Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS

PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from                  to                 

 

Commission file number 1-6523

 

Bank of America Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


 

Delaware   56-0906609

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

Bank of America Corporate Center

100 N. Tryon Street

Charlotte, North Carolina

 

 

28255

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(704) 386-8486

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

 

Title of each class

   Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock

   New York Stock Exchange
     London Stock Exchange
     Pacific Stock Exchange
     Tokyo Stock Exchange

Depositary shares, each representing a one-fifth interest in a share of 6.75% Perpetual Preferred Stock

   New York Stock Exchange
      

DJIASM Return Linked Notes, due 2005

   American Stock Exchange

S&P 500® Index Return Linked Notes, due 2007

   American Stock Exchange

NASDAQ® 100 EAGLESSM, due 2010

   American Stock Exchange

S&P 500® EAGLESSM, due 2010

   American Stock Exchange

Nikkei 225 Return Linked Note, due 2010

   American Stock Exchange

Basket of Energy Stock EAGLESSM, due 2010

   American Stock Exchange

Russell 2000® EAGLES®, due 2009

   American Stock Exchange

DJIA® EAGLES®, due 2009

   American Stock Exchange

Nasdaq 100® EAGLES®, due 2010

   American Stock Exchange

S&P 500® Index CYCLES, due 2010

   American Stock Exchange

S&P 400 MidCap Index CYCLES, due 2010

   American Stock Exchange

Nikkei 225 Return Linked Note, due 2010

   American Stock Exchange

6 1/2% Subordinated InterNotesSM, due 2032

   New York Stock Exchange

5 1/2% Subordinated InterNotesSM, due 2033

   New York Stock Exchange

5 7/8% Subordinated InterNotesSM, due 2033

   New York Stock Exchange

6% Subordinated InterNotesSM, due 2034

   New York Stock Exchange

8 1/2% Subordinated Notes, due 2007

   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).  Yes  x  No  ¨

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock (“Common Stock”) held by non-affiliates is approximately $170,366,355,918 (based on the June 30, 2004 closing price of Common Stock of $42.31 per share). As of February 28, 2005, there were 4,053,638,403 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Document of the Registrant    Form 10-K Reference Locations

Portions of the 2005 Proxy Statement

   PART III


Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS

 

General

 

Bank of America Corporation (the “Corporation”) is a Delaware corporation, a bank holding company and a financial holding company under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. The principal executive offices of the Corporation are located in the Bank of America Corporate Center, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255.

 

Primary Market Areas

 

Through its banking subsidiaries (the “Banks”) and various nonbanking subsidiaries, the Corporation provides a diversified range of banking and nonbanking financial services and products, primarily throughout the Northeast (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island), the Mid-Atlantic (Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia), the Midwest (Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri), the Southeast (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee), the Southwest (Arizona, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas) and the West (California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington) regions of the United States and in selected international markets. Management believes that these are desirable regions in which to be located. Based on the most recent available data, personal income in the states in these regions as a whole rose 5.4 percent year-to-year through the third quarter of 2004, compared to growth of 4.6 percent in the rest of the United States. In addition, the population in these states as a whole rose an estimated 1.3 percent between 2003 and 2004, compared to growth of 0.5 percent in the rest of the United States. Through December 2004, the average rate of unemployment in these states was 5.2 percent, ranging from 3.3 percent in New Hampshire and Virginia to 9.0 percent in the District of Columbia, compared to a rate of unemployment of 5.7 percent in the rest of the United States. The number of housing permits authorized in 2004 was nearly 10 percent higher than in 2003 in these states as a whole.

 

The Corporation has the leading bank deposit market share position in California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey and Washington. In addition, the Corporation ranks second in terms of bank deposit market share in Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Texas; third in Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho and Maine; fourth in New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon and Virginia; fifth in Tennessee; sixth in New York; seventh in Iowa; thirteenth in Pennsylvania; and fourteenth in Illinois.

 

Acquisition and Disposition Activity

 

As part of its operations, the Corporation regularly evaluates the potential acquisition of, and holds discussions with, various financial institutions and other businesses of a type eligible for financial holding company ownership or control. In addition, the Corporation regularly analyzes the values of, and submits bids for, the acquisition of customer-based funds and other liabilities and assets of such financial institutions and other businesses. The Corporation also regularly considers the potential disposition of certain of its assets, branches, subsidiaries or lines of businesses. As a general rule, the Corporation publicly announces any material acquisitions or dispositions when a definitive agreement has been reached.

 

On April 1, 2004, the Corporation completed its merger with FleetBoston Financial Corporation (“FleetBoston”). Additional information on the merger with FleetBoston and the Corporation’s other acquisition activity is included under Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Government Supervision and Regulation

 

The following discussion describes elements of an extensive regulatory framework applicable to bank holding companies, financial holding companies and banks and specific information about the Corporation and its subsidiaries. Federal regulation of banks, bank holding companies and financial holding companies is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the Bank Insurance Fund rather than for the protection of stockholders and creditors.

 

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General

 

As a registered bank holding company and financial holding company, the Corporation is subject to the supervision of, and regular inspection by, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”). The Banks are organized as national banking associations, which are subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “Comptroller” or “OCC”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), the Federal Reserve Board and other federal and state regulatory agencies. In addition to banking laws, regulations and regulatory agencies, the Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates are subject to various other laws and regulations and supervision and examination by other regulatory agencies, all of which directly or indirectly affect the operations and management of the Corporation and its ability to make distributions to stockholders.

 

A financial holding company, and the companies under its control, are permitted to engage in activities considered “financial in nature” as defined by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and Federal Reserve Board interpretations (including, without limitation, insurance and securities activities), and therefore may engage in a broader range of activities than permitted for bank holding companies and their subsidiaries. A financial holding company may engage directly or indirectly in activities considered financial in nature, either de novo or by acquisition, provided the financial holding company gives the Federal Reserve Board after-the-fact notice of the new activities. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act also permits national banks, such as the Banks, to engage in activities considered financial in nature through a financial subsidiary, subject to certain conditions and limitations and with the approval of the Comptroller.

 

Interstate Banking

 

Bank holding companies (including bank holding companies that also are financial holding companies) also are required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring more than five percent of any class of voting stock of any non-affiliated bank. Pursuant to the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the “Interstate Banking and Branching Act”), a bank holding company may acquire banks located in states other than its home state without regard to the permissibility of such acquisitions under state law, but subject to any state requirement that the bank has been organized and operating for a minimum period of time, not to exceed five years, and the requirement that the bank holding company, after the proposed acquisition, controls no more than 10 percent of the total amount of deposits of insured depository institutions in the United States and no more than 30 percent or such lesser or greater amount set by state law of such deposits in that state.

 

Subject to certain restrictions, the Interstate Banking and Branching Act also authorizes banks to merge across state lines to create interstate banks. The Interstate Banking and Branching Act also permits a bank to open new branches in a state in which it does not already have banking operations if such state enacts a law permitting de novo branching. The Corporation presently has two primary retail subsidiary banks (Bank of America, N.A. and Fleet National Bank). Bank of America, N.A., headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, has full service branch offices in 22 states and the District of Columbia. Fleet National Bank, headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, has full service branch offices in eight states. The Corporation intends to consolidate these banks into a single interstate retail bank under the Bank of America, N.A. charter in the second quarter of 2005 and will have retail branch offices in 29 states and the District of Columbia.

 

In addition, the Corporation operates two nationally chartered credit card banks (Bank of America, N.A. (USA) and Fleet Bank (RI), National Association), headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona and Providence, Rhode Island, respectively. The Corporation intends to consolidate these banks into a single credit card bank under the Bank of America, N.A. (USA) charter in the first quarter of 2005. The Corporation also owns a limited purpose nationally chartered bank that conducts transactions for controlled disbursement accounts (Fleet Maine, National Association), headquartered in South Portland, Maine. The Corporation intends to consolidate Fleet Maine, National Association into Fleet National Bank in the first quarter of 2005.

 

Finally, the Corporation owns three nationally chartered bankers’ banks: Bank of America Oregon, N.A., headquartered in Portland, Oregon; Bank of America California, N.A., headquartered in San Francisco, California; and Bank of America Georgia, N.A., headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

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Changes in Regulations

 

Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the banking industry are frequently introduced in Congress, in the state legislatures and before the various bank regulatory agencies. The likelihood and timing of any proposals or legislation and the impact they might have on the Corporation and its subsidiaries cannot be determined at this time.

 

Capital and Operational Requirements

 

The Federal Reserve Board, the Comptroller and the FDIC have issued substantially similar risk-based and leverage capital guidelines applicable to United States banking organizations. In addition, these regulatory agencies may from time to time require that a banking organization maintain capital above the minimum levels, whether because of its financial condition or actual or anticipated growth. The Federal Reserve Board risk-based guidelines define a three-tier capital framework. Tier 1 capital includes common shareholders’ equity, trust preferred securities, minority interests and qualifying preferred stock, less goodwill and other adjustments. Tier 2 capital consists of preferred stock not qualifying as Tier 1 capital, mandatory convertible debt, limited amounts of subordinated debt, other qualifying term debt and the allowance for credit losses up to 1.25 percent of risk-weighted assets and other adjustments. Tier 3 capital includes subordinated debt that is unsecured, fully paid, has an original maturity of at least two years, is not redeemable before maturity without prior approval by the Federal Reserve Board and includes a lock-in clause precluding payment of either interest or principal if the payment would cause the issuing bank’s risk-based capital ratio to fall or remain below the required minimum. The sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital less investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries represents the Corporation’s qualifying total capital. Risk-based capital ratios are calculated by dividing Tier 1 and total capital by risk-weighted assets. Assets and off-balance sheet exposures are assigned to one of four categories of risk-weights, based primarily on relative credit risk. The minimum Tier 1 capital ratio is four percent and the minimum total capital ratio is eight percent. The Corporation’s Tier 1 and total risk-based capital ratios under these guidelines at December 31, 2004 were 8.10 percent and 11.63 percent, respectively. At December 31, 2004, the Corporation had no subordinated debt that qualified as Tier 3 capital.

 

The leverage ratio is determined by dividing Tier 1 capital by adjusted average total assets. Although the stated minimum ratio is 100 to 200 basis points above three percent, banking organizations are required to maintain a ratio of at least five percent to be classified as well capitalized. The Corporation’s leverage ratio at December 31, 2004 was 5.82 percent. The Corporation meets its leverage ratio requirement.

 

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), among other things, identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions (well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized) and requires the respective federal regulatory agencies to implement systems for “prompt corrective action” for insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements within such categories. FDICIA imposes progressively more restrictive constraints on operations, management and capital distributions, depending on the category in which an institution is classified. Failure to meet the capital guidelines could also subject a banking institution to capital raising requirements. An “undercapitalized” bank must develop a capital restoration plan and its parent holding company must guarantee that bank’s compliance with the plan. The liability of the parent holding company under any such guarantee is limited to the lesser of five percent of the bank’s assets at the time it became “undercapitalized” or the amount needed to comply with the plan. Furthermore, in the event of the bankruptcy of the parent holding company, such guarantee would take priority over the parent’s general unsecured creditors. In addition, FDICIA requires the various regulatory agencies to prescribe certain non-capital standards for safety and soundness relating generally to operations and management, asset quality and executive compensation and permits regulatory action against a financial institution that does not meet such standards.

 

The various regulatory agencies have adopted substantially similar regulations that define the five capital categories identified by FDICIA, using the total risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital and leverage capital ratios as the relevant capital measures. Such regulations establish various degrees of corrective action to be taken when an institution is considered undercapitalized. Under the regulations, a “well capitalized” institution must have a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least six percent, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least ten percent and a leverage ratio of at least five percent and not be subject to a

 

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capital directive order. Under these guidelines, each of the Banks was considered well capitalized as of December 31, 2004.

 

Regulators also must take into consideration: (a) concentrations of credit risk; (b) interest rate risk (when the interest rate sensitivity of an institution’s assets does not match the sensitivity of its liabilities or its off-balance-sheet position); and (c) risks from non-traditional activities, as well as an institution’s ability to manage those risks, when determining the adequacy of an institution’s capital. This evaluation will be made as a part of the institution’s regular safety and soundness examination. In addition, the Corporation, and any Bank with significant trading activity, must incorporate a measure for market risk in their regulatory capital calculations.

 

Distributions

 

The Corporation’s funds for cash distributions to its stockholders are derived from a variety of sources, including cash and temporary investments. The primary source of such funds, and funds used to pay principal and interest on its indebtedness, is dividends received from the Banks. Each of the Banks is subject to various regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain capital above regulatory minimums. The appropriate federal regulatory authority is authorized to determine under certain circumstances relating to the financial condition of a bank or bank holding company that the payment of dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice and to prohibit payment thereof.

 

In addition, the ability of the Corporation and the Banks to pay dividends may be affected by the various minimum capital requirements and the capital and non-capital standards established under FDICIA, as described above. The right of the Corporation, its stockholders and its creditors to participate in any distribution of the assets or earnings of its subsidiaries is further subject to the prior claims of creditors of the respective subsidiaries.

 

Source of Strength

 

According to Federal Reserve Board policy, bank holding companies are expected to act as a source of financial strength to each subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support each such subsidiary. This support may be required at times when a bank holding company may not be able to provide such support. Similarly, under the cross-guarantee provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, in the event of a loss suffered or anticipated by the FDIC – either as a result of default of a banking subsidiary or related to FDIC assistance provided to a subsidiary in danger of default – the other Banks may be assessed for the FDIC’s loss, subject to certain exceptions.

 

Competition

 

The Corporation has four business segments which were recently renamed in order to align more closely with the scope of its business. The business segments are Global Consumer and Small Business Banking, Global Business and Financial Services, Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking, and Global Wealth and Investment Management. The activities in which the Corporation and its business segments engage are highly competitive. Generally, the lines of activity and markets served involve competition with other banks, thrifts, credit unions and other nonbank financial institutions, such as investment banking firms, investment advisory firms, brokerage firms, investment companies and insurance companies. The Corporation also competes against banks and thrifts owned by nonregulated diversified corporations and other entities which offer financial services, located both domestically and internationally and through alternative delivery channels such as the Internet. The methods of competition center around various factors, such as customer services, interest rates on loans and deposits, lending limits and customer convenience, such as location of offices.

 

The commercial banking business in the various local markets served by the Corporation’s business segments is highly competitive. The four business segments compete with other banks, thrifts, finance companies and other businesses which provide similar services. The business segments actively compete in commercial lending activities with local, regional and international banks and nonbank financial organizations, some of which are larger than certain of the Corporation’s nonbanking subsidiaries and the Banks. In its consumer lending operations, the competitors of the business segments include other banks, thrifts, credit unions, finance companies and other nonbank organizations offering financial services. In the investment banking, investment advisory and brokerage business, the Corporation’s nonbanking subsidiaries compete with other banking and investment banking firms, investment advisory firms,

 

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brokerage firms, investment companies, other organizations offering similar services and other investment alternatives available to investors. The Corporation’s mortgage banking units compete with banks, thrifts, government agencies, mortgage brokers and other nonbank organizations offering mortgage banking services. In the trust business, the Banks compete with other banks, investment counselors and insurance companies in national markets for institutional funds and insurance agents, thrifts, financial counselors and other fiduciaries for personal trust business. The Corporation and its four business segments also actively compete for funds. A primary source of funds for the Banks is deposits, and competition for deposits includes other deposit-taking organizations, such as banks, thrifts, and credit unions, as well as money market mutual funds.

 

The Corporation’s ability to expand into additional states remains subject to various federal and state laws. See “Government Supervision and Regulation – General” for a more detailed discussion of interstate banking and branching legislation and certain state legislation.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2004, there were 175,742 full-time equivalent employees within the Corporation and its subsidiaries. Of the foregoing employees, 78,034 were employed within Global Consumer and Small Business Banking, 7,806 were employed within Global Business and Financial Services, 6,545 were employed within Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking and 12,743 were employed within Global Wealth and Investment Management. The remainder were employed elsewhere within the Corporation and its subsidiaries.

 

None of the domestic employees within the Corporation is subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Management considers its employee relations to be good.

 

Additional Information

 

See also the following additional information which is incorporated herein by reference: Business Segment Operations (under the caption “Business Segment Operations” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (the “MD&A”) and in Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (the “Notes”)); Net Interest Income (under the captions “Financial Highlights—Net Interest Income” and “Supplemental Financial Data” in the MD&A and Tables I and II of the Statistical Financial Information); Securities (under the caption “Interest Rate Risk Management—Securities” in the MD&A and Notes 1 and 5 of the Notes); Outstanding Loans and Leases (under the caption “Credit Risk Management” in the MD&A, Table III of the Statistical Financial Information, and Notes 1 and 6 of the Notes); Deposits (under the caption “Liquidity Risk Management—Deposits and Other Funding Sources” in the MD&A and Note 10 of the Notes); Short-Term Borrowings (under the caption “Liquidity Risk Management—Deposits and Other Funding Sources” in the MD&A and Note 11 of the Notes); Trading Account Liabilities (in Note 3 of the Notes); Market Risk Management (under the caption “Market Risk Management” in the MD&A); Liquidity Risk Management (under the caption “Liquidity Risk Management” in the MD&A); Operational Risk Management (under the caption “Operational Risk Management” in the MD&A); and Performance by Geographic Area (under Note 21 of the Notes).

 

The Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available on the Corporation’s website at www.bankofamerica.com/investor under the heading Complete SEC Filings as soon as reasonably practicable after the Corporation electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the Corporation makes available on its website at www.bankofamerica.com/investor under the heading Corporate Governance its: (i) Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy; (ii) Corporate Governance Guidelines; and (iii) the charters of the Audit, Compensation, Corporate Governance, Asset Quality and Executive Committees, and also intends to disclose any amendments to its code of ethics, or waivers of the code of ethics on behalf of its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, on its website. These Corporate Governance materials are also available free of charge in print to shareholders who request them in writing to: Bank of America Corporation, Attention: Shareholder Relations Department, NC1-007-23-02, 100 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255.

 

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Item 2. PROPERTIES

 

As of December 31, 2004, the principal offices of the Corporation and primarily all of its business segments were located in the 60-story Bank of America Corporate Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is owned by a subsidiary of the Corporation. The Corporation occupies approximately 669,000 square feet and leases approximately 531,000 square feet to third parties at market rates, which represents substantially all of the space in this facility. Upon the merger with FleetBoston Financial Corporation, the Corporation occupies approximately 880,000 square feet of space at 100 Federal Street in Boston, which is the headquarters for one of the Corporation’s primary business segments, the Global Wealth and Investment Management Group. The 37-story building is owned by a subsidiary of the Corporation which also leases approximately 372,000 square feet to third parties. The Corporation also leases or owns a significant amount of space worldwide. As of December 31, 2004, the Corporation and its subsidiaries owned or leased approximately 25,000 locations in 44 states, the District of Columbia and 34 foreign countries.

 

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

See Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 125 for the Corporation’s litigation disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

There were no matters submitted to a vote of stockholders during the quarter ended December 31, 2004.

 

Item 4A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

Pursuant to the Instructions to Form 10-K and Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K, the name, age and position of each current executive officer of the Corporation are listed below along with such officer’s business experience during the past five years. Officers are appointed annually by the Board of Directors at the meeting of directors immediately following the annual meeting of stockholders.

 

Amy Woods Brinkley, age 49, Global Risk Executive. Ms. Brinkley was named to her present position in April 2002. From July 2001 to April 2002, she served as Chairman, Credit Policy and Deputy Corporate Risk Management Executive; from August 1999 to July 2001, she served as President, Consumer Products; and from 1993 to August 1999, she served as Marketing Group Executive. She first became an officer in 1979. She also serves as Global Risk Executive and a director of Bank of America, N.A. and Fleet National Bank.

 

Alvaro G. de Molina, age 46, President, Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking. Mr. de Molina was named to his present position in April 2004. From 2000 to 2004, he served as Treasurer; from 1998 to 2000, he served as Deputy Treasurer; and from 1992 to 1998, he served as Balance Sheet Management Executive. He first became an officer in 1989. He also serves as President, Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking and a director of Bank of America, N.A. and Fleet National Bank.

 

Barbara J. Desoer, age 52, Global Technology, Service and Fulfillment Executive. Ms Desoer was named to her present position in August 2004. From July 2001 to August 2004, she served as President, Consumer Products; from September 1999 to July 2001, she served as Director of Marketing; from May 1999 to September 1999, she served as Banking Group President, California Retail Bank; and from December 1996 to May 1999, she served as Regional Executive, California Retail Bank. She first became an officer in 1977. She also serves as Global Technology, Service and Fulfillment Executive and a director of Bank of America, N.A. and Fleet National Bank.

