,052         40,644         109,568   

Derivatives (trading and hedging)

     —           1,332         1,370         3,783         15,682         31,449         53,616   

Total

     60,531         56,608         30,682         62,435         164,799         218,305         593,360   

Liabilities -

                    

Deposits from central banks

     18         8,357         3,235         —           34,543         350         46,504   

Deposits from credit institutions

     3,966         31,174         2,415         8,089         9,611         4,204         59,459   

Deposits from customers

     138,282         51,736         15,772         50,745         26,658         8,384         291,577   

Debt certificates (including bonds)

     —           6,140         4,146         18,116         39,332         15,126         82,860   

Subordinated liabilities

     —           50         —           724         3,243         7,104         11,122   

Other financial liabilities

     4,899         1,809         382         252         841         34         8,216   

Short positions(*)

     6,580         —           —           —           —           —           6,580   

Derivatives (trading and hedging)

     —           1,105         1,264         3,813         15,366         30,767         52,316   

Total

     153,744         100,372         27,214         81,741         129,594         65,969         558,633   

 

Contractual Maturities 2011    Demand      Up to 1
Month
     1 to 3
Months
     3 to 12
Months
     1 to 5
Years
     Over 5
Years
     Total  
Assets -    (In Millions of Euros)  

Cash and balances with central banks

     28,066         1,444         660         330         426         —           30,927   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     2,771         7,551         1,393         3,723         7,608         2,967         26,013   

Loans and advances to customers

     18,021         38,741         22,887         45,818         93,138         141,251         359,855   

Debt securities

     842         2,297         2,761         8,025         39,603         34,199         87,727   

Derivatives (trading and hedging)

     —           1,798         1,877         4,704         16,234         27,368         51,981   

Total

     49,699         51,831         29,578         62,601         157,010         205,784         556,503   

Liabilities -

                    

Deposits from central banks

     3         19,463         2,629         —           11,040         1         33,136   

Deposits from credit institutions

     2,202         27,266         4,374         5,571         15,964         3,669         59,047   

Deposits from customers

     116,924         69,738         17,114         41,397         28,960         6,861         280,994   

Debt certificates (including bonds)

     —           2,032         1,880         11,361         45,904         17,144         78,321   

Subordinated liabilities

     —           —           110         38         4,893         9,500         14,541   

Other financial liabilities

     5,015         1,283         355         490         1,254         1,307         9,704   

Short positions(*)

     4,611         —           —           —           —           —           4,611   

Derivatives (trading and hedging)

     —           1,687         1,636         5,232         15,533         25,313         49,401   

Total

     128,755         121,469         28,098         64,089         123,548         63,796         529,755   

 

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Contractual Maturities 2010    Demand      Up to 1
Month
     1 to 3
Months
     3 to 12
Months
     1 to 5
Years
     Over 5
Years
     Total  
Assets -    (In Millions of Euros)  

Cash and balances with central banks

     17,275         1,497         693         220         282         —           19,967   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     2,471         10,590         1,988         1,658         4,568         2,329         23,604   

Loans and advances to customers

     16,543         33,397         21,127         49,004         85,800         141,338         347,209   

Debt securities

     497         3,471         12,423         8,123         35,036         28,271         87,821   

Derivatives (trading and hedging)

     —           636         1,515         3,503         13,748         17,827         37,229   

Total

     36,786         49,591         37,746         62,508         139,434         189,765         515,830   

Liabilities -

                    

Deposits from central banks

     50         5,102         3,130         2,704         —           1         10,987   

Deposits from credit institutions

     4,483         30,031         4,184         3,049         9,590         5,608         56,945   

Deposits from customers

     111,090         69,625         21,040         45,110         21,158         6,818         274,841   

Debt certificates (including bonds)

     96         5,243         10,964         7,159         42,907         15,843         82,212   

Subordinated liabilities

     —           537         3         248         2,732         13,251         16,771   

Other financial liabilities

     4,177         1,207         175         433         647         1,564         8,203   

Short positions(*)

     4,047         —           —           —           —           —           4,047   

Derivatives (trading and hedging)

     —           826         1,473         3,682         12,813         16,037         34,831   

Total

     123,943         112,571         40,969         62,385         89,847         59,122         488,837   

 

(*) The maturities of short positions are basically on demand.

Changes in our assets and liabilities balances as of December 31, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011, were mainly related to the acquisition of Unnim in July 2012. Changes in our assets and liabilities balances as of December 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010, were attributable in part to the acquisition of a 25.01% stake in Garanti in March 2011. For additional information, see Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Credit Risk Management

Credit risk is defined as the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the other party by failing to discharge a contractual obligation due to the insolvency or incapacity of the natural or legal persons involved.

Maximum exposure to credit risk

The BBVA Group’s maximum credit risk exposure is calculated as follows:

 

   

In the case of a financial asset recognized in the consolidated balance sheet, exposure to credit risk is considered equal to its gross accounting value, not including certain valuation adjustments (such as impairment losses), with the sole exception of trading and hedging derivatives.

 

   

In the case of financial guarantees granted by the Group, the maximum exposure is equal to the maximum amount that the Group would be liable for if these guarantees were called in, which is equivalent to their carrying amount.

 

   

Our calculation of risk exposure for derivatives is based on the sum of two factors: the derivatives market value and their potential risk (or “add-on”).

 

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The first factor, market value, reflects the difference between original commitments and market values on the reporting date (“mark-to-market”). As indicated in Note 2.2.1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, derivatives are accounted for as of each reporting date at fair value according to IAS 39.

The second factor, potential risk (“add-on”), is an estimate (using our internal models) of the maximum increase to be expected on risk exposure over a derivative market value (at a given statistical confidence level) as a result of future changes in valuation prices in the residual term to final maturity of the transaction.

The consideration of the potential risk (“add-on”) relates the risk exposure to the exposure level at the time of a customer’s default. The exposure level will depend on the customer’s credit quality and the type of transaction with such customer. Given the fact that default is an uncertain event which might occur any time during the life of a contract, the Group has to consider not only the credit exposure of the contract on the reporting date, but also the potential changes in exposure during the life of the contract. This is especially important for derivative contracts, whose valuation changes substantially throughout time, depending on the fluctuation of market prices.

Credit risk originating from the derivatives in which the Group operates is mitigated through the contractual rights existing for offsetting accounts at the time of their settlement. This has reduced the Group’s exposure to credit risk to €43,133 million as of December 31, 2012 (compared to €37,817 million and €27,026 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively).

The BBVA Group’s maximum credit risk exposure by headings in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is provided in the table below. The amounts reflected in the table do not reflect the availability of collateral or other credit enhancements to guarantee compliance with payment obligations. The details are broken down by financial instruments and counterparties.

 

Maximum Credit Risk Exposure    2012      2011      2010  

Financial assets held for trading

     28,066         20,975         24,358   

Debt securities

     28,066         20,975         24,358   

Government

     23,411         17,989         20,397   

Credit institutions

     2,548         1,882         2,274   

Other sectors

     2,107         1,104         1,687   

Other financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss

     753         708         691   

Debt securities

     753         708         691   

Government

     174         129         70   

Credit institutions

     45         44         87   

Other sectors

     534         535         535   

Available-for-sale financial assets

     66,612         52,008         50,602   

Debt securities

     66,612         52,008         50,602   

Government

     42,762         35,801         33,074   

Credit institutions

     13,224         7,137         11,235   

Other sectors

     10,626         9,070         6,293   

Loans and receivables

     396,468         388,949         373,037   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     26,447         26,013         23,604   

Loans and advances to customers

     366,047         359,855         347,210   

Government

     35,043         35,090         31,224   

Agriculture

     4,886         4,841         3,977   

Industry

     32,789         37,217         36,578   

Real estate and construction

     49,305         50,989         55,854   

Trade and finance

     52,158         55,748         53,830   

Loans to individuals

     154,383         139,063         135,868   

Other

     37,483         36,907         29,879   

Debt securities

     3,974         3,081         2,223   

Government

     2,375         2,128         2,040   

Credit institutions

     576         631         6   

Other sectors

     1,023         322         177   

Held-to-maturity investments

     10,162         10,955         9,946   

Government

     9,210         9,896         8,792   

Credit institutions

     393         451         552   

Other sectors

     560         608         602   

Derivatives (trading and hedging) (1)

     59,755         57,077         44,762   

Subtotal

     561,816         530,672         503,396   

Valuation adjustments

     403         594         299   

Total Financial Assets Risk

     562,219         531,266         503,695   

Financial guarantees (including bank guarantees and letter of credits)

     39,540         39,904         36,441   

Drawable by third parties

     86,227         88,978         86,790   

Government

     1,360         3,143         4,135   

Credit institutions

     1,946         2,417         2,303   

Other sectors

     82,921         101,314         80,352   

Other contingent commitments

     6,871         4,787         3,784   

Total Contingent Risks and Commitments

     132,638         133,670         127,015   

Total Maximum Credit Exposure

     694,857         664,936         630,710   

 

(1) Reflects their market value on the reporting date and the estimated potential risk of these transactions on their due date. Accordingly, these amounts are different from those reflected in our balance sheet (which only considers their carrying amounts). We believe the information on trading and hedging derivatives set out in this table to provide a better reflection of the related maximum credit risk exposure.

 

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Mitigation of credit risk, collateral and other credit enhancements, including risk hedging and mitigation policies

In most cases, maximum exposure to credit risk is reduced by collateral, credit enhancements and other actions which mitigate our exposure.

We apply a credit risk hedging and mitigation policy deriving from a banking approach focused on relationship banking. The existence of guarantees could be a necessary but not sufficient instrument for accepting risks, because the assumption of risks by the Group requires the prior verification of the debtor’s capacity for repayment, or the debtor’s ability to generate sufficient resources to allow for the amortization of the risk incurred under the agreed terms.

The policy of accepting risks is therefore organized into three different levels in the BBVA Group:

 

   

Analysis of the financial risk of the operation, based on the debtor’s capacity for repayment or generation of funds;

 

   

The creation of guarantees that are adequate, or generally accepted, based on the risk assumed (i.e., monetary, secured, personal or hedge guarantees); and

 

   

Assessment of the repayment risk (asset liquidity) of the guarantees received.

The procedures for the management and valuation of collaterals are set out in the Internal Manuals on Credit Risk Management Policies (retail and wholesale), which establish the basic principles for credit risk management, including the management of collateral assigned in transactions with customers.

The methods used for the valuation of the collateral are consistent with the best market practices and imply the use of appraisal of real estate collateral, the market price in securities, the trading price of shares in mutual funds, etc. All collaterals assigned must be properly recorded and entered in the corresponding register. They must also have the approval of the Group’s legal units.

The following is a description of the main collateral for each financial instrument class:

 

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Financial assets held for trading: the guarantees or credit enhancements obtained directly from the issuer or counterparty are implicit in the clauses of the instrument.

 

   

Trading and hedging derivatives: in derivatives, credit risk is minimized through contractual netting agreements, where positive- and negative-value derivatives with the same counterparty are offset for their net balance. There may likewise be other kinds of guarantees, depending on counterparty solvency and the nature of the transaction.

The Group trades a wide range of credit derivatives. Through these contracts, the Group either purchases or sells protection on either a single-name or index basis. The Group uses credit derivatives to mitigate credit risk in its loan portfolio and other cash positions and to hedge risks assumed in other market transactions with clients and counterparties. Credit derivatives can follow different settlement and payment conventions, all of which are in accordance with the ISDA standards. The most common types of settlement triggers include bankruptcy of the reference credit entity, acceleration of indebtedness, failure to pay, restructuring, repudiation and dissolution of the entity. Since we typically confirm over 99% of our credit derivative transactions in the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), substantially all of our credit derivatives portfolio is registered and matched against our counterparties.

 

   

Other financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss and Available-for-sale financial assets: the guarantees or credit enhancements obtained directly from the issuer or counterparty are inherent in the structure of the instrument.

 

   

Loans and receivables:

 

   

Loans and advances to credit institutions. These usually only have the counterparty’s personal guarantee.

 

   

Total lending to customers. Most of these operations are backed by personal guarantees extended by the counterparty. There may also be collateral to secure loans and advances to customers (such as mortgages, cash guarantees, pledged securities and other collateral), or to obtain other credit enhancements (bonds, hedging, etc.).

 

   

Debt securities. Guarantees or credit enhancements obtained directly from the issuer or counterparty are inherent in the structure of the instrument.

 

   

Held-to-maturity investments: guarantees or credit enhancements obtained directly from the issuer or counterparty are inherent in the structure of the instrument.

 

   

Financial guarantees, other contingent exposures and drawable by third parties: these have the counterparty’s personal guarantee.

Our collateralized credit risk as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, excluding balances deemed impaired, is broken down in the table below:

 

Collateralized Credit Risk    2012      2011      2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Mortgage loans

     139,228         130,703         132,630   

Operating assets mortgage loans

     4,357         3,732         3,638   

Home mortgages

     120,133         109,199         108,224   

Rest of mortgages(1)

     14,738         17,772         20,768   

Secured loans, except mortgage

     28,465         29,353         18,155   

Cash guarantees

     419         332         281   

Secured loan (pledged securities)

     997         590         563   

Rest of secured loans(2)

     27,049         28,431         17,310   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     167,693         160,056         150,785   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Refers to real estate loans which are secured with properties (other than residential properties) in respect of which we provide financing to the borrower to buy or to construct such properties.
(2) Includes loans whose collateral consists of cash, other financial assets or partial guarantees.

 

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As of December 31, 2012, in relation to mortgages, the average weighted amount pending loan amortization was 51% of the collateral pledged (52% as of December 31, 2011 and 53% as of December 31, 2010).

Credit quality of financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired

We have enhanced our credit quality requirements for new loan generation by applying stricter criteria to new transactions with Spanish customers based on their creditworthiness. In particular, we have lowered the maximum acceptable percentage which monthly principal and interest payments associated with a proposed new loan may represent of the monthly income of the relevant customer to a range of 33%-50%, depending on available collateral and other financial guarantees. We have also lowered our maximum acceptance loan-to-value ratio (i.e., requiring more collateral per unit of lending) to a range of 80-100%, depending on available collateral and other guarantees. We have focused our efforts on reducing our real estate exposure mainly by decreasing new loan generation, mainly in Spain, and improving loan recovery in the real estate sector.

We have tools (“scoring” and “rating”) that enable us to rank the credit quality of our operations and customers based on an assessment of each such operation or customer and its correspondence with our probability of default (“PD”) scales. To analyze the performance of PD, the Group uses a series of tracking tools and historical databases that collect the pertinent information generated internally, which can be grouped together in scoring and rating models.

Scoring

Scoring is a decision-making model that contributes to both the arrangement and management of retail loans (consumer loans, mortgages, credit cards for individuals, etc.). Scoring is the tool used to decide to whom a loan should be assigned, what amount should be assigned and what strategies can help establish the price, as it is an algorithm that sorts transactions by their credit quality. This algorithm enables the BBVA Group to assign a score to each transaction proposed by a customer, on the basis of a series of objective characteristics that have statistically been shown to discriminate between the quality and risk of this type of transactions. The advantage of scoring lies in its simplicity and homogeneity. All that is needed is a series of objective data for each customer, and this data is analyzed automatically using an algorithm.

There are three types of scoring based on the information used and its purpose:

 

   

Reactive scoring: measures the risk of a transaction requested by an individual using variables relating to the requested transaction and to the customer’s socio-economic data available at the time of the request. The new transaction is approved or rejected depending on the score given.

 

   

Behavioral scoring: scores transactions for a given product in an outstanding risk portfolio of the entity, enabling the credit rating to be tracked and the customer’s needs to be anticipated. It uses transaction and customer variables available internally. Specifically, variables that refer to the behavior of both the product and the customer.

 

   

Proactive scoring: gives a score at customer level using variables related to the individual’s general behavior with the entity, and to his/her payment behavior in all the contracted products. The purpose is to track the customer’s credit quality and it is used to pre-grant new transactions.

Rating

Rating tools, as opposed to scoring tools, do not assess transactions but focus on the rating of customers (companies, corporations, SMEs, public authorities, etc.) instead. A rating tool is an instrument that, based on a detailed financial study, helps determine a customer’s ability to meet his/her financial obligations. The final rating is usually a combination of various factors: on the one hand, quantitative factors, and on the other hand, qualitative factors. It is a middle road between an individual analysis and a statistical analysis.

 

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The main difference between ratings and scorings is that the latter are used to assess retail products, while ratings use a wholesale banking customer approach. Moreover, scorings only include objective variables, while ratings add qualitative information. And although both are based on statistical studies, adding a business view, rating tools give more weight to the business criterion compared to scoring tools.

