First Bancorp Reports Earnings for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2008

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- First BanCorp (the "Corporation") reported net income for the second quarter ended on June 30, 2008, of $33.0 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, compared with $23.8 million or $0.16 per diluted share for the same quarter of 2007, an increase of 39%. The Corporation's return on average assets (ROA) and return on average common equity (ROCE) for the second quarter of 2008 were 0.72% and 10.29%, respectively, compared with 0.56% and 7.05%, respectively, for the quarter ended on June 30, 2007. Total assets increased to $18.8 billion at June 30, 2008 from $17.2 billion at December 31, 2007. This press release should be read in conjunction with the accompanying tables (Exhibit A) which are an integral part of this analysis.

"First BanCorp's net interest margin and consumer delinquency trends in both residential mortgage and automobile financing improved during the quarter in spite of the adverse economic environment. The retail and commercial business sectors continue to grow as a result of the successful implementation of the business strategies and more rational competition in Puerto Rico," commented Luis M. Beauchamp, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of First BanCorp.

"We remain watchful and cautious with the continuing slowdown in the economy and the challenges and effects on the market, quality of the loan portfolios, loan reserves and capital level requirements. Consequently, asset quality and proactive loan portfolios management are our main focus at the Corporation. The initiatives developed and implemented in the last two and a half years to strengthen our credit policies and enhance our collection practices have paid off, and as a result, the non-performing residential and auto loan portfolios have stabilized and consumer loan charge-offs have decreased," continued Mr. Beauchamp.

Mr. Beauchamp closed by stating, "First BanCorp continues to be strongly capitalized with a total regulatory capital ratio of approximately 13%, with adequate liquidity, and remains focused on implementing its business initiatives to further strengthen the franchise."

The following summarizes First BanCorp's significant achievements with regards to its banking operations in Puerto Rico conducted by FirstBank Puerto Rico ("FBPR"):

-- Retail Core Products: Most of the retail growth has been driven by core retail products, including demand deposit accounts ("DDA") and credit cards. In terms of deposit accounts FBPR has added more than 44,000 new accounts since the beginning of the year. Credit card accounts, which are issued under the FBPR name through an alliance with FIA Card Services (Bank of America), who bears the credit risk, grew 110% from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008 mainly as a result of the acquisition by FIA of the Citibank Puerto Rico credit card portfolio.

The Corporation improved its total deposits market position (excluding brokered certificates of deposit), among banking institutions in Puerto Rico, to number 3, (8.38% market share), from number 4, (7.70% market share), at December 31, 2007 and number 6, (6.33% market share), at September 30, 2007. Total deposits in Puerto Rico increased by approximately $278.6 million compared to the balance as of December 31, 2007. The increase in deposits includes a net core deposits increase of approximately $273 million.

-- Expanding Commercial Segment: To increase core deposits as well as non-interest income, FBPR re-launched Business Plus, a combined checking and line of credit product targeting small businesses, achieving great results. Account openings since the product re-launch increased by 42%, from an average monthly opening of 140 accounts to an average monthly opening of 199 accounts and the commercial deposit portfolio grew by approximately $94.5 million or 32% from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008.

-- One-Stop Shop Strategy: This strategy of providing a complete array of financial products and services to all customers in the individual, commercial and corporate segments has been very effective with latest statistics showing an increase in cross-selling referrals of 56% during the first half of 2008 while the closing rate on these referrals has increased 28%. The credit card alliance with FIA Card Services (Bank of America) allowed the Corporation access to 190,000 new customers, providing additional fee income and the opportunity to cross-sell additional products and services to this customer base.

-- Customer Satisfaction and Branding: Key to this growth is FBPR's competitive advantage in customer satisfaction and service as evidenced by market research studies, conducted internally, where FBPR obtains the highest score in: Overall Satisfaction; Products/Services; Telephone Service; and Ease of Doing Business, all key elements to attract and retain customers. Also, FBPR continues to make inroads in terms of brand awareness and equity building. In our most recent studies FBPR was ranked third in brand awareness among the 11 banks in the market. Likewise, recent marketing initiatives have continued to strengthen FBPR's service and value perceptions.