 

Kenneth D. Lewis, age 57, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. Mr. Lewis was named Chief Executive Officer in April 2001, President in July 2004 and Chairman in February 2005. From April 2001 to April 2004, he served as Chairman; from January 1999 to April 2004, he served as President; from October 1998 to January 1999, he served as President, Consumer and Commercial Banking; from 1993 to October 1998, he served as President; and from October 1999 to April 2001, he served as Chief Operating Officer. He first became an officer in 1971. Mr. Lewis also serves as a director of the Corporation and as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of Bank of America, N.A. and Fleet National Bank.

 

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Liam E. McGee, age 50, President, Global Consumer and Small Business Banking. Mr. McGee was named to his present position in August 2004. From August 2001 to August 2004, he served as President, Global Consumer Banking; from August 2000 to August 2001, he served as President, California; and from August 1998 to August 2000, he served as President, Southern California. He first became an officer in 1990. He also serves as President, Global Consumer and Small Business Banking and a director of Bank of America, N.A. and Fleet National Bank.

 

Brian T. Moynihan, age 46, President, Global Wealth and Investment Management. Mr. Moynihan was named to his present position in April 2004. Previously he held the following positions at FleetBoston Financial Corporation: from 1999 to April 2004, he served as Executive Vice President with responsibility for Brokerage and Wealth Management from 2000, and Regional Commercial Financial Services and Investment Management from May 2003. He first became an officer in 1993. He also serves as President, Global Wealth and Investment Management and a director of Bank of America, N.A. and Fleet National Bank.

 

Marc D. Oken, age 58, Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Oken was named to his current position in April 2004. From October 1998 to April 2004, he served as Principal Financial Executive. He first became an officer in 1989. He also serves as Chief Financial Officer and a director of Bank of America, N.A. and Fleet National Bank.

 

H. Jay Sarles, age 59, Vice Chairman. Mr. Sarles was named to his present position in April 2004. Previously he held the following positions at FleetBoston Financial Corporation: from 2002 to 2004, he served as Vice Chairman & Chief Administrative Officer; from 2001 to 2002, he served as Vice Chairman—Wholesale Banking; and from 1999 to 2001, he served as Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer. He first became an officer in 1972. He also serves as a director of Bank of America, N.A. (USA) and Fleet Bank (RI), National Association.

 

R. Eugene Taylor, age 56, President, Global Business and Financial Services. Mr. Taylor was named to his present position in June 2000. From June 2000 to August 2004, he served as President, Consumer and Commercial Banking; from February 2000 to June 2000, he served as President, Central Region; from October 1998 to June 2000, he served as President, West Region; and from December 1997 to October 1998, he served as President, Florida. He first became an officer in 1970. He also serves as President, Global Business and Financial Services and a director of Bank of America, N.A. and Fleet National Bank.

 

PART II

 

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCK HOLDER MATTERS

 

The principal market on which the Common Stock is traded is the New York Stock Exchange. The Common Stock is also listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Pacific Stock Exchange, and certain shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The following table sets forth the high and low closing sales prices of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the periods indicated:

 

     Quarter      High      Low
    
    

    
2004    first      $ 41.38      $39.15
     second        42.72        38.96
     third        44.98        41.81
     fourth        47.44        43.62
2003    first        36.24        32.82
     second        39.95        34.00
     third        41.77        37.44
     fourth        41.25        36.43

 

The above table has been adjusted to reflect the August 27, 2004 2 for 1 stock split.

 

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As of February 28, 2005, there were 4,053,638,403 record holders of Common Stock. During 2003 and 2004, the Corporation paid dividends on the Common Stock on a quarterly basis. The following table sets forth dividends paid per share of Common Stock for the periods indicated:

 

       Quarter

     Dividend

2004      first      $.40
       second      .40
       third      .45
       fourth      .45
2003      first      .32
       second      .32
       third      .40
       fourth      .40

 

The above table has been adjusted to reflect the August 27, 2004 2 for 1 stock split.

 

For additional information regarding the Corporation’s ability to pay dividends, see “Government Supervision and Regulation – Distributions” and Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 139 which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

For information on the Corporation’s equity compensation plans, see Note 16 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 147 which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 135 for information on the monthly share repurchases activity for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, including total common shares repurchased and announced programs, weighted average per share price and the remaining buy back authority under announced programs which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

See Table 1 in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” on page 14 and Table VII of the Statistical Financial Information on page 80 which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

This report contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, our forward-looking statements. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates” and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would” and “could” are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Readers of the Annual Report of Bank of America Corporation and its subsidiaries (the Corporation) should not rely solely on the forward-looking statements and should consider all uncertainties and risks throughout this report. The statements are representative only as of the date they are made, and the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

 

Possible events or factors that could cause results or performance to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include the following: changes in general economic conditions and economic conditions in the geographic regions and industries in which the Corporation operates which may affect, among other things, the level of nonperforming assets, charge-offs and provision expense; changes in the interest rate environment which may reduce interest margins and impact funding sources; changes in foreign exchange rates; adverse movements and volatility in debt and equity capital markets; changes in market rates and prices which may adversely impact the value of financial products including securities, loans, deposits, debt and derivative financial instruments, and other similar financial instruments; political conditions and related actions by the United States abroad which may adversely affect the Corporation’s businesses and economic conditions as a whole; liabilities resulting from litigation and regulatory investigations, including costs, expenses, settlements and judgments; changes in domestic or foreign tax laws, rules and regulations as well as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or other governmental agencies’

 

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interpretations thereof; various monetary and fiscal policies and regulations, including those determined by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB), the Office of the Comptroller of Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and state regulators; competition with other local, regional and international banks, thrifts, credit unions and other nonbank financial institutions; ability to grow core businesses; ability to develop and introduce new banking-related products, services and enhancements, and gain market acceptance of such products; mergers and acquisitions and their integration into the Corporation; decisions to downsize, sell or close units or otherwise change the business mix of the Corporation; and management’s ability to manage these and other risks.

 

The Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, operates in 29 states and the District of Columbia and has offices located in 43 foreign countries. The Corporation provides a diversified range of banking and nonbanking financial services and products both domestically and internationally through four business segments. In order to more closely align with the scope of our businesses, we have renamed each of our business segments. Consumer and Small Business Banking has been renamed Global Consumer and Small Business Banking, Commercial Banking is now called Global Business and Financial Services, Global Corporate and Investment Banking is now called Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management has been renamed Global Wealth and Investment Management.

 

At December 31, 2004, the Corporation had $1.1 trillion in assets and approximately 176,000 full-time equivalent employees. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements referred to in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition are incorporated by reference into Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

 

On April 1, 2004, we completed our merger with FleetBoston Financial Corporation (FleetBoston) (the Merger) after obtaining final shareholder and regulatory approvals. The Merger was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, results for 2004 included nine months of combined company results. Results for 2003 and at December 31, 2003 excluded FleetBoston. For informational and comparative purposes, certain tables have been expanded to include a column entitled FleetBoston, April 1, 2004. This column represents balances acquired from FleetBoston as of April 1, 2004, including purchase accounting adjustments.

 

On October 15, 2004, we acquired 100 percent of National Processing, Inc. (NPC), for $1.4 billion in cash, creating the second largest merchant processor in the United States.

 

During the second quarter of 2004, our Board of Directors (the Board) approved a 2-for-1 stock split in the form of a common stock dividend and increased the quarterly cash dividend 12.5 percent from $0.40 to $0.45 per post-split share. The common stock dividend was effective August 27, 2004 to common shareholders of record on August 6, 2004 and the cash dividend was effective September 24, 2004 to common shareholders of record on September 3, 2004. All prior period common share and related per common share information has been restated to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split.

 

Economic Overview

 

In 2004, U.S. economic performance was solid, creating a generally healthy environment for banking, while global growth exceeded expectations. In the U.S., real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew rapidly, as the negative impact of higher oil prices was more than offset by sound fundamentals and the FRB’s accommodative monetary policy. Consumer spending continued to rise, while consumer credit quality remained healthy. Sustained gains in productivity contributed to rising corporate profits and cash flows. Businesses rebuilt inventories and increased capital spending, particularly for information processing equipment and software. Although overall corporate loan demand remained soft, corporate credit quality improved as the economy strengthened in the second half of the year. Employment grew and the unemployment rate receded, although the pace of job creation was soft relative to GDP growth, reflecting business efforts to constrain operating costs. Housing activity rose to historic levels. Inflation rose modestly but stayed low relative to historic standards. The FRB raised the federal funds rate target from one percent at mid-year to 2.25 percent, but the increases were widely anticipated and bond yields remained low, generating a flatter yield curve.

 

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Performance Overview

 

For the second year in a row, we achieved record earnings. Net Income totaled $14.1 billion, or $3.69 per diluted common share in 2004, 31 percent and three percent increases, respectively, from $10.8 billion, or $3.57 per diluted common share in 2003.

 

Business Segment Total Revenue and Net Income

 

     Total Revenue

    Net Income

(Dollars in millions)    2004

    2003

    2004

   2003

Global Consumer and Small Business Banking

   $ 26,857     $ 20,930     $ 6,548    $ 5,706

Global Business and Financial Services

     6,722       4,517       2,833      1,471

Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking

     9,049       8,334       1,950      1,794

Global Wealth and Investment Management

     5,918       4,030       1,584      1,234

All Other

     1,064       746       1,228      605
    


 


 

  

Total FTE basis(1)

     49,610       38,557       14,143      10,810

FTE adjustment(1)

     (716 )     (643 )     —        —  
    


 


 

  

Total

   $ 48,894     $ 37,914     $ 14,143    $ 10,810
    


 


 

  


(1)   Total revenue for the segments and All Other is on a fully taxable-equivalent (FTE) basis. For more information on a FTE basis, see Supplemental Financial Data beginning on page 15.

 

Global Consumer and Small Business Banking

 

Net Income increased $842 million, or 15 percent, to $6.5 billion in 2004, including the $1.1 billion impact of the Merger. Driving this increase was the $5.2 billion increase in Net Interest Income and a $1.5 billion increase in Card Income. Partially offsetting this was the $3.0 billion increase in Noninterest Expense, a $1.7 billion increase in Provision for Credit Losses and a $1.5 billion decrease in Mortgage Banking Income. The Provision for Credit Losses increased $1.7 billion to $3.3 billion, including higher credit card net charge-offs of $791 million, of which $320 million was attributed to the addition of the FleetBoston credit card portfolio. For more information on Global Consumer and Small Business Banking, see page 18.

 

Global Business and Financial Services

 

Net Income increased $1.4 billion, or 93 percent, to $2.8 billion for 2004 including the $824 million impact of the addition of FleetBoston. Both average Loans and Leases, and Deposits grew significantly, with increases of $36.3 billion, or 39 percent, and $21.6 billion, or 69 percent, respectively. Impacting these increases were the $29.3 billion increase in average Loans and Leases and the $17.6 billion increase in average Deposits related to the addition of FleetBoston. Also driving the improved results was the $699 million decrease in Provision for Credit Losses, driven by lower net charge-offs and the continued credit quality improvement in the commercial portfolio. For more information on Global Business and Financial Services, see page 24.

 

Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking

 

Net Income increased $156 million, or nine percent, to $2.0 billion in 2004. Contributing to the increase in Net Income was a reduction of $762 million in the Provision for Credit Losses and increases in Trading Account Profits and Investment Banking Income of $441 million and $147 million, respectively. Notable improvements in credit quality in the large corporate portfolio and a 71 percent reduction in net charge-offs drove the $762 million decrease in Provision for Credit Losses. Partially offsetting these increases were the $460 million impact of charges taken for litigation matters in 2004, an increase of $279 million of incentive compensation for market-based activities and the $143 million impact of the charges taken for the mutual fund matter. For more information on Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking, see page 26.

 

Global Wealth and Investment Management

 

Net Income increased $350 million, or 28 percent, to $1.6 billion in 2004. The increase in Net Income was driven by the $253 million impact of the addition of FleetBoston and growth in both average Loans and Leases, and Deposits. Total assets under management increased $154.8 billion, or 52 percent, to $451.5

 

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billion at December 31, 2004, due to the addition of $148.9 billion of FleetBoston assets under management and increased market valuation partially offset by outflows, primarily in money market products. For more information on Global Wealth and Investment Management, see page 29.

 

All Other

 

Net Income increased $623 million, or 103 percent, to $1.2 billion in 2004. This increase was driven by a $1.1 billion increase in Gains on Sales of Debt Securities. In addition, Total Revenue increased $318 million, or 43 percent, to $1.1 billion due to improvements in both Latin America and Equity Investments. Partially offsetting these increases was a $607 million increase in Noninterest Expense, driven by $618 million of Merger and Restructuring Charges. For more information on All Other, see page 31.

 

Financial Highlights

 

Net Interest Income

 

Net Interest Income on a FTE basis increased $7.4 billion to $29.5 billion in 2004. This increase was driven by the impact of the Merger, higher asset and liability management (ALM) portfolio levels (primarily consisting of securities and whole loan mortgages), the impact of higher rates, growth in consumer loan levels (primarily credit card and home equity) and higher core deposit funding levels. Partially offsetting these increases were reductions in the large corporate and foreign loan balances, lower trading-related contributions, lower mortgage warehouse levels and the continued runoff of previously exited consumer businesses. The net interest yield on a FTE basis declined 14 basis points (bps) to 3.26 percent due to the negative impact of increased trading-related balances, which have a lower yield than other earning assets. For more information on Net Interest Income on a FTE basis, see Table I on page 75.

 

Noninterest Income

 

Noninterest Income

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

   2003

Service charges

   $ 6,989    $ 5,618

Investment and brokerage services

     3,627      2,371

Mortgage banking income

     414      1,922

Investment banking income

     1,886      1,736

Equity investment gains

     861      215

Card income

     4,588      3,052

Trading account profits

     869      409

Other income

     863      1,127
    

  

Total noninterest income

   $ 20,097    $ 16,450
    

  

 

Noninterest Income increased $3.6 billion to $20.1 billion in 2004, due primarily to the addition of FleetBoston, which contributed $3.8 billion of Noninterest Income.

 

    Service Charges grew $1.4 billion driven by organic account growth and approximately $960 million from the addition of FleetBoston customers.

 

    Investment and Brokerage Services increased $1.3 billion due to approximately $1.1 billion related to the addition of the FleetBoston business as well as market appreciation.

 

    Mortgage Banking Income decreased $1.5 billion caused by lower production levels, a decrease in the gains on sales of loans to the secondary market and writedowns of the value of Mortgage Servicing Rights (MSRs).

 

    Investment Banking Income increased $150 million on increased market share in a variety of products.

 

    Equity Investment Gains increased $646 million due to a $576 million increase in Principal Investing gains.

 

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    Card Income increased $1.5 billion due to increased fees and interchange income, including the $832 million impact from the addition of the FleetBoston card portfolio.

 

    Trading Account Profits increased $460 million due to increased customer activity.

 

    Other Income decreased $264 million due to the absence of whole mortgage loan sale gains in 2004, partially offset by the addition of FleetBoston.

 

For more information on Noninterest Income, see Business Segment Operations beginning on page 17.

 

Gains on Sales of Debt Securities

 

Gains on Sales of Debt Securities in 2004 were $2.1 billion compared to $941 million in 2003, as we continued to reposition the ALM portfolio in response to interest rate fluctuations and to manage mortgage prepayment risk. For more information on Gains on Sales of Debt Securities, see Market Risk Management beginning on page 61.

 

Provision for Credit Losses

 

The Provision for Credit Losses decreased $70 million to $2.8 billion in 2004 driven by lower commercial net charge-offs of $748 million and continued improvements in credit quality in the commercial loan portfolio. Offsetting these decreases were increases in the Provision for Credit Losses in our consumer credit card portfolio. These increases included higher credit card net charge-offs of $791 million, of which $320 million was attributed to the addition of the FleetBoston credit card portfolio. Organic growth, overall seasoning of credit card accounts, the return of securitized loans to the balance sheet, and increases in minimum payment requirements drove higher net charge-offs and Provision for Credit Losses. For more information on credit quality, see Credit Risk Management beginning on page 43.

 

Noninterest Expense

 

Noninterest Expense

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

   2003

Personnel

   $ 13,473    $ 10,446

Occupancy

     2,379      2,006

Equipment

     1,214      1,052

Marketing

     1,349      985

Professional fees

     836      844

Amortization of intangibles

     664      217

Data processing

     1,325      1,104

Telecommunications

     730      571

Other general operating

     4,439      2,930

Merger and restructuring charges

     618      —  
    

  

Total noninterest expense

   $ 27,027    $ 20,155
    

  

 

Noninterest Expense increased $6.9 billion to $27.0 billion in 2004, due primarily to the addition of FleetBoston, which contributed $5.0 billion of Noninterest Expense.

 

    Personnel Expense increased $3.0 billion due to the $2.3 billion impact of FleetBoston associates.

 

    Marketing Expense increased $364 million due to increased advertising for card programs and increased advertising costs in the Northeast.

 

    Amortization of Intangibles increased $447 million driven by the amortization of intangible assets acquired in the Merger.

 

    Other General Operating Expense increased $1.5 billion related to the $904 million impact of the addition of FleetBoston, $370 million of litigation expenses incurred during 2004 and the $285 million related to the mutual fund settlement (net of a $90 million reserve established in 2003). This net settlement expense was divided equally between Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking and Global Wealth and Investment Management for business segment reporting purposes.

 

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    Merger and Restructuring Charges, including an infrastructure initiative, were $618 million in connection with the integration of FleetBoston’s operations. For more information on Merger and Restructuring Charges, see Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

For more information on Noninterest Expense, see Business Segment Operations beginning on page 17.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Income Tax Expense was $7.1 billion, reflecting an effective tax rate of 33.4 percent, in 2004 compared to $5.1 billion and 31.8 percent, respectively, in 2003. The difference in the effective tax rate between years resulted primarily from the application of purchase accounting to certain leveraged leases acquired in the Merger, an increase in state tax expense generally related to higher tax rates in the Northeast and the reduction in 2003 of Income Tax Expense resulting from a tax settlement with the IRS. For more information on Income Tax Expense, see Note 17 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Assets

 

Average Loans and Leases increased $116.5 billion, or 33 percent, in 2004. Of this increase, $88.9 billion related to the addition of FleetBoston. The remaining increase was driven by growth in our residential mortgage and consumer credit card portfolios of $16.1 billion and $10.1 billion, respectively. Average Available-for-sale (AFS) Securities increased $79.7 billion, or 114 percent, as a result of investing excess cash from deposit growth and repositioning our ALM portfolio. Additionally, average trading-related assets increased $55.0 billion as we expanded our trading book to accommodate the needs of our clients. For more information, see Table I on page 75.

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

Average core deposits increased $130.7 billion, or 36 percent. Of this increase, $95.6 billion is attributable to the addition of FleetBoston. The remaining increase was attributable to organic growth which resulted from our continued improvements in customer satisfaction, new product offerings and our account growth efforts. At December 31, 2004, our Tier 1 Capital ratio was 8.10 percent, compared to a ratio of 7.85 percent at December 31, 2003. For more information, see Table I on page 75 and Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

FleetBoston Merger

 

Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 27, 2003, between the Corporation and FleetBoston (the Merger Agreement), we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of FleetBoston on April 1, 2004. The Merger created a banking institution with leading market shares throughout the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and West regions of the United States. FleetBoston’s results of operations were included in the Corporation’s results beginning April 1, 2004.

 

As provided by the Merger Agreement, approximately 1.069 billion shares of FleetBoston common stock were exchanged for approximately 1.187 billion shares of the Corporation’s common stock, as adjusted for the stock split. At the date of the Merger, this represented approximately 29 percent of the Corporation’s outstanding common stock. FleetBoston shareholders also received cash of $4 million in lieu of any fractional shares of the Corporation’s common stock that would have otherwise been issued on April 1, 2004. Holders of FleetBoston preferred stock received 1.1 million shares of the Corporation’s preferred stock. The purchase price was adjusted to reflect the effect of the 15.7 million shares of FleetBoston common stock that we already owned.