For portfolios where the number of defaults is very low (sovereign risk, corporations, financial entities, etc.) the internal information is supplemented by “benchmarking” of the external rating agencies (Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch). To this end, each year the PDs compiled by the rating agencies at each level of risk rating are compared, and the measurements compiled by the various agencies are mapped against those of the BBVA Master Rating Scale.

Once the PD of a transaction or customer has been calculated, a “business cycle adjustment” is carried out. This is a means of establishing a measure of risk that goes beyond the time of its calculation. The aim is to capture representative information of the behavior of portfolios over a complete economic cycle. This probability is linked to the Master Rating Scale prepared by the BBVA Group to enable uniform classification of the Group’s various asset risk portfolios.

The table below shows the abridged scale used to classify our outstanding risk as of December 31, 2012:

 

     Probability of default
(basic points)
 
Internal rating Reduced List (17 groups)    Average      Minimum
from >=
     Maximum  

AAA

     1         —           2   

AA+

     2         2         3   

AA

     3         3         4   

AA-

     4         4         5   

A+

     5         5         6   

A

     8         6         9   

A-

     10         9         11   

BBB+

     14         11         17   

BBB

     20         17         24   

BBB-

     31         24         39   

BB+

     51         39         67   

BB

     88         67         116   

BB-

     150         116         194   

B+

     255         194         335   

B

     441         335         581   

B-

     785         581         1,061   

C

     2,122         1,061         4,243   

 

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The table below outlines the distribution of exposure, including derivatives by internal ratings, to corporations, financial entities and institutions (excluding sovereign risk), of the BBVA Group’s main entities as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     2012     2011  
Credit Risk Distribution by Internal Rating    Amount      %     Amount      %  
     (In Millions of Euros, Except Percentages)  

AAA/AA+/AA/AA-

     24,091         9.95     47,047         18.42

A+/A/A-

     73,526         30.37     94,192         36.88

BBB+

     31,951         13.20     23,685         9.27

BBB

     23,410         9.67     10,328         4.04

BBB-

     26,788         11.07     10,128         3.97

BB+

     15,185         6.27     12,595         4.93

BB

     10,138         4.19     11,361         4.45

BB-

     8,493         3.51     14,695         5.75

B+

     8,504         3.51     10,554         4.13

B

     8,246         3.41     11,126         4.36

B-

     5,229         2.16     6,437         2.52

CCC/CC

     6,501         2.69     3,266         1.28
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     242,064         100.00     255,414         100.00
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Policies and procedures for preventing excessive risk concentration

In order to prevent the build-up of excessive concentrations of credit risk at the individual, country and sector levels, we maintain maximum permitted risk concentration indices updated at the individual and portfolio sector levels tied to the various observable variables within the field of credit risk management. Accordingly, the limit on the Group’s exposure or financial commitment to a specific customer depends on the customer’s credit rating, the nature of the risks involved, and the Group’s presence in a given market, based on the following guidelines:

 

   

To the extent that it is possible, the goal is to combine the customer’s credit needs (commercial/financial, short-term/long-term, etc.) with the interests of the Group.

 

   

Any legal limits that may exist concerning risk concentration are taken into consideration, such as the relationship between risks vis-à-vis a particular customer and the capital of the entity that assumes said risks, market volatility, the macroeconomic situation, etc.

 

   

In order to properly manage risk concentration and, if necessary, take action on such risks, various different levels of monitoring have been implemented according to the global risk level of a customer. Any risk concentrations with one customer or group that are expected to generate losses of more than €18 million are authorized and monitored directly by the Bank’s Board of Directors Risk Committee. Financial assets past due but not impaired

 

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The table below provides details of financial assets past due as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 but not considered to be impaired, listed by their first due date:

 

     2012      2011      2010  
Financial Assets Past Due but Not Impaired    Less than
1 Month
Past-Due
     1 to 2
Months
Past-Due
     2 to 3
Months
Past-Due
     Less than
1 Month
Past-Due
     1 to 2
Months
Past-Due
     2 to 3
Months
Past-Due
     Less than
1 Month
Past-Due
     1 to 2
Months
Past-Due
     2 to 3
Months
Past-Due
 
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     21         —           —           —           —           —           —           —           —     

Loans and advances to customers

     1,075         623         312         1,998         392         366         1,082         311         277   

Government

     90         213         6         186         47         23         122         27         27   

Other sectors

     985         410         306         1812         345         343         960         284         250   

Debt securities

     —           —           —           —           —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,075         623         312         1,998         392         366         1,082         311         277   

Impaired assets and impairment losses

The table below shows the composition of the balance of the impaired financial assets and risks as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, broken down by heading in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet:

 

Impaired Risks.
Breakdown by Type of Asset and by Sector
   2012      2011      2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

IMPAIRED RISKS ON BALANCE

        

Available-for-sale financial assets

     90         125         140   

Debt securities

     90         125         140   

Loans and receivables

     20,325         15,685         15,472   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     28         28         101   

Loans and advances to customers

     20,287         15,647         15,361   

Debt securities

     10         10         10   

Total Impaired Risks on Balance(1)

     20,415         15,810         15,612   

Impaired Risks Off Balance

        

Contingent risks impaired(2)

     317         219         324   

Total impaired risks(1) + (2)

     20,732         16,029         15,936   

Of which:

        

Government

     165         135         124   

Credit institutions

     73         84         129   

Other sectors

     20,177         15,590         15,360   

Mortgage

     13,843         9,639         8,627   

With partial secured loans

     113         83         159   

Rest

     6,221         5,868         6,574   

Unsecured customers loans

     4,517         3,884         3,779   

Overdrafts

     178         460         408   

Commercial credit

     392         304         364   

Credit accounts

     342         224         366   

Credit cards

     35         42         72   

Other advances

     757         954         1,387   

Contingent Risks Impaired

     317         219         324   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL IMPAIRED RISKS

     20,732         16,029         15,936   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The changes in 2012, 2011 and 2010 in the impaired financial assets and contingent risks are as follows:

 

Changes in Impaired Financial Assets and Contingent Risks    2012     2011     2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Balance at the beginning

     16,029        15,936        15,928   

Additions(A)

     14,484        13,045        13,207   

Decreases(B)

     (8,293     (9,079     (9,138

Cash collections and return to performing

     (6,018     (6,044     (6,267

Foreclosed assets(1)

     (1,105     (1,417     (1,513

Real estate assets received in lieu of payment(2)

     (1,170     (1,618     (1,358

Net additions(A)+(B)

     6,191        3,966        4,069   

Amounts written-off

     (4,393     (4,093     (4,307

Exchange differences and other (Unnim)

     2,905        221        246   

Balance at the end

     20,732        16,029        15,936   

 

(1) Reflects the aggregate amount of impaired loans derecognized from our balance sheet throughout the period as a result of mortgage recoveries. Equals derecognition related to additions of “Foreclosed assets auctioned” (totaling €1,044 million, €1,326 million and €1,407 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively) and additions of “Foreclosed assets from finance leases” (totaling €61 million, €91 million and €106 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively). See Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(2) Reflects the aggregate amount of impaired loans derecognized from our balance sheet throughout the period as a result of real estate assets received in lieu of payment. Does not reflect acquisitions of real estate assets from distressed customers whose loans are not impaired. For information on the total balance of real estate assets received from distressed customers in lieu of payment (net of impairment losses) as of December 31, 2012, see Note 22 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Below are details of the impaired financial assets as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, classified by geographical area and by the time since their oldest past-due amount or the period since they were deemed impaired:

 

2012    Less than
6 Months
Past-Due
     6 to 9
Months
Past-Due
     9 to 12
Months
Past-Due
     More than
12 Months
Past-Due
     Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Spain

     6,495         1,742         1,575         6,297         16,109   

Rest of Europe

     495         75         54         317         941   

Mexico

     941         112         153         289         1,495   

South America

     840         115         41         116         1,112   

United States

     639         26         13         80         758   

Rest of the world

     —           —           —           1         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     9,409         2,070         1,836         7,100         20,415   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

2011    Less than
6 Months
Past-Due
     6 to 9
Months
Past-Due
     9 to 12
Months
Past-Due
     More than
12 Months
Past-Due
     Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Spain

     4,640         1,198         1,187         4,482         11,507   

Rest of Europe

     217         38         41         235         531   

Mexico

     809         141         130         199         1,280   

South America

     767         66         38         109         980   

United States

     634         211         117         549         1,511   

Rest of the world

     —           —           —           1         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     7,068         1,653         1,513         5,572         15,810   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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2010    Less than
6 Months
Past-Due
     6 to 9
Months
Past-Due
     9 to 12
Months
Past-Due
     More than
12 Months
Past-Due
     Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Spain

     5,279         1,064         798         4,544         11,685   

Rest of Europe

     106         24         24         55         209   

Mexico

     753         60         69         324         1,206   

South America

     720         51         31         74         876   

United States

     1,110         84         111         331         1,636   

Rest of the world

     —           —           1         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     7,968         1,284         1,034         5,327         15,612   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Below are details of the impaired financial assets as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, classified by type of loan in accordance with its associated guarantee, and by the time since their oldest past-due amount or the period since they were deemed impaired:

 

2012    Less than
6 Months
Past-Due
     6 to 9
Months
Past-Due
     9 to 12
Months
Past-Due
     More than
12 Months
Past-Due
     Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Mortgage

     5,156         1,507         1,405         5,775         13,843   

Residential mortgage

     1,601         529         474         1,738         4,343   

Commercial mortgage (rural properties in operation and offices, and industrial buildings)

     725         256         193         1,097         2,271   

Rest of residential mortgage(2)

     742         335         321         1,177         2,575   

Plots and other real estate assets

     2,088         386         416         1,763         4,654   

Other partially secured loans

     113         —           —           —           113   

Unsecured loans

     4,140         563         432         1,325         6,459 (1) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     9,409         2,070         1,836         7,100         20,415   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

2011    Less than
6 Months
Past-Due
     6 to 9
Months
Past-Due
     9 to 12
Months
Past-Due
     More than
12 Months
Past-Due
     Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Mortgage

     3,570         1,055         979         4,033         9,639   

Residential mortgage

     1,080         390         357         1,373         3,200   

Commercial mortgage (rural properties in operation and offices, and industrial buildings)

     630         210         160         795         1,795   

Rest of residential mortgage(2)

     490         138         167         659         1,454   

Plots and other real estate assets

     1,370         317         295         1,206         3,188   

Other partially secured loans

     83         —           —           —           83   

Unsecured loans

     3,414         598         534         1,541         6,087 (1) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     7,067         1,653         1,513         5,574         15,810   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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2010    Less than
6 Months
Past-Due
     6 to 9
Months
Past-Due
     9 to 12
Months
Past-Due
     More than
12 Months
Past-Due
     Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Mortgage

     3,301         946         763         3,617         8,627   

Residential mortgage

     629         304         271         1,472         2,676   

Commercial mortgage (rural properties in operation and offices, and industrial buildings)

     561         128         100         602         1,391   

Rest of residential mortgage(2)

     701         132         99         593         1,525   

Plots and other real estate assets

     1,410         382         293         950         3,035   

Other partially secured loans

     159         —           —           —           159   

Unsecured loans

     4,507         338         271         1,710         6,628   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     7,967         1,284         1,034         5,327         15,612   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) For additional information see “Impaired assets and impairment losses” above.
(2) Refers to residential real estate loans which are secured by properties (other than those currently used as the family residential property of the borrower) and to loans through which we provide financing to a borrower to construct residential properties until such properties are finished and sold.

Below is the accumulated financial income accrued from impaired assets as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 that are not recognized in our consolidated income statement due to the existence of doubts as to the collection of these assets:

 

     2012      2011      2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Financial Income from Impaired Assets

     2,405         1,908         1,717   

As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the non-performing loan and coverage ratios of the transactions recorded under the “Loans and advances to customers” and “Contingent risk” headings of our consolidated balance sheet were as follows:

 

BBVA Group Ratios    2012      2011      2010  
     (Percentage)  

NPA ratio

     5.1         4.0         4.1   

NPA coverage ratio

     71.9         61.1         62.0   

Impairment losses

Below is a breakdown of the provisions recorded on our consolidated balance sheet covering estimated impairment losses in financial assets and contingent risks as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, classified according to the different headings used in our consolidated balance sheet:

 

Impairment Losses and Provisions for Contingent Risks    2012      2011      2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Available-for-sale portfolio

     342         569         619   

Loans and receivables

     14,534         9,469         9,473   

Loans and advances to customers

     14,484         9,409         9,396   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     33         47         67   

Debt securities

     17         12         10   

Held to maturity investment

     —           1         1   

Impairment losses

     14,876         10,039         10,093   

Provisions to Contingent Risks and Commitments

     341         291         264   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     15,217         10,330         10,357   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Of which:

        

For impaired portfolio

     10,117         7,058         7,507   

For currently non-impaired portfolio

     5,100         3,272         2,850   

 

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Table of Contents

Below are the changes in the estimated impairment losses for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, broken down by the headings used in our consolidated balance sheet:

 

2012    Available-for-
Sale Portfolio
    Held to
Maturity
Investment
    Loans and
Receivables
    Contingent
Risks and
Commitments
    Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Balance at the beginning

     569        1        9,469        291        10,329   

Increase in impairment losses charged to income

     74        1        10,578        105        10,757   

Decrease in impairment losses credited to income

     (31     —          (2,304     (44     (2,379

Impairment losses (net)

     43        1        8,273        61        8,378   

Entities incorporated/disposed in the year

     1        —          2,066        5        2,073   

Transfers to written-off loans

     (18     —          (4,125     —          (4,143

Exchange differences and other

     (254     (1     (1,150     (16     (1,420
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at the end

     342        —          14,534        341        15,217   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

2011    Available-for-
Sale Portfolio
    Held to
Maturity
Investment
     Loans and
Receivables
    Contingent
Risks and
Commitments
    Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Balance at the beginning

     619        1         9,473        264        10,356   

Increase in impairment losses charged to income

     62        —           6,041        17        6,121   

Decrease in impairment losses credited to income

     (37     —           (1,513     (24     (1,574

Impairment losses (net)

     25        —           4,528        (6     4,547   

Entities incorporated in the year

     —          —           305        12        318   

Transfers to written-off loans

     (75     —           (4,039     —          (4,114

Exchange differences and other

     —          —           (798     22        (776
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at the end

     569        1         9,469        291        10,330   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
2010    Available-for-
Sale Portfolio
    Held to
Maturity
Investment
     Loans and
Receivables
    Contingent
Risks and
Commitments
    Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Balance at the beginning

     449        1         8,805        243        9,498   

Increase in impairment losses charged to income

     187        —           7,020        62        7,268   

Decrease in impairment losses credited to income

     (32     —           (2,204     (40     (2,276

Impairment losses (net)

     155        —           4,816        22        4,993   

Transfers to written-off loans

     (57     —           (4,431     —          (4,488

Exchange differences and other

     72        —           283        (1     354   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at the end

     619        1         9,473        264        10,357   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table shows the changes in impaired financial assets written off from the balance sheet for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 because the possibility of their recovery was deemed remote:

 

Changes in Impaired Financial Assets Written-Off from the Balance Sheet    2012     2011     2010  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Balance at the beginning

     15,871        13,367        9,833   

Increase

     4,364        4,284        4,788   

Decrease

     (1,754     (1,895     (1,447

Re-financing or restructuring

     (9     (4     (1

Cash recovery

     (337     (327     (253

Foreclosed assets

     (133     (29     (5

Sales of written-off

     (284     (840     (342

Debt forgiveness

     (541     (604     (217

Time-barred debt and other causes

     (450     (91     (629

Net exchange differences

     785        115        193   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at the end

     19,266        15,871        13,367   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As indicated in Note 2.2.1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, although they are not recognized in our consolidated balance sheet, we continue to attempt to collect on these write-offs until our rights to receive the related assets are fully extinguished, either because they become time-barred debt, the debt is forgiven, or other reasons.

 

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Risk Concentrations

The tables below show a breakdown of the balances of financial instruments registered in our consolidated balance sheet according to their concentration in geographical areas and to the residence of the customer or counterparty, as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. It does not take into account valuation adjustments, impairment losses or loan-loss provisions.