-- Business Rationalization: The Corporation continues to be committed to its cost reduction efforts and has been able to stabilize its operating expenses despite the expansion of its operations, increases in salaries and wages to retain our most important asset, our employees, increases in energy costs and increases in foreclosure related expenses as a result of the deterioration in the Puerto Rico and U.S. economies. Business Rationalization will now become a corporate-wide initiative extended to all business segments and all geographic markets served by the Corporation. Also, the Corporation remains focused on opportunities to enhance its non-interest income.

Fernando Scherrer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, commented on the Corporation's financial results, "The re- structuring of the investment portfolio, which began in late 2007 amid a more normal interest rate curve environment, along with some correction of the abnormal spread between brokered CD rates and LIBOR rates, has helped improve the Corporation's net interest income. We continue to closely monitor the risks associated with the market turmoil in search for income enhancing and funding cost reducing opportunities, while controlling risks to the franchise, including interest rate risk," continued Mr. Scherrer.

SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL REVIEW Net Interest Income Second Quarter 2008 compared to Second Quarter 2007

Net interest income increased 15% to $134.6 million for the second quarter of 2008 from $117.2 million in the second quarter of 2007. The increase in net interest income reflects the effect of both changes in interest rates and changes in the mix and volume of the Corporation's balance sheet. The decrease in short-term interest rates resulted in the call by counterparties of approximately $1.4 billion of interest rate swaps used by the Corporation to convert fixed-rate brokered certificates of deposit ("CDs") to a floating rate, during the second quarter of 2008 ($2.4 billion for the first half of 2008). Following the cancellation of these swaps, the Corporation exercised its call option on approximately $1.3 billion swapped-to-floating brokered CDs ($2.4 billion for the first half of 2008). The current interest rate scenario has allowed the Corporation to replace brokered CDs that matured or were called with brokered CDs having lower rates than the brokered CDs that were hedged with interest rate swaps and, to a lesser extent, with other lower cost borrowings such as FHLB advances. This has reduced the overall cost of funding. By reducing the exposure to swapped-to-floating interest rate swaps that hedged brokered CDs, the Corporation locked in interest rates for longer periods, thus reducing interest rate risk.

The drop in rates in the long end of the yield curve adversely affected interest income due to the early redemption through call exercises in the second quarter of 2008 of approximately $1.1 billion of U.S. Agency debentures with an average yield of 5.87% ($1.2 billion for the first half of 2008 with an average yield of 5.88%). In spite of this, and given market opportunities, the Corporation bought U.S. government sponsored agencies mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") amounting to $2.2 billion at an average yield of 5.50% during the second quarter of 2008 ($3.2 billion at an average yield of 5.44% for the first half of 2008), which is significantly higher than the cost of borrowings used to finance the purchase of such assets. The increase in the volume of the investment portfolio also contributed to a higher net interest income during the first half of 2008. Average earning assets increased by approximately $1.1 billion for the second quarter of 2008, as compared to the same period in 2007.

Meanwhile, net interest income was adversely affected by lower yields in the loan portfolio attributed to the re-pricing of variable rate commercial and construction loans tied to short-term indexes, the increase in the balance of non-performing loans, and market disruptions in the U.S. mainland which have increased the spread between the interest rates on Brokered CDs and LIBOR/swap rates and have kept the Corporation from capturing the full benefit of the decrease in interest rates in the wholesale funding source.

Second Quarter 2008 compared to First Quarter 2008 (Trailing Quarter Comparison)

The increase in net interest income of $10.1 million for the second quarter of 2008, as compared to the previous trailing quarter ended on March 31, 2008, resulted from the above mentioned changes in rates, shift in the balance sheet composition and increase in the average volume of interest earning assets as well as a higher net unrealized gain on the valuation of derivatives and financial liabilities measured at fair value. Net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis increased to 3.28% from 3.09% for the first quarter of 2008 as the decrease in the overall cost of funding due to lower short-term rates offset lower loan yields.