 

In connection with the Merger, we implemented a plan to integrate our operations with FleetBoston’s. During 2004, including an infrastructure initiative, $618 million was recorded as Merger and Restructuring Charges and $658 million was recorded as an adjustment to Goodwill related to these activities. During 2004, our integration activities progressed according to schedule. We rebranded all banking centers in the former FleetBoston franchise, as well as a majority of outstanding credit cards. In addition, we began to rollout customer service platforms, including Premier Banking, to the Northeast. We also completed several key systems conversions necessary for full integration. For more information on the Merger, see Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table 1

 

Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data(1)

 

(Dollars in millions, except per share
information)
  2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 

Income statement

                                       

Net interest income

  $ 28,797     $ 21,464     $ 20,923     $ 20,290     $ 18,349  

Noninterest income

    20,097       16,450       13,580       14,348       14,582  

Total revenue

    48,894       37,914       34,503       34,638       32,931  

Provision for credit losses

    2,769       2,839       3,697       4,287       2,535  

Gains on sales of debt securities

    2,123       941       630       475       25  

Noninterest expense

    27,027       20,155       18,445       20,709       18,633  

Income before income taxes

    21,221       15,861       12,991       10,117       11,788  

Income tax expense

    7,078       5,051       3,742       3,325       4,271  

Net income

    14,143       10,810       9,249       6,792       7,517  

Average common shares issued and outstanding (in thousands)

    3,758,507       2,973,407       3,040,085       3,189,914       3,292,797  

Average diluted common shares issued and outstanding (in thousands)

    3,823,943       3,030,356       3,130,935       3,251,308       3,329,858  
   


 


 


 


 


Performance ratios

                                       

Return on average assets

    1.35 %     1.44 %     1.41 %     1.05 %     1.12 %

Return on average common shareholders’ equity

    16.83       21.99       19.44       13.96       15.96  

Total equity to total assets (at year end)

    8.97       6.67       7.78       7.87       7.45  

Total average equity to total average assets

    8.06       6.57       7.28       7.55       7.03  

Dividend payout

    45.67       39.58       40.07       53.44       45.02  
   


 


 


 


 


Per common share data

                                       

Earnings

  $ 3.76     $ 3.63     $ 3.04     $ 2.13     $ 2.28  

Diluted earnings

    3.69       3.57       2.95       2.09       2.26  

Dividends paid

    1.70       1.44       1.22       1.14       1.03  

Book value

    24.56       16.63       16.75       15.54       14.74  
   


 


 


 


 


Average balance sheet

                                       

Total loans and leases

  $ 472,645     $ 356,148     $ 336,819     $ 365,447     $ 392,622  

Total assets

    1,044,660       749,056       653,774       644,887       670,078  

Total deposits

    551,559       406,233       371,479       362,653       353,294  

Long-term debt

    93,330       68,432       66,045       69,622       70,293  

Common shareholders’ equity

    83,953       49,148       47,552       48,609       47,057  

Total shareholders’ equity

    84,183       49,204       47,613       48,678       47,132  
   


 


 


 


 


Capital ratios (at year end)

                                       

Risk-based capital:

                                       

Tier 1

    8.10 %     7.85 %     8.22 %     8.30 %     7.50 %

Total

    11.63       11.87       12.43       12.67       11.04  

Leverage

    5.82       5.73       6.29       6.55       6.11  
   


 


 


 


 


Market price per share of common stock

                                       

Closing

  $ 46.99     $ 40.22     $ 34.79     $ 31.48     $ 22.94  

High closing

    47.44       41.77       38.45       32.50       29.63  

Low closing

    38.96       32.82       27.08       23.38       19.00  
   


 


 


 


 



(1)   As a result of the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (SFAS 142) on January 1, 2002, we no longer amortizes Goodwill. Goodwill amortization expense was $662 and $635 in 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 

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Supplemental Financial Data

 

Table 2 provides a reconciliation of the supplemental financial data mentioned below with GAAP financial measures. Other companies may define or calculate supplemental financial data differently.

 

Operating Basis Presentation

 

In managing our business, we may at times look at performance excluding certain non-recurring items. For example, as an alternative to Net Income, we view results on an operating basis, which represents Net Income excluding Merger and Restructuring Charges. The operating basis of presentation is not defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). We believe that the exclusion of Merger and Restructuring Charges, which represent events outside our normal operations, provides a meaningful period-to-period comparison and is more reflective of normalized operations.

 

Net Interest Income - FTE Basis

 

In addition, we view Net Interest Income and related ratios and analysis (i.e. efficiency ratio, net interest yield and operating leverage) on a FTE basis. Although this is a non-GAAP measure, we believe managing the business with Net Interest Income on a FTE basis provides a more accurate picture of the interest margin for comparative purposes. To derive the FTE basis, Net Interest Income is adjusted to reflect tax-exempt interest income on an equivalent before tax basis with a corresponding increase in Income Tax Expense. For purposes of this calculation, we use the federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent. This measure ensures comparability of Net Interest Income arising from both taxable and tax-exempt sources.

 

Performance Measures

 

As mentioned above, certain performance measures including the efficiency ratio, net interest yield, and operating leverage utilize Net Interest Income (and thus Total Revenue) on a FTE basis. The efficiency ratio measures the costs expended to generate a dollar of revenue, and net interest yield evaluates how many basis points we are earning over the cost of funds. Operating leverage measures the total percentage revenue growth minus the total percentage expense growth for the corresponding period. During our annual integrated plan process, we set operating leverage and efficiency targets for the Corporation and each line of business. Targets vary by year and by business and are based on a variety of factors, including: maturity of the business, investment appetite, competitive environment, market factors, and other items (i.e. risk appetite). The aforementioned performance measures and ratios, earnings per common share (EPS), return on average assets, return on average common shareholders’ equity and dividend payout ratio, as well as those measures discussed more fully below are presented in Table 2, Supplemental Financial Data and Reconciliations to GAAP Financial Measures.

 

Return on Average Equity and Shareholder Value Added

 

We also evaluate our business based upon return on average equity (ROE) and shareholder value added (SVA) measures. ROE and SVA, both utilize non-GAAP allocation methodologies. ROE measures the earnings contribution of a unit as a percentage of the Shareholders’ Equity allocated to that unit. SVA is defined as cash basis earnings on an operating basis less a charge for the use of capital. For more information, see Basis of Presentation on page 18. Both measures are used to evaluate the Corporation’s use of equity (i.e. capital) at the individual unit level and are integral components in the analytics for resource allocation. Using SVA as a performance measure places specific focus on whether incremental investments generate returns in excess of the costs of capital associated with those investments. Investments and initiatives are analyzed using SVA during the annual planning process for maximizing allocation of corporate resources. In addition, profitability, relationship and investment models all use SVA and ROE as key measures to support our overall growth goal.

 

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Table 2

 

Supplemental Financial Data and Reconciliations to GAAP Financial Measures

 

(Dollars in millions, except per share information)   2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 

Operating basis(1,2)

                                       

Operating earnings

  $ 14,554     $ 10,810     $ 9,249     $ 8,042     $ 7,863  

Operating earnings per common share

    3.87       3.63       3.04       2.52       2.39  

Diluted operating earnings per common share

    3.80       3.57       2.95       2.47       2.36  

Shareholder value added

    5,983       5,621       3,760       3,087       3,081  

Return on average assets

    1.39 %     1.44 %     1.41 %     1.25 %     1.17 %

Return on average common shareholders’ equity

    17.32       21.99       19.44       16.53       16.70  

Efficiency ratio (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

    53.23       52.27       52.56       55.47       54.38  

Dividend payout ratio

    44.38       39.58       40.07       45.13       43.04  
   


 


 


 


 


Fully taxable-equivalent basis data

                                       

Net interest income

  $ 29,513     $ 22,107     $ 21,511     $ 20,633     $ 18,671  

Total revenue

    49,610       38,557       35,091       34,981       33,253  

Net interest yield

    3.26 %     3.40 %     3.77 %     3.68 %     3.20 %

Efficiency ratio

    54.48       52.27       52.56       59.20       56.03  
   


 


 


 


 


Reconciliation of net income to operating earnings

                                       

Net income

  $ 14,143     $ 10,810     $ 9,249     $ 6,792     $ 7,517  

Merger and restructuring charges

    618       —         —         1,700       550  

Related income tax benefit

    (207 )     —         —         (450 )     (204 )
   


 


 


 


 


Operating earnings

  $ 14,554     $ 10,810     $ 9,249     $ 8,042     $ 7,863  
   


 


 


 


 


Reconciliation of EPS to operating EPS

                                       

Earnings per common share

  $ 3.76     $ 3.63     $ 3.04     $ 2.13     $ 2.28  

Effect of merger and restructuring charges, net of tax benefit

    0.11       —         —         0.39       0.11  
   


 


 


 


 


Operating earnings per common share

  $ 3.87     $ 3.63     $ 3.04     $ 2.52     $ 2.39  
   


 


 


 


 


Reconciliation of diluted EPS to diluted operating EPS

                                       

Diluted earnings per common share

  $ 3.69     $ 3.57     $ 2.95     $ 2.09     $ 2.26  

Effect of merger and restructuring charges, net of tax benefit

    0.11       —         —         0.38       0.10  
   


 


 


 


 


Diluted operating earnings per common share

  $ 3.80     $ 3.57     $ 2.95     $ 2.47     $ 2.36  
   


 


 


 


 


Reconciliation of net income to shareholder value added

                                       

Net income

  $ 14,143     $ 10,810     $ 9,249     $ 6,792     $ 7,517  

Amortization of intangibles

    664       217       218       878       864  

Merger and restructuring charges, net of tax benefit

    411       —         —         1,250       346  
   


 


 


 


 


Cash basis earnings on an operating basis

    15,218       11,027       9,467       8,920       8,727  

Capital charge

    (9,235 )     (5,406 )     (5,707 )     (5,833 )     (5,646 )
   


 


 


 


 


Shareholder value added

  $ 5,983     $ 5,621     $ 3,760     $ 3,087     $ 3,081  
   


 


 


 


 


Reconciliation of return on average assets to operating return on average assets

                                       

Return on average assets

    1.35 %     1.44 %     1.41 %     1.05 %     1.12 %

Effect of merger and restructuring charges, net of tax benefit

    0.04       —         —         0.20       0.05  
   


 


 


 


 


Operating return on average assets

    1.39 %     1.44 %     1.41 %     1.25 %     1.17 %
   


 


 


 


 


Reconciliation of return on average common shareholders’ equity to operating return on average common shareholders’ equity

                                       

Return on average common shareholders’ equity

    16.83 %     21.99 %     19.44 %     13.96 %     15.96 %

Effect of merger and restructuring charges, net of tax benefit

    0.49       —         —         2.57       0.74  
   


 


 


 


 


Operating return on average common shareholders’ equity

    17.32 %     21.99 %     19.44 %     16.53 %     16.70 %
   


 


 


 


 


Reconciliation of efficiency ratio to operating efficiency ratio (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

                                       

Efficiency ratio

    54.48 %     52.27 %     52.56 %     59.20 %     56.03 %

Effect of merger and restructuring charges, net of tax benefit

    (1.25 )     —         —         (3.73 )     (1.65 )
   


 


 


 


 


Operating efficiency ratio

    53.23 %     52.27 %     52.56 %     55.47 %     54.38 %
   


 


 


 


 


Reconciliation of dividend payout ratio to operating dividend payout ratio

                                       

Dividend payout ratio

    45.67 %     39.58 %     40.07 %     53.44 %     45.02 %

Effect of merger and restructuring charges, net of tax benefit

    (1.29 )     —         —         (8.31 )     (1.98 )
   


 


 


 


 


Operating dividend payout ratio

    44.38 %     39.58 %     40.07 %     45.13 %     43.04 %
   


 


 


 


 



(1)   Operating basis excludes Merger and Restructuring Charges. Merger and Restructuring Charges were $618 and $550 in 2004 and 2000, respectively. Merger and Restructuring Charges in 2001 represented Provision for Credit Losses of $395 and Noninterest Expense of $1,305, both of which were related to the exit of certain consumer finance businesses.
(2)   As a result of the adoption of SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002, we no longer amortize Goodwill. Goodwill amortization expense was $662 and $635 in 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 

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Core Net Interest Income

 

In addition, we review core net interest income which adjusts reported Net Interest Income on a FTE basis for the impact of trading-related activities. As discussed in the Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking business segment section beginning on page 26, we evaluate our trading results and strategies based on total trading-related revenue, calculated by combining trading-related Net Interest Income with Trading Account Profits. We also adjust for loans that we originated and sold into revolving credit card, home equity line and commercial loan securitizations. Noninterest Income, rather than Net Interest Income and Provision for Credit Losses, is recorded for assets that have been securitized as we are compensated for servicing the securitized assets and record servicing income and gains or losses on securitizations, where appropriate. An analysis of core net interest income, earning assets and yields, which excludes these two non-core items from reported Net Interest Income on a FTE basis, is shown below.

 

Table 3

 

Core Net Interest Income

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

    2003

    2002

 

Net interest income

                        

As reported (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

   $ 29,513     $ 22,107     $ 21,511  

Trading-related net interest income

     (2,039 )     (2,239 )     (1,977 )

Impact of revolving securitizations

     931       313       517  
    


 


 


Core net interest income

   $ 28,405     $ 20,181     $ 20,051  
    


 


 


Average earning assets

                        

As reported

   $ 905,302     $ 649,548     $ 570,530  

Trading-related earning assets

     (227,861 )     (172,825 )     (121,291 )

Impact of revolving securitizations

     10,181       3,342       5,943  
    


 


 


Core average earning assets

   $ 687,622     $ 480,065     $ 455,182  
    


 


 


Net interest yield on earning assets

                        

As reported (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

     3.26 %     3.40 %     3.77 %

Impact of trading-related activities

     0.80       0.76       0.58  

Impact of revolving securitizations

     0.06       0.03       0.05  
    


 


 


Core net interest yield on earning assets

     4.12 %     4.19 %     4.40 %
    


 


 


 

Core net interest income increased $8.2 billion for 2004. Approximately half of the increase was due to the Merger. Other activities within the portfolio affecting core net interest income were higher ALM portfolio levels, the impact of higher rates, higher consumer loan levels (primarily credit card loans and home equity lines) and higher core deposit funding levels, partially offset by reductions in the large corporate and foreign loan balances, and lower mortgage warehouse levels.

 

Core average earning assets increased $207.6 billion primarily due to higher ALM levels, (primarily securities and mortgages) and higher levels of consumer loans (primarily credit card loans and home equity lines). The increases in these assets were due to both the Merger and organic growth.

 

The core net interest yield decreased seven bps due to the impact of ALM portfolio repositioning, partially offset by the impact of higher levels of consumer loans and core deposits.

 

Business Segment Operations

 

Segment Description

 

In connection with the Merger, we realigned our business segment reporting to reflect the new business model of the combined company. As a part of this realignment, the segment formerly reported as Consumer and Commercial Banking was split into two new segments, Global Consumer and Small Business Banking and Global Business and Financial Services. We have repositioned Asset Management as Global Wealth and Investment Management, which now includes Premier Banking. Premier Banking was included in Consumer

 

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and Commercial Banking in the past, and is made up of our affluent retail customers. This will enable us to serve our customers with a diverse offering of wealth management products. Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking remained relatively unchanged, with the exception of moving the commercial leasing business to Global Business and Financial Services, and Latin America moving to All Other. All Other consists primarily of Latin America, the former Equity Investments segment, Noninterest Income and Expense amounts associated with the ALM process, including Gains on Sales of Debt Securities, the allowance for credit losses process, the residual impact of methodology allocations, intersegment eliminations, and the results of certain consumer finance and commercial lending businesses that are being liquidated.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

We prepare and evaluate segment results using certain non-GAAP methodologies and performance measures many of which were discussed in Supplemental Financial Data on page 15. The starting point in evaluating results is the operating results of the businesses, which by definition excludes Merger and Restructuring Charges. The segment results also reflect certain revenue and expense methodologies, which are utilized to determine operating income. The Net Interest Income of the business segments includes the results of a funds transfer pricing process that matches assets and liabilities with similar interest rate sensitivity and maturity characteristics. Net Interest Income also reflects an allocation of Net Interest Income generated by assets and liabilities used in our ALM process. The results of business segments will fluctuate based on the performance of corporate ALM activities.

 

Certain expenses not directly attributable to a specific business segment are allocated to the segments based on pre-determined means. The most significant of these expenses include data processing costs, item processing costs and certain centralized or shared functions. Data processing costs are allocated to the segments based on equipment usage. Item processing costs are allocated to the segments based on the volume of items processed for each segment. The costs of certain centralized or shared functions are allocated based on methodologies which reflect utilization.

 

Equity is allocated to business segments using a risk-adjusted methodology incorporating each unit’s credit, market and operational risk components. The nature of these risks is discussed further beginning on page 43. ROE is calculated by dividing Net Income by allocated equity. SVA is defined as cash basis earnings on an operating basis less a charge for the use of capital (i.e. equity). Cash basis earnings on an operating basis are defined as Net Income adjusted to exclude Merger and Restructuring Charges, and Amortization of Intangibles. The charge for use of capital is calculated by multiplying 11 percent (management’s estimate of the shareholders’ minimum required rate of return on capital invested) by average total common shareholders’ equity at the corporate level and by average allocated equity at the business segment level. Average equity is allocated to the business level using a methodology identical to that used in the ROE calculation. Management reviews the estimate of the rate used to calculate the capital charge annually. In 2003, management reduced this rate from 12 percent to 11 percent. We use the Capital Asset Pricing Model to estimate our cost of capital. The change in the cost of capital rate from 12 percent to 11 percent was driven by a decline in long-term Treasury rates, which impacted the risk-free rate component of the calculation.

 

See Note 19 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional business segment information, selected financial information for the business segments and reconciliations to consolidated Total Revenue, Net Income and Total Assets amounts.

 

Global Consumer and Small Business Banking

 

Our strategy is to attract, retain and deepen customer relationships. A critical component of that strategy includes continuously improving customer satisfaction. We believe this focus will help us achieve our goal of being recognized as the best retail bank in North America.

 

The major businesses within this segment are Consumer Banking, Consumer Products and Small Business Banking.

 

Consumer Banking distributes a wide range of services to 33 million consumer households in 29 states and the District of Columbia through its network of 5,885 banking centers, 16,791 domestic branded ATMs, and telephone and Internet channels. Consumer Banking distributes a wide range of products and services,

 

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including deposit products such as checking accounts, money market savings accounts, time deposits and IRAs, debit card products and credit products such as credit card, home equity products and residential mortgages. Consumer Banking recorded $16.7 billion of Total Revenue for 2004. This represented a 35 percent increase. Total average Deposits within Consumer Banking were $276.7 billion, up 35 percent from 2003.

 

Consumer Products provides and manages products and services including the issuance and servicing of credit cards, origination, fulfillment and servicing of residential mortgage loans, including home equity loan products, direct banking via the Internet, deposit services, student lending and certain insurance services. Consumer Products contributed $8.4 billion of Total Revenue, which represented a 16 percent improvement. Average Loans and Leases during the year increased 52 percent to $49.9 billion.

 

Small Business Banking helps small businesses grow through the offering of business products and services which include payroll, merchant services, online banking and bill payment, as well as 401(k) programs. In addition, we provide specialized products like treasury management, lockbox, check cards with photo security and succession planning. Small Business Banking reported $1.7 billion of Total Revenue, compared to $1.2 billion in 2003. Average Loans and Leases improved 28 percent to $15.3 billion. Also, Total Deposits within Small Business Banking grew 37 percent to $31.9 billion due to the impact of the Merger and account growth.

 

Global Consumer and Small Business Banking

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

    2003

 

Net interest income (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

   $ 17,308     $ 12,114  

Noninterest income

     9,549       8,816  
    


 


Total revenue

     26,857       20,930  

Provision for credit losses

     3,341       1,678  

Gains on sales of debt securities

     117       13  

Noninterest expense

     13,334       10,333  
    


 


Income before income taxes

     10,299       8,932  

Income tax expense

     3,751       3,226  
    


 


Net income

   $ 6,548     $ 5,706  
    


 


Shareholder value added

   $ 3,390     $ 4,367  

Net interest yield (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

     5.35 %     4.98 %

Return on average equity

     19.89       42.25  

Efficiency ratio (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

     49.64       49.37  

Average:

                

Total loans and leases

   $ 137,357     $ 92,776  

Total assets

     352,789       258,251  

Total deposits

     314,652       240,371  

Common equity/Allocated equity

     32,925       13,505  

Year end:

                

Total loans and leases

     156,280       97,341  

Total assets

     378,359       264,578  

Total deposits

     333,723       240,428  
    


 


 

Total Revenue for Global Consumer and Small Business Banking increased $5.9 billion, or 28 percent, of which FleetBoston contributed $4.3 billion. Provision for Credit Losses increased $1.7 billion to $3.3 billion. Noninterest Expense grew by $3.0 billion, or 29 percent, to $13.3 billion. Net Income rose $842 million, or 15 percent, including the $1.1 billion impact of the addition of FleetBoston. SVA decreased $977 million, or 22 percent. This decrease was caused by an increase in the capital allocation as a result of the Merger partially offset by the increase in cash basis earnings.