 

2012

 

Risks On-Balance

   Spain      Europe,
Excluding
Spain
     Mexico      United
States
     Latin
America
     Rest      Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Financial assets held for trading

     13,768         39,480         15,476         4,315         3,643         3,273         79,954   

Loans and advances to customers

     —           —           —           244         —           —           244   

Debt securities

     5,726         5,196         12,960         577         2,805         801         28,066   

Equity instruments

     1,270         526         543         101         239         243         2,922   

Derivatives

     6,772         33,758         1,973         3,392         599         2,229         48,722   

Other financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss

     296         408         1,630         516         —           —           2,851   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     —           21         —           —           —           —           21   

Debt securities

     190         42         9         512         —           —           753   

Equity instruments

     106         345         1,622         4         —           —           2,076   

Available-for-sale portfolio

     36,109         10,483         9,087         7,678         6,128         1,085         70,569   

Debt securities

     33,107         10,264         9,035         7,112         6,053         1,041         66,612   

Equity instruments

     3,002         219         51         566         75         45         3,957   

Loans and receivables

     211,701         42,690         46,149         40,087         51,704         4,137         396,469   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     3,220         12,168         4,549         3,369         2,065         1,076         26,447   

Loans and advances to customers

     207,131         29,944         41,600         35,838         48,479         3,055         366,047   

Debt securities

     1,350         577         —           880         1,160         6         3,974   

Held-to-maturity investments

     7,279         2,884         —           —           —           —           10,162   

Hedging derivatives

     914         3,798         159         226         5         18         5,120   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Risk in Financial Assets

     270,066         99,743         72,501         52,822         61,480         8,514         565,126   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Risks Off-Balance    Spain      Europe,
Excluding
Spain
     Mexico      United
States
     Latin
America
     Rest      Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Contingent risks

     16,189         12,429         872         3,217         5,858         975         39,540   

Contingent liabilities

     26,511         22,780         13,564         22,029         7,097         1,116         93,098   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Contingent Risk

     42,700         35,210         14,435         25,246         12,955         2,091         132,638   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     312,766         134,953         86,937         78,068         74,435         10,605         697,763   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

2011

 

Risks On-Balance

   Spain      Europe,
Excluding
Spain
     Mexico      United
States
     Latin
America
     Rest      Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Financial assets held for trading

     12,958         33,305         11,675         4,672         5,452         2,539         70,603   

Debt securities

     5,075         2,068         10,933         565         2,030         305         20,975   

Equity instruments

     662         363         741         69         125         238         2,198   

Derivatives

     7,221         30,874         2         4,039         3,297         1,996         47,430   

Other financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss

     234         311         1,470         509         454         —           2,977   

Debt securities

     117         77         6         508         1         —           708   

Equity instruments

     117         234         1,464         1         453         —           2,269   

Available-for-sale portfolio

     26,546         8,895         7,825         8,151         5,164         656         57,237   

Debt securities

     22,371         8,685         7,764         7,518         5,068         602         52,008   

Equity instruments

     4,175         210         61         633         96         54         5,229   

Loans and receivables

     203,348         44,305         42,489         44,625         46,479         7,704         388,949   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     3,034         11,531         4,877         2,712         2,197         1,663         26,013   

Loans and advances to customers

     198,948         32,445         37,612         41,222         43,592         6,035         359,855   

Debt securities

     1,365         328         —           692         690         6         3,081   

Held-to-maturity investments

     7,373         3,582         —           —           —           —           10,955   

Hedging derivatives

     395         3,493         485         253         16         56         4,698   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Risk in Financial Assets

     250,854         93,890         63,943         58,210         57,565         10,955         535,419   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Risks Off-Balance    Spain      Europe,
Excluding
Spain
     Mexico      United
States
     Latin
America
     Rest      Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Contingent risks

     16,175         12,289         1,098         4,056         4,733         1,554         39,904   

Contingent liabilities

     30,848         21,506         11,929         22,002         6,192         1,288         93,767   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Contingent Risk

     47,023         33,795         13,027         26,058         10,925         2,842         133,669   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     297,877         127,685         76,970         84,268         68,490         13,797         669,088   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

2010

 

Risks On-Balance

   Spain      Europe,
Excluding
Spain
     Mexico      United
States
     Latin
America
     Rest      Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Financial assets held for trading

     18,903         22,899         9,578         3,951         5,549         2,404         63,284   

Debt securities

     9,522         2,839         8,853         654         2,086         405         24,359   

Equity instruments

     3,041         888         725         148         136         322         5,260   

Derivatives

     6,340         19,172         0         3,149         3,327         1,677         33,665   

Other financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss

     284         98         1,437         481         476         1         2,777   

Debt securities

     138         66         7         480         —           —           691   

Equity instruments

     146         32         1,430         1         476         1         2,086   

Available-for-sale portfolio

     25,230         7,689         10,158         7,581         4,291         1,234         56,183   

Debt securities

     20,725         7,470         10,106         6,903         4,211         1,187         50,602   

Equity instruments

     4,505         219         52         678         80         47         5,581   

Loans and receivables

     218,399         30,985         40,540         39,944         37,320         5,847         373,035   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

     6,786         7,846         5,042         864         2,047         1,018         23,603   

Loans and advances to customers

     210,102         23,139         35,498         38,649         34,999         4,822         347,209   

Debt securities

     1,511         —           —           431         274         7         2,223   

Held-to-maturity investments

     7,504         2,443         —           —           —           —           9,947   

Hedging derivatives

     234         2,922         281         131         —           35         3,603   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Risk in Financial Assets

     270,554         67,036         61,994         52,088         47,636         9,521         508,829   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Risks Off-Balance    Spain      Europe,
Excluding
Spain
     Mexico      United
States
     Latin
America
     Rest      Total  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Contingent risks

     20,175         6,773         1,006         3,069         3,953         1,465         36,441   

Contingent liabilities

     35,784         19,144         11,421         17,604         5,711         910         90,574   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Contingent Risk

     55,959         25,917         12,427         20,673         9,664         2,375         127,015   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     326,513         92,953         74,421         72,761         57,300         11,896         635,844   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

A. Debt Securities

Not Applicable.

B. Warrants and Rights

Not Applicable.

C. Other Securities

Not Applicable.

D. American Depositary Shares

Our ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BBVA”. The Bank of New York Mellon is the depositary (the “Depositary”) issuing ADSs pursuant to an amended and restated deposit agreement dated June 29, 2007 among BBVA, the Depositary and the holders from time to time of ADSs (the “Deposit Agreement”). Each ADS represents the right to receive one share. The table below sets forth the fees payable, either directly or indirectly, by a holder of ADSs as of the date of this Annual Report.

 

Category

  

Depositary Actions

  

Associated Fee / By Whom Paid

(a) Depositing or substituting the underlying shares    Issuance of ADSs    Up to $5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the new ADSs delivered (charged to person depositing the shares or receiving the ADSs)
(b) Receiving or distributing dividends    Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions; distribution of share dividends or other free share distributions; distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs    Not applicable
(c) Selling or exercising rights    Distribution or sale of securities    Not applicable
(d) Withdrawing an underlying security    Acceptance of ADSs surrendered for withdrawal of deposited securities    Up to $5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the ADSs surrendered (charged to person surrendering or to person to whom withdrawn securities are being delivered)
(e) Transferring, splitting or grouping receipts    Transfers, combining or grouping of depositary receipts    Not applicable
(f) General depositary services, particularly those charged on an annual basis    Other services performed by the Depositary in administering the ADSs    Not applicable
(g) Expenses of the Depositary   

Expenses incurred on behalf of holders in connection with

   Expenses payable by holders of ADSs or persons depositing shares for the issuance of ADSs; expenses payable in connection with the conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars are payable out of such foreign currency
   Ÿ    stock transfer or other taxes (including Spanish income taxes) and other governmental charges;   
  

 

Ÿ

  

 

cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery charges incurred at request of holder of ADS or person depositing shares for the issuance of ADSs;

  
  

 

Ÿ

  

 

transfer, brokerage or registration fees for the registration of shares or other deposited securities on the share register and applicable to transfers of shares or other deposited securities to or from the name of the custodian;

  
  

 

Ÿ

  

 

reasonable and customary expenses of the depositary in connection with the conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars

  

 

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The Depositary may remit to us all or a portion of the Depositary fees charged for the reimbursement of certain of the expenses we incur in respect of the ADS program established pursuant to the Deposit Agreement upon such terms and conditions as we may agree from time to time. In the year ended December 31, 2012, the Depositary reimbursed us $722 thousand with respect to certain fees and expenses. The table below sets forth the types of expenses that the Depositary has agreed to reimburse and the amounts reimbursed in 2012.

 

Category of Expenses

  

Amount
Reimbursed in
the Year Ended
December 31,
2012

     (In Thousands
of Dollars)

NYSE Listing Fees

       102  

Investor Relations Marketing

       489  

Professional Services

       70  

Annual Shareholders’ General Meeting Expenses

       61  

 

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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

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2012, 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 Chief Global Accounting and Information Management Officer, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any control system, including disclosure controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

Based upon their evaluation, BBVA’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Global Accounting and Information Management Officer concluded, that BBVA’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level in ensuring that information relating to BBVA, including its consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in reports that it files under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to the management, including principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of BBVA is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. BBVA’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

   

Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of BBVA;

 

   

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of BBVA’s management and directors; and

 

   

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

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Under the supervision and with the participation of BBVA’s management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by Deloitte S.L., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which follows below.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.:

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries composing the BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA Group (the “Group”—Note 3) as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Group’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

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In our opinion, the Group maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 of the Group and our report dated April 2, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/DELOITTE, S.L.

Madrid – Spain

April 2, 2013

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in BBVA’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this Annual Report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 16. [RESERVED]

 

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

The charter for our Audit and Compliance Committee 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 the banking regulators, and we have determined that Mr. José Luis Palao García Suelto, the Chairman of the Audit and Compliance Committee, has such experience and knowledge and is an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined by the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued pursuant to Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Mr. Palao is independent within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange listing standards.

In addition, we believe that the remaining members of the Audit and Compliance Committee have an understanding of applicable generally accepted accounting principles, 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, among others, 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 in 2012. 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, S.L. and its worldwide affiliates, by type of service rendered for the periods indicated.

 

     Year ended December 31,  

Services Rendered

   2012      2011  
     (In Millions of Euros)  

Audit Fees(1)

     19.3         17.6   

Audit-Related Fees(2)

     2.6         2.4   

Tax Fees(3)

     2.2         1.9   

All Other Fees(4)

     2.2         2.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     26.3         24.4   

 

(1) Aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by Deloitte, S.L. and its worldwide affiliates for the audit of BBVA’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by Deloitte, S.L. and its worldwide affiliates in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.
(2) Aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by Deloitte, S.L. and its worldwide affiliates 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, S.L. and its worldwide affiliates 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, S.L. and its worldwide affiliates other than the services reported in (1), (2) and (3) above. Services in this category consisted primarily of consultancy and implementation of new regulation.

The Audit and Compliance Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

In order to assist in ensuring the independence of our external auditor, the regulations 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 affiliates 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.

 

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  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.

 

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

 

2012

   Total Number
of Ordinary
Shares
Purchased
     Average Price
Paid per Share
(or Unit)
   Total Number of Shares
(or Units) Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
   Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or Units)
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs

January 1 to January 31

     39,430,375       € 6.40      

February 1 to February 28

     36,851,546       € 6.90      

March 1 to March 31

     92,013,761       € 6.40      

April 1 to April 30

     90,360,065       € 5.44      

May 1 to May 31

     80,115,098       € 4.95      

June 1 to June 30

     77,797,863       € 5.20      

July 1 to July 31

     80,972,231       € 5.02      

August 1 to August 31

     36,896,904       € 5.53      

September 1 to September 30

     94,388,212       € 6.41      

October 1 to October 31

     118,796,441       € 6.35      

November 1 to November 30

     30,498,402       € 6.28      

December 1 to December 31

     41,168,838       € 6.81      
  

 

 

          

Total

     819,289,736       € 5.90      
  

 

 

          

During 2012, we sold a total of 850,224,983 shares for an average price of €6.04 per share.

 

ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and through the date of this Annual Report, the principal independent accountant engaged to audit our financial statements, Deloitte S.L., has not resigned, indicated that it has declined to stand for re-election after the completion of its current audit or been dismissed. For each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, Deloitte S.L. has not expressed reliance on another accountant or accounting firm in its report on our audited annual accounts for such periods.

 

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ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Compliance with NYSE Listing Standards on Corporate Governance

On November 4, 2003, the SEC approved 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) 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.

Subject to certain exceptions not applicable to us and except as indicated below, 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 for the time being any definition of what constitutes independence for the purpose of board or committee membership or otherwise.

With respect to board committees, pursuant to RD 771/2011, the Bank of Spain will determine which credit entities should have a Compensation Committee, taking into account, among other things, their size, internal organization and the complexity of their activities. The Chairman and the members of the Compensation Committee, if any, will be members of the Board of Directors with no executive functions. In addition, according to the Securities Market Act, listed companies should have an Audit Committee and at least one of its members must be an independent director.

Moreover, pursuant to certain non-binding recommendations applicable to listed companies in Spain, the Audit and Compliance Committee and the Compensation and Appointment Committees of such companies should be composed of a majority of non-executive directors and chaired by an independent director. These recommendations also contain a definition of what constitutes independence for the purpose of board or committee membership.

Pursuant to article 1 of our Board regulations BBVA considers that independent directors are those who fulfill the requirements described below:

Independent directors are external directors appointed for their personal and professional background who can pursue their duties without being constrained by their relations with the Company, its significant shareholders or its executives.

Independent directors may not:

 

  a) Have been employees or executive directors in Group companies, unless three or five years, respectively, have passed since they ceased to be so.

 

  b) Receive any amount or benefit from the Company or its Group companies for any reason other than remuneration of their directorship, unless it is insignificant.

Neither dividends nor supplementary pension payments that the director may receive from earlier professional or employment relationships shall be taken into account for the purposes of this section, provided they are not subject to conditions and the company paying them may not at its own discretion suspend, alter or revoke their accrual without breaching its obligations.

 

  c) Be or have been a partner in the external auditors’ firm or in charge of the auditor’s report with respect to the Company or any other Group company during the last three years.

 

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  d) Be executive director or senior manager in any other company on which a Company executive director or senior manager is external director.

 

  e) Maintain or have maintained during the past year an important business relationship with the Company or any of its Group companies, either on his/her own behalf or as relevant shareholder, director or senior manager of a company that maintains or has maintained such relationship.

“Business relationships” shall mean relationships as provider of goods and/or services, including financial, advisory and/or consultancy services.

 

  f) Be significant shareholders, executive directors or senior managers of any organization that receives or has received significant donations from the Company or its Group during the last three years.

Those who are merely trustees on a foundation receiving donations shall not be ineligible under this section.

 

  g) Be married to or linked by equivalent emotional relationship, or related by up to second-degree family ties to an executive director or senior manager of the Company.

 

  h) Have not been proposed by the Appointments Committee for appointment or renewal.

 

  i) Fall within the cases described under letters a), e), f) or g) of this section, with respect to any significant shareholder or shareholder represented on the Board. In cases of family relationships described under letter g), the limitation shall not only apply to the shareholder, but also to the directors it nominates for the Company’s Board.

Directors owning shares in the Company may be independent providing they comply with the above conditions and their shareholding is not legally considered as significant.

As of the date of this Annual Report, our Board of Directors has a large number of non-executive directors and eleven out of the 14 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 the committee chairman is required to have experience in financial management and an understanding of the standards and accounting procedures required by the governmental authorities that regulate the banking sector. Our Risk Committee is composed exclusively of independent directors, and also, in accordance with the non-binding recommendations, our Board of Directors has an Appointments Committee and a Compensation Committee which are composed exclusively of external directors, being the majority of them (including the chairman) 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, the Appointments Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Risk Committee meet, since these Committees are comprised solely of non- executive 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.

Code of Ethics

The NYSE listing standards require U.S. companies to adopt a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers. For information with respect to BBVA’s code of business conduct and ethics see “Item 16B. Code of Ethics”.

 

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ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not Applicable.

PART III

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to 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

 

Exhibit
Number
   Description
1.1    Amended and Restated Bylaws (Estatutos) of the Registrant.(*)
8.1    Consolidated Companies Composing Registrant (see Appendix I to XIII to our Consolidated Financial Statements included herein).
10.1    Shareholders’ Agreement entered into between the Company, Doğuş Holding A.Ş., Doğuş Nakliyat ve Ticaret, A.Ş. and Doğuş Araştırma Geliştirme ve Müşavirlik Hizmetleri A.Ş. on November 1, 2010.(*)(**)
12.1    Section 302 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Certification.
12.2    Section 302 President and Chief Operating Officer Certification.
12.3    Section 302 Head of Global Accounting & Information Management Department Certification.
13.1    Section 906 Certification.
15.1    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

(*) Incorporated by reference to BBVA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2011.
(**) Confidential treatment was requested with respect to certain portions of this agreement. Confidential portions were redacted and separately submitted to the SEC.