Non-Interest Income Second Quarter 2008 compared to Second Quarter 2007

Non-interest income increased 10% to $12.0 million for the second quarter of 2008 from $10.9 million for the same period a year ago. This is due to a combination of factors, including lower other-than-temporary impairment charges on equity securities, an increase in point of sale (POS) and ATM interchange fee income and a recovery in value of servicing rights. For the second quarter of 2008, other-than-temporary impairment charges on investment securities amounted to $0.5 million, compared to a $1.4 million charge recorded for the same period a year ago. POS and ATM interchange fee income increased by approximately $0.7 million, based on a change in the calculation of interchange fees charged between financial institutions in Puerto Rico from the fixed fee calculation to a percentage of the sale amount since the second half of 2007. Recent increases in long-term rates and lower prepayment rates caused a recovery of $0.7 million in the value of servicing rights for the second quarter of 2008, as compared to $0.1 million for the comparable period a year ago. The above mentioned factors were partially offset by a decrease of $1.0 million in fees and service charges on loans, primarily related to certain non-ordinary transactions recorded during the second quarter of last year including an income of $0.5 million related to syndication fees on a commercial loan and fees of approximately $0.6 million in connection to a credit card portfolio servicing agreement. This interim servicing agreement was related to a credit card portfolio sold by the Corporation early in 2007.

Second Quarter 2008 compared to First Quarter 2008 (Trailing Quarter Comparison)

Compared to the first quarter of 2008, non-interest income decreased 59% to $12.0 million from $29.4 million. The previous trailing quarter includes a one-time gain of $9.3 million on the mandatory redemption of part of the Corporation's investment in VISA as part of VISA's Initial Public Offering (IPO) in March 2008, and a realized gain of $6.9 million on the sale of fixed- rate MBS. In addition, the decrease in non-interest income, as compared to the first quarter of 2008, is attributable to the recognition of other-than- temporary impairment charges of $0.5 million on certain equity securities. No other-than-temporary impairment charges on investments were recorded in the first quarter of 2008.

Non-Interest Expenses Second Quarter 2008 compared to Second Quarter 2007

Non-interest expenses increased 11% to $81.8 million for the second quarter of 2008 from $73.5 million for the same period a year ago. Expenses increased primarily due to higher foreclosure-related expenses, deposit insurance premium payments, employees compensation and benefits and occupancy and equipment expenses. Foreclosure-related expenses increased by approximately $2.9 million, mainly associated with repairs, maintenance, insurance and legal expenses for foreclosed properties in the Miami Agency and includes valuation adjustments amounting to approximately $0.7 million for the second quarter of 2008 on certain residential and commercial income properties in Puerto Rico. Deposit insurance premium expenses increased by $2.0 million because of the new assessment system adopted by the FDIC effective in 2007. Employees compensation and benefit expenses increased by $1.6 million, primarily due to a higher average compensation and related fringe benefits. Occupancy and equipment expenses increased by $1.0 million primarily due to higher software and leasehold improvements amortization associated with the expansion of the Corporation's operations. The Corporation's efficiency ratio (defined in note 2 to Table 1 attached hereto) for the second quarter of 2008 and first half of 2008 was 55.77% and 54.57%, respectively, compared to 57.33% and 58.47% for the same periods a year ago.

Second Quarter 2008 compared to First Quarter 2008 (Trailing Quarter Comparison)

Non-interest expenses decreased $0.4 million for the second quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2008. This is mainly attributable to lower employees' compensation and benefit expenses as a result of, among other things, lower than estimated costs on the previously reported voluntary separation program. The Corporation has been able to continue the expansion of its operations without incurring substantial additional operating expenses.