 

Our extensive network of delivery channels including banking centers, ATMs, telephone channel and online banking enable us to provide cost effective, convenient and innovative products to our customers. Active online banking subscribers increased 73 percent in 2004. Approximately half of this growth was due to the addition of FleetBoston.

 

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Net Interest Income increased $5.2 billion largely due to the net effect of the growth in consumer loan and lease, and deposit balances, and ALM activities. Net Interest Income was positively impacted by the $44.6 billion, or 48 percent, increase in average Loans and Leases. This increase was driven by a $15.2 billion, or 54 percent, increase in average on-balance sheet consumer credit card outstandings, a $14.8 billion, or 83 percent, increase in home equity lines and a $6.8 billion, or 26 percent, increase in residential mortgages. The FleetBoston portfolio accounted for $5.0 billion, $14.0 billion and $10.8 billion of the increases, respectively.

 

Deposit growth positively impacted Net Interest Income. Higher consumer deposit balances from the addition of FleetBoston customers of $63.1 billion, government tax cuts, higher customer retention and our focus on adding new customers drove the $74.3 billion, or 31 percent, increase in average Deposits.

 

Noninterest Income increased $733 million, or eight percent, to $9.5 billion in 2004. FleetBoston contributed $1.4 billion to Noninterest Income. Overall, this increase was primarily due to a $1.5 billion, or 49 percent, increase in Card Income to $4.5 billion and a $913 million, or 25 percent, increase in Service Charges to $4.5 billion. Card Income increased mainly due to increases in purchase volumes for both credit and debit cards, and increases in average managed credit card outstandings. These increases were due to both the growth of our card businesses, and the addition of the FleetBoston portfolio. The increase in Service Charges was due primarily to the addition of FleetBoston customers and the growth in new accounts. Partially offsetting these increases was a $1.5 billion, or 72 percent, decrease in Mortgage Banking Income to $595 million and a $186 million decrease in Trading Account Profits to a loss of $359 million. The decrease in Mortgage Banking Income was due to decreases in production volume and secondary market sales, combined with the MSR impairments recorded during the second half of the year. The decrease in Trading Account Profits was due to the negative impact of faster prepayment speeds and changes in other assumptions on the value of the Excess Spread Certificates (Certificates) prior to their conversion to MSRs. For more information on the conversion of the Certificates into MSRs, see Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The Provision for Credit Losses increased $1.7 billion to $3.3 billion, including higher credit card net charge-offs of $791 million, of which $320 million was attributed to the addition of the FleetBoston credit card portfolio. Organic growth, overall seasoning of credit card accounts, the return of securitized loans to the balance sheet, and increases in minimum payment requirements drove higher net charge-offs and Provision for Credit Losses. The increase in minimum payment requirements is the result of changes in industry practices and will result in increased charge-offs in 2005. For more information, see Credit Risk Management beginning on page 43.

 

Noninterest Expense increased $3.0 billion, or 29 percent. Driving this increase were increases in Processing Costs of $977 million, Personnel Expense of $763 million and Other General Operating Expense of $512 million. Personnel Expense increased as a result of higher salaries of $537 million and higher benefit costs of $185 million. The impact of the addition of FleetBoston to Noninterest Expense was $1.9 billion, including $538 million of Personnel Expense and $443 million of Data Processing Costs.

 

Across the three major businesses within Global Consumer and Small Business Banking, our most significant product lines are Card Services, Consumer Real Estate and Consumer Deposit Products.

 

Card Services

 

Card Services provides a broad offering of credit cards to an array of customers including consumers and small businesses. Our products include traditional credit cards, a variety of co-branded and affinity card products, as well as purchasing, and travel and entertainment card products. We also provide processing services for merchant card receipts, a business where we are a market leader, due in part to our acquisition of NPC during the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

We evaluate our Card Services business on both a held and managed basis. Managed card revenue excludes the impact of card securitization activity, which is used as a financing tool. On a held basis, for assets that have been securitized, we record Noninterest Income, rather than Net Interest Income and Provision for Credit Losses, as we are compensated for servicing income and gains or losses on

 

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securitizations. Managed card revenue excludes the impact of the securitized credit card portfolio of $134 million and $7 million for 2004 and 2003, respectively. These amounts are the result of the differences in internal and external funding costs as well as the amortization of previously recognized securitization gains. After the revolving period of the securitizations, the card receivables will return to our Balance Sheet. This has the effect of increasing Loans and Leases on our Balance Sheet and increasing Net Interest Income and the Provision for Credit Losses, with a reduction in Noninterest Income.

 

The following table presents the components of Total Revenue for Card Services on a managed and held basis.

 

Card Services Revenue

 

     2004

   2003

(Dollars in millions)    Managed

   Held

   Managed

   Held

Net interest income

   $ 5,079    $ 4,236    $ 2,856    $ 2,537

Noninterest income

     3,061      3,246      1,930      2,065
    

  

  

  

Total card services revenue

   $ 8,140    $ 7,482    $ 4,786    $ 4,602
    

  

  

  

 

Strong credit card performance and the addition of the FleetBoston card portfolio drove Card Services results. Held credit card revenue increased $2.9 billion, or 63 percent, to $7.5 billion. Driving this increase was the $1.7 billion increase in held Net Interest Income, due to a $15.2 billion, or 54 percent, increase in average held consumer credit card outstandings, partially offset by a decline in average Deposits of $3.3 billion. The increase in held consumer credit card outstandings was due to the addition of over five million new accounts through our branch network and direct marketing programs, and the $5.0 billion impact of the addition of the held FleetBoston consumer credit card portfolio. The decline in Deposits was due to a change in the fee structure in the merchant business for certain accounts from a compensating balance to a fee for service agreement. Managed credit card revenue increased $3.4 billion, or 70 percent, to $8.1 billion. This increase included the $2.2 billion, or 78 percent, increase in managed Net Interest Income. Average managed consumer credit card outstandings were $50.3 billion in 2004 compared to $31.6 billion.

 

The increase in held credit card Noninterest Income of $1.2 billion resulted from higher interchange fees of $381 million. Interchange fees increased mainly due to a $21.4 billion, or 38 percent, increase in consumer credit card purchase volumes. Also impacting Noninterest Income were increases in late fees of $238 million, merchant discount fees of $197 million, overlimit fees of $107 million and cash advance fees of $64 million. The effect of the addition of FleetBoston on these fee categories was $169 million on interchange fees, $77 million on late fees, $47 million on merchant discount fees, $37 million on overlimit fees, and $24 million on cash advance fees, respectively. Noninterest Income on a managed basis increased $1.1 billion, or 59 percent, during 2004.

 

The held Provision for Credit Losses increased $1.2 billion, or 68 percent, to $3.0 billion driven by higher net charge-offs of $791 million, of which $320 million was attributable to the addition of the FleetBoston card portfolio. Organic growth, overall seasoning of accounts, the return of securitized loans to the balance sheet and increases in minimum payment requirements drove higher net charge-offs and Provision for Credit Losses. Net losses on the portfolio that was securitized were $524 million and $177 million for 2004 and 2003. The increase was attributable to the addition of the FleetBoston portfolio. For more information, see Credit Risk Management beginning on page 43.

 

Consumer Real Estate

 

Consumer Real Estate generates revenue by providing an extensive line of mortgage products and services to customers nationwide. Consumer Real Estate products are available to our customers through a retail network of personal bankers located in 5,885 banking centers, dedicated sales account executives in over 190 locations and through a devoted sales force offering our customers direct telephone and online access to our products. Additionally, we serve our customers through a partnership with more than 7,200 mortgage brokers in all 50 states. The mortgage product offerings for home purchase and refinancing needs include fixed and adjustable rate loans, first and second lien loans, home equity lines of credit, and lot and construction loans. To manage this portfolio, these products are either sold into the secondary mortgage

 

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market to investors while we retain the customer relationship and servicing rights or are held in our ALM portfolio.

 

Consumer Real Estate is managed with a focus on its two primary businesses, first mortgage and home equity. The first mortgage business includes the origination, fulfillment and servicing of first mortgage loan products. The home equity business includes lines of credit and second mortgages. These two businesses provide us with a business model that meets customer mortgage borrowing needs in various interest rate cycles.

 

The following table shows the revenue components of the Consumer Real Estate business.

 

Consumer Real Estate Revenue

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

    2003

 

Net interest income

   $ 2,224     $ 1,795  

Mortgage banking income(1, 2)

     595       2,140  

Trading account profits

     (349 )     (159 )

Gains on sales of debt securities

     117       —    

Other income

     61       96  
    


 


Total consumer real estate revenue

   $ 2,648     $ 3,872  
    


 



(1)   Includes gains related to hedge ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges on our mortgage warehouse of $117 and $38 for 2004 and 2003.
(2)   For 2004 and 2003, Mortgage Banking Income included revenue of $181 and $218 for mortgage services provided to other segments that are eliminated in consolidation (in All Other).

 

Total revenue for the Consumer Real Estate business decreased by $1.2 billion, or 32 percent, in 2004. Net Interest Income increased by $429 million driven by higher average balances in the home equity line and loan portfolio, which grew from $21.7 billion in 2003 to $39.0 billion in 2004. This portfolio growth was attributable to an expanded home equity market through the addition of FleetBoston, which contributed $18.5 billion, and the increased product distribution. The home equity business had a record year in 2004, producing $57.1 billion in loans and lines compared to $23.4 billion in 2003. Partially offsetting this growth, Net Interest Income decreased $90 million in 2004 due to a lower level of escrow deposits held on loans serviced. Average escrow balances declined $2.8 billion during the year.

 

Mortgage Banking Income decreased from $2.1 billion in 2003 to $595 million. The following summarizes the components of Mortgage Banking Income. Mortgage Banking Income includes the performance of loans sold in the secondary market and the performance of the servicing portfolio.

 

Mortgage Banking Income

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

    2003

 

Production income

   $ 771     $ 1,927  
    


 


Servicing income:

                

Servicing fees and ancillary income

     614       348  

Amortization of MSRs

     (345 )     (135 )

Net MSR and SFAS 133 derivative hedge adjustments(1)

     18       —    

Impairment of MSRs

     (463 )     —    
    


 


Total net servicing income

     (176 )     213  
    


 


Total mortgage banking income

   $ 595     $ 2,140  
    


 



(1)   Represents derivative hedge gains of $228, offset by a decrease in the value of the MSRs under SFAS 133 hedges of $210 for 2004. See Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The decrease in Mortgage Banking Income was primarily driven by a decline in the size of the first mortgage production market from the record levels of 2003. In 2004, we produced $87.5 billion residential first mortgages compared to $131.1 billion in the prior year. Of the 2004 volume, $57.5 billion was originated

 

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through retail channels and $30.0 billion was originated in our wholesale channel. This compares to 2003 with $91.8 billion originated through retail channels and $39.3 billion originated through wholesale channels. During 2004, approximately 58 percent of the production was refinance activity compared to 84 percent in 2003. Additionally, the market and customer preference has shifted the mix of fixed rate loans to 64 percent in 2004, down from 80 percent in 2003. The decline in the size of the market, excess industry capacity, and the rising interest rate environment also resulted in decreased operating margins. The volume reductions resulted in lower loan sales to the secondary market, which totaled $69.4 billion, a 35 percent decrease from the prior year.

 

During 2004, impairment charges totaled $463 million, including a $261 million adjustment for changes in valuation assumptions and prepayment adjustments to align with changing market conditions and customer behavioral trends. As an economic hedge to the changes associated with the value of MSRs, a combination of derivatives and AFS securities (e.g. mortgage-backed securities) was utilized. During 2004, Consumer Real Estate realized $117 million in Gains on Sales of Debt Securities and $65 million of Net Interest Income from Securities used as an economic hedge of MSRs. At December 31, 2004, $564 million in MSRs were covered by these economic hedges. The remaining $1.8 billion in MSRs were hedged using a SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS 133) strategy.

 

Additionally, contributing to Consumer Real Estate revenue, Trading Account Profits decreased by $190 million. Prior to conversion of the Certificates to MSRs in June 2004, changes in the value of the Certificates, MSRs and derivatives used for risk management were recognized as Trading Account Profits. Trading Account Profits included $342 million and $310 million of downward adjustments for changes to valuation assumptions and prepayment adjustments in 2004 and 2003, respectively. For more information on the conversion, see Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Other income includes premiums collected through our mortgage insurance captive and other miscellaneous revenue items.

 

Servicing income is recognized when cash is received for performing servicing activities for others. Servicing activities primarily include collecting cash for principal, interest and escrow payments from borrowers, and accounting for and remitting principal and interest payments to investors of mortgage-backed securities. Servicing income also includes any ancillary income, such as late fees, derived in connection with these activities. The servicing portfolio includes originated and retained residential mortgages, loans serviced for others and home equity loans. As discussed more fully below, the servicing portfolio ended 2004 at $332.5 billion, an increase of $57.4 billion from December 31, 2003. The addition of FleetBoston customers contributed $33.8 billion of this increase.

 

We recognize an intangible asset for the MSRs, which represents the right to perform specified residential mortgage servicing activities for others. The amount capitalized as MSRs represents the current fair value of future net cash flows expected to be realized for performing servicing activities. MSRs are amortized as a reduction of actual servicing income received. The following table outlines statistical information on the MSRs:

 

Mortgage Servicing Rights

 

     December 31

 
(Dollars in millions)    2004

    2003

 

MSR data:

                

Balance(1,2)

   $ 2,359     $ 2,684  

Capitalization rate

     1.19 %     1.47 %

Unpaid balance(3)

   $ 197,795     $ 183,116  

Number of customers (in thousands)

     1,582       1,586  
    


 



(1)   MSRs outside of Global Consumer and Small Business Banking at December 31, 2004 and 2003 were $123 and $78, respectively, in Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking.
(2)   Includes $2,283 of Certificates at December 31, 2003. For more information on the Certificates, see Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3)   Represents only loans serviced for others.

 

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As of December 31, 2004, the MSR balance was $2.4 billion, or 12 percent lower than at the end of 2003. This value represented 119 bps as a percent of the related unpaid principal balance, a 19 percent decrease from 2003. For more information on MSRs, see Notes 1 and 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Consumer Deposit Products

 

Consumer Deposit Products provides a comprehensive range of deposit products to consumers and small businesses. Our deposit products include traditional savings accounts, money market savings accounts, CDs and IRAs, regular and interest checking accounts, and a variety of business checking options. These products are further segmented to address customer specific needs and our multicultural strategy.

 

We added approximately 2.1 million net new checking accounts and 2.6 million net new savings accounts during 2004. This growth resulted from continued improvement in sales and service results in the Banking Center Channel, improved cross-sale ratios, the introduction of new products, advancement of our multicultural strategy, and access to the former FleetBoston franchise, where we opened 174,000 net new checking and 193,000 net new savings accounts since April 1, 2004. Account growth has occurred through productivity improvements in existing stores, as well as new store openings, which totaled 167 in 2004.

 

We generate revenue on deposit products through the results of a funds transfer pricing process that matches assets and liabilities with similar interest rate sensitivity and maturity characteristics, fees generated on our accounts, and interchange income from our debit cards. Our deposit-taking activities are integrally linked to our liquidity management and ALM interest rate risk management processes. We seek to optimize the value of deposits through both our client-facing asset generation and our ALM investment process. The following table presents the components of Total Revenue for Consumer Deposit Products.

 

Consumer Deposit Products Revenue

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

   2003

Net interest income

   $ 7,735    $ 5,647
    

  

Deposit service charges

     4,496      3,577

Debit card income

     1,232      896
    

  

Total noninterest income

     5,728      4,473
    

  

Total deposit revenue(1)

   $ 13,463    $ 10,120
    

  


(1)   Deposit revenue outside of Global Consumer and Small Business Banking was $985 and $666, respectively, for 2004 and 2003.

 

Deposit revenue grew $3.3 billion, or 33 percent. Driving this growth was the addition of FleetBoston, which contributed $2.1 billion of deposit revenue.

 

Net Interest Income increased $2.1 billion, or 37 percent. The primary driver of the increase was the $80.3 billion, or 35 percent, increase in average Deposits. Of this growth, $63.0 billion was related to the addition of FleetBoston customers through the Merger. The addition of FleetBoston contributed $1.5 billion to Net Interest Income.

 

Deposit service charges increased $919 million, or 26 percent, due to the $515 million impact of the addition of FleetBoston, and the growth of new accounts across our franchise.

 

Debit card income increased $336 million, or 38 percent. Driving the increase was growth in transaction activity, evidenced by a 40 percent increase in purchase volumes, partially offset by the negative impact of a lower interchange rate on signature debit card transactions. The impact of the addition of FleetBoston to debit card income was $134 million.

 

Global Business and Financial Services

 

This segment provides financial solutions to our clients throughout all stages of their financial cycles. Our strategy is to bring the capabilities of a global financial services organization to the local level. We serve our clients through a variety of businesses including Global Treasury Services, Middle Market Banking, Commercial Real Estate Banking, Leasing, Business Capital and Dealer Financial Services. Beginning in

 

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2005, Global Business and Financial Services will include Latin America. See page 32 for more information on Latin America. Also beginning in 2005, Global Business and Financial Services will include Business Banking, which serves our client-managed small business customers.

 

Global Treasury Services provides integrated working capital management and treasury solutions to clients across the U.S. and 37 countries. Our clients include multi-nationals, middle market companies, correspondent banks, commercial real estate firms and governments. Our services include treasury management, trade finance, foreign exchange, short-term credit facilities and short-term investing. The revenues and operating results where customers and clients are serviced are reflected in this segment, as well as Global Consumer and Small Business Banking, and Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking.

 

Middle Market Banking provides commercial lending, treasury management products and investment banking services to middle-market companies across the U.S.

 

Commercial Real Estate Banking, with offices in more than 60 cities across the U.S., provides project financing and treasury management to private developers, homebuilders and commercial real estate firms. Commercial Real Estate Banking also includes community development banking, which provides lending and investing services to low- and moderate-income communities.

 

Leasing provides leasing solutions to small business, middle-market and large corporations in the U.S. and internationally, offering expertise in the municipal, corporate aircraft, healthcare and vendor markets.

 

Business Capital provides asset-based lending financing solutions customized to meet clients’ capital needs by leveraging their assets on a secured basis in the U.S., Canada and European markets.

 

Dealer Financial Services provides lending and investing services, including floor plan programs for marine, recreational vehicle and auto dealerships to more than 10,000 dealer clients across the U.S.

 

Global Business and Financial Services

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

    2003

 

Net interest income (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

   $ 4,593     $ 3,118  

Noninterest income

     2,129       1,399  
    


 


Total revenue

     6,722       4,517  

Provision for credit losses

     (241 )     458  

Noninterest expense

     2,476       1,797  
    


 


Income before income taxes

     4,487       2,262  

Income tax expense

     1,654       791  
    


 


Net income

   $ 2,833     $ 1,471  
    


 


Shareholder value added

   $ 884     $ 846  

Net interest yield (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

     3.40 %     3.19 %

Return on average equity

     15.34       25.01  

Efficiency ratio (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

     36.84       39.75  

Average:

                

Total loans and leases

   $ 129,671     $ 93,378  

Total assets

     154,521       103,786  

Total deposits

     53,088       31,461  

Common equity/Allocated equity

     18,473       5,882  

Year end:

                

Total loans and leases

     145,072       96,168  

Total assets

     178,093       107,791  

Total deposits

     61,395       37,882  
    


 


 

Total Revenue for Global Business and Financial Services increased $2.2 billion, or 49 percent, in 2004. The addition of FleetBoston accounted for $1.7 billion of the increase. The Provision for Credit Losses decreased $699 million, to a negative $241 million. Noninterest Expense increased $679 million to $2.5

 

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billion. Net Income rose $1.4 billion, or 93 percent, including the $824 million impact of the Merger. SVA increased $38 million, or four percent. This segment’s capital allocation increased due to Goodwill as a result of the Merger which was offset by the increase in Net Income.

 

Net Interest Income increased $1.5 billion, largely due to the increase in commercial loan and lease, and deposit balances driven by the addition of FleetBoston earning assets and the net results of ALM activities. Net Interest Income was positively impacted by the $36.3 billion, or 39 percent, increase in average outstanding commercial loans. Also contributing to the improvement in Net Interest Income was the $21.6 billion, or 69 percent, increase in average commercial deposits. Impacting these increases was the $29.3 billion effect on average Loans and Leases and the $17.6 billion effect on average Deposits related to the addition of FleetBoston.