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/ RICARDO GOMEZ BARREDO
Name:   RICARDO GOMEZ BARREDO

Title:

  Head of Global Accounting and Information Management Department

Date: April 2, 2013

 

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CONTENTS

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM      F-1   
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   
  

Consolidated balance sheets

     F-2   
  

Consolidated income statements

     F-5   
  

Consolidated statements of recognized income and expenses

     F-7   
  

Consolidated statements of changes in equity

     F-8   
  

Consolidated statements of cash flows

     F-11   

NOTES TO THE ACCOMPANYING CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.  

Introduction, basis for the presentation of the consolidated financial statements and internal control of financial information.

     F-13   
2.  

Principles of consolidation, accounting policies and measurement bases applied and recent IFRS pronouncements

     F-16   
3.  

BBVA Group

     F-41   
4.  

Shareholder remuneration system and allocation of earnings

     F-45   
5.  

Earnings per share

     F-46   
6.  

Bases and methodology for operating segment reporting

     F-47   
7.  

Risk management

     F-49   
8.  

Fair value of financial instruments

     F-77   
9.  

Cash and balances with central banks

     F-83   
10.  

Financial assets and liabilities held for trading

     F-84   
11.  

Other financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     F-87   
12.  

Available-for-sale financial assets

     F-87   
13.  

Loans and receivables

     F-93   
14.  

Held-to-maturity investments

     F-96   
15.  

Hedging derivatives (receivable and payable) and Fair-value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest-rate risk

     F-98   
16.  

Non-current assets held for sale and liabilities associated with non-current assets held for sale

     F-101   
17.  

Investments in entities accounted for using the equity method

     F-104   
18.  

Insurance and reinsurance contracts

     F-106   
19.  

Tangible assets

     F-108   
20.  

Intangible assets

     F-110   
21.  

Tax assets and liabilities

     F-114   
22.  

Other assets and liabilities

     F-117   
23.  

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

     F-118   
24.  

Liabilities under insurance contracts

     F-125   
25.  

Provisions

     F-126   
26.  

Pensions and other post-employment commitments

     F-127   
27.  

Common stock

     F-135   
28.  

Share premium

     F-138   
29.  

Reserves

     F-138   
30.  

Treasury stock

     F-141   
31.  

Valuation adjustments

     F-142   
32.  

Non-controlling interests

     F-142   
33.  

Capital base and capital management

     F-143   
34.  

Contingent risks and commitments

     F-146   
35.  

Assets assigned to other own and third-party obligations

     F-146   
36.  

Other contingent assets and liabilities

     F-146   
37.  

Purchase and sale commitments and future payment obligations

     F-147   
38.  

Transactions for the account of third parties

     F-147   
39.  

Interest income and expense and similar items

     F-148   
40.  

Income from equity instruments

     F-150   
41.  

Share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method

     F-151   
42.  

Fee and commission income

     F-151   
43.  

Fee and commission expenses

     F-152   


Table of Contents
44.  

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities (net)

     F-152   
45.  

Other operating income and expenses

     F-153   
46.  

Administration costs

     F-154   
47.  

Depreciation and amortization

     F-157   
48.  

Provisions (net)

     F-157   
49.  

Impairment losses on financial assets (net)

     F-158   
50.  

Impairment losses on other assets (net)

     F-158   
51.  

Gains (losses) on derecognized assets not classified as non-current assets held for sale

     F-158   
52.  

Gains (losses) on non-current assets held for sale

     F-159   
53.  

Consolidated statements of cash flows

     F-159   
54.  

Accountant fees and services

     F-161   
55.  

Related-party transactions

     F-161   
56.  

Remuneration and other benefits of the Board of Directors and Members of the Bank’s Management Committee

     F-163   
57.  

Detail of the Directors’ holdings in companies with similar business activities

     F-167   
58.  

Other information

     F-167   
59.  

Subsequent events

     F-170   

APPENDICES

 

APPENDIX I  

Additional information on consolidated subsidiaries composing the BBVA Group

     A-2   
APPENDIX II  

Additional information on the jointly controlled companies accounted for under the proportionate consolidation method in the BBVA Group

     A-10   
APPENDIX III  

Additional information on investments and jointly controlled companies accounted for using the equity method in the BBVA Group

     A-11   
APPENDIX IV  

Changes and notification of investments and divestments in the BBVA Group in 2012

     A-12   
APPENDIX V  

Fully consolidated subsidiaries with more than 10% owned by non-BBVA Group shareholders as of December 31, 2012

     A-16   
APPENDIX VI  

BBVA Group’s securitization funds

     A-17   
APPENDIX VII  

Details of the outstanding Subordinated Debt and Preferred Securities issued by the Bank or entities in the Group consolidated as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

     A-18   
APPENDIX VIII  

Consolidated balance sheets held in foreign currency as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     A-22   
APPENDIX IX  

Consolidated income statements for the first and second half of 2012 and 2011

     A-23   
APPENDIX X  

Risks related to the developer and real-estate sector in Spain

     A-24   
APPENDIX XI  

Refinanced and restructured operations and other Circular 6/2012 requirements

     A-29   
APPENDIX XII  

Glossary

     A-35   
APPENDIX XIII  

Additional disclosure required by the Regulation S-X

     A-45   


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries composing the BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA Group (the “Group”—Note 3) as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated income statements, statements of recognized income and expense, statements of changes in equity and statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the controlling Company’s Directors. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 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 statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A. and subsidiaries composing the BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA Group as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with the International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Boards (“IFRS-IASB”).

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Group’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 2, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Group’s internal control over financial reporting.

DELOITTE, S.L.

Madrid – Spain

April 2, 2013

 

F-1


Table of Contents

LOGO

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

          Millions of Euros  

ASSETS

   Notes    2012      2011      2010  

CASH AND BALANCES WITH CENTRAL BANKS

   9      37,434         30,939         19,981   

FINANCIAL ASSETS HELD FOR TRADING

   10      79,954         70,602         63,283   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

        —           —           —     

Loans and advances to customers

        244         —           —     

Debt securities

        28,066         20,975         24,358   

Equity instruments

        2,922         2,198         5,260   

Trading derivatives

        48,722         47,429         33,665   

OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS DESIGNATED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

   11      2,853         2,977         2,774   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

        24         —           —     

Loans and advances to customers

        —           —           —     

Debt securities

        753         708         688   

Equity instruments

        2,076         2,269         2,086   

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE FINANCIAL ASSETS

   12      71,500         58,144         56,456   

Debt securities

        67,543         52,914         50,875   

Equity instruments

        3,957         5,230         5,581   

LOANS AND RECEIVABLES

   13      383,410         381,076         364,707   

Loans and advances to credit institutions

        26,522         26,107         23,637   

Loans and advances to customers

        352,931         351,900         338,857   

Debt securities

        3,957         3,069         2,213   

HELD-TO-MATURITY INVESTMENTS

   14      10,162         10,955         9,946   

FAIR VALUE CHANGES OF THE HEDGED ITEMS IN PORTFOLIO HEDGES OF INTEREST RATE RISK

   15      226         146         40   

HEDGING DERIVATIVES

   15      4,894         4,552         3,563   

NON-CURRENT ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

   16      4,245         2,090         1,529   

INVESTMENTS IN ENTITIES ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD

   17      6,795         5,843         4,547   

Associates

        6,469         5,567         4,247   

Jointly controlled entities

        326         276         300   

INSURANCE CONTRACTS LINKED TO PENSIONS

        7         —           —     

REINSURANCE ASSETS

   18      50         26         28   

TANGIBLE ASSETS

   19      7,785         7,330         6,701   

Property, plants and equipment

        5,898         5,740         5,132   

For own use

        5,373         4,905         4,408   

Other assets leased out under an operating lease

        525         835         724   

Investment properties

        1,887         1,590         1,569   

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

   20      8,912         8,677         8,007   

Goodwill

        6,727         6,798         6,949   

Other intangible assets

        2,185         1,879         1,058   

TAX ASSETS

   21      11,829         7,841         6,649   

Current

        1,958         1,509         1,113   

Deferred

        9,871         6,332         5,536   

OTHER ASSETS

   22      7,729         6,490         4,527   

Inventories

        4,223         3,994         2,788   

Rest

        3,506         2,496         1,739   

TOTAL ASSETS

        637,785         597,688         552,738   

The accompanying Notes 1 to 59 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012.

 

F-2


Table of Contents

LOGO

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

          Millions of Euros  

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   Notes    2012      2011      2010  

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES HELD FOR TRADING

   10      55,927         51,303         37,212   

Deposits from central banks

        —           —           —     

Deposits from credit institutions

        —           —           —     

Customer deposits

        —           —           —     

Debt certificates

        —           —           —     

Trading derivatives

        49,348         46,692         33,166   

Short positions

        6,579         4,611         4,046   

Other financial liabilities

        —           —           —     

OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES DESIGNATED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

   11      2,516         1,825         1,607   

Deposits from central banks

        —           —           —     

Deposits from credit institutions

        —           —           —     

Customer deposits

        —           —           —     

Debt certificates

        —           —           —     

Subordinated liabilities

        —           —           —     

Other financial liabilities

        2,516         1,825         1,607   

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES AT AMORTIZED COST

   23      506,487         479,904         453,164   

Deposits from central banks

        46,790         33,147         11,010   

Deposits from credit institutions

        59,722         59,356         57,170   

Customer deposits

        292,716         282,173         275,789   

Debt certificates

        87,212         81,930         85,179   

Subordinated liabilities

        11,831         15,419         17,420   

Other financial liabilities

        8,216         7,879         6,596   

FAIR VALUE CHANGES OF THE HEDGED ITEMS IN PORTFOLIO HEDGES OF INTEREST RATE RISK

   15      —           —           (2

HEDGING DERIVATIVES

   15      2,968         2,710         1,664   

LIABILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH NON-CURRENT ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

   16      387         —           —     

LIABILITIES UNDER INSURANCE CONTRACTS

   18-24      9,032         7,737         8,034   

PROVISIONS

   25      7,927         7,561         8,322   

Provisions for pensions and similar obligations

   26      5,796         5,577         5,980   

Provisions for taxes and other legal contingencies

        408         350         304   

Provisions for contingent risks and commitments

        341         291         264   

Other provisions

        1,382         1,343         1,774   

TAX LIABILITIES

   21      4,077         2,330         2,195   

Current

        1,194         772         604   

Deferred

        2,883         1,558         1,591   

OTHER LIABILITIES

   22      4,662         4,260         3,067   

TOTAL LIABILITIES

        593,983         557,630         515,263   

The accompanying Notes 1 to 60 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012.

 

F-3


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LOGO

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

          Millions of Euros  

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (Continued)

   Notes    2012     2011     2010  

STOCKHOLDERS’ FUNDS

        43,614        40,952        36,689   

Common Stock

   27      2,670        2,403        2,201   

Issued

        2,670        2,403        2,201   

Unpaid and uncalled (-)

        —          —          —     

Share premium

   28      20,968        18,970        17,104   

Reserves

   29      19,672        17,940        14,360   

Accumulated reserves (losses)

        18,848        17,580        14,305   

Reserves (losses) of entities accounted for using the equity method

        824        360        55   

Other equity instruments

        62        51        37   

Equity component of compound financial instruments

        —          —          —     

Other equity instruments

        62        51        37   

Less: Treasury stock

   30      (111     (300     (552

Income attributed to the parent company

        1,676        3,004        4,606   

Less: Dividends and remuneration

        (1,323     (1,116     (1,067

VALUATION ADJUSTMENTS

   31      (2,184     (2,787     (770

Available-for-sale financial assets

        (145     (682     333   

Cash flow hedging

        36        30        49   

Hedging of net investment in foreign transactions

        (322     (158     (158

Exchange differences

        (1,356     (1,937     (978

Non-current assets held-for-sale

        (104     —          —     

Entities accounted for using the equity method

        158        188        (16

Other valuation adjustments

        (451     (228     —     

NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

   32      2,372        1,893        1,556   

Valuation adjustments

        188        36        (86

Rest

        2,184        1,857        1,642   

TOTAL EQUITY

        43,802        40,058        37,475   

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

        637,785        597,688        552,738   

 

          Millions of Euros  

MEMORANDUM ITEM

   Notes    2012      2011      2010  

CONTINGENT RISKS

   34        39,540            39,904            36,441   

CONTINGENT COMMITMENTS

   34      93,098         93,766         90,574   

The accompanying Notes 1 to 59 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012.

 

F-4


Table of Contents

LOGO

Consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

          Millions of Euros  
     Notes    2012     2011     2010  

INTEREST AND SIMILAR INCOME

   39      26,262        24,180        21,130   

INTEREST AND SIMILAR EXPENSES

   39      (11,140     (11,028     (7,814

NET INTEREST INCOME

        15,122        13,152        13,316   

DIVIDEND INCOME

   40      390        562        529   

SHARE OF PROFIT OR LOSS OF ENTITIES ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD

   41      727        595        331   

FEE AND COMMISSION INCOME

   42      5,574        5,075        4,864   

FEE AND COMMISSION EXPENSES

   43      (1,221     (1,044     (831

NET GAINS (LOSSES) ON FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

   44      1,645        1,117        1,372   

Financial instruments held for trading

        649        1,052        640   

Other financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

        73        8        18   

Other financial instruments not at fair value through profit or loss

        923        57        714   

Rest

        —          —          —     

EXCHANGE DIFFERENCES (NET)

        122        364        455   

OTHER OPERATING INCOME

   45      4,812        4,244        3,537   

Income on insurance and reinsurance contracts

        3,657        3,317        2,597   

Financial income from non-financial services

        827        656        647   

Rest of other operating income

        328        271        293   

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

   45      (4,730     (4,037     (3,240

Expenses on insurance and reinsurance contracts

        (2,660     (2,436     (1,815

Changes in inventories

        (406     (298     (554

Rest of other operating expenses

        (1,664     (1,303     (871

ADMINISTRATION COSTS

   46      (9,768     (8,898     (8,007

Personnel expenses

        (5,662     (5,191     (4,698

General and administrative expenses

        (4,106     (3,707     (3,309

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

   47      (1,018     (839     (754

PROVISIONS (NET)

   48      (651     (509     (475

IMPAIRMENT LOSSES ON FINANCIAL ASSETS (NET)

   49      (7,980     (4,226     (4,718

Loans and receivables

        (7,936     (4,201     (4,563

Other financial instruments not at fair value through profit or loss

        (44     (25     (155

The accompanying Notes 1 to 59 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

LOGO

Consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

          Millions of Euros  

(Continued)

   Notes    2012     2011     2010  

IMPAIRMENT LOSSES ON OTHER ASSETS (NET)

   50      (1,123     (1,885     (489

Goodwill and other intangible assets

        (54     (1,444     (13

Other assets

        (1,069     (441     (476

GAINS (LOSSES) ON DERECOGNIZED ASSETS NOT CLASSIFIED AS NON-CURRENT ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

   51      4        46        41   

NEGATIVE GOODWILL

   20      376        —          1   

GAINS (LOSSES) IN NON-CURRENT ASSETS HELD FOR SALE NOT CLASSIFIED AS DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   52      (622     (271     127   

OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE TAX

        1,659        3,446        6,059   

INCOME TAX

   21      275        (206     (1,345

PROFIT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

        1,934        3,240        4,714   

PROFIT FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (NET)

   52      393        245        281   

PROFIT

        2,327        3,485        4,995   

Profit attributable to parent company

        1,676        3,004        4,606   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

   32      651        481        389   

 

          Euros  
     Note    2012      2011      2010  

EARNINGS PER SHARE

   5         

Basic earnings per share

           0.32            0.62            1.10   

Diluted earnings per share

        0.32         0.62         1.10   

The accompanying Notes 1 to 59 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

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LOGO

Consolidated statements of recognized income and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

     Millions of Euros  
     2012     2011     2010  

PROFIT RECOGNIZED IN INCOME STATEMENT

     2.327        3.485        4.995   

OTHER RECOGNIZED INCOME (EXPENSES)

     754        (1.894     (813

Available-for-sale financial assets

     861        (1.240     (2.166

Valuation gains/(losses)

     723        (1.351     (1.963

Amounts removed to income statement

     109        89        (206

Reclassifications

     29        22        3   

Cash flow hedging

     7        (32     (190

Valuation gains/(losses)