Net Income Six-months ended June 30, 2008 compared to Six-months ended June 30, 2007

For the first six months of 2008, the Corporation's net income amounted to $66.6 million, or $0.50 per diluted common share. Net income for the same period in 2007 was $46.6 million, or $0.32 per diluted common share, or an increase of 43%. The increase in earnings is associated with a net interest income increase of $24.4 million due to declining short-term interest rates and the steepening of the yield curve, an income tax benefit of $17.2 million for the first half of 2008 compared to an income tax expense of $12.4 million for the corresponding period of 2007 (refer to Income Taxes discussion below for additional information) and the previously mentioned investments-related gains recorded in the first quarter of 2008. The impact of these transactions was partially diluted, when compared to the first half of 2007, by gains of $2.8 million on the sale of a credit card portfolio and $2.5 million on the partial extinguishment and recharacterization of a secured commercial loan to a local financial institution that was recognized in the first half of 2007.

Also financial results for the first half of 2008, as compared to the same period a year ago, were adversely affected by the deterioration in the credit quality of the loan portfolio and increases in general reserves to reflect weakening economic and housing market conditions, as well as higher foreclosure-related and deposit premium expenses due to reasons discussed above. Total provision for loan and lease losses and foreclosure-related expenses increased by $37.6 million and $5.9 million, respectively, for the first half of 2008, as compared to the same period a year ago.

Credit Quality and Allowance for Loan and Lease losses

The following table sets forth an analysis of the allowance for loan and lease losses during the periods indicated:

Quarter Ended Six-Month Period Ended June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30, (Dollars in thousands) 2008 2008 2007 2008 2007 Allowance for loan and lease losses, beginning of period $210,495 $190,168 $161,419 $190,168 $158,296 Provision for loan and lease losses 41,323 45,793 24,628 87,116 49,542 Loans net charged-offs: Residential real estate (1,129) (1,239) (1,102) (2,368) (1,266) Commercial and Construction (13,391) (7,957) (2,411) (21,348) (5,437) Finance leases (1,661) (2,372) (2,013) (4,033) (3,951) Consumer (13,365) (13,898) (15,512) (27,263) (32,175) Net charge-offs (29,546) (25,466) (21,038) (55,012) (42,829) Allowance for loan and lease losses, end of period $222,272 $210,495 $165,009 $222,272 $165,009 Allowance for loan and lease losses to period end total loans receivable 1.82% 1.74% 1.47% 1.82% 1.47% Net charge-offs (annualized) to average loans outstanding during the period 0.97% 0.85% 0.75% 0.91% 0.77% Provision for loan and lease losses to net charge-offs during the period 1.40x 1.80x 1.17x 1.58x 1.16x

Total non-performing loans as of June 30, 2008 were $448.5 million compared to $421.5 million as of March 31, 2008 and $413.1 million as of December 31, 2007. The increase of 6% in the non-performing loans balance for the second quarter of 2008, as compared to the balance as of March 31, 2008 was mainly associated with an increase of $44.8 million in the non-performing commercial loan portfolio (other than construction loans), partially offset by lower construction and consumer loans in non accrual status. The increase in non-accruing commercial loans is related to continuing adverse economic conditions in Puerto Rico and the classification as non-accrual during the second quarter of 2008 of certain previously identified impaired loans, including a participation in a syndicated commercial loan in the U.S. Virgin Islands with a carrying value of $13.0 million as of June 30, 2008, net of a charge-off of $9.1 million recorded in the second quarter of 2008. The charge- off was lower than the reserve amount of $11.9 million, provided for during the first quarter of 2008, as the loss in this relationship will be lower than originally estimated given recent negotiations for the settlement of the loan.