 

During 2004, Noninterest Income increased $730 million, or 52 percent, to $2.1 billion. Included in the results was $601 million of Noninterest Income related to FleetBoston. Overall, the increase was driven by a $341 million increase in Other Noninterest Income to $518 million, and a $261 million, or 36 percent, increase in Service Charges to $988 million. Other Noninterest Income increased by $109 million due to higher income from community development tax credit real estate investments. The increase in Service Charges was primarily driven by the Merger. Also affecting the increase in Noninterest Income was the $43 million increase in Trading Account Profits.

 

The Provision for Credit Losses declined $699 million to a negative $241 million. The decrease was partially driven by a $264 million, or 59 percent, decrease in net charge-offs. Additionally, notable improvement in credit quality has been achieved in a number of our major businesses. For more information, see Credit Risk Management beginning on page 43.

 

Noninterest Expense increased $679 million, or 38 percent, due to the $644 million addition of FleetBoston. Driving the increase was a $300 million increase in total Personnel Expense and a $260 million increase in Data Processing Expense.

 

Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking

 

Our strategy is to align our resources with sectors where we can deliver value-added financial advisory solutions to our issuer and investor clients. This segment provides a broad range of financial services to domestic and international corporations, financial institutions, and government entities. Clients are supported through offices in 35 countries that are divided into four distinct geographic regions: U.S. and Canada; Asia; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Mexico. Products and services provided include loan originations, mergers and acquisitions advisory, debt and equity underwriting and trading, cash management, derivatives, foreign exchange, leveraged finance, structured finance and trade services.

 

This segment offers clients a comprehensive range of global capabilities through the following three financial services: Global Investment Banking, Global Credit Products and Global Treasury Services.

 

Global Investment Banking is comprised of Corporate and Investment Banking and Global Capital Markets. Global Investment Banking underwrites and makes markets in equity and equity-linked securities, high-grade and high-yield corporate debt securities, commercial paper, and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. We also provide debt and equity securities research, loan syndications, mergers and acquisitions advisory services and private placements. Further, we provide risk management solutions for customers using interest rate, equity, credit and commodity derivatives, foreign exchange, fixed income and mortgage-related products. In support of these activities, the businesses may take positions in these products and participate in market-making activities. The Global Investment Banking business is a primary dealer in the U.S. and in several international locations.

 

Global Credit Products provides credit and lending services for our corporate clients and institutional investors. Global Credit Products is also responsible for actively managing loan and counterparty risk in our large corporate portfolio using available risk mitigation techniques, including credit default swaps.

 

Global Treasury Services provides the technology, strategies and integrated solutions to help financial institutions, government agencies and corporate clients manage their cash flows.

 

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Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

    2003

 

Net interest income (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

   $ 4,122     $ 4,289  

Noninterest income

     4,927       4,045  
    


 


Total revenue

     9,049       8,334  

Provision for credit losses

     (459 )     303  

Losses on sales of debt securities

     (10 )     (14 )

Noninterest expense

     6,556       5,327  
    


 


Income before income taxes

     2,942       2,690  

Income tax expense

     992       896  
    


 


Net income

   $ 1,950     $ 1,794  
    


 


Shareholder value added

   $ 891     $ 893  

Net interest yield (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

     1.49 %     1.86 %

Return on average equity

     19.46       21.35  

Efficiency ratio (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

     72.45       63.91  

Average:

                

Total loans and leases

   $ 34,237     $ 36,640  

Total assets

     323,101       272,942  

Total deposits

     76,884       66,095  

Common equity/Allocated equity

     10,021       8,404  

Year end:

                

Total loans and leases

     33,899       29,104  

Total assets

     307,451       225,839  

Total deposits

     79,376       58,504  
    


 


 

Total Revenue was $9.0 billion, reflecting a $715 million, or nine percent, increase in 2004. The increase in Market-based revenues was driven by trading-related revenue and Investment Banking Income. The Provision for Credit Losses decreased $762 million to a negative $459 million. Total Noninterest Expense increased $1.2 billion to $6.6 billion. Net Income increased $156 million, or nine percent. SVA was relatively flat in 2004.

 

Net Interest Income decreased $167 million, or four percent, to $4.1 billion. Driving this decrease was the $200 million, or nine percent, decrease in trading-related Net Interest Income. Despite the growth in trading-related average earning assets during the year, a flattening yield curve decreased the contribution to Net Interest Income. Nontrading-related Net Interest Income increased $33 million, or two percent, as the benefit of the $10.8 billion, or 16 percent, increase in average Deposits was partially offset by the $2.4 billion, or seven percent, decrease in average Loans and Leases. Average Deposits increased despite the withdrawal of compensating balances by the U.S. Treasury due to changes in our compensation agreements with them.

 

Noninterest Income increased $882 million, or 22 percent. Increases in Trading Account Profits, Investment Banking Income and Service Charges drove the improvement. The following table presents the detail of Investment Banking Income within the segment.

 

Investment Banking Income

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

   2003

Securities underwriting

   $ 920    $ 962

Syndications

     521      407

Advisory services

     310      229

Other

     32      38
    

  

Total investment banking income(1)

   $ 1,783    $ 1,636
    

  


(1)   Investment Banking Income recorded in other business units in 2004 and 2003 was $103 and $100.

 

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Investment Banking Income increased $147 million, or nine percent, due to market share increases in high-yield debt, mortgage-backed securities and convertible debt. The continued strong momentum in mergers and acquisitions, and syndicated loans drove the 35 percent and 28 percent increases, respectively, in advisory services and syndication fees.

 

Trading-related revenue, which includes Net Interest Income from trading-related positions and Trading Account Profits in Noninterest Income, is presented in the following table. Not included are commissions from equity transactions which are recorded in Noninterest Income as Investment and Brokerage Services Income.

 

Trading-related Revenue

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

    2003

 

Net interest income (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

   $ 2,039     $ 2,239  

Trading account profits(1)

     1,028       587  
    


 


Total trading-related revenue(1)

   $ 3,067     $ 2,826  
    


 


Trading-related revenue by product

                

Fixed income

   $ 1,547     $ 1,352  

Interest rate (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

     667       954  

Foreign exchange

     757       551  

Equities(2)

     195       344  

Commodities

     45       (45 )
    


 


Market-based trading-related revenue

     3,211       3,156  

Credit portfolio hedges(3)

     (144 )     (330 )
    


 


Total trading-related revenue(1)

   $ 3,067     $ 2,826  
    


 



(1)   Trading Account Profits for the Corporation were $869 and $409 for 2004 and 2003. In 2004, the difference relates to the impact of the valuation of the Certificates, which was partially offset by gains in Global Wealth and Investment Management and Latin America of $86 and $72, respectively. In 2003, the difference relates primarily to the impact of the Certificates. See page 23 for more information on the Certificates. Total trading-related revenue for the Corporation was $2,908 and $2,648 for 2004 and 2003, and was impacted in a similar manner as Trading Account Profits.
(2)   Does not include commissions from equity transactions which were $666 and $648 in 2004 and 2003.
(3)   Includes credit default swaps and related products used for credit risk management.

 

Market-based trading-related revenue increased by $55 million, or two percent. Fixed income continued to show strong results increasing $195 million, or 14 percent, driven by growth in our commercial mortgage-backed and structured finance activity. Foreign exchange revenue increased $206 million, or 37 percent, due to volatility of the dollar in the latter half of the year and increased customer activity. Commodities revenue increased $90 million due to the absence of the negative impact of the SARS outbreak, which occurred during 2003.

 

Partially offsetting these increases were declines in interest rate and equities revenues. Interest rate revenues declined by $287 million, or 30 percent, largely due to reduced corporate customer activity and lower trading-related profits as a result of FRB tightening, uncertainty related to the election, declining volatility in the options market and more subdued economic growth than anticipated during the year. Trading-related equities revenues declined by $149 million, or 43 percent. Including commissions on equity transactions, trading-related equities revenues declined $131 million, or 13 percent. The overall decline in trading-related equities revenue was driven by net losses on a single retained stock position in 2004 combined with the absence of gains on a single position that we recorded in 2003.

 

Total trading-related revenues also included the cost associated with credit portfolio hedges of $144 million in 2004, an improvement of $186 million. The improvement was primarily due to stable spreads in the first half of the year versus spreads tightening throughout 2003.

 

The Provision for Credit Losses decreased $762 million to a negative $459 million due to notable improvements in credit quality in the large corporate portfolio partially due to the high levels of liquidity in the capital markets, which enabled us to distribute paper more readily. Also contributing to the decrease in

 

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the Provision for Credit Losses was the reduction in net charge-offs of $311 million, or 71 percent. Additionally, nonperforming assets declined $589 million, or 58 percent, to $424 million at December 31, 2004. For more information, see Credit Risk Management beginning on page 43.

 

Noninterest Expense increased $1.2 billion, or 23 percent. This increase was due, in part, to an increase in litigation-related charges of $460 million, including the reversal of legal expenses previously recorded in All Other that were reclassified to this segment. Also impacting Noninterest Expense were higher incentive compensation for market-based activities of $279 million and the mutual fund settlement of $143 million.

 

Global Wealth and Investment Management

 

This segment provides tailored investment services to individual and institutional clients in various stages and economic cycles. Our clients are served through five major businesses, Premier Banking, Banc of America Investments (BAI), The Private Bank, Columbia Management Group (CMG) and Other Services, each offering specific products and services based on clients’ needs.

 

Premier Banking joins with BAI, our full-service retail brokerage business, to bring together personalized banking and investment expertise through priority service with client-dedicated teams. These teams provide comprehensive advice, cash management strategies, and customized investment and financial planning solutions for mass affluent clients. Mass affluent clients have a personal wealth profile that includes investable assets plus a mortgage that exceeds $250,000 or they have at least $100,000 of investable assets.

 

BAI serves 1.3 million accounts through a network of over 2,100 financial advisors throughout the U.S.

 

The Private Bank provides integrated wealth management solutions to high-net-worth individuals, mid-market institutions and charitable organizations with investable assets greater than $3 million. Services include investment, trust, banking and lending services.

 

During the third quarter of 2004, we announced a new business designed to serve the needs of ultra high-net-worth individuals and families. The goal is for this new business to provide a higher level of contact and tailored wealth management solutions to clients with investable assets greater than $50 million. We expect this business to be rolled out during the first quarter of 2005.

 

CMG is an asset management organization primarily serving the needs of institutional customers. CMG provides asset management services, liquidity strategies and separate accounts. CMG also provides mutual funds offering a full range of investment styles across an array of products including equities, fixed income (taxable and nontaxable) and cash products. In addition to its service of institutional clients, CMG distributes its products and services to individuals through The Private Bank, BAI and nonproprietary channels including other brokerage firms.

 

Other Services include the Investment Services Group, which provides products and services from traditional capital markets products to alternative investments and Banc of America Specialist, a New York Stock Exchange market-maker. Other Services also included U.S. Clearing which provides retail clearing services to broker/dealers and other correspondent firms. U.S. Clearing was sold in the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

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Global Wealth and Investment Management

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

    2003

 

Net interest income (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

   $ 2,854     $ 1,952  

Noninterest income

     3,064       2,078  
    


 


Total revenue

     5,918       4,030  

Provision for credit losses

     (20 )     11  

Noninterest expense

     3,449       2,101  
    


 


Income before income taxes

     2,489       1,918  

Income tax expense

     905       684  
    


 


Net income

   $ 1,584     $ 1,234  
    


 


Shareholder value added

   $ 782     $ 854  

Net interest yield (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

     3.35 %     3.52 %

Return on average equity

     20.17       33.94  

Efficiency ratio (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

     58.28       52.11  

Average:

                

Total loans and leases

   $ 44,049     $ 37,675  

Total assets

     91,443       58,606  

Total deposits

     83,049       53,996  

Common equity/Allocated equity

     7,854       3,637  

Year end:

                

Total loans and leases

     49,776       38,689  

Total assets

     121,974       69,370  

Total deposits

     111,107       62,730  
    


 


 

Total Revenue for Global Wealth and Investment Management increased $1.9 billion, or 47 percent, for 2004. The Provision for Credit Losses decreased $31 million to a negative $20 million. Total Noninterest Expense increased $1.3 billion to $3.4 billion. Net Income increased 28 percent to $1.6 billion. SVA decreased $72 million, or eight percent, as the increase in cash basis earnings was more than offset by the increase in the capital allocation that resulted from the Merger.

 

Net Interest Income increased 46 percent to $2.9 billion due to growth in Deposits in both Premier Banking and The Private Bank, loan growth in The Private Bank, and the addition of FleetBoston earning assets to the portfolio. Net results of ALM activities also drove the increase. Average Deposits increased $29.1 billion, or 54 percent, primarily due to migration of account balances from Consumer Banking to Premier Banking, the impact of the Merger, as well as increased deposit-taking in The Private Bank. Average Loans and Leases increased $6.4 billion, or 17 percent, due to the inclusion of the FleetBoston Loans and Leases and increased loan activity in The Private Bank.

 

Client Assets

 

     December 31

(Dollars in billions)    2004

   2003

Assets under management

   $ 451.5    $ 296.7

Client brokerage assets

     149.9      88.8

Assets in custody

     107.0      49.9
    

  

Total client assets

   $ 708.4    $ 435.4
    

  

 

Assets under management generate fees based on a percentage of their market value. They consist largely of mutual funds and separate accounts, which are comprised of money market products, equities, and taxable and nontaxable fixed income securities. Compared to 2003, assets under management increased $154.8 billion, or 52 percent, due to the addition of $148.9 billion of FleetBoston assets under management and increased market valuation partially offset by outflows primarily in money market products. Client

 

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brokerage assets, a source of commission revenue, were up $61.1 billion, or 69 percent, due to the addition of $55.4 billion FleetBoston client brokerage assets. Client brokerage assets consist largely of investments in annuities, money market mutual funds, bonds and equities. Assets in custody increased $57.1 billion, or 114 percent, and represent trust assets administered for customers. The addition of $54.5 billion of assets in custody from FleetBoston drove the increase. Trust assets encompass a broad range of asset types including real estate, private company ownership interest, personal property and investments.

 

Noninterest Income consists primarily of Investment and Brokerage Services, which represents fees earned on client assets, as well as brokerage commissions and trailer fees. Investment and Brokerage Services revenue increased $1.1 billion, or 71 percent, to $2.7 billion. The increase in Investment and Brokerage Services revenue was primarily due to growth in all client assets categories, driven by the addition of FleetBoston. The impact of FleetBoston on Investment and Brokerage Services was $974 million.

 

Noninterest Expense increased $1.3 billion, or 64 percent, due to the $889 million increase in expenses related to the inclusion of FleetBoston and this segment’s allocation of the mutual fund settlement, which amounted to approximately $143 million pre-tax. Also impacting Noninterest Expense was an increase in Personnel Expense reflecting the addition of 637 client managers in Premier Banking, additional financial advisors in BAI and increased incentives in BAI due to increased sales and changes to payout schedules.

 

All Other

 

Included in All Other are our Latin America and Equity Investments businesses, and Other.

 

Latin America includes our full-service Latin American operations in Brazil, Argentina and Chile. These businesses provide a wide array of products to indigenous and multinational corporations, as well as consumers. These services include lending, deposit-taking, asset management, private banking and treasury operations. The consumer business focuses on the affluent and middle-market segments. Our largest book of business is in Brazil, while Argentina has our largest branch network, with 87 branches. Our Brazilian and Chilean operations have 65 branches and 43 branches, respectively. Beginning in 2005, Latin America will be re-aligned with the Global Business and Financial Services segment. For more information on our Latin American operations, see Foreign Portfolio beginning on page 51.

 

Equity Investments include Principal Investing and other corporate investments. Principal Investing is comprised of a diversified portfolio of investments in privately-held and publicly-traded companies at all stages of their lifecycle from start-up to buyout.

 

Other includes Noninterest Income and Expense amounts associated with the ALM process, including Gains on Sales of Debt Securities, the allowance for credit losses process, the residual impact of methodology allocations, intersegment eliminations, and the results of certain consumer finance and commercial lending businesses that are being liquidated.

 

All Other

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

   2003

 

Net interest income (fully taxable-equivalent basis)

   $ 636    $ 634  

Noninterest income

     428      112  
    

  


Total revenue

     1,064      746  

Provision for credit losses

     148      389  

Gains on sales of debt securities

     2,016      942  

Merger and restructuring charges

     618      —    

Noninterest expense

     594      597  
    

  


Income before income taxes

     1,720      702  

Income tax expense

     492      97  
    

  


Net income

   $ 1,228    $ 605  
    

  


Shareholder value added

   $ 36    $ (1,339 )
    

  


 

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Latin America

 

The results of Latin America are driven by the addition of the FleetBoston operations in the region. For more information on our Latin American operations, see Foreign Portfolio beginning on page 51. Prior to the Merger, our business in the region had been reduced to very low levels. For 2004, Latin America reported Net Income of $310 million compared to a Net Loss of $48 million in 2003. Total Revenue increased $801 million from $33 million to $834 million. The results reflect an improvement in credit quality including the disposition of problem assets, as well as improved economic conditions in the region. Our increased presence in the region as a result of the addition of the FleetBoston business also contributed to the results. SVA increased by $227 million due to higher Net Income.

 

Net Interest Income increased $470 million from $24 million to $494 million. The increase was driven by the $458 million impact of the addition of the FleetBoston Latin America business.

 

Noninterest Income increased $331 million from $9 million to $340 million in 2004. The increase was driven by increases in Service Charges, Investment and Brokerage Services, and Trading Account Profits of $78 million, $77 million and $72 million, respectively, due to the addition of FleetBoston.

 

The Provision for Credit Losses decreased $284 million from $89 million in 2003 to a negative $195 million, due to continued improvement in the credit quality of the portfolio. Driving this decrease was a reduction in net charge-offs of $113 million and improved credit quality.

 

Noninterest Expense increased $509 million from $19 million to $528 million for 2004 due to the $497 million impact of the addition of the FleetBoston business.

 

Equity Investments

 

Equity Investments reported Net Income of $192 million in 2004, a $441 million improvement compared to a $249 million Net Loss in 2003. Total Revenue increased $696 million to $440 million. The improvements were primarily due to higher gains in Principal Investing driven by increasing liquidity in the private equity markets. SVA increased by $364 million, or 77 percent, due to the improvement in the results.

 

The following table presents the Principal Investing equity portfolio by major industry at December 31, 2004 and 2003:

 

Principal Investing Equity Portfolio

 

     December 31

   FleetBoston
(Dollars in millions)    2004

   2003

   April 1, 2004

Consumer discretionary

   $ 2,058    $ 1,435    $ 834

Industrials

     1,118      876      527

Information technology

     1,089      741      391

Telecommunication services

     769      639      271

Financials

     606      332      146

Healthcare

     576      385      211

Materials

     421      266      188

Consumer staples

     230      245      88

Real estate

     229      229      113

Energy

     81      29      67

Individual trusts, nonprofits, government

     49      48      162

Utilities

     24      35      6
    

  

  

Total

   $ 7,250    $ 5,260    $ 3,004
    

  

  

 

Noninterest Income within the Principal Investing portfolio primarily consists of Equity Investment Gains (Losses), and increased $712 million to $594 million. While impairments were relatively unchanged at $445 million, cash gains increased by $576 million to $849 million. Also contributing to the improvement was an increase of $143 million in fair value adjustment gains.

 

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Other

 

Other recorded $726 million of Net Income in 2004, compared to $902 million in 2003. Total Revenue decreased $1.2 billion to a negative $210 million. The decrease was the result of a $440 million decrease in Net Interest Income, from $771 million to $331 million, primarily caused by a reduction of capital in Other, as more capital has been deployed to the business segments, and by the continued runoff of previously exited businesses. The revenue decrease was also caused by the $739 million decline in Noninterest Income primarily caused by the absence of whole mortgage loan sale gains during 2004. Gains on Sales of Debt Securities increased $1.1 billion to $2.0 billion as we continue to reposition the ALM portfolio in response to interest rate fluctuations and to manage mortgage prepayment risk. Provision for Credit Losses increased $65 million resulting from higher ALM whole loan mortgage portfolio levels, changes to components of the formula and other factors, partially offset by reduced credit costs associated with previously exited businesses. Noninterest Expense increased $87 million to $555 million, and included Merger and Restructuring Charges of $618 million offset by costs allocated to the segments. For more information on Merger and Restructuring Charges, see Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Managing Risk

 

Overview

 

Our management governance structure enables us to manage all major aspects of our business through an integrated planning and review process that includes strategic, financial, associate and risk planning. We derive much of our revenue from managing risk from customer transactions for profit. Through our management governance structure, risk and return are evaluated with a goal of producing sustainable revenue, reducing earnings volatility and increasing shareholder value. Our business exposes us to the following major risks: strategic, liquidity, credit, market and operational.