     7        (61     (156

Amounts removed to income statement

     —          29        (34

Amounts removed to the initial carrying amount of the hedged items

     —          —          —     

Reclassifications

     —          —          —     

Hedging of net investment in foreign transactions

     (164     —          (377

Valuation gains/(losses)

     (164     —          (377

Amounts removed to income statement

     —          —          —     

Reclassifications

     —          —          —     

Exchange differences

     722        (960     1.384   

Valuation gains/(losses)

     722        (963     1.380   

Amounts removed to income statement

     —          3        4   

Reclassifications

     —          —          —     

Non-current assets held for sale

     (103     —          —     

Valuation gains/(losses)

     (103     —          —     

Amounts removed to income statement

     —          —          —     

Reclassifications

     —          —          —     

Actuarial gains and losses in post-employment plans

     (321     (240     —     

Entities accounted for using the equity method

     (37     204        228   

Valuation gains/(losses)

     (37     204        228   

Amounts removed to income statement

     —          —          —     

Reclassifications

     —          —          —     

Rest of recognized income and expenses

     —          (90     —     

Income tax

     (211     464        308   

TOTAL RECOGNIZED INCOME/EXPENSES

     3.081        1.591        4.182   

Attributable to the parent company

     2.279        987        3.898   

Attributable to non-controlling interest

     802        604        284   

The accompanying Notes 1 to 59 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated statement of recognized income and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

    Millions of Euros              
    Total Equity Attributed to the Parent Company     Non-controlling
Interests
(Note 32)
    Total
Equity
 
    Stockholders’ Funds     Valuation
Adjustments
(Note 31)
    Total      
    Common
Stock
(Note 27)
    Share
Premium
(Note 28)
    Reserves (Note 29)     Other
Equity
Instruments
    Less:
Treasury
Stock
(Note 30)
    Profit
Attributable
to the
Parent
Company
    Less:
Dividends
and
Remunerations
(Note 4)
    Total
Stockholders’
Funds
         

2012

      Accumulated
Reserves
(Losses)
    Reserves
(Losses) from
Entities
Accounted for
Using the  Equity
Method
                   

Balances as of January 1, 2012

    2.403        18.970        17.580        360        51        (300     3.004        (1.116     40.952        (2.787     38.165        1.893        40.058   

Effect of changes in accounting policies

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Effect of correction of errors

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Adjusted initial balance

    2.403        18.970        17.580        360        51        (300     3.004        (1.116     40.952        (2.787     38.165        1.893        40.058   

Total income/expense recognized

    —          —          —          —          —          —          1.676        —          1.676        603        2.279        802        3.081   

Other changes in equity

    267        1.998        1.268        464        11        189        (3.004     (207     986        —          986        (323     663   

Common stock increase

    73        —          (73     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Common stock reduction

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Conversion of financial liabilities into capital

    194        1.998        —          —          —          —          —          —          2.192        —          2.192        —          2.192   

Increase of other equity instruments

    —          —          —          —          32        —          —          —          32        —          32        —          32   

Reclassification of financial liabilities to other equity instruments

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Reclassification of other equity instruments to financial liabilities

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Dividend distribution

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (1.073     (1.073     —          (1.073     (357     (1.430

Transactions including treasury stock and other equity instruments (net)

    —          —          81        —          —          189        —          —          270        —          270        —          270   

Transfers between total equity entries

    —          —          1.417        471        —          —          (3.004     1.116        —          —          —          —          —     

Increase/Reduction due to business combinations

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Payments with equity instruments

    —          —          (28     —          (21     —          —          —          (49     —          (49     —          (49

Rest of increases/reductions in total equity

    —          —          (129     (7     —          —          —          (250     (386     —          (386     34        (352

Of which:

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Acquisition of the free allotment rights

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (250     (250     —          (250     —          (250

Balances as of December 31, 2012

    2.670        20.968        18.848        824        62        (111     1.676        (1.323     43.614        (2.184     41.430        2.372        43.802   

The accompanying Notes 1 to 59 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (continued)

 

    Millions of Euros              
    Total Equity Attributed to the Parent Company     Non-controlling
Interests
(Note 32)
    Total
Equity
 
    Stockholders’ Funds     Valuation
Adjustments
(Note 31)
    Total      
    Common
Stock
(Note 27)
    Share
Premium
(Note 28)
    Reserves (Note 29)     Other
Equity
Instruments
    Less:
Treasury
Stock
(Note 30)
    Profit
Attributable
to the
Parent
Company
    Less:
Dividends
and
Remunerations
(Note 4)
    Total
Stockholders’
Funds
         

2011

      Accumulated
Reserves
(Losses)
    Reserves
(Losses) from
Entities
Accounted for
Using the Equity
Method
                   

Balances as of January 1, 2011

    2.201        17.104        14.305        55        37        (552     4.606        (1.067     36.689        (770     35.919        1.556        37.475   

Effect of changes in accounting policies

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Effect of correction of errors

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Adjusted initial balance

    2.201        17.104        14.305        55        37        (552     4.606        (1.067     36.689        (770     35.919        1.556        37.475   

Total income/expense recognized

    —          —          —          —          —          —          3.004        —          3.004        (2.017     987        604        1.591   

Other changes in equity

    202        1.866        3.275        305        14        252        (4.606     (49     1.259        —          1.259        (267     992   

Common stock increase

    68        —          (68     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Common stock reduction

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Conversion of financial liabilities into capital

    134        1.866        —          —          —          —          —          —          2.000        —          2.000        —          2.000   

Increase of other equity instruments

    —          —          —          —          14        —          —          —          14        —          14        —          14   

Reclassification of financial liabilities to other equity instruments

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Reclassification of other equity instruments to financial liabilities

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Dividend distribution

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (937     (937     —          (937     (273     (1.210

Transactions including treasury stock and other equity instruments (net)

    —          —          (14     —          —          252        —          —          238        —          238        —          238   

Transfers between total equity entries

    —          —          3.239        300        —          —          (4.606     1.067        —          —          —          —          —     

Increase/Reduction due to business combinations

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Payments with equity instruments

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Rest of increases/reductions in total equity

    —          —          118        5        —          —          —          (179     (56     —          (56     6        (50

Of which:

                         

Acquisition of the free allotment rights

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (179     (179     —          (179     —          (179

Balances as of December 31, 2011

    2.403        18.970        17.580        360        51        (300     3.004        (1.116     40.952        (2.787     38.165        1.893        40.058   

The accompanying Notes 1 to 59 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (continued)

 

    Millions of Euros              
    Total Equity Attributed to the Parent Company     Non-controlling
Interests
(Note 32)
    Total
Equity
 
    Stockholders’ Funds     Valuation
Adjustments
(Note 31)
    Total      
    Common
Stock
(Note 27)
    Share
Premium
(Note 28)
    Reserves (Note 29)     Other
Equity
Instruments
    Less:
Treasury
Stock
(Note 30)
    Profit
Attributable
to the
Parent
Company
    Less:
Dividends
and
Remunerations
(Note 4)
    Total
Stockholders’
Funds
         

2010

      Accumulated
Reserves
(Losses)
    Reserves
(Losses) from
Entities
Accounted for
Using the Equity
Method
                   

Balances as of January 1, 2010

    1.837        12.453        11.765        309        12        (224     4.210        (1.000     29.362        (62     29.300        1.463        30.763   

Effect of changes in accounting policies

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Effect of correction of errors

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Adjusted initial balance

    1.837        12.453        11.765        309        12        (224     4.210        (1.000     29.362        (62     29.300        1.463        30.763   

Total income/expense recognized

    —          —          —          —          —          —          4.606        —          4.606        (708     3.898        284        4.182   

Other changes in equity

    364        4.651        2.540        (254     25        (328     (4.210     (67     2.721        —          2.721        (191     2.530   

Common stock increase

    364        4.651        —          —          —          —          —          —          5.015        —          5.015        —          5.015   

Common stock reduction

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Conversion of financial liabilities into capital

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Increase of other equity instruments

    —          —          —          —          25        —          —          —          25        —          25        —          25   

Reclassification of financial liabilities to other equity instruments

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Reclassification of other equity instruments to financial liabilities

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Dividend distribution

    —          —          —          —          —          —          (558     (1.067     (1.625     —          (1.625     (197     (1.822

Transactions including treasury stock and other equity instruments (net)

    —          —          (105     —          —          (328     —          —          (433     —          (433     —          (433

Transfers between total equity entries

    —          —          2.865        (213     —          —          (3.652     1.000        —          —          —          —          —     

Increase/Reduction due to business combinations

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Payments with equity instruments

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Rest of increases/reductions in total equity

    —          —          (220     (41     —          —          —          —          (261     —          (261     6        (255

Balances as of December 31, 2010

    2.201        17.104        14.305        55        37        (552     4.606        (1.067     36.689        (770     35.919        1.556        37.475   

The accompanying Notes 1 to 59 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

          Millions of Euros  
     Notes    2012     2011     2010  

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (1)

   53      10,596        19,811        8,503   

Profit for the year

        2,327        3,485        4,995   

Adjustments to obtain the cash flow from operating activities:

        10,897        3,090        (534

Depreciation and amortization

        1,018        847        761   

Other adjustments

        9,879        2,243        (1,295

Net increase/decrease in operating assets

        40,291        17,340        6,452   

Financial assets held for trading

        9,352        7,319        (6,450

Other financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss

        (124     203        437   

Available-for-sale financial assets

        12,898        1,131        (7,064

Loans and receivables

        13,102        6,461        18,590   

Other operating assets

        5,063        2,226        939   

Net increase/decrease in operating liabilities

        37,939        30,291        9,067   

Financial liabilities held for trading

        4,625        14,090        4,383   

Other financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss

        691        218        240   

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

        29,536        16,265        5,687   

Other operating liabilities

        3,087        (282     (1,243

Collection/Payments for income tax

        (276     285        1,427   

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES (2)

   53      (1,085     (6,622     (7,078

Investment

        2,547        8,524        8,762   

Tangible assets

        1,707        1,313        1,040   

Intangible assets

        780        612        464   

Investments

        —          430        1,209   

Subsidiaries and other business units

        —          4,653        77   

Non-current assets held for sale and associated liabilities

        —          1,516        1,464   

Held-to-maturity investments

        60        —          4,508   

Other settlements related to investing activities

        —          —          —     

Divestments

        1,462        1,902        1,684   

Tangible assets

        —          175        261   

Intangible assets

        —          1        6   

Investments

        19        —          1   

Subsidiaries and other business units

        —          18        69   

Non-current assets held for sale and associated liabilities

        590        870        1,347   

Held-to-maturity investments

        853        838        —     

Other collections related to investing activities

        —          —          —     

The accompanying Notes 1 to 59 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

          Millions of Euros  

(Continued)

   Notes    2012     2011     2010  

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES (3)

   53      (3,492     (1,269     1,148   

Investment

        10,387        6,282        12,410   

Dividends

        1,269        1,031        1,218   

Subordinated liabilities

        3,930        230        2,846   

Common stock amortization

        —          —          —     

Treasury stock acquisition

        4,831        4,825        7,828   

Other items relating to financing activities

        357        196        518   

Divestments

        6,895        5,013        13,558   

Subordinated liabilities

        1,793        —          1,205   

Common stock increase

        —          —          4,914   

Treasury stock disposal

        5,102        5,013        7,439   

Other items relating to financing activities

        —          —          —     

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES (4)

        471        (960     1,063   

NET INCREASE/DECREASE IN CASH OR CASH EQUIVALENTS (1+2+3+4)

        6,490        10,960        3,636   

CASH OR CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF THE YEAR

        30,927        19,967        16,331   

CASH OR CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR

        37,417        30,927        19,967   
          Millions of Euros  

COMPONENTS OF CASH AND EQUIVALENT AT END OF THE YEAR

   Notes    2012     2011     2010  

Cash

        5,294        4,611        4,284   

Balance of cash equivalent in central banks

        32,123        26,316        15,683   

Other financial assets

        —          —          —     

Less: Bank overdraft refundable on demand

        —          —          —     

TOTAL CASH OR CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR

   9      37,417        30,927        19,967   

Of which:

         

Held by consolidated subsidiaries but not available for the Group

        —          —          —     

The accompanying Notes 1 to 59 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

LOGO

Notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012

 

1. Introduction, basis for the presentation of the consolidated financial statements and internal control of financial information.

 

1.1 Introduction

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (hereinafter “the Bank” or “BBVA”) is a private-law entity subject to the laws and regulations governing banking entities operating in Spain. It carries out its activity through branches and agencies across the country and abroad.

The Bylaws and other public information are available for consultation at the Bank’s registered address (Plaza San Nicolás, 4 Bilbao).

In addition to the transactions it carries out directly, the Bank heads a group of subsidiaries, jointly controlled and associated entities which perform a wide range of activities and which together with the Bank constitute the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Group (hereinafter, “the Group” or “the BBVA Group”). In addition to its own individual financial statements, the Bank is therefore required to prepare the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

As of December 31, 2012, the BBVA Group was made up of 320 fully consolidated and 29 proportionately consolidated companies, as well as 102 companies accounted for using the equity method (see Notes 3 and 17 Appendices II to VII).

The BBVA Group’s consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were approved by the shareholders at the Bank’s Annual General Meetings (“AGM”) held on March 16, 2012 and March 11, 2011, respectively.

The consolidated financial statements of the BBVA Group and the separate financial statements of the Bank for the year ended December 31, 2012 have been approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meetings.

 

1.2 Basis for the presentation of the consolidated financial statements

The BBVA Group’s consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards endorsed by the European Union (hereinafter, “EU-IFRS”) required to be applied under the Bank of Spain Circular 4/2004, of 22 December (and as amended thereafter) as of the close of the year 2012, and with any other legislation governing financial reporting applicable to the Group and in compliance with IFRS-IASB.

The BBVA Group’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 were prepared by the Bank’s Directors (at the Board of Directors meeting held on January 31, 2013) by applying the principles of consolidation, accounting policies and valuation criteria described in Note 2, so that they present fairly the Group’s consolidated equity and financial position as of December 31, 2012, together with the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows generated during year ended on that date.

These consolidated financial statements were prepared on the basis of the accounting records kept by the Bank and each of the other entities in the Group. Moreover, they include the adjustments and reclassifications required to harmonize the accounting policies and valuation criteria used by the Group (see Note 2.2).

All effective accounting standards and valuation criteria with a significant effect in the consolidated financial statements were applied in their preparation.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

The amounts reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in millions of euros, unless it is more convenient to use smaller units. Some items that appear without a total in these consolidated financial statements do so because of the size of the units used. Also, in presenting amounts in millions of euros, the accounting balances have been rounded up or down. It is therefore possible that the amounts appearing in some tables are not the exact arithmetical sum of their component figures.

The percentage changes in amounts have been calculated using figures expressed in thousands of euros.

 

1.3 Comparative information

As mentioned in Note 3, the on-balance figures for the companies related to the pension businesses sold in Latin America have been reclassified under the headings “Non-current assets held for sale” and “Liabilities associated with non-current assets held for sale” of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31 2012, and the earnings of these companies for 2012 have been registered under the heading “Profit from discontinued operations” in the accompanying consolidated income statement. In accordance with IFRS-5, and to make it easier to compare this information across different years, the earnings from these companies for the years 2011 and 2010 have been reclassified under the heading “Profit from discontinued operations” in the accompanying consolidated income statements.

As mentioned in Note 6, in 2012 minor changes are made to the operating segments in the BBVA Group with respect to the structure in place in 2011 and 2010, although they do not have any significant impact on the consolidated income statements or the information by operating segments. To make it easier to compare this information across different years, the figures for 2011 and 2010 have been reworked according to the criteria used in 2012, as established by IFRS 8, “Operating segments.”

 

1.4 Seasonal nature of income and expenses

The nature of the most significant operations carried out by the BBVA Group’s entities is mainly related to traditional activities carried out by financial institutions, which are not significantly affected by seasonal factors.

 

1.5 Responsibility for the information and for the estimates made

The information contained in the BBVA Group’s consolidated financial statements is the responsibility of the Group’s Directors.

Estimates have to be made at times when preparing these consolidated financial statements in order to calculate the registered amount of some assets, liabilities, income, expenses and commitments. These estimates relate mainly to the following:

 

   

Impairment on certain financial assets (see Notes 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 and 17).

 

   

The assumptions used to quantify certain provisions (see Notes 18, 24 and 25) and for the actuarial calculation of post-employment benefit liabilities and commitments (see Note 26).

 

   

The useful life and impairment losses of tangible and intangible assets (see Notes 16, 19, 20 and 22).

 

   

The valuation of goodwill (see Notes 17 and 20).