Non-accruing construction loans decreased mainly as a result of the sale of one of the impaired loans in the previously reported impaired relationship in the Miami Agency. The loan's carrying amount was $21.8 million (net of an impairment of $2.4 million) and was sold for $22.5 million. Also, during the second quarter of 2008, the Corporation added a net of approximately $3.8 million to its other real estate owned (OREO) portfolio, as a result of collateral repossessed in settlement of another of the loans in this impaired relationship. As of June 30, 2008, and as a result of the transactions completed during the fourth quarter of 2007 and first half of 2008, there were no outstanding loans associated with this relationship in the Miami Agency and the carrying amount of OREO resulting from related-foreclosures was $18.6 million. The reduction to $18.6 million is a significant decrease in the balance of this impaired relationship from the $60.5 million balance when it was identified as impaired during the first half of 2007. As of the date of this press release, the Corporation has identified interested purchasers for the remaining two foreclosed properties. However, the Corporation cannot predict whether the properties will be ultimately sold to these parties.

The decrease in non-accruing consumer loans resulted from successful collection efforts and net charge-offs of approximately $13.4 million and $27.3 million for the second quarter and first half of 2008, respectively. Consumer loans delinquencies have shown signs of improvements, particularly in the auto loan portfolio, and the net charge offs to average loans ratio on the consumer portfolio (including finance leases) improved during the quarter to 3.02% from 3.20% for the first quarter of 2008.

The balance of non-accruing residential mortgage loans remained stable, as compared to the balance as of March 31, 2008, due to improved collection efforts and to some extent to the impact of loans modified through the loan loss mitigation program that were returned to accruing status as borrowers have made consistent payments over a sustained period. Initiatives implemented since late 2005 directed to strengthening the Corporation's credit policies, as well as the implementation of loss mitigation initiatives, have begun to pay off. Since the inception of the loan loss mitigation program in the third quarter of 2007, the Corporation has completed approximately 295 loan modifications with an outstanding balance of approximately $50.6 million. Of this amount approximately $37.0 million were eligible to be returned to accruing status and $22.3 million have been returned to accruing status after a sustained period of repayments.

The provision for loan and lease losses amounted to $41.3 million or 140% of net charge-offs for the second quarter of 2008 compared to $24.6 million or 117% of net charge-offs for the second quarter of 2007 and $45.8 million or 180% of net charge-offs for the first quarter of 2008. The increase, as compared to the second quarter of 2007, is mainly attributable to additional reserves allocated to commercial and construction loans as well as increases to the reserve factors for potential losses inherent in the loans portfolio associated with the weakening economic conditions in Puerto Rico and the slowdown in the United States housing sector and the increase in the overall volume of the loan portfolio. Increases to reserve factors due to economic conditions in Puerto Rico include higher provisions for the residential mortgage loan portfolio. When compared to the first quarter of 2008, the provision for loan and lease losses decreased primarily due to lower specific reserve charges on new impaired loans identified during this quarter. Also, there was a decrease in consumer and finance leases charge-offs, as compared to the previous trailing quarter.

The Corporation's net charge-offs for the second quarter of 2008 were $29.5 million or 0.97% of average loans on an annualized basis, compared to $21.0 million or 0.75% of average loans on an annualized basis for the same period in 2007. The increase in net charge-offs for the second quarter of 2008, compared to the same period in 2007, was mainly associated with the Corporation's commercial and construction loan portfolio including the $9.1 million charge-off related to the previously reported participation in a syndicated commercial loan collateralized by a marina, commercial real estate, and a high-end apartment complex in the U.S. Virgin Islands and $2.4 million in charge-offs related to the above mentioned repossession and sale of loans in the Miami Agency. Notwithstanding this increase, the Corporation experienced a decrease in net charge-offs for consumer loans, which amounted to $13.4 million for the second quarter of 2008, as compared to $15.5 million for the second quarter of 2007 and $13.9 million for the previous trailing quarter ended on March 31, 2008.

"Changes in underwriting standards implemented for the consumer business since late 2005 have resulted in positive trends in consumer delinquencies as this portfolio, with an average life of approximately four years, continue to be replenished by new originations under the revised standards," commented Aurelio Aleman, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation.