 

Strategic risk is the risk that adverse business decisions, ineffective or inappropriate business plans or failure to respond to changes in the competitive environment, business cycles, customer preferences, product obsolescence, execution and/or other intrinsic risks of business will impact our ability to meet our objectives. Liquidity risk is the inability to accommodate liability maturities and deposit withdrawals, fund asset growth and meet contractual obligations through unconstrained access to funding at reasonable market rates. Credit risk is the risk of loss arising from a borrower’s or counterparty’s inability to meet its obligations. Market risk is the risk that values of assets and liabilities or revenues will be adversely affected by changes in market conditions, such as interest rate movements. Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or external events.

 

Risk Management Processes and Methods

 

We have established control processes and use various methods to align risk-taking and risk management throughout our organization. These control processes and methods are designed around “three lines of defense”: lines of business; support units (including Risk Management, Compliance, Finance, Personnel and Legal); and Corporate Audit.

 

Management is responsible for identifying, quantifying, mitigating and managing all risks within their lines of business, while certain enterprise-wide risks are managed centrally. For example, except for trading-related business activities, interest rate risk associated with our business activities is managed centrally in the Corporate Treasury function. Line of business management makes and executes the business plan and is closest to the changing nature of risks and, therefore, we believe is best able to take actions to manage and mitigate those risks. Our lines of business prepare quarterly self-assessment reports to identify the status of risk issues, including mitigation plans, if appropriate. These reports roll up to executive management to ensure appropriate risk management and oversight, and to identify enterprise-wide issues. Our management processes, structures and policies aid us in complying with laws and regulations and provide clear lines for decision-making and accountability. Wherever practical, we attempt to house decision-making authority as close to the customer as possible while retaining supervisory control functions from both in and outside of the lines of business.

 

The Risk Management organization translates approved business plans into approved limits, approves requests for changes to those limits, approves transactions as appropriate, and works closely with lines of

 

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business to establish and monitor risk parameters. Risk Management has assigned a Risk Executive to each of the four lines of business who is responsible for the oversight of all risks associated with that line of business. In addition, Risk Management has assigned Risk Executives to monitor enterprise-wide credit, market and operational risks.

 

Corporate Audit provides an independent assessment of our management and internal control systems. Corporate Audit activities are designed to provide reasonable assurance that resources are adequately protected; significant financial, managerial and operating information is materially complete, accurate and reliable; and employees’ actions are in compliance with corporate policies, standards, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.

 

We use various methods to manage risks at the line of business levels and corporate-wide. Examples of these methods include planning and forecasting, risk committees and forums, limits, models, and hedging strategies. Planning and forecasting facilitates analysis of actual versus planned results and provides an indication of unanticipated risk level. Generally, risk committees and forums are comprised of line of business, risk management, compliance, legal and finance personnel, among others, who actively monitor performance against plan, limits, potential issues, and introduction of new products. Limits, the amount of exposure that may be taken in a product, relationship, region or industry, seek to align risk goals with those of each line of business and are part of our overall risk management process to help reduce the volatility of market, credit and operational losses. Models are used to estimate market value and net interest income sensitivity, and to estimate both expected and unexpected losses for each product and line of business, where appropriate. Hedging strategies are used to manage the risk of borrower/counterparty concentration risk and to manage market risk in the portfolio.

 

The formal processes used to manage risk represent only one portion of our overall risk management process. Corporate culture and the actions of our associates are also critical to effective risk management. Through our Code of Ethics, we set a high standard for our associates. The Code of Ethics provides a framework for all of our associates to conduct themselves with the highest integrity in the delivery of our products or services to our customers. We instill a risk-conscious culture through communications, training, policies, procedures, and organizational roles and responsibilities. Additionally, we continue to strengthen the linkage between the associate performance management process and individual compensation to encourage associates to work toward corporate-wide risk goals.

 

Oversight

 

The Board evaluates risk through the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and three committees. The Finance Committee, a committee appointed by the Board, establishes policies and strategies for managing the strategic, liquidity, credit, market and operational risks to corporate earnings and capital. The Asset Quality Committee, a Board committee, reviews credit and selected market risks; and the Audit Committee, a Board committee, provides direct oversight of the corporate audit function and the independent registered public accounting firm. Additionally, senior management oversight of our risk-taking and risk management activities is conducted through three senior management committees: the Risk and Capital Committee (RCC), the Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO) and the Credit Risk Committee (CRC). The RCC, a senior management committee, reviews corporate strategies and corporate objectives, evaluates business performance, and reviews business plans, including capital allocation, for the Corporation and for major businesses. The ALCO, a subcommittee of the Finance Committee, approves limits for trading activities, and was established to manage the risk of loss of value and related Net Interest Income of our trading positions. ALCO also provides oversight for Corporate Treasury’s and Corporate Investment’s process of managing interest rate risk, otherwise known as the ALM process, and reviews hedging techniques. In addition, ALCO provides oversight guidance over our credit hedging program. The CRC, a subcommittee of the Finance Committee, establishes corporate credit practices and limits, including industry and country concentration limits, approval requirements and exceptions. The CRC also reviews business asset quality results versus plan, portfolio management, and the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. Each committee and subcommittee has the ability to delegate authority to officers of subcommittees to manage specific risks.

 

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Management is in the process of finalizing its plans to address the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s new risk-based capital standards (Basel II). The Finance Committee and the Audit Committee provide oversight of management’s plans including the Corporation’s preparedness and compliance with Basel II. For additional information, see Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In 2005, the Finance Committee chartered the Compliance and Operational Risk Committee (CORC) as a subcommittee of the Finance Committee. CORC provides oversight and consistent communication of operational and compliance issues.

 

The following sections, Strategic Risk Management, Liquidity Risk Management, Credit Risk Management beginning on page 43, Market Risk Management beginning on page 61 and Operational Risk Management beginning on page 68, address in more detail the specific procedures, measures and analyses of the major categories of risk that we manage.

 

Strategic Risk Management

 

The Board provides oversight for strategic risk through the CEO and the Finance Committee. We use an integrated business planning process to help manage strategic risk. A key component of the planning process aligns strategies, goals, tactics and resources. The process begins with an assessment that creates a plan for the Corporation, setting the corporate strategic direction. The planning process then cascades through the business units, creating business unit plans that are aligned with the Corporation’s direction. Tactics and metrics are monitored to ensure adherence to the plans. As part of this monitoring, business units perform a quarterly self-assessment further described in the Operational Risk Management section on page 68. This assessment looks at changing market and business conditions, and the overall risk in meeting objectives. Corporate Audit in turn monitors, and independently reviews and evaluates the plans and self-assessments.

 

One of the key tools for managing strategic risk is capital allocation. Through allocating capital, we effectively manage each business segment’s ability to take on risk. Review and approval of business plans incorporates approval of capital allocation and economic capital usage is monitored through financial and risk reporting.

 

Liquidity Risk Management

 

Liquidity is the ongoing ability to accommodate liability maturities and deposit withdrawals, fund asset growth and business operations, and meet contractual obligations through unconstrained access to funding at reasonable market rates. Liquidity management involves forecasting funding requirements and maintaining sufficient capacity to meet the needs and accommodate fluctuations in asset and liability levels due to changes in our business operations or unanticipated events. Sources of liquidity include deposits and other customer-based funding, wholesale market-based funding, and liquidity provided by the sale or securitization of assets.

 

We manage liquidity at two levels. The first is the liquidity of the parent company, which is the holding company that owns the banking and nonbanking subsidiaries. The second is the liquidity of the banking subsidiaries. The management of liquidity at both levels is essential because the parent company and banking subsidiaries each have different funding needs and sources, and each are subject to certain regulatory guidelines and requirements. Through ALCO, the Finance Committee is responsible for establishing our liquidity policy as well as approving operating and contingency procedures, and monitoring liquidity on an ongoing basis. Corporate Treasury is responsible for planning and executing our funding activities and strategy.

 

In order to ensure adequate liquidity through the full range of potential operating environments and market conditions, we conduct our liquidity management and business activities in a manner that will preserve and enhance funding stability, flexibility, and diversity. Key components of this operating strategy include a strong focus on customer-based funding, maintaining direct relationships with wholesale market funding providers, and maintaining the ability to liquefy certain assets when, and if requirements warrant.

 

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We develop and maintain contingency funding plans for both the parent company and bank liquidity positions. These plans evaluate our liquidity position under various operating circumstances and allow us to ensure that we would be able to operate through a period of stress when access to normal sources of funding is constrained. The plans project funding requirements during a potential period of stress, specify and quantify sources of liquidity, outline actions and procedures for effectively managing through the problem period, and define roles and responsibilities. They are reviewed and approved annually by ALCO.

 

Our borrowing costs and ability to raise funds are directly impacted by our credit ratings. The credit ratings of Bank of America Corporation and Bank of America, National Association (Bank of America, N.A.) and Fleet National Bank are reflected in the table below.

 

Table 4

 

Credit Ratings

 

     December 31, 2004

     Bank of America Corporation

   Bank of America, N.A.

   Fleet National Bank

     Senior
Debt


   Subordinated
Debt


   Commercial
Paper


   Short-term
Borrowings


   Long-term
Debt


   Short-term
Borrowings


   Long-term
Debt


Moody’s

   Aa2    Aa3    P-1    P-1    Aa1    P-1    Aa1

Standard & Poor’s

   A+    A    A-1    A-1+    AA-    A-1+    AA-

Fitch, Inc.

   AA-    A+    F1+    F1+    AA-    F1+    AA-

 

On February 1, 2005, Standard & Poor’s raised its credit ratings on Bank of America Corporation and its subsidiaries to AA- on senior debt, A+ on subordinated debt and A-1+ on commercial paper; Bank of America, N.A. to AA on long-term debt; and Fleet National Bank to AA on long-term debt.

 

Under normal business conditions, primary sources of funding for the parent company include dividends received from its banking and nonbanking subsidiaries, and proceeds from the issuance of senior and subordinated debt, as well as commercial paper and equity. Primary uses of funds for the parent company include repayment of maturing debt and commercial paper, share repurchases, dividends paid to shareholders, and subsidiary funding through capital or debt.

 

The parent company maintains a cushion of excess liquidity that would be sufficient to fully fund holding company and nonbank affiliate operations for an extended period during which funding from normal sources is disrupted. The primary measure used to assess the parent company’s liquidity is the “Time to Required Funding” during such a period of liquidity disruption. This measure assumes that the parent company is unable to generate funds from debt or equity issuance, receives no dividend income from subsidiaries, and no longer pays dividends to shareholders while continuing to meet nondiscretionary uses needed to maintain bank operations and repayment of contractual principal and interest payments owed by the parent company and affiliated companies. Under this scenario, the amount of time the parent company and its nonbank subsidiaries can operate and meet all obligations before the current liquid assets are exhausted is considered the “Time to Required Funding”. ALCO approves the target range set for this metric, in months, and monitors adherence to the target. Maintaining excess parent company cash that ensures that “Time to Required Funding” remains in the target range is the primary driver of the timing and amount of the Corporation’s debt issuances. As of December 31, 2004 “Time to Required Funding” was 29 months.

 

Primary sources of funding for the banking subsidiaries include customer deposits, wholesale market-based funding, and asset securitizations. Primary uses of funds for the banking subsidiaries include repayment of maturing obligations, and growth in the ALM and core asset portfolios, including loan demand.

 

ALCO determines prudent parameters for wholesale market-based borrowing and regularly reviews the funding plan for the bank subsidiaries to ensure compliance with these parameters. The contingency funding plan for the banking subsidiaries evaluates liquidity over a 12-month period in a variety of business environment scenarios assuming different levels of earnings performance and credit ratings as well as public and investor relations factors. Funding exposure related to our role as liquidity provider to certain off-balance sheet financing entities is also measured under a stress scenario. In this analysis, ratings are

 

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downgraded such that the off-balance sheet financing entities are not able to issue commercial paper and backup facilities that we provide are drawn upon. In addition, potential draws on credit facilities to issuers with ratings below a certain level are analyzed to assess potential funding exposure.

 

One ratio used to monitor the stability of our funding composition is the “loan to domestic deposit” (LTD) ratio. This ratio reflects the percent of Loans and Leases that are funded by domestic customer deposits, a relatively stable funding source. A ratio below 100 percent indicates that our loan portfolio is completely funded by domestic customer deposits. The ratio was 93 percent for 2004 compared to 98 percent for 2003. For further discussion, see Deposits and Other Funding Sources below.

 

We originate loans both for retention on our Balance Sheet and for distribution. As part of our “originate to distribute” strategy, commercial loan originations are distributed through syndication structures, and residential mortgages originated by Consumer Real Estate are frequently distributed in the secondary market. In connection with our balance sheet management activities, we may retain mortgage loans originated as well as purchase and sell loans based on our assessment of market conditions.

 

Deposits and Other Funding Sources

 

Deposits are a key source of funding. Table I on page 75 provides information on the average amounts of deposits and the rates paid by deposit category. Average Deposits increased $145.3 billion to $551.6 billion due to a $97.9 billion increase in average domestic interest-bearing deposits, a $31.1 billion increase in average noninterest-bearing deposits and a $16.3 billion increase in average foreign interest-bearing deposits. These increases included the $71.0 billion, $25.3 billion and $5.5 billion impact of the addition of FleetBoston domestic interest-bearing deposits, noninterest-bearing deposits and foreign interest-bearing deposits, respectively. We categorize our deposits into either core or market-based deposits. Core deposits, which are generally customer-based, are an important stable, low-cost funding source and typically react more slowly to interest rate changes than market-based deposits. Core deposits exclude negotiable CDs, public funds, other domestic time deposits and foreign interest-bearing deposits. Average core deposits increased $130.7 billion to $494.1 billion, a 36 percent increase from a year ago, which included $95.6 billion in average core deposits from the addition of FleetBoston. The increase was distributed between NOW and money market deposits, noninterest-bearing deposits, consumer CDs and IRAs, and savings. Average market-based deposit funding increased $14.6 billion to $57.5 billion. The increase was due to a $16.3 billion increase in foreign interest-bearing deposits offset by a $1.7 billion decrease in negotiable CDs, public funds and other domestic time deposits. These increases also reflected the $6.2 billion impact to average market-based deposit funding from the addition of FleetBoston market-based deposit funding. Deposits, on average, represented 53 percent and 54 percent of total sources of funds in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

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Table 5 summarizes average deposits by category.

 

Table 5

 

Average Deposits

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

   2003

Deposits by type

             

Domestic interest-bearing:

             

Savings

   $ 33,959    $ 24,538

NOW and money market accounts

     214,542      148,896

Consumer CDs and IRAs

     94,770      70,246

Negotiable CDs and other time deposits

     5,977      7,627
    

  

Total domestic interest-bearing

     349,248      251,307
    

  

Foreign interest-bearing:

             

Banks located in foreign countries

     18,426      13,959

Governments and official institutions

     5,327      2,218

Time, savings and other

     27,739      19,027
    

  

Total foreign interest-bearing

     51,492      35,204
    

  

Total interest-bearing

     400,740      286,511
    

  

Noninterest-bearing

     150,819      119,722
    

  

Total deposits

   $ 551,559    $ 406,233
    

  

Core and market-based deposits

             

Core deposits

   $ 494,090    $ 363,402

Market-based deposits

     57,469      42,831
    

  

Total deposits

   $ 551,559    $ 406,233
    

  

 

Additional sources of funds include short-term borrowings, Long-term Debt and Shareholders’ Equity. Average short-term borrowings, a relatively low-cost source of funds, were up $87.1 billion to $227.6 billion due to increases in securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $59.4 billion, commercial paper of $18.2 billion, notes payable of $8.6 billion and other short-term borrowings of $2.9 billion. These funds were used to fund asset growth or facilitate trading activities and were partially offset by a decrease of $2.0 billion in federal funds purchased. The increases in average short-term borrowings included the $4.0 billion, $274 million, $18 million, and $1.1 billion impact of the addition of FleetBoston securities sold under agreements to repurchase, commercial paper, notes payable and other short-term borrowings, respectively. Issuances and repayments of Long-term Debt were $21.3 billion and $16.9 billion, respectively, for 2004.

 

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Table 6

 

Short-term Borrowings

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 
(Dollars in millions)    Amount

   Rate

    Amount

   Rate

    Amount

   Rate

 

Federal funds purchased

                                       

At December 31

   $ 3,108    2.32 %   $ 2,356    0.84 %   $ 5,167    1.15 %

Average during year

     3,724    1.31       5,736    1.10       5,470    1.63  

Maximum month-end balance during year

     7,852    —         7,877    —         9,663    —    

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

                                       

At December 31

     116,633    2.85       75,690    1.12       59,912    1.44  

Average during year

     161,494    2.08       102,074    1.15       67,751    1.73  

Maximum month-end balance during year

     191,899    —         124,746    —         99,313    —    

Commercial paper

                                       

At December 31

     25,379    1.71       7,605    1.09       114    1.20  

Average during year

     21,178    1.45       2,976    1.29       1,025    1.73  

Maximum month-end balance during year

     26,486    —         9,136    —         1,946    —    

Other short-term borrowings

                                       

At December 31

     53,219    2.49       27,375    1.98       16,599    1.29  

Average during year

     41,162    1.73       29,672    2.02       24,231    2.90  

Maximum month-end balance during year

     53,756    —         46,635    —         33,549    —    

 

Obligations and Commitments

 

We have contractual obligations to make future payments on debt and lease agreements. Additionally, in the normal course of business, we enter into contractual arrangements whereby we commit to future purchases of products or services from unaffiliated parties. Obligations that are legally binding agreements whereby we agree to purchase products or services with a specific minimum quantity defined at a fixed, minimum or variable price over a specified period of time are defined as purchase obligations. Included in purchase obligations are vendor contracts of $4.9 billion, commitments to purchase securities of $3.3 billion and commitments to purchase loans of $3.8 billion. The most significant of our vendor contracts include communication services, processing services and software contracts. Other long-term liabilities include our obligations related to the Qualified Pension Plans, Nonqualified Pension Plans and Postretirement Health and Life Plans (the Plans). Obligations to the Plans are based on the current and projected obligations of the Plans, performance of the Plans’ assets and any participant contributions, if applicable. During 2004 and 2003, we contributed $303 million and $460 million, respectively, to the Plans, and we expect to make at least $150 million of contributions during 2005. Management believes the effect of the Plans on liquidity is not significant to our overall financial condition. Debt and lease obligations are more fully discussed in Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Table 7 presents total long-term debt and other obligations at December 31, 2004.

 

Table 7

 

Long-term Debt and Other Obligations

 

December 31, 2004                         
(Dollars in millions)   

Due in
1 year

or less


  

Due after
1 year
through

3 years


  

Due after
3 years
through

5 years


  

Due after

5 years


   Total

              

Long-term debt and capital leases(1)

   $ 9,511    $ 22,498    $ 17,298    $ 48,771    $ 98,078

Purchase obligations(2)

     7,970      1,551      1,303      1,186      12,010

Operating lease obligations

     1,373      2,136      1,543      3,384      8,436

Other long-term liabilities

     151      —        —        —        151
    

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 19,005    $ 26,185    $ 20,144    $ 53,341    $ 118,675
    

  

  

  

  


(1)   Includes principal payments only and capital lease obligations of $46.
(2)   Obligations that are legally binding agreements whereby we agree to purchase products or services with a specific minimum quantity defined at a fixed, minimum or variable price over a specified period of time are defined as purchase obligations.

 

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Many of our lending relationships contain both funded and unfunded elements. The funded portion is reflected on our Balance Sheet. The unfunded component of these commitments is not recorded on our Balance Sheet until a draw is made under the loan facility.

 

These commitments, as well as guarantees, are more fully discussed in Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The following table summarizes the total unfunded, or off-balance sheet, credit extension commitment amounts by expiration date. At December 31, 2004, charge cards (nonrevolving card lines) to individuals and government entities guaranteed by the U.S. government in the amount of $10.9 billion (related outstandings of $205 million) were not included in credit card line commitments in the table below.

 

Table 8

 

Credit Extension Commitments

 

December 31, 2004                         
(Dollars in millions)    Expires
in 1 year
or less


   Expires
after 1
year
through
3 years


   Expires
after 3
years
through
5 years


   Expires
after 5
years


   Total

              

Loan commitments(1)

   $ 111,412    $ 63,528    $ 53,056    $ 19,098    $ 247,094

Home equity lines of credit

     690      1,599      2,059      55,780      60,128

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees

     24,755      10,472      3,151      4,472      42,850

Commercial letters of credit

     5,374      52      20      207      5,653
    

  

  

  

  

Legally binding commitments

     142,231      75,651      58,286      79,557      355,725

Credit card lines

     177,286      8,175      —        —        185,461
    

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 319,517    $ 83,826    $ 58,286    $ 79,557    $ 541,186
    

  

  

  

  


(1)   Equity commitments of $2,052, of which $838 were acquired from FleetBoston, related to obligations to fund existing equity investments were included in loan commitments at December 31, 2004.