 

   

The fair value of certain unlisted financial assets and liabilities in organized markets (see Notes 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 15).

Although these estimates were made on the basis of the best information available as of December 31, 2012 on the events analyzed, future events may make it necessary to modify them (either up or down) over the coming years. This would be done prospectively in accordance with applicable standards, recording the effects of changes in the estimates in the corresponding consolidated income statement.

 

1.6 Control of the BBVA Group’s financial reporting

The financial information prepared by the BBVA Group is subject to a system of internal control (hereinafter the “Internal Control over Financial Reporting” or “ICFR”). Its aim is to provide reasonable security with respect to its reliability and integrity, and to ensure that the transactions carried out and processed use the criteria established by the Group’s management and comply with applicable laws and regulations.

 

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The ICFR was developed by the Group’s management in accordance with international standards established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (hereinafter, “COSO”). This stipulates five components that must form the basis of the effectiveness and efficiency of systems of internal control:

 

   

Assessment of all of the risks that could arise during the preparation of financial information.

 

   

Design the necessary controls to mitigate the most critical risks.

 

   

Monitoring of the controls to ensure they perform correctly and are effective over time.

 

   

Establishment of an appropriate system of information flows to detect and report system weaknesses or flaws.

 

   

Establishment of a suitable control environment to track all of these activities.

The ICFR is a dynamic model that evolves continuously over time to reflect the reality of the Group’s business at any time, together with the risks affecting it and the controls designed to mitigate these risks. It is subject to continuous evaluation by the internal control units located in the Group’s different entities.

The internal control units comply with a common and standard methodology issued by the corporate internal control units, which also perform a supervisory role over them, as set out in the following diagram:

 

LOGO

As well as the evaluation by the Internal Control Units, ICFR Model is subject to regular evaluations by the Group’s Internal Audit Department and external auditors. It is also supervised by the Audit and Compliance Committee of the Bank’s Board of Directors.

 

1.7 Mortgage market policies and procedures

The information on “Mortgage market policies and procedures” (for the granting of mortgage loans and for debt issues secured by such mortgage loans) required by Bank of Spain Circular 5/2011, applying Royal Decree 716/2009, dated April 24 (which developed certain aspects of Act 2/1981, dated 25 March, on the regulation of the mortgage market and other mortgage and financial market regulations), is set out in more detail in the Bank’s individual Financial Statements for 2012.

 

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2. Principles of consolidation, accounting policies and measurement bases applied and recent IFRS pronouncements

Appendix XII, the Glossary, includes the definition of some of the financial and economic terms used in Note 2 and subsequent Notes.

 

2.1 Principles of consolidation

In terms of its consolidation, the BBVA Group is made up of three types of companies: subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associates.

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are companies controlled by the Group (for a more detailed definition of subsidiaries and the criterion for control, see Appendix XII, Glossary).

The financial statements of the subsidiaries are consolidated with those of the Bank using the global integration method, combining the financial statements of the parent and subsidiaries line by line

The share of non-controlling interests from subsidiaries in the Group’s consolidated equity is presented under the heading “Non-controlling interests” in the consolidated balance sheet. Their share in the profit or loss for the year is presented under the heading “Profit attributable to non-controlling interests” in the accompanying consolidated income statement (see Note 32).

Note 3 includes information related to the main subsidiaries in the Group as of December 31, 2012. Appendix I includes other significant information on these companies.

Jointly controlled entities

These are entities that are not dependent on a third party, but meet all the conditions for being considered a “joint business” (see the definition of jointly controlled entities in Appendix XII, Glossary). Since the implementation of EU-IFRS, the BBVA Group has applied the following criteria in relation to the consolidation of its jointly controlled entities:

 

   

Jointly controlled financial entity: Since it is a financial entity, the best way of reflecting its activities within the Group’s consolidated financial statements is considered to be the proportionate method of consolidation.

As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the contribution of the proportionately consolidated jointly controlled financial entities to the BBVA Group’s consolidated financial statements is shown in the table below:

 

     Millions of Euros  

Contribution to the Group by Entities Accounted for Under the Proportionate Consolidation
Method

   2012      2011      2010  

Assets

     22.067         18.935         1.040   

Liabilities

     18.140         15.232         891   

Profit

     325         200         19   

As of December 31, 2012, the most significant contribution of jointly controlled entities under the proportionate consolidation method is from Garanti (see Note 2.3). No additional information is presented with respect to the other entities as the holdings in these cases are not significant.

Appendix II shows the main figures for jointly controlled entities consolidated under the proportionate consolidation method.

 

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Jointly controlled non-financial entity. The effect of proportionately consolidating jointly controlled non-financial entities in the Group’s consolidated financial statements would distort the information provided to investors. It is therefore considered more appropriate to reflect these investments in the Group’s consolidated financial statements using the equity method.

Appendix III shows the main figures for jointly controlled entities accounted for using the equity method. Note 17 details the impact that application of the proportionate consolidation method on these entities would have had on the consolidated balance sheet and income statement.

Associate entities

Associates are companies in which the Group is able to exercise significant influence, without having total or joint control. Significant influence is deemed to exist when the Group owns 20% or more of the voting rights of an investee directly or indirectly.

However, certain entities in which the Group owns 20% or more of the voting rights are not included as Group associates, since the Group does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over these entities. Investments in these entities, which do not represent material amounts for the Group, are classified as “Available-for-sale financial assets.”

In contrast, some investments in entities in which the Group holds less than 20% of the voting rights are accounted for as Group associates, as the Group is considered to have the ability to exercise significant influence over these entities.

Appendix III shows the most significant information related to the associates (see Note 17), which are accounted for using the equity method.

In all cases, results of equity method investees acquired by the BBVA Group in a particular period are included taking into account only the period from the date of acquisition to the financial statements date. Similarly, the results of companies disposed of during any year are included taking into account only the period from the start of the year to the date of disposal.

 

2.2 Accounting policies and valuation criteria applied

The accounting standards and policies and the valuation criteria applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements may differ from those used by some of the entities within the BBVA Group. For this reason, necessary adjustments and reclassifications have been introduced in the consolidation process to standardize these principles and criteria and comply with the EU-IFRS, required to be applied under the Bank of Spain Circular 4/2004.

The accounting standards and policies and valuation criteria used in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements are as follows:

 

2.2.1 Financial instruments

Measurement of financial instruments and recognition of changes in subsequent fair value

All financial instruments are initially accounted for at fair value which, unless there is evidence to the contrary, shall be the transaction price.

All the changes in the fair value of the financial instruments, except in trading derivatives, arising from the accrual of interests and similar items are recognized under the headings “Interest and similar income” or “Interest and similar expenses”, as appropriate, in the accompanying consolidated income statement for the year in which the accrual took place (see Note 39). The dividends received from other companies are recognized under the heading “Dividend income” in the accompanying consolidated income statement for the year in which the right to receive them arises (see Note 40).

 

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The changes in fair value after the initial recognition, for reasons other than those mentioned in the preceding paragraph, are treated as described below, according to the categories of financial assets and liabilities.

 

 

“Financial assets held for trading” and “Other financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss”

The assets and liabilities recognized under these headings of the consolidated balance sheets are measured at fair value and changes in the fair value (gains or losses) are recognized as their net value under the heading “Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities” in the accompanying consolidated income statements (see Note 44). However, changes in fair value resulting from variations in foreign exchange rates are recognized under the heading “Exchange differences (net)” in the accompanying consolidated income statements.

 

 

“Available-for-sale financial assets”

Assets recognized under this heading in the consolidated balance sheets are measured at their fair value. Subsequent changes in fair value (gains or losses) are recognized temporarily for their amount net of tax effect, under the heading “Valuation adjustments - Available-for-sale financial assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.

Changes in the value of non-monetary items resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates are recognized temporarily under the heading “Valuation adjustments - Exchange differences” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Changes in foreign exchange rates resulting from monetary items are recognized under the heading “Exchange differences (net)” in the accompanying consolidated income statements.

The amounts recognized under the headings “Valuation adjustments - Available-for-sale financial assets” and “Valuation adjustments - Exchange differences” continue to form part of the Group’s consolidated equity until the corresponding asset is derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet or until an impairment loss is recognized in the corresponding financial instrument. If these assets are sold, these amounts are derecognized and included under the headings “Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities” or “Exchange differences (net)”, as appropriate, in the consolidated income statement for the year in which they are derecognized.

The gains from sales of other equity instruments considered strategic investments included under “Available-for-sale financial assets” are recognized under the heading “Gains (losses) in non-current assets held-for-sale not classified as discontinued operations” in the consolidated income statement, even if they had not been classified in a previous balance sheet as non-current assets held for sale (see Note 52).

The net impairment losses in “Available-for-sale financial assets” over the year are recognized under the heading “Impairment losses on financial assets (net) – Other financial instruments not at fair value through profit or loss” (see Note 49) in the consolidated income statements for that period.

 

 

“Loans and receivables”, “Held-to-maturity investments” and “Financial liabilities at amortized cost”

Assets and liabilities recognized under these headings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are measured at “amortized cost” using the “effective interest rate” method. This is because the consolidated entities intend to hold such financial instruments to maturity.

Net impairment losses of assets recognized under these headings arising in a particular period are recognized under the heading “Impairment losses on financial assets (net) – Loans and receivables” or “Impairment losses on financial assets (net) – Other financial instruments not valued at fair value through profit or loss” (see Note 49) in the consolidated income statement for that period.

 

 

“Hedging derivatives” and “Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest-rate risk”

Assets and liabilities recognized under these headings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are measured at fair value.

 

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Changes occurring subsequent to the designation of the hedging relationship in the measurement of financial instruments designated as hedged items as well as financial instruments designated as hedge accounting instruments are recognized as follows:

 

   

In fair value hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized under the heading “Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities” in the consolidated income statement, with a corresponding item under the headings where hedging items (“Hedging derivatives”) and the hedged items are recognized, as applicable.

 

   

In fair value hedges of interest rate risk of a portfolio of financial instruments (portfolio-hedges), the gains or losses that arise in the measurement of the hedging instrument are recognized in the consolidated income statement, and the gains or losses that arise from the change in the fair value of the hedged item (attributable to the hedged risk) are recognized in the consolidated income statement, using, as a balancing item, the headings “Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest rate risk” in the consolidated balance sheets, as applicable.

 

   

In cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the hedging instruments relating to the effective portion are recognized temporarily under the heading “Valuation adjustments – Cash flow hedging” in the consolidated balance sheets. These differences are recognized in the accompanying consolidated income statement at the time when the gain or loss in the hedged instrument affects profit or loss, when the forecast transaction is executed or at the maturity date of the hedged item. Almost all of the hedges used by the Group are for interest-rate risks. Therefore, the valuation changes are recognized under the headings “Interest and similar income” or “Interest and similar expenses”, as appropriate, in the accompanying consolidated income statement (see Note 39).

 

   

Differences in the measurement of the hedging items corresponding to the ineffective portions of cash flow hedges are recognized directly in the heading “Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities” in the consolidated income statement.

 

   

In the hedges of net investments in foreign operations, the differences attributable to the effective portions of hedging items are recognized temporarily under the heading “Valuation adjustments – Hedging of net investments in foreign transactions” in the consolidated balance sheets. These differences in valuation are recognized under the heading “Exchange differences (net)” in the consolidated income statement when the investment in a foreign operation is disposed of or derecognized.

 

   

Other financial instruments

The following exceptions are applicable with respect to the above general criteria:

 

   

Equity instruments whose fair value cannot be determined in a sufficiently objective manner and financial derivatives that have those instruments as their underlying asset and are settled by delivery of those instruments remain in the consolidated balance sheet at acquisition cost; this may be adjusted, where appropriate, for any impairment loss. (see Note 8)

 

   

Valuation adjustments arising from financial instruments classified at the consolidated balance sheet date as non-current assets held for sale are recognized with a balancing entry under the heading “Valuation adjustments - Non-current assets held for sale” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Impairment losses on financial assets

Definition of impaired financial assets

A financial asset is considered to be impaired – and therefore its carrying amount is adjusted to reflect the effect of impairment – when there is objective evidence that events have occurred which:

 

   

In the case of debt instruments (loans and debt securities), give rise to an adverse impact on the future cash flows that were estimated at the time the transaction was arranged. So they are considered impaired when there are reasonable doubts that the balances will be recovered in full and/or the related interest will be collected for the amounts and on the dates initially agreed.

 

   

In the case of equity instruments, it means that their carrying amount may not be fully recovered.

As a general rule, the carrying amount of impaired financial instruments is adjusted with a charge to the consolidated income statement for the period in which the impairment becomes known. The recoveries of previously recognized impairment losses are reflected, if appropriate, in the consolidated income statement for the year in which the impairment is reversed or reduced, with an exception: any recovery of previously recognized impairment losses for an investment in an equity instrument classified as financial assets available for sale is not recognized in the consolidated income statement but under the heading “Valuation Adjustments - Available-for-sale financial assets” in the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 31).

 

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In general, amounts collected in relation to impaired loans and receivables are used to recognize the related accrued interest and any excess amount is used to reduce the principal not yet paid.

When the recovery of any recognized amount is considered to be remote, this amount is written-off on the consolidated balance sheet, without prejudice to any actions that may be taken in order to collect the amount until the rights extinguish in full either because it is time-barred debt, the debt is forgiven, or other reasons.

In the case of particularly significant financial assets, and assets that cannot be classified within similar groups of instruments in terms of risk, the amounts recognized are measured individually. In the case of financial assets for lower amounts that can be classified in homogeneous groups, this measurement is carried out as a group.

According to our established policy, the recovery of a recognized amount is considered to be remote and, therefore, derecognized from our consolidated balance sheet in the following cases:

 

   

Any loan (except for those carrying an effective guarantee) of a company in bankruptcy and/or in the last phases of a “concurso de acreedores” (the Spanish equivalent of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding), and

 

   

Financial assets (bonds, debentures, etc.) whose issuer’s solvency had been undergone a notable and irreversible deterioration.

Additionally, loans classified as impairedsecured loans are written off in the balance sheet within a maximum period of four years of their classification as impaired, while impaired unsecured loans (such as commercial and consumer loans, credit cards, etc.) are written off within two years of their classification as impaired.

Calculation of impairment on financial assets

The impairment on financial assets is determined by type of instrument and other circumstances that could affect it, taking into account the guarantees received by the owners of the financial instruments to assure (in part or in full) the performance of the transactions. The BBVA Group recognizes impairment charges directly against the impaired asset when the likelihood of recovery is deemed remote, and uses an offsetting or allowance account when it registers non-performing loan provisions for the estimated losses.

Impairment of debt securities measured at amortized cost

The amount of impairment losses of debt securities at amortized cost is measured depending on whether the impairment losses are determined individually or collectively.

 

 

Impairment losses determined individually

The amount of the impairment losses incurred on these instruments relates to the positive difference between their respective carrying amounts and the present values of their expected future cash flows. These cash flows are discounted using the original effective interest rate. If a financial instrument has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective rate determined under the contract.

As an exception to the rule described above, the market value of listed debt instruments is deemed to be a fair estimate of the present value of their future cash flows.

The following is to be taken into consideration when estimating the future cash flows of debt instruments:

 

   

All the amounts that are expected to be recovered over the remaining life of the instrument; including, where appropriate, those which may result from the collateral and other credit enhancements provided for the instrument (after deducting the costs required for foreclosure and subsequent sale). Impairment losses include an estimate for the possibility of collecting accrued, past-due and uncollected interest.

 

   

The various types of risk to which each instrument is subject.

 

   

The circumstances in which collections will foreseeably be made.

 

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In respect to impairment losses resulting from the materialization of insolvency risk of the obligors (credit risk), a debt instrument is impaired:

 

   

When there is evidence of a reduction in the obligor’s capacity to pay, whether manifestly by default or for other reasons; and/or

 

   

For these purposes, country risk is understood to refer to risk with respect to debtors resident in a particular country and resulting from factors other than normal commercial risk: sovereign risk, transfer risk or risks derived from international financial activity.

The BBVA Group has policies, methods and procedures for hedging its credit risk, for insolvency attributable to counterparties and country-risk. These policies, methods and procedures are applied to the arrangement, study and documentation of debt instruments, contingent risks and commitments, as well as the identification of their deterioration and in the calculation of the amounts needed to cover their credit risk.

 

 

Impairment losses determined collectively

Impairment losses determined collectively are calculated by using statistical procedures, and they are deemed equivalent to the portion of losses incurred on the date that the accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared that has yet to be allocated to specific transactions.

The BBVA Group uses the concept of expected loss to quantify the cost of the credit risk and include it in the calculation of the risk-adjusted return of its transactions. The parameters necessary for its calculation are also used to calculate economic capital and to calculate BIS II regulatory capital under internal models (see Note 33).

These models allow us to estimate the expected loss of the credit risk of each portfolio, in the one-year period after the reporting date, considering the characteristics of the counterparty and the guarantees and collateral associated with the transactions.

The expected loss is calculated taking into account three factors: exposure at default, probability of default and loss given default.

 

   

Exposure at default (EAD) is the amount of risk exposure at the date of default by the counterparty.

 

   

Probability of default (PD) is the probability of the counterparty failing to meet its principal and/or interest payment obligations. The PD is associated with the rating/scoring of each counterparty/transaction. PD is measured using a time horizon of one year, i.e. it quantifies the probability of the counterparty defaulting in the coming year. The definition of default used includes amounts past due by 90 days or more and cases in which there is no default but there are doubts as to the solvency of the counterparty (subjective doubtful assets). A PD of 100% is assigned when a loan is considered impaired.

 

   

Loss given default (LGD) is the estimate of the loss arising in the event of default. It depends mainly on the characteristics of the counterparty, and the valuation of the guarantees or collateral associated with the transaction.

In order to calculate the LGD at each balance sheet date, the Group evaluates the estimated cash flows from the sale of the collateral by estimating its sale price (in the case of real estate collateral, the Group takes into account declines in property values which could affect the value of such collateral) and its estimated cost of sale. In the event of a default, the Group becomes contractually entitled to the property at the end of the foreclosure process or properties purchased from borrowers in distress, and recognize the collateral at its fair value. After the initial recognition of these assets classified as “Non-current assets held for sale” (see Note 2.2.4) or “Inventories” (see Note 2.2.6), they are valued at the lower of their carrying amount and their fair value less their estimated selling price.

The expected loss calculation used to determine the economic capital in our models includes ‘through-the-cycle’ adjustments of the aforementioned factors, particularly of PD and LGD. Through these adjustments, the Group seeks to set the value of the parameters used in our model at their average level throughout the economic cycle. The Group’s calculation of economic capital is more stable and accurate as a result.

By contrast, allowances for loan losses are calculated based on estimates of incurred losses at the reporting date (without any ‘through-the-cycle’ adjustments), in compliance with IFRS requirements.

 

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With its methodology for determining the allowance for determined collectively losses, the Group seeks to identify the amounts of losses which, although incurred at the reporting date, have not yet been reported and which the Group knows, on the basis of historical experience and other specific information, will arise following the reporting date.

In order to calculate such non-reported incurred losses, the Group makes certain adjustments to the expected loss used to calculate economic capital under our internal models in order to eliminate the ‘through-the-cycle’ adjustments and focus on incurred loss (rather than expected loss) as required by IFRS. Such adjustments are based on the following two parameters:

 

   

The point-in-time (‘PIT’) parameter, which is an adjustment to eliminate the ‘through-the-cycle’ component of the expected loss.

The ‘point-in-time’ parameter converts a ‘through-the-cycle’ probability of default (defined as the average probability of default over a complete economic cycle) into the probability of default at the reporting date (‘point-in-time’ probability).

 

   

The loss identification period (‘LIP’) parameter, which is the time lag period between the occurrence of a specific impairment or loss event and objective evidence of impairment becoming apparent on an individual basis; in other words, the time lag period between the loss event and the date an entity identified its occurrence.

This adjustment relates to the fact that, in calculating expected loss for purposes of calculating economic capital and BIS II regulatory capital, the Group measures the probability of default using a time horizon of one year. Therefore, in order to calculate our allowance for loan losses, the Group has to convert the one-year expected loss to the incurred loss concept at the reporting date required by IAS 39. The Group calculates the incurred loss at the closing date by adjusting the expected loss for the next twelve months based on the estimated LIPs of the various homogenous portfolios.

The analysis of LIPs is performed on a homogenous portfolio basis. For the portfolios in Spain and in Mexico, which are the most significant portfolios, BBVA uses the following methodology to determine an interval of LIP that has occurred over time:

 

   

Analysis of the frequency of regulatory and internal review: The review of the credit quality of customers results in loss being identified. The more frequently the entity reviews the credit quality of its customers, the quicker losses are identified and therefore the lower is the resulting LIP (incurred but not reported losses decrease but ‘identified’ incurred losses increase). By contrast, the less frequently the entity reviews the credit quality of its customers, the slower losses are identified and therefore the higher is the resulting LIP.

 

   

Analysis of the correlation between macroeconomic factors and probability of default: The deterioration of certain macroeconomic factors can be considered as a loss event if it results in an increase in the credit risk of a portfolio. Analysis performed shows the existence of correlation between some macroeconomic indicators and the probability of default, with a time lag existing between changes in such parameters and changes in the default rate. The Economic Research Department (“BBVA Research”) analyses the correlation between macroeconomic indicators (mainly GDP and interest rates) and probability of default (PD) for the portfolios.

The analysis includes PD available information by portfolio for the last 25 years. The purpose of the analysis is to evaluate the impact of macroeconomic indicators on the PD and identify the time lag between the deterioration of a macroeconomic indicator and the increase in PD. This time lag illustrates the time period between the loss event and the identification of the loss which leads to an individual provisioning. The research shows that changes in macroeconomic indicators, such as GDP and interest rates, result in variations in the PD of these portfolios within less than six months.

 

   

An internal benchmark of the LIPs used by European peers (based on 12 European banks from Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom): For corporate loans, 3-12 months; for retail loans, 2-9 months.

 

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The LIPs BBVA uses, which were determined in accordance with the methodology described above, are set forth in the table below:

 

Portfolio

  

Ranges of LIPs

   Weighted Average of LIPs
Used as of December 31,
2012

Sovereign and Public Institutions

   12 months    12 months

Corporates

   Real estate developers    From 1 months to 18 months    3 months
  

Large corporates

Others corporates

SMEs

   From 1 months to 12 months    9-10 months

Retail

  

Mortgage loans

Consumer loans

   From 2 months to 9 months    7-8 months

At least once a year, BBVA performs a backtesting analysis in order to assess the accuracy of the LIP estimates for the corporate portfolios. The backtesting involves assessing the evolution of the most significant impaired loans over a period of time, on a periodic basis, to identify the actual LIPs for each portfolio. In addition, with respect to all of the portfolios, BBVA reviews the correlation between the evolution of macroeconomic indicators (mainly GDP and interest rates) and PD for such portfolios.

The allowance for loan losses for loan portfolios of BBVA’s U.S. subsidiaries (which represented approximately 9.1% of the consolidated loans and receivables as of December 31, 2012) is determined under U.S. GAAP. There is no significant difference between the allowance for loan losses accounting under ASC-310 and under IAS 39. The methodology followed by Compass (BBVA’s bank subsidiary in the U.S.) for determining the allowance for loan losses is based on the average expected loss over the last five years. The calculation of expected losses is segmented by common portfolio characteristics such as product type, risk rating, bureau score, past due status, collateral type and loan to value. In the process of calculating the allowance for loan losses, Compass assigns a PD and an LGD for the different portfolios. The weighted average of the LIP used as of December 31, 2012 was one year, based on internal analysis of the management, following an approach that is consistent with that described above for the Spain and Mexico loan portfolios.

The Bank of Spain requires that the calculation of the allowance for collective losses incurred must also be calculated based on the information provided by the Bank of Spain until the Spanish regulatory authority has verified and approved these internal models.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, there is no material difference in the amount of allowances for loan losses calculated in accordance with EU-IFRS required to be applied under the Bank of Spain’s Circular 4/2004 and IFRS-IASB.

Impairment of other debt instruments

The impairment losses on debt securities included in the “Available-for-sale financial asset” portfolio are equal to the positive difference between their acquisition cost (net of any principal repayment), after deducting any impairment loss previously recognized in the consolidated income statement, and their fair value.

When there is objective evidence that the negative differences arising on measurement of these assets are due to impairment, they are no longer considered as “Valuation adjustments - Available-for-sale financial assets” and are recognized in the consolidated income statement.

If all, or part of the impairment losses are subsequently recovered, the amount is recognized in the consolidated income statement for the year in which the recovery occurred.

 

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Impairment of equity instruments

The amount of the impairment in the equity instruments is determined by the category where they are recognized:

 

   

Equity instruments measured at fair value: When there is objective evidence that the negative differences arising on measurement of these assets are due to impairment, they are no longer considered as “Valuation adjustments - Available-for-sale financial assets” and are recognized in the consolidated income statement. The Group considers that there is objective evidence of impairment on equity instruments classified as available-for-sale when significant unrealized losses have existed over a sustained period of time due to a price reduction of at least 40% or over a period of more than 18 months.

When applying this evidence of impairment, the Group takes into account the volatility in the price of each individual security to determine whether it is a percentage that can be recovered through its sale on the market; other different thresholds may exist for certain securities or specific sectors.

In addition, for individually significant investments, the Group compares the valuation of the most significant securities against valuations performed by independent experts.

Any recovery of previously recognized impairment losses for an investment in an equity instrument classified as available for sale is not recognized in the consolidated income statement, but under the heading “Valuation Adjustments - Available-for-sale financial assets” in the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 31).

 

   

Equity instruments measured at cost: The impairment losses on equity instruments measured at acquisition cost are equal to the difference between their carrying amount and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the market rate of return for similar securities. These impairment losses are determined taking into account the equity of the investee (except for valuation adjustments due to cash flow hedges) for the last approved (consolidated) balance sheet, adjusted for the unrealized gains at the measurement date.

Impairment losses are recognized in the consolidated income statement for the year in which they arise as a direct reduction of the cost of the instrument. These losses may only be reversed subsequently in the event of the sale of these assets.

 

2.2.2 Transfers and derecognition of financial assets and liabilities

The accounting treatment of transfers of financial assets is determined by the form in which risks and benefits associated with the assets involved are transferred to third parties. Thus the financial assets are only derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet when the cash flows that they generate are extinguished, or when their implicit risks and benefits have been substantially transferred to third parties. In the latter case, the financial asset transferred is derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet, and any right or obligation retained or created as a result of the transfer is simultaneously recognized.

Similarly, financial liabilities are derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet only if their obligations are extinguished or acquired (with a view to subsequent cancellation or renewed placement).

The Group is considered to have transferred substantially all the risks and benefits if such risks and benefits account for the majority of the risks and benefits involved in ownership of the transferred assets. If substantially all the risks and benefits associated with the transferred financial asset are retained:

 

   

The transferred financial asset is not derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet and continues to be measured using the same criteria as those used before the transfer.

 

   

A financial liability is recognized at the amount equal to the amount received, which is subsequently measured at amortized cost.

In the specific case of securitizations, this liability is recognized under the heading “Financial liabilities at amortized cost – Debt certificates” in the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 23). In securitizations where the risks and benefits of the transferred assets are substantially retained by the BBVA Group, the part acquired by another company in the consolidated Group is deducted from the recognized financial liabilities (securitized bonds), as established by paragraph 42 of IAS 39.

 

   

Both the income generated on the transferred (but not derecognized) financial asset and the expenses of the new financial liability continue to be recognized.

 

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The criteria followed with respect to the most common transactions of this type made by the BBVA Group are as follows:

 

 

Purchase and sale commitments: Financial instruments sold with a repurchase agreement are not derecognized from the consolidated balance sheets and the amount received from the sale is considered financing from third parties.

Financial instruments acquired with an agreement to subsequently resell them are not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets and the amount paid for the purchase is considered financing to third parties.

 

 

Special purpose vehicles: In those cases where the Group sets up entities, or has a holding in such entities, known as special purpose vehicles, in order to allow its customers access to certain investments, or for transferring risks or for other purposes, in accordance with internal criteria and procedures and with applicable regulations, the Group determines whether control over the entity in question actually exists (as described in Note 2.1), and therefore whether it should be subject to consolidation.

Among other elements, such methods and procedures take into consideration the risks and profits obtained by the Group, and also take into account all relevant elements, including the guarantees granted or the losses associated with collection of the corresponding assets retained by the Group. Such entities include the so-called asset securitization funds, which are fully consolidated in those cases in where, based on the aforementioned analysis, it is determined that the Group has maintained control.

In the specific instance of the securitization funds to which the BBVA Group’s entities transfer their loan portfolios, the following indications of the existence of control are considered for the purpose of analyzing the possibility of consolidation:

 

   

The securitization funds’ activities are undertaken in the name of the entity in accordance with its specific business requirements, with a view to generating benefits or gains from the securitization funds’ operations.

 

   

The entity retains a decision-making power with a view to securing most of the gains derived from the securitization funds’ activities or has delegated this power in some kind of “auto-pilot” mechanism (the securitization funds are structured so that all the decisions and activities to be performed are pre-defined at the time of their creation).

 

   

The entity is entitled to receive the bulk of the profits from the securitization funds and is accordingly exposed to the risks inherent in their business activities. The entity retains the bulk of the securitization funds’ residual profit.

 

   

The entity retains the bulk of the securitization funds’ asset risks.

If there is control based on the preceding guidelines, the securitization funds are integrated into the consolidated Group. If the Group’s exposure to the changes in future net cash flows of securitized assets is not significant, the risks and benefits inherent to them will be deemed to have been substantially transferred. In this case, the Group could derecognize the securitized assets from the consolidated balance sheet.

The BBVA Group has applied the most severe criteria for determining whether or not it retains substantially all the risk and rewards on such assets for all securitizations performed since January 1, 2004. As a result of these analyses, the Group has concluded that none of the securitizations undertaken since that date meet the prerequisites for derecognizing the securitized assets from the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 13.2 and Appendix VI), as the Group retains substantially all the expected credit losses and possible changes in net cash flows, while retaining the subordinated loans and lines of credit extended by the BBVA Group to these securitization funds.

 

2.2.3 Financial guarantees

Financial guarantees are considered to be those contracts that require their issuer to make specific payments to reimburse the holder of the financias guarantee for a loss incurred when a specific borrower breaches its payment obligations on the terms – whether original or subsequently modified – of a debt instrument, irrespective of the legal form it may take. Financial guarantees may take the form of a deposit, financial guarantee, insurance contract or credit derivative, among others.

 

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In their initial recognition, financial guarantees are recognized as liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, which is generally the present value of the fees, commissions and interest receivable from these contracts over the term thereof, and the Group simultaneously recognize a corresponding asset in the consolidated balance sheet for the amount of the fees and commissions received at the inception of the transactions and the amounts receivable at the present value of the fees, commissions and interest outstanding.

Financial guarantees, irrespective of the guarantor, instrumentation or other circumstances, are reviewed periodically so as to determine the credit risk to which they are exposed and, if appropriate, to consider whether a provision is required for them. The credit risk is determined by application of criteria similar to those established for quantifying impairment losses on debt instruments measured at amortized cost (see Note 2.2.1).

The provisions recognized for financial guarantees considered impaired are recognized under the heading “Provisions - Provisions for contingent risks and commitments” on the liability side in the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 25). These provisions are recognized and reversed with a charge or credit, respectively, to “Provisions (net)” in the consolidated income statements (see Note 48).

Income from guarantee instruments is recorded under the heading “Fee and commission income” in the consolidated income statement and is calculated by applying the rate established in the related contract to the nominal amount of the guarantee (see Note 42).

 

2.2.4 Non-current assets held for sale and liabilities associated with non-current assets held for sale

The heading “Non-current assets held-for-sale” in the consolidated balance sheets includes the carrying amount of financial or non-financial assets that are not part of the BBVA Group’s operating activities. The recovery of this carrying amount is expected to take place through the price obtained on its disposal (see Note 16).

This heading includes individual items and groups of items (“disposal groups”) and disposal groups that form part of a major business unit and are being held for sale as part of a disposal plan (“discontinued operations”). The individual items include the assets received by the subsidiaries from their debtors, and those consolidated under the proportionate consolidated method, in full or partial settlement of the debtors’ payment obligations (assets foreclosed or donated in repayment of debt and recovery of lease finance transactions), unless the Group has decided to make continued use of these assets. The BBVA Group has units that specialize in real estate management and the sale of this type of asset.

Symmetrically, the heading “Liabilities associated with non-current assets held for sale” in the consolidated balance sheets reflects the balances payable arising from disposal groups and discontinued operations.

Non-current assets held for sale are generally measured at fair value less sale costs, or their carrying amount, calculated on the date of their classification within this category, whichever is the lower. Non-current assets held for sale are not depreciated while included under this heading.

The fair value of the non-current assets held for sale from foreclosures or recoveries is mainly based on appraisals or valuations made by independent experts and not more than one year old, or less if there are indications of impairment.

Gains and losses generated on the disposal of assets and liabilities classified as non-current held for sale, and related impairment losses and subsequent recoveries, where pertinent, are recognized in “Gains/(losses) on non-current assets held for sale not classified as discontinued operations” in the consolidated income statements (see Note 52.1). The remaining income and expense items associated with these assets and liabilities are classified within the relevant consolidated income statement headings.

Income and expenses for discontinued operations, whatever their nature, generated during the year, even if they have occurred before their classification as discontinued operations, are presented net of the tax effect as a single amount under the heading “Profit from discontinued operations” in the consolidated income statement, whether the business remains on the balance sheet or is derecognized from the balance sheet. This heading includes the earnings from their sale or other disposal (see Notes 1.3 and 52.2).

 

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2.2.5 Tangible assets

Property, plant and equipment for own use

This heading includes the assets under ownership or acquired under lease finance, intended for future or current use by the BBVA Group and that it expects to hold for more than one year. It also includes tangible assets received by the consolidated entities in full or partial settlement of financial assets representing receivables from third parties and those assets expected to be held for continuing use.

Property, plant and equipment for own use are presented in the consolidated balance sheets at acquisition cost, less any accumulated depreciation and, where appropriate, any estimated impairment losses resulting from comparing this net carrying amount of each item with its corresponding recoverable amount.

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method, on the basis of the acquisition cost of the assets less their residual value; the land on which the buildings and other structures stand is considered to have an indefinite life and is therefore not depreciated.

The tangible asset depreciation charges are recognized in the accompanying consolidated income statements under the heading “Depreciation and amortization” (see Note 47) and are based on the application of the following depreciation rates (determined on the basis of the average years of estimated useful life of the various assets):

Amortization Rates for Tangible Assets

 

Type of Assets

   Annual Percentage

Buildings for own use

   1.33% - 4%

Furniture

   8% - 10%

Fixtures

   6% - 12%

Office supplies and hardware

   8% - 25%

The BBVA Group’s criteria for determining the recoverable amount of these assets, in particular the buildings for own use, is based on up-to-date independent appraisals that are no more than 3-5 years old at most, unless there are indications of impairment.

At each reporting date, the Group entities analyze whether there are internal or external indicators that a tangible asset may be impaired. When there is evidence of impairment, the entity analyzes whether this impairment actually exists by comparing the asset’s net carrying amount with its recoverable amount (as the higher between its recoverable amount less disposal costs and its value in use). When the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, the carrying amount is written down to the recoverable amount and depreciation charges going forward are adjusted to reflect the asset’s remaining useful life.

Similarly, if there is any indication that the value of a tangible asset has been recovered, the consolidated entities will estimate the recoverable amounts of the asset and recognize it in the consolidated income statement, registering the reversal of the impairment loss registered in previous years and thus adjusting future depreciation charges. Under no circumstances may the reversal of an impairment loss on an asset raise its carrying amount above that which it would have if no impairment losses had been recognized in prior years.

Upkeep and maintenance expenses relating to tangible assets held for own use are recognized as an expense in the year they are incurred and recognized in the consolidated income statements under the heading “Administration costs - General and administrative expenses - Property, fixtures and equipment” (see Note 46.2).

Other assets leased out under an operating lease

The criteria used to recognize the acquisition cost of assets leased out under operating leases, to calculate their depreciation and their respective estimated useful lives and to register the impairment losses on them, are the same as those described in relation to tangible assets for own use.

 

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Investment properties

The heading “Tangible assets - Investment properties” in the consolidated balance sheets reflects the net values (purchase cost minus the corresponding accumulated depreciation and, if appropriate, estimated impairment losses) of the land, buildings and other structures that are held either to earn rentals or for capital appreciation through sale and that are neither expected to be sold off in the ordinary course of business nor are destined for own use (see Note 19).

The criteria used to recognize the acquisition cost of investment properties, calculate their depreciation and their respective estimated useful lives and register the impairment losses on them, are the same as those described in relation to tangible assets held for own use.

The BBVA Group’s criteria for determining the recoverable amount of these assets is based on up-to-date independent appraisals that are no more than one year old at most, unless there are indications of impairment.

 

2.2.6 Inventories

The balance under the heading “Other assets - Inventories” in the consolidated balance sheets mainly includes the land and other properties that the BBVA Group’s real estate companies hold for development and sale as part of their real estate development activities (see Note 22).

The cost value of inventories includes the costs incurred for their acquisition and development, as well as other direct and indirect costs incurred in getting them to their current condition and location.

The cost value of real-estate assets accounted for as inventories is comprised of: the acquisition cost of the land, the cost of urban planning and construction, non-recoverable taxes and costs corresponding to construction supervision, coordination and management. Borrowing cost incurred during the year form part of the cost value, provided that the inventories require more than a year to be in a condition to be sold.

Properties purchased from borrowers in distress are measured, at the acquisition date and any subsequent time, at either their related carrying amount or the fair value of the property (less sale costs), whichever is lower. The acquisition cost of these real-estate assets is defined as the balance pending collection of the loans/credits that originated these purchases (net of associated provisions).

Impairment

If the fair value less costs to sell is lower than the amount registered in the balance sheet for the loan, a loss is recognized under the heading “Impairment losses on other assets (net)” in the income statement for the period. In the case of real-estate assets accounted for as inventories, the BBVA Group’s criterion for determining their net realizable value is mainly based on independent appraisals no more than one year old, or less if there are indications of impairment.

The amount of any inventory valuation adjustment for reasons such as damage, obsolescence, reduction in sale price to its net realizable value, as well as losses for other reasons and, if appropriate, subsequent recoveries of value up to the limit of the initial cost value, are registered under the heading “Impairment losses on other assets (net) – Other assets” in the accompanying consolidated income statements (see Note 50) for the year in which they are incurred.

Inventory sales

In sale transactions, the carrying amount of inventories is derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet and recognized as an expense under the heading “Other operating expenses – Changes in inventories” in the year in which the income from its sale is recognized. This income is recognized under the heading “Other operating income – Financial income from non-financial services” in the consolidated income statements (see Note 45).

 

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2.2.7 Business combinations

The aim of a business combination is to obtain control of one or more businesses. It is accounted for by applying the acquisition method.

According to this method, the acquirer has to recognize the assets acquired and the liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed, including those that the acquired entity had not recognized in the accounts. The method involves the measurement of the consideration received for the business combination and its allocation to the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities measured according to their fair value, at the purchase date.

In addition, the acquire shall recognize an asset in the consolidated balance sheet under the heading “Intangible asset - Goodwill” if on the purchase date there is a positive difference between:

 

   

the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of all the non-controlling interests and the fair value of stock previously held in the acquired business; and

 

   

the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

If this difference is negative, it shall be recognized directly in the income statement under the heading “Negative Goodwill in business combinations”.

Non-controlling interests in the acquired entity may be measured in two ways: either at their fair value; or at the proportional percentage of net assets identified in the acquired entity. The method of valuing non-controlling interest may be elected in each business combination. So far, the BBVA Group has always elected for the second method.

The purchase of non-controlling interests subsequent to obtaining control of an entity is recognized as equity transactions; in other words, the difference between the consideration transferred and the carrying amount of the percentage of non-controlling interests acquired is charged directly to equity.

 

2.2.8 Intangible assets

Goodwill

Goodwill represents payment in advance by the acquiring entity for the future economic benefits from assets that cannot be individually identified and separately recognized . It is only recognized as goodwill when the business combinations are acquired at a price. Goodwill is never amortized. It is subject periodically to an impairment analysis, and is written off if it is clear that there has been impairment.

Goodwill is assigned to one or more cash-generating units that expect to be the beneficiaries of the synergies derived from the business combinations. The cash-generating units represent the Group’s smallest identifiable asset groups that generate cash flows for the Group and that are largely independent of the flows generated from the Group’s other assets or groups of assets. Each unit or units to which goodwill is allocated:

 

   

is the lowest level at which the entity manages goodwill internally;

 

   

is not larger than a business segment.

The cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment (including the allocated goodwill in their carrying amount). This analysis is performed at least annually or more frequently if there is any indication of impairment.

For the purpose of determining the impairment of a cash-generating unit to which a part of goodwill has been allocated, the carrying amount of that unit, adjusted by the theoretical amount of the goodwill attributable to the non-controlling interests, in the event they are not valued at fair value, is compared with its recoverable amount.

The recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit is equal to the fair value less sale costs and its value in use, whichever is greater. Value in use is calculated as the discounted value of the cash flow projections that the unit’s management estimates and is based on the latest budgets approved for the coming years. The main assumptions used in its calculation are: a sustainable growth rate to extrapolate the cash flows indefinitely, and the discount rate used to discount the cash flows, which is equal to the cost of the capital assigned to each cash-generating unit, and equivalent to the sum of the risk-free rate plus a risk premium inherent to the cash-generating unit being evaluated for impairment.

 

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If the carrying amount of the cash-generating unit exceeds the related recoverable amount, the Group recognizes an impairment loss; the resulting loss is apportioned by reducing, first, the carrying amount of the goodwill allocated to that unit and, second, if there are still impairment losses remaining to be recognized, the carrying amount of the rest of the assets. This is done by allocating the remaining loss in proportion to the carrying amount of each of the assets in the unit. In the event the non-controlling interests are measured at fair value, the deterioration of goodwill attributable to non-controlling interests will be recognized. In any case, an impairment loss recognized for goodwill shall not be reversed in a subsequent period.

They are recognized under the heading “Impairment losses on other assets (net) – Goodwill and other intangible assets” in the consolidated income statements (see Note 50).

Other intangible assets

These assets may have an indefinite useful life if, based on an analysis of all relevant factors, it is concluded that there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is expected to generate net cash flows for the consolidated entities. In all other cases they have a finite useful life.

Intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortized according to the duration of this useful life, using methods similar to those used to depreciate tangible assets. The depreciation charge of these assets is recognized in the accompanying consolidated income statements under the heading “Depreciation and amortization” (see Note 47).

The consolidated entities recognize any impairment loss on the carrying amount of these assets with charge to the heading “Impairment losses on other assets (net) - Goodwill and other intangible assets” in the accompanying consolidated income statements (see Note 50). The criteria used to recognize the impairment losses on these assets and, where applicable, the recovery of impairment losses recognized in prior years, are similar to those used for tangible assets.

 

2.2.9 Insurance and reinsurance contracts

The assets of the BBVA Group’s insurance companies are recognized according to their nature under the corresponding headings of the consolidated balance sheets and the initial regognition and valuation is carried out according to the criteria set out in IFRS 4.

The heading “Reinsurance assets” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes the amounts that the consolidated entities are entitled to receive under the reinsurance contracts entered into by them with third parties and, more specifically, the share of the reinsurer in the technical provisions recognized by the consolidated insurance entities (see Note 18).

The heading “Liabilities under insurance contracts” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes the technical provisions for direct insurance and inward reinsurance recognized by the consolidated entities to cover claims arising from insurance contracts in force at period-end (see Note 24).

The income or expenses reported by the BBVA Group’s insurance companies on their insurance activities is recognized, attending to its nature, in the corresponding items of the consolidated income statements.

The consolidated insurance entities of the BBVA Group recognize the amounts of the premiums written to the income statement and a charge for the estimated cost of the claims that will be incurred at their final settlement to their income statements. At the close of each year the amounts collected and unpaid, as well as the costs incurred and unpaid, are accrued.

The most significant provisions registered by consolidated insurance entities with respect to insurance policies issued by them are set out by their nature in Note 24.

 

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According to the type of product, the provisions may be as follows:

 

   

Life insurance provisions: Represents the value of the net obligations undertaken with the life insurance policyholder. These provisions include:

 

   

Provisions for unearned premiums. These are intended for the accrual, at the date of calculation, of the premiums written. Their balance reflects the portion of the premiums accrued until the closing date that has to be allocated to the period from the closing date to the end of the insurance policy period.

 

   

Mathematical reserves: Represents the value of the life insurance obligations of the insurance companies at year-end, net of the policyholder’s obligations, arising from life insurance contracted.

 

   

Non-life insurance provisions:

 

   

Provisions for unearned premiums. These provisions are intended for the accrual, at the date of calculation, of the premiums written. Their balance reflects the portion of the premiums accrued until year-end that has to be allocated to the period between the year-end and the end of the policy period.

 

   

Provisions for unexpired risks: The provision for unexpired risks supplements the provision for unearned premiums by the amount by which that provision is not sufficient to reflect the assessed risks and expenses to be covered by the insurance companies in the policy period not elapsed at year-end.

 

   

Provision for claims: This reflects the total amount of the outstanding obligations arising from claims incurred prior to year-end. Insurance companies calculate this provision as the difference between the total estimated or certain cost of the claims not yet reported, settled or paid, and the total amounts already paid in relation to these claims.

 

   

Provision for bonuses and rebates: This provision includes the amount of the bonuses accruing to policyholders, insurees or beneficiaries and the premiums to be returned to policyholders or insurees, as the case may be, based on the behavior of the risk insured, to the extent that such amounts have not been individually assigned to each of them.

 

   

Technical provisions for reinsurance ceded: Calculated by applying the criteria indicated above for direct insurance, taking account of the assignment conditions established in the reinsurance contracts in force.

 

   

Other technical provisions: Insurance companies have recognized provisions to cover the probable mismatches in the market reinvestment interest rates with respect to those used in the valuation of the technical provisions.

The BBVA Group controls and monitors the exposure of the insurance companies to financial risk and, to this end, uses internal methods and tools that enable it to measure credit risk and market risk and to establish the limits for these risks.

 

2.2.10 Tax assets and liabilities

Expenses on corporation tax applicable to the BBVA Group’s Spanish companies and on similar taxes applicable to consolidated entities abroad are recognized in the consolidated income statement, except when they result from transactions on which the profits or losses are recognized directly in equity, in which case the related tax effect is also recognized in equity.

The total corporate income tax expense is calculated by aggregating the current tax arising from the application of the corresponding tax rate to the tax for the year (after deducting the tax credits allowable for tax purposes) and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized in the consolidated income statement.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities include temporary differences, defined as the amounts to be payable or recoverable in future fiscal years arising from the differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their tax bases (the “tax value”), and tax loss and tax credit carry forwards. These amounts are registered by applying to each temporary difference the tax rates that are expected to apply when the asset is realized or the liability settled (see Note 21).

The “Tax Assets” chapter of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes the amount of all the assets of a tax nature, and distinguishes between: “Current” (amounts recoverable by tax in the next twelve months) and “Deferred” (covering taxes recoverable in future years, including loss carry forwards or tax credits for deductions and tax rebates pending application).

 

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The “Tax Liabilities” chapter of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes the amount of all the liabilities of a tax nature, except for provisions for taxes, broken down into: “Current” (income tax payable on taxable profit for the year and other taxes payable in the next twelve months) and “Deferred” (income taxes payable in subsequent years).

Deferred tax liabilities in relation to taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates or jointly controlled entities are recognized as such, except where the Group can control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is unlikely that it will reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is considered probable that the consolidated entities will have sufficient taxable profits in the future against which the deferred tax assets can be utilized and are not from the initial recognition (except in the case of a business combination) of other assets or liabilities in a transaction that does not affect the fiscal outcome or the accounting result.

The deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized are reassessed by the consolidated entities at each balance sheet date in order to ascertain whether they are still current, and the appropriate adjustments are made on the basis of the findings of the analyses performed.

The income and expenses directly recognized in equity that do not increase or decrease taxable income are accounted for as temporary differences.

 

2.2.11 Provisions, contingent assets and contingent liabilities

The heading “Provisions” in the consolidated balance sheets includes amounts recognized to cover the BBVA Group’s current obligations arising as a result of past events. These are certain in terms of nature but uncertain in terms of amount and/or settlement date. The settlement of these obligations is deemed likely to entail an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits (see Note 25). The obligations may arise in connection with legal or contractual provisions, valid expectations formed by Group companies relative to third parties in relation to the assumption of certain responsibilities or through virtually certain developments of particular aspects of the regulations applicable to the operation of the entities; and, specifically, future legislation to which the Group will certainly be subject.

The provisions are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets when each and every one of the following requirements is met:

 

   

They represent a current obligation that has arisen from a past event;

 

   

At the date referred to by the consolidated financial statements, there is more probability that the obligation will have to be met than that it will not;

 

   

It is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and

 

   

The amount of the obligation can be reasonably estimated.

Among other items, these provisions include the commitments made to employees by some of the Group entities (mentioned