The following table presents annualized charge-offs to average loans held- in-portfolio:

For the For the For the For the For the Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended June 30, March 31, December September June 30, 2008 2008 31, 2007 30, 2007 2007 Residential mortgage loans (1) 0.14% 0.16% -0.05% 0.01% 0.15% Commercial and Construction loans 0.78% 0.48% 0.37% 0.19% 0.16% Consumer loans (2) 3.02% 3.20% 3.57% 3.56% 3.31% Total loans 0.97% 0.85% 0.85% 0.77% 0.75% (1) Loan recoveries for the fourth quarter 2007 exceeded loan charge-offs. (2) Includes Lease Financing. Income Taxes

Income tax benefit amounted to $9.5 million for the second quarter of 2008 compared to an income tax expense of $6.2 million for the second quarter of 2007. The positive change was mainly due to the reversal of $10.6 million of Unrecognized Tax Benefits ("UTBs") for positions taken on income tax returns recorded under the provisions of Financial Interpretation ("FIN") 48. Higher deferred tax benefits were recorded, as compared to the second quarter of 2007, in connection to a higher provision for loan and lease losses and also the current provision, excluding the reversal of the FIN 48 contingency, decreased due to lower taxable income for the second quarter 2008 as compared to the same period in prior year.

Financial Condition and Operating Data

The Corporation's total assets as of June 30, 2008 amounted to $18.8 billion as compared to $17.2 billion as of December 31, 2007, an increase of $1.6 billion. This is mainly attributable to the increase in the Corporation's portfolio of MBS resulting from the purchase of approximately $3.2 billion during the first half of 2008 as market conditions presented an opportunity for the Corporation to obtain attractive yields, improve its net interest margin and mitigate the impact of $1.2 billion U.S. Agency debentures called by counterparties. Also, the increase in total assets, as compared to the balance as of December 31, 2007, was related to the increase of the loan portfolio of $450.3 million (before allowance for loan and lease losses) driven by new originations. Total loan production for the quarter and six- month period ended on June 30, 2008 was $1.0 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively, compared to $932.8 million and $1.9 billion for the comparable periods in 2007.

Over 95% of the Corporation's securities portfolio is invested in U.S. Government and Agency debentures and mortgage-backed securities, which are rated AAA by a nationally recognized rating agency or that carry an implicit AAA rating. Principal of these securities is guaranteed by either the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government or by a Government Sponsored Entity (U.S. Government Agency).

As of June 30, 2008, total liabilities amounted to $17.4 billion, an increase of approximately $1.6 billion, as compared to $15.8 billion as of December 31, 2007. The increase in total liabilities was mainly attributed to a higher volume of securities sold under repurchase agreements aligned with the increase in MBS. In addition, total liabilities increased due to a higher volume of deposits, an increase of $493.3 million compared to the balance as of December 31, 2007. The Corporation has been able to attract clients by offering competitive rates and additional interest-bearing products. In terms of core deposit accounts, the Corporation has added more than 44,000 new accounts since the beginning of 2008. Other sources of funding, including FHLB advances increased by $357.0 million, as compared to December 31, 2007, reflecting the use of alternative sources to replace brokered CDs that matured or were called and to finance lending activities.

The Corporation's stockholders' equity amounted to $1.4 billion as of June 30, 2008, a decrease of $20.0 million compared to the balance as of December 31, 2007. The decrease in stockholders' equity as of June 30, 2008 is mainly attributable to net unrealized losses of $53.5 million on the fair value of available-for-sale securities recorded as part of comprehensive income in connection to recent decreases in MBS prices. Also, dividends declared during the first half of 2008 amounted to $33.1 million. These factors were partially offset by the net income of $66.6 million recorded for the first half of 2008.

Liquidity and Capital

The Corporation maintains a basic surplus (cash, short-term assets minus short-term liabilities, and secured lines of credit) in excess of a 5% self- imposed minimum limit over total assets. As of June 30, 2008, the basic surplus ratio of approximately 5.22% included un-pledged assets, Federal Home Loan Bank lines of credit, and cash. Access to regular and customary sources of funding have remained unrestricted, including the repurchase agreements given the liquidity and credit quality of the securities held in portfolio. The