 

On- and Off-balance Sheet Financing Entities

 

Off-balance Sheet Commercial Paper Conduits

 

In addition to traditional lending, we also support our customers’ financing needs by facilitating their access to the commercial paper markets. These markets provide an attractive, lower-cost financing alternative for our customers. Our customers sell assets, such as high-grade trade or other receivables or leases, to a commercial paper financing entity, which in turn issues high-grade short-term commercial paper that is collateralized by the assets sold. Additionally, some customers receive the benefit of commercial paper financing rates related to certain lease arrangements. We facilitate these transactions and collect fees from the financing entity for the services it provides including administration, trust services and marketing the commercial paper.

 

We receive fees for providing combinations of liquidity, standby letters of credit (SBLCs) or similar loss protection commitments, and derivatives to the commercial paper financing entities. These forms of asset support are senior to the first layer of asset support provided by customers through over-collateralization or by support provided by third parties. The rating agencies require that a certain percentage of the commercial paper entity’s assets be supported by both the seller’s over-collateralization and our SBLC in order to receive their respective investment rating. The SBLC would be drawn on only when the over-collateralization provided by the seller is not sufficient to cover losses of the related asset. Liquidity commitments made to the commercial paper entity are designed to fund scheduled redemptions of commercial paper if there is a market disruption or the new commercial paper cannot be issued to fund the redemption of the maturing commercial paper. The liquidity facility has the same legal priority as the commercial paper. We do not enter into any other form of guarantee with these entities.

 

We manage our credit risk on these commitments by subjecting them to our normal underwriting and risk management processes. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Corporation had off-balance sheet liquidity

 

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commitments and SBLCs to these entities of $23.8 billion and $21.6 billion, respectively. Substantially all of these liquidity commitments and SBLCs mature within one year. These amounts are included in Table 8. Net revenues earned from fees associated with these off-balance sheet financing entities were approximately $80 million and $72 million for 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

From time to time, we may purchase some of the commercial paper issued by certain of these entities for our own account or acting as a dealer on behalf of third parties. Derivative instruments related to these entities are marked to market through the Consolidated Statement of Income. SBLCs are initially recorded at fair value in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees” (FIN 45). Liquidity commitments and SBLCs subsequent to inception are accounted for pursuant to SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” (SFAS 5), and are discussed further in Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51” (FIN 46), which provides a framework for identifying variable interest entities (VIEs) and determining when a company should include the assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests and results of activities of a VIE in its consolidated financial statements. We adopted FIN 46 on July 1, 2003 and consolidated approximately $12.2 billion of assets and liabilities related to certain of our multi-seller asset-backed commercial paper conduits (ABCP). On October 8, 2003, one of these entities, Ranger Funding Company (RFC) (formerly known as Receivables Capital Corporation), entered into a Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement (the Note) with an unrelated third party which reduced our exposure to this entity’s losses under liquidity and credit agreements as these agreements are senior to the Note. This Note was issued in the principal amount of $23 million, an original maturity of five years and pays interest at 23 percent. Proceeds from the issuance of the note were deposited into a separate account and may be used to cover losses incurred by RFC. Upon RFC’s issuance of this Note, we evaluated whether the Corporation continued to be the primary beneficiary of RFC and determined that the unrelated party which purchased the Note absorbed over 50 percent of the expected losses of RFC. We determined the amount of expected loss through mathematical analysis utilizing a Monte Carlo model that incorporates the cash flows from RFC’s assets and utilizes independent loss information. The noteholder is therefore the primary beneficiary of and is required to consolidate the entity. As a result of the sale of the Note, we deconsolidated approximately $8.0 billion of the previously consolidated assets and liabilities of the entity. The impact of this transaction on the Consolidated Statement of Income was the reduction in Interest Income of approximately $1 million and the reclassification of approximately $37 million from Net Interest Income to Noninterest Income for 2003. At December 31, 2004, this entity had total assets of $10.0 billion. Our exposure to this entity is included in the total amount of liquidity agreements and SBLCs noted above. There was no material impact to Net Income or Tier 1 Capital as a result of the adoption of FIN 46 or the subsequent deconsolidation of this entity, and prior periods were not restated. In December 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51” (FIN 46R), which is an update of FIN 46. We adopted FIN 46R as of March 31, 2004. As a result of the adoption of FIN 46R, there was no material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

On-balance Sheet Commercial Paper Conduits

 

In addition to the off-balance sheet financing entities previously described, we also utilize commercial paper conduits that have been consolidated based on our determination that we are the primary beneficiary of the entities in accordance with FIN 46R. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the consolidated assets and liabilities of these conduits were reflected in AFS Securities, Other Assets, and Commercial Paper and Other Short-term Borrowings in the Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking business segment. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, we held $7.7 billion and $5.6 billion, respectively, of assets of these entities while our maximum loss exposure associated with these entities, including unfunded lending commitments, was approximately $9.4 billion and $7.6 billion, respectively.

 

Qualified Special Purpose Entities

 

In addition, to control our capital position, diversify funding sources and provide customers with commercial paper investments, we will, from time to time, sell assets to off-balance sheet commercial paper entities. The commercial paper entities are Qualified Special Purpose Entities (QSPEs) that have been

 

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isolated beyond our reach or that of our creditors, even in the event of bankruptcy or other receivership. The accounting for these entities is governed by SFAS 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities – a replacement of FASB Statement No. 125” (SFAS 140), which provides that QSPEs are not included in the consolidated financial statements of the seller. Assets sold to the entities consist of high-grade corporate or municipal bonds, collateralized debt obligations and asset-backed securities. These entities issue collateralized commercial paper or notes with similar repricing characteristics to third party market participants and passive derivative instruments to us. Assets sold to the entities typically have an investment rating ranging from Aaa/AAA to Aa/AA. We may provide liquidity, SBLCs or similar loss protection commitments to the entity, or we may enter into derivatives with the entity in which we assume certain risks. The liquidity facility and derivatives have the same legal standing with the commercial paper.

 

The derivatives provide interest rate, currency and a pre-specified amount of credit protection to the entity in exchange for the commercial paper rate. These derivatives are provided for in the legal documents and help to alleviate any cash flow mismatches. In some cases, if an asset’s rating declines below a certain investment quality as evidenced by its investment rating or defaults, we are no longer exposed to the risk of loss. At that time, the commercial paper holders assume the risk of loss. In other cases, we agree to assume all of the credit exposure related to the referenced asset. Legal documents for each entity specify asset quality levels that require the entity to automatically dispose of the asset once the asset falls below the specified quality rating. At the time the asset is disposed, we are required to reimburse the entity for any credit-related losses depending on the pre-specified level of protection provided.

 

We also receive fees for the services we provide to the entities, and we manage any credit or market risk on commitments or derivatives through normal underwriting and risk management processes. Derivative activity related to these entities is included in Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Corporation had off-balance sheet liquidity commitments, SBLCs and other financial guarantees to the entities of $7.4 billion and $7.3 billion, respectively. Substantially all of these liquidity commitments, SBLCs and other financial guarantees mature within one year. These amounts are included in Table 8. Net revenues earned from fees associated with these entities were $61 million and $65 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

We generally do not purchase any of the commercial paper issued by these types of financing entities other than during the underwriting process when we act as issuing agent nor do we purchase any of the commercial paper for our own account. Derivative instruments related to these entities are marked to market through the Consolidated Statement of Income. SBLCs are initially recorded at fair value in accordance with FIN 45. Liquidity commitments and SBLCs subsequent to inception are accounted for pursuant to SFAS 5 and are discussed further in Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Credit and Liquidity Risks

 

Because we provide liquidity and credit support to the commercial paper conduits and QSPEs described above, our credit ratings and changes thereto will affect the borrowing cost and liquidity of these entities. In addition, significant changes in counterparty asset valuation and credit standing may also affect the liquidity of the commercial paper issuance. Disruption in the commercial paper markets may result in our having to fund under these commitments and SBLCs discussed above. We seek to manage these risks, along with all other credit and liquidity risks, within our policies and practices. See Notes 1 and 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of off-balance sheet financing entities.

 

Other Off-balance Sheet Financing Entities

 

To improve our capital position and diversify funding sources, we also sell assets, primarily loans, to other off-balance sheet QSPEs that obtain financing primarily by issuing term notes. We may retain a portion of the investment grade notes issued by these entities, and we may also retain subordinated interests in the entities which reduce the credit risk of the senior investors. We may provide liquidity support in the form of foreign exchange or interest rate swaps. We generally do not provide other forms of credit support to these entities. In addition to the above, we had significant involvement with VIEs other than the commercial paper conduits. These VIEs were not consolidated because we will not absorb a majority of the expected losses or expected residual returns and are therefore not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. These entities are described more fully in Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Capital Management

 

The final component of liquidity risk is capital management, which focuses on the level of Shareholders’ Equity. Shareholders’ Equity was $99.6 billion at December 31, 2004, an increase of $51.7 billion from December 31, 2003. This increase was driven by stock issued for the acquisition of FleetBoston of $46.8 billion, Net Income of $14.1 billion and Common Stock Issued Under Employee Plans and Related Tax Benefits of $3.9 billion, offset by dividends paid of $6.5 billion and common share repurchases of $6.3 billion. For additional information on common share repurchases, see Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. We will continue to repurchase shares, from time to time, in the open market or in private transactions through our previously approved repurchase plans.

 

During the second quarter of 2004, the Board approved a 2-for-1 stock split in the form of a common stock dividend and increased the quarterly cash dividend 12.5 percent from $0.40 to $0.45 per post-split share. The common stock dividend was effective August 27, 2004 to common shareholders of record on August 6, 2004 and the cash dividend was effective September 24, 2004 to common shareholders of record on September 3, 2004. All prior period common share and related per common share information has been restated to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split.

 

As part of the SVA calculation, equity is allocated to business units based on an assessment of risk. The allocated amount of capital varies according to the risk characteristics of the individual business segments and the products they offer. Capital is allocated separately based on the following types of risk: credit, market and operational. Average common equity allocated to business units was $69.3 billion and $31.4 billion in 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in average allocated common equity was primarily due to the Merger. Average unallocated common equity (not allocated to business units) was $14.7 billion and $17.7 billion in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

As a regulated financial services company, we are governed by certain regulatory capital requirements. The regulatory Tier 1 Capital ratio was 8.10 percent at December 31, 2004, an increase of 25 bps from a year ago, reflecting higher Tier 1 Capital partially offset by higher risk-weighted assets. The minimum Tier 1 Capital ratio required is four percent. As of December 31, 2004, we were classified as “well-capitalized” for regulatory purposes, the highest classification. For additional information on the regulatory capital ratios along with a description of the components of risk-based capital, capital adequacy requirements and prompt corrective action provisions, see Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The capital treatment of trust preferred securities (Trust Securities) is currently under review by the FRB due to the issuing trust companies being deconsolidated under FIN 46R. On May 6, 2004, the FRB proposed to allow Trust Securities to continue to qualify as Tier 1 Capital with revised quantitative limits that would be effective after a three-year transition period. As a result, we will continue to report Trust Securities in Tier 1 Capital. In addition, the FRB is proposing to revise the qualitative standards for capital instruments included in regulatory capital. The proposed quantitative limits and qualitative standards are not expected to have a material impact to our current Trust Securities position included in regulatory capital.

 

On July 28, 2004, the FRB and other regulatory agencies issued the Final Capital Rule for Consolidated Asset-backed Commercial Paper Program Assets (the Final Rule). The Final Rule allows companies to exclude from risk-weighted assets, the assets of consolidated ABCP conduits when calculating Tier 1 and Total Risk-based Capital ratios. The Final Rule also requires that liquidity commitments provided by the Corporation to ABCP conduits, whether consolidated or not, be included in the capital calculations. The Final Rule was effective September 30, 2004. There was no material impact to Tier 1 and Risk-based Capital as a result of the adoption of this rule.

 

Credit Risk Management

 

Credit risk is the risk of loss arising from a borrower’s or counterparty’s inability to meet its obligations. Credit risk exists in our outstanding loans and leases, derivatives, trading account assets and unfunded lending commitments that include loan commitments, letters of credit and financial guarantees. We define the credit exposure to a borrower or counterparty as the loss potential arising from all product classifications, including loans and leases, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees, derivative and

 

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trading account assets, assets held-for-sale and commercial letters of credit. For derivative positions, we use the current mark-to-market value to represent credit exposure without giving consideration to future mark-to-market changes. Our consumer and commercial credit extension and review procedures take into account credit exposures that are both funded and unfunded. For additional information on derivatives and credit extension commitments, see Notes 4 and 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

We manage credit risk based on the risk profile of the borrower or counterparty, repayment sources, the nature of underlying collateral, and other support given current events and conditions. We classify our Loans and Leases as either consumer or commercial and monitor their credit risk separately as discussed below.

 

Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management

 

Credit risk management for the consumer portfolio begins with initial underwriting and continues throughout a borrower’s credit cycle. Statistical techniques are used to establish product pricing, risk appetite, operating processes and metrics to balance risks and rewards. Consumer exposure is grouped by product and other attributes for purposes of evaluating credit risk. Statistical models are built using detailed behavioral information from external sources such as credit bureaus as well as internal historical experience. These models are essential to our consumer credit risk management process and are used, where applicable, in the determination of credit decisions, collections management procedures, portfolio management decisions, determination of the allowance for consumer loan and lease losses, and economic capital allocation for credit risk.

 

Table 9 presents outstanding consumer loans and leases for each year in the five-year period ending at December 31, 2004.

 

Table 9

 

Outstanding Consumer Loans and Leases

 

    December 31

   

FleetBoston

April 1, 2004


 
    2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

   
(Dollars in millions)   Amount

  Percent

    Amount

  Percent

    Amount

  Percent

    Amount

  Percent

    Amount

  Percent

    Amount

  Percent

 

Residential mortgage

  $ 178,103   54.3 %   $ 140,513   58.5 %   $ 108,197   54.8 %   $ 78,203   47.3 %   $ 84,394   44.7 %   $ 34,571   55.2 %

Credit card

    51,726   15.8       34,814   14.5       24,729   12.5       19,884   12.0       14,094   7.5       6,848   10.9  

Home equity lines

    50,126   15.3       23,859   9.9       23,236   11.8       22,107   13.4       21,598   11.5       13,799   22.1  

Direct/Indirect consumer

    40,513   12.3       33,415   13.9       31,068   15.7       30,317   18.4       29,859   15.8       6,113   9.8  

Other consumer(1)

    7,439   2.3       7,558   3.2       10,355   5.2       14,744   8.9       38,706   20.5       1,272   2.0  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total consumer loans and leases

  $ 327,907   100.0 %   $ 240,159   100.0 %   $ 197,585   100.0 %   $ 165,255   100.0 %   $ 188,651   100.0 %   $ 62,603   100.0 %
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)   Includes consumer finance of $3,395, $3,905, $4,438, $5,331 and $25,799 at December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively; foreign consumer of $3,563, $1,969, $1,970, $2,092 and $2,308 at December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively; and consumer lease financing of $481, $1,684, $3,947, $7,321 and $10,599 at December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 

Concentrations of Consumer Credit Risk

 

Our consumer credit risk is diversified through our geographic span, diversity of our franchise and our product offerings. In addition, credit decisions are statistically based with tolerances set to decrease the percentage of approvals as the risk profile increases.

 

We purchase credit protection on certain portions of our consumer portfolio. Beginning in 2003, we entered into several transactions to purchase credit protection on a portion of our residential mortgage loan portfolio. These transactions are designed to enhance our overall risk management strategy. In 2004, we entered into a similar transaction for a portion of our indirect automobile loan portfolio. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, approximately $88.7 billion and $63.4 billion of residential mortgage and indirect automobile loans were credit protected. Our regulatory risk-weighted assets were reduced as a result of these

 

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transactions because we transferred a portion of our credit risk to unaffiliated parties. These transactions had the cumulative effect of reducing our risk-weighted assets by $25.5 billion and $18.6 billion at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and resulted in 26 bp increases in our Tier 1 Capital ratio at both December 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

Consumer Portfolio Credit Quality Performance

 

Credit card charge-offs increased in 2004 as a result of organic card portfolio growth, continued seasoning of accounts and the return of previously securitized loans to the balance sheet. Consumer credit quality remained strong in all other categories.

 

As presented in Table 10, nonperforming consumer loans and leases increased $100 million to $738 million, and represented 0.23 percent of consumer loans and leases at December 31, 2004 compared to $638 million, representing 0.27 percent of consumer loans and leases at December 31, 2003. The increase in nonperforming consumer loans and leases was driven by loan growth and the addition of $127 million of nonperforming consumer loans and leases on April 1, 2004 related to FleetBoston, partially offset by consumer loan sales of $95 million. Broad-based growth in the consumer portfolio more than offset the increase in consumer nonperforming assets, resulting in an improvement in the nonperforming ratios.

 

Table 10

 

Nonperforming Consumer Assets(1)

 

     December 31

    FleetBoston
April 1, 2004


 
(Dollars in millions)    2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

   

Nonperforming consumer loans and leases

                                                

Residential mortgage

   $ 554     $ 531     $ 612     $ 556     $ 551     $ 55  

Home equity lines

     66       43       66       80       32       13  

Direct/Indirect consumer

     33       28       30       27       19       10  

Other consumer

     85       36       25       16       1,104       49  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total nonperforming consumer loans and leases

     738       638       733       679       1,706       127  

Consumer foreclosed properties

     69       81       99       334       182       —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total nonperforming consumer assets(2)

   $ 807     $ 719     $ 832     $ 1,013     $ 1,888     $ 127  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Nonperforming consumer loans and leases as a percentage of outstanding consumer loans and leases

     0.23 %     0.27 %     0.37 %     0.41 %     0.90 %     0.20 %

Nonperforming consumer assets as a percentage of outstanding consumer loans, leases and foreclosed properties

     0.25       0.30       0.42       0.61       1.00       0.20  
    


 


 


 


 


 



(1)   In 2004, $40 in Interest Income was estimated to be contractually due on nonperforming consumer loans and leases.
(2)   Balances do not include $28, $16, $41, $646 and $0 of nonperforming consumer loans held-for-sale, included in Other Assets at December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 

Credit card loans are charged off at 180 days past due or 60 days from notification of bankruptcy filing and are not classified as nonperforming. Unsecured consumer loans and deficiencies in non-real estate secured loans and leases are charged off at 120 days past due and not classified as nonperforming. Real estate secured consumer loans are placed on nonaccrual and classified as nonperforming at 90 days past due. The amount deemed uncollectible on real estate secured loans is charged off at 180 days past due.

 

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Table 11 presents the additions and reductions to nonperforming assets in the consumer portfolio during 2004 and 2003.

 

Table 11

 

Nonperforming Consumer Assets Activity

 

(Dollars in millions)    2004

    2003

 

Nonperforming loans and leases, and foreclosed properties

                

Balance, January 1

   $ 719     $ 832  
    


 


Additions to nonperforming assets:

                

FleetBoston balance, April 1, 2004

     127       —    

New nonaccrual loans and leases, and foreclosed properties

     1,476       1,583  

Transfers from assets held-for-sale(1)

     1       5  
    


 


Total additions

     1,604       1,588  
    


 


Reductions in nonperforming assets:

                

Paydowns and payoffs

     (376 )     (447 )

Sales

     (219 )     (265 )

Returns to performing status(2)

     (793 )     (878 )

Charge-offs(3)

     (128 )     (111 )
    


 


Total reductions

     (1,516 )     (1,701 )
    


 


Total net additions to (reductions in) nonperforming assets

     88       (113 )
    


 


Nonperforming consumer assets, December 31

   $ 807     $ 719  
    


 



(1)   Includes assets held-for-sale that were foreclosed and transferred to foreclosed properties.
(2)   Consumer loans are generally returned to performing status when principal or interest is less than 90 days past due.
(3)   Consumer credit card and consumer non-real estate loans and leases are not classified as nonperforming; therefore, the charge-offs on these loans are not included above.

 

On-balance sheet consumer loans and leases past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest totaled $1.2 billion at December 31, 2004. This amount included $1.1 billion of credit card loans. When the FleetBoston portfolio was acquired on April 1, 2004, it included consumer loans and leases past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest of $116 million including credit card loans of $98 million. At December 31, 2003, the comparable amount was $698 million, which included $616 million of credit card loans.

 

Nonperforming consumer asset sales in 2004 were $219 million, comprised of $95 million of nonperforming consumer loans and $124 million of consumer foreclosed properties. Nonperforming consumer asset sales in 2003 totaled $265 million, comprised of $141 million of nonperforming consumer loans and $124 million of consumer foreclosed properties.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2004, we sold $1.1 billion of credit card loans included in our held-for-sale portfolio that were acquired as part of the FleetBoston acquisition.

 

Table 12 presents consumer net charge-offs and net charge-off ratios for 2004 and 2003.

 

Table 12

 

Consumer Net Charge-offs and Net Charge-off Ratios(1)

 

     2004

    2003

 
(Dollars in millions)    Amount

   Percent

    Amount

   Percent

 

Residential mortgage

   $ 36    0.02 %   $ 40    0.03 %

Credit card

     2,305    5.31       1,514    5.37  

Home equity lines

     15    0.04       12    0.05  

Direct/Indirect consumer

     208    0.55       181    0.55  

Other consumer

     193    2.51       255    2.89  
    

        

      

Total consumer

   $ 2,757    0.93 %   $ 2,002    0.91 %
    

  

 

  


(1)   Percentage amounts are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans and leases during the year for each loan category.

 

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On-balance-sheet credit card net charge-offs increased $791 million to $2.3 billion in 2004. The $6.8 billion of credit card loans acquired from FleetBoston on April 1, 2004 accounted for $320 million in net charge-offs. Other causes of the increase in credit card charge-offs were organic growth, the continued seasoning of accounts, and the return of $4.2 billion of previously securitized loan balances to the balance sheet. Formerly securitized credit card loans are recorded on the balance sheet after the revolving period of the securitization, which has the effect of increasing loans on the balance sheet, increasing Net Interest Income, Provision for Credit Losses and net charge-offs, while reducing Noninterest Income.

 

Included in Other Assets were consumer loans held-for-sale of $6.1 billion and $6.8 billion at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Included in these balances were nonperforming consumer loans held-for-sale of $28 million and $16 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Commercial Portfolio Credit Risk Management

 

Credit risk management for the commercial portfolio begins with an assessment of the credit risk profile of the borrower or counterparty based on an analysis of the borrower’s or counterparty’s financial position. As part of the overall credit risk assessment of a borrower or counterparty, each commercial credit exposure or transaction is assigned a risk rating and is subject to approval based on defined credit approval standards. Subsequent to loan origination, risk ratings are monitored on an ongoing basis. If necessary, they are adjusted to reflect changes in the borrower’s or counterparty’s financial condition, cash flow or financial situation. We use risk rating aggregations to measure and evaluate concentrations within portfolios. Risk ratings are a factor in determining the level of assigned economic capital and the allowance for credit losses. In making decisions regarding credit, we consider risk rating, collateral, country, industry and single name concentration limits while also balancing the total borrower or counterparty relationship and SVA.

 

Our lines of business and Risk Management personnel use a variety of tools to continuously monitor a borrower’s or counterparty’s ability to perform under its obligations. Adjustments in credit exposures are made as a result of this ongoing analysis and review. Additionally, we utilize syndication of exposure to other entities, loan sales and other risk mitigation techniques to manage the size and risk profile of the loan portfolio.

 

Table 13 presents outstanding commercial loans and leases for each year in the five-year period ending at December 31, 2004.

 

Table 13

 

Outstanding Commercial Loans and Leases

 

    December 31

   

FleetBoston

April 1, 2004


 
    2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

   
(Dollars in millions)   Amount

  Percent

    Amount

  Percent

    Amount

  Percent

    Amount

  Percent

    Amount

  Percent

    Amount

  Percent

 

Commercial - domestic

  $ 122,095   62.9 %   $ 91,491   69.7 %   $ 99,151   68.3 %   $ 110,981   67.7 %   $ 138,367   68.0 %   $ 31,796   51.6 %

Commercial real estate(1)

    32,319   16.7       19,367   14.7       20,205   13.9       22,655   13.8       26,436   13.0       9,982   16.2  

Commercial lease financing

    21,115   10.9       9,692   7.4       10,386   7.2       11,404   7.0       11,888   5.8       10,720   17.4  

Commercial - foreign

    18,401   9.5       10,754   8.2       15,428   10.6       18,858   11.5       26,851   13.2       9,160   14.8  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total commercial loans and leases

  $ 193,930   100.0 %   $ 131,304   100.0 %   $ 145,170   100.0 %   $ 163,898   100.0 %   $ 203,542   100.0 %   $ 61,658   100.0 %
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)   Includes domestic commercial real estate loans of $31,879, $19,043, $19,910, $22,272 and $26,154 at December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively; and foreign commercial real estate loans of $440, $324, $295, $383 and $282 at December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 

Concentrations of Commercial Credit Risk

 

Portfolio credit risk is evaluated and managed with a goal that concentrations of credit exposure do not result in undesirable levels of risk. We review, measure, and manage concentrations of credit exposure by industry, product, geography and customer relationship. Distribution of Loans and Leases by loan size is an additional measure of the portfolio risk diversification. We also review, measure, and manage commercial real estate loans by geographic location and property type. In addition, within our international portfolio, we evaluate borrowings by region and by country. Tables 14 through 19 summarize these concentrations. These activities play an important role in managing credit risk concentrations and for other risk mitigation purposes.

 

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From the perspective of portfolio risk management, customer concentration management is most relevant in Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking. Within Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking, concentrations continue to be addressed through the underwriting and ongoing monitoring processes, the established strategy of “originate to distribute” and partly through the purchase of credit protection through credit derivatives. We utilize various risk mitigation tools to economically hedge our risk to certain credit counterparties. Credit derivatives are financial instruments that we purchase for protection against the deterioration of credit quality. At December 31, 2004, we had $13.1 billion of credit protection. The total cost of the premium of the credit derivatives portfolio was $84 million and $68 million for 2004 and 2003, respectively. Two widely used tools are credit default swaps and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) in which a layer of loss is sold to third parties. Earnings volatility increases due to accounting asymmetry as we mark to market the credit default swaps, as required by SFAS 133, and CLOs through Trading Account Profits, while the loans are recorded at historical cost less allowance for credit losses or, if held-for-sale, the lower of cost or market. The cost of credit portfolio hedges including the negative mark-to-market was $144 million and $330 million for 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Table 14 shows commercial utilized credit exposure by industry based on Standard & Poor’s industry classifications and includes commercial loans and leases, SBLCs and financial guarantees, derivatives, assets held-for-sale and commercial letters of credit. As shown in the following table, commercial utilized credit exposure is diversified across a range of industries.

 

Table 14

 

Commercial Utilized Credit Exposure by Industry

 

     December 31

   FleetBoston
April 1, 2004


(Dollars in millions)    2004

   2003

  

Real estate(1)

   $ 36,672    $ 22,228    $ 12,957

Diversified financials

     25,932      20,427      3,557

Banks

     25,265      25,088      1,040

Retailing

     23,149      15,152      6,539

Education and government

     17,429      13,919      1,629

Individuals and trusts

     16,110      14,307      2,627

Materials

     14,123      8,860      5,079

Consumer durables and apparel

     13,427      8,313      3,482

Leisure and sports, hotels and restaurants

     13,331      10,099      2,940

Transportation

     13,234      9,355      3,268

Healthcare equipment and services

     12,643      7,064      4,939

Capital goods

     12,633      8,244      4,355

Commercial services and supplies

     11,944      7,206      3,866

Food, beverage and tobacco

     11,687      9,134      2,552

Energy

     7,579      4,348      2,044

Media

     6,232      4,701      2,616

Insurance

     5,851      3,638      2,822

Religious and social organizations

     5,710      4,272      475

Utilities

     5,615      5,012      1,948

Food and staples retailing

     3,610      1,837      1,456

Technology hardware and equipment

     3,398      1,941      1,463

Software and services

     3,292      1,655      770

Telecommunication services

     3,030      2,526      883

Automobiles and components

     1,894      1,326      746

Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology

     994      466      590

Household and personal products

     371      302      195

Other

     3,132      1,474      3,751
    

  

  

Total

   $ 298,287    $ 212,894    $ 78,589
    

  

  


(1)   Industries are viewed from a variety of perspectives to best isolate the perceived risks. For purposes of this table, the real estate industry is defined based upon the borrowers’ or counterparties’ primary business activity using operating cash flow and primary source of repayment as key factors.

 

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Table 15 presents the non-real estate outstanding commercial loans and leases by industry. As shown in the table, the non-real estate commercial loan and lease portfolio is diversified across a range of industries.

 

Table 15

 

Non-real Estate Outstanding Commercial Loans and Leases by Industry

 

     December 31

   FleetBoston
April 1, 2004


(Dollars in millions)    2004

   2003

  

Retailing

   $ 16,908    $ 11,474    $ 4,287

Diversified financials

     12,454      6,469      2,135

Individuals and trusts

     12,357      10,510      2,681

Transportation

     11,135      7,715      2,806

Education and government

     10,134      7,874      1,155

Capital goods

     9,673      5,729      4,073

Materials

     9,547      5,704      4,191

Commercial services and supplies

     9,362      5,701      2,876

Food, beverage and tobacco

     9,344      6,942      2,326

Leisure and sports, hotels and restaurants

     8,987      7,477      2,488

Healthcare equipment and services

     7,972      4,052      3,460

Real estate(1)

     6,140      4,413      3,608

Energy

     4,627      2,516      1,740

Consumer durables and apparel

     4,564      2,161      2,269

Media

     4,468      2,821      2,566

Religious and social organizations

     3,951      2,975      431

Utilities

     3,274      2,635      1,431

Food and staples retailing

     2,701      1,364      1,349

Technology hardware and equipment

     2,482      1,260      1,142

Software and services

     2,430      948      713

Telecommunication services

     2,382      1,967      812

Banks

     2,044      1,199      454

Automobiles and components

     1,643      1,029      570

Insurance

     1,478      840      492

Other(2)

     1,554      6,162      1,621
    

  

  

Total

   $ 161,611    $ 111,937    $ 51,676
    

  

  


(1)   Commercial product loans and leases to borrowers in the real estate industry for which the ultimate source of repayment is not dependent on the sale, lease, rental or refinancing of real estate.
(2)   Other includes loans and leases to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, household and personal products industries. Reduction in the Other category was primarily attributable to a revision in the methodology for assigning industries to margin loan and commercial credit card exposure. These exposures were previously assigned to Other.

 

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Table of Contents

Table 16 presents outstanding commercial real estate loans by geographic region and by property type. The amounts outstanding exclude commercial loans and leases secured by owner-occupied real estate. Therefore, the amounts exclude outstanding loans and leases that were made on the general creditworthiness of the borrower for which real estate was obtained as security and for which the ultimate repayment of the credit is not dependent on the sale, lease, rental or refinancing of the real estate. As shown in the table, the commercial real estate loan portfolio is diversified in terms of geographic region and property type.

 

Table 16

 

Outstanding Commercial Real Estate Loans(1)

 

     December 31

   FleetBoston
April 1, 2004


(Dollars in millions)    2004

   2003

  

By Geographic Region(2)

                    

Northeast

   $ 6,700    $ 683    $ 3,732

California

     6,293      4,705      567

Florida

     3,562      2,663      215

Southeast

     3,448      2,642      387

Southwest

     3,265      2,725      389

Northwest

     2,038      1,976      68

Midwest

     1,860      1,431      347

Midsouth

     1,379      1,139      152

Other states(3)

     1,184      448      3,234

Geographically diversified

     2,150      631      769

Non-U.S.

     440      324      122
    

  

  

Total

   $ 32,319    $ 19,367    $ 9,982
    

  

  

By Property Type

                    

Residential

   $ 5,992    $ 3,631    $ 314

Office buildings

     5,434      3,431      2,649

Apartments

     4,940      3,411      1,687

Shopping centers/retail

     4,490      2,295      1,474

Land and land development

     2,388      1,494      155

Industrial/warehouse

     2,263      1,790      351

Hotels/motels

     909      548      531

Multiple use

     744      560      269

Resorts

     252      261      —  

Other

     4,907      1,946      2,552
    

  

  

Total

   $ 32,319    $ 19,367    $ 9,982
    

  

  


(1)   For purposes of this table, commercial real estate product reflects loans dependent on the sale, lease or refinance of real estate as the final source of repayment.
(2)   Distribution is based on geographic location of collateral. Geographic regions are in the U.S. unless otherwise noted.
(3)   The reduction in Other states subsequent to April 1, 2004 is the result of a more granular distribution of the FleetBoston portfolio to other geographic regions including the Northeast.

 

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Table of Contents

Foreign Portfolio

 

Table 17 sets forth total foreign exposure broken out by region at December 31, 2004 and 2003. Total foreign exposure is defined to include credit exposure, net of local liabilities, plus securities and other investments for all exposure with a country of risk other than the United States.

 

Table 17

 

Regional Foreign Exposure(1)

 

     December 31

   FleetBoston
April 1, 2004


(Dollars in millions)    2004

   2003

  

Europe

   $ 62,428    $ 39,496    $ 5,003

Latin America(2,3)

     10,823      5,791      7,568

Asia Pacific(2,4)

     10,736      9,547      443

Middle East

     527      584      82

Africa

     238      108      41

Other(5)

     5,327      4,374      865
    

  

  

Total

   $ 90,079    $ 59,900    $ 14,002
    

  

  


(1)   The balances above reflect the subtraction of local funding or liabilities from local exposures as allowed by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC).
(2)   Exposures for Latin America and Asia Pacific have been reduced by $196 and $14, respectively, at December 31, 2004, and $173 and $13, respectively, at December 31, 2003. Such amounts represent the fair value of U.S. Treasury securities held as collateral outside the country of exposure.
(3)   Includes Bermuda and Cayman Islands.
(4)   Includes Australia and New Zealand.
(5)   Other includes Canada and supranational entities.

 

Our total foreign exposure was $90.1 billion at December 31, 2004, an increase of $30.2 billion from December 31, 2003. Our foreign exposure was concentrated in Europe, which accounted for $62.4 billion, or 69 percent, of total foreign exposure. The increase in total foreign exposure is due to growth in Europe and the addition of exposure associated with FleetBoston. Growth of exposure in Europe during 2004 was mostly in Western Europe and was distributed across a variety of industries with the largest concentration in the banking sector that accounted for approximately 53 percent of the growth. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the United Kingdom and Germany were the only countries whose total cross-border outstandings exceeded 0.75 percent of our total assets. Our second largest foreign exposure was in Latin America, which accounted for $10.8 billion, or 12 percent, of total foreign exposure. Growth of exposure in Latin America during 2004 was due to the addition of operations associated with FleetBoston. Latin America, including Brazil and Argentina, may continue to experience economic, political and social uncertainties, which may impact market, credit, and transfer risk of this region. For more information on our Latin America exposure, see the discussion of emerging markets on page 52.

 

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As shown in Table 18, at December 31, 2004 and 2003, Germany had total cross-border exposure of $12.0 billion and $6.9 billion, respectively, representing 1.08 percent and 0.95 percent of total assets, respectively. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the United Kingdom had total cross-border exposure of $11.9 billion and $10.1 billion, respectively, representing 1.07 percent and 1.41 percent of total assets, respectively. The largest concentration of the exposure to both of these countries was with banks.

 

Table 18

 

Cross-border Exposure Exceeding One Percent of Total Assets(1,2)

 

(Dollars in millions)    December 31

   Public
Sector


   Banks

   Private
Sector


   Cross -
border
Exposure


   Exposure
as a Percentage
of Total Assets


 

Germany

   2004
2003
2002
   $
 
 
659
441
334
   $
 
 
6,251
3,436
2,898
   $
 
 
5,081
2,978
2,534
   $
 
 
11,991
6,855
5,766
   1.08
0.95
0.89
%
 
 

United Kingdom

   2004
2003
2002
   $
 
 
74
143
167
   $
 
 
3,239
3,426
2,492
   $
 
 
8,606
6,552
6,758
   $
 
 
11,919
10,121
9,417
   1.07
1.41
1.46
%
 
 

(1)   Exposure includes cross-border claims by our foreign offices as follows: loans, accrued interest receivable, acceptances, time deposits placed, trading account assets, securities, derivative assets, other interest-earning investments and other monetary assets. Amounts also include unused commitments, SBLCs, commercial letters of credit and formal guarantees. Sector definitions are based on the FFIEC instructions for preparing the Country Exposure Report.
(2)   The total cross-border exposure for Germany and United Kingdom at December 31, 2004 includes derivatives exposure of $3,641 and $2,564, respectively, against which we hold collateral totaling $1,477 and $1,788, respectively.

 

As shown in Table 19, at December 31, 2004, foreign exposure to borrowers or counterparties in emerging markets increased 42 percent to $15.5 billion, or 17 percent, of total foreign exposure, from $10.9 billion, or 18 percent, of total exposure at the end of 2003. At December 31, 2004, 58 percent of the emerging markets exposure was in Latin America compared to 42 percent at December 31, 2003. The increase in Latin America was attributable to the addition of the $6.7 billion FleetBoston portfolio on April 1, 2004. This growth was partially offset by continued reductions in Loans and Leases, and trading activity exposure in Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Our 24.9 percent investment in Grupo Financiero Santander Serfin (GFSS) accounted for $1.9 billion of reported exposure in Mexico.

 

The company’s largest exposure in Latin America was in Brazil. Our exposure in Brazil at December 31, 2004 and 2003, included $1.4 billion and $331 million, respectively, of traditional cross-border credit exposure (Loans and Leases, letters of credit, etc.), and $1.8 billion and $193 million, respectively, of local country exposure net of local liabilities. Nonperforming assets in Brazil were $38 million at December 31, 2004, compared to $39 million at December 31, 2003. For 2004 and 2003, net charge-offs totaled $59 million and $33 million, respectively.

 

We have risk mitigation instruments associated with certain exposures for Brazil, including structured trade transactions intended to mitigate transfer risk of $950 million and third party funding of $286 million, resulting in our total foreign exposure net of risk mitigation for Brazil of $2.2 billion.

 

Our exposure in Argentina at December 31, 2004 and 2003, included $286 million and $135 million, respectively, of traditional cross-border credit exposure (Loans and Leases, letters of credit, etc.), and $16 million and $24 million, respectively, of local country exposure net of local liabilities. Also included in Argentina’s December 31, 2004 balance were $89 million of securities. At December 31, 2004, Argentina nonperforming assets, including securities, were $350 million compared to $107 million at December 31, 2003. For 2004, net recoveries for Argentina totaled $3 million compared to net charge-offs of $82 million in 2003.

 

At December 31, 2004, 41 percent of the emerging markets exposure was in Asia Pacific compared to 55 percent at December 31, 2003. Asia Pacific emerging markets exposure was largely unchanged. Increases in Taiwan and Hong Kong were offset by decreases in South Korea, Singapore and Other Asia Pacific. The increase in Taiwan was attributable to higher short-term placements with other financial institutions, and commercial loans and leases. The increase in Hong Kong was due to higher swaps and derivatives exposure to other financial institutions. Higher commercial loans and leases also contributed to the increase in Hong Kong.

 

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Table 19 sets forth regional foreign exposure to selected countries defined as emerging markets.

 

Table 19

 

Selected Emerging Markets(1)

 

(Dollars in millions)   Loans
and
Leases, and
Loan
Commitments


  Other
Financing(2)


  Derivative
Assets


  Securities/
Other
Investments(3,4)


  Total
Cross-
border
Exposure(5)


  Local
Country
Exposure
Net of
Local
Liabilities(6)


  Total
Foreign
Exposure
December 31,
2004


  Increase/
(Decrease)
from
December 31,
2003


    Fleet-
Boston
April 1,
2004


Region/Country

                                                       

Latin America

                                                       

Brazil

  $ 1,179   $ 268   $ 19   $ 122   $ 1,588   $ 1,837   $ 3,425   $ 2,754     $ 3,838

Mexico(7)

    578     148     136     2,004     2,866     —       2,866     83       570

Chile

    215     122     1     3     341     839     1,180     1,049       1,186

Argentina

    181     105     —       89     375     16     391     80       542

Other Latin America(8)

    311     180     144     248     883     192     1,075     358       579
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Total Latin America

    2,464     823     300     2,466     6,053     2,884     8,937     4,324       6,715
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Asia Pacific

                                                       

India

    311     268     140     225     944     548     1,492     (73 )     9

South Korea

    290     477     89     213     1,069     314     1,383     (235 )     158

Taiwan

    214     114     82     42     452     875     1,327     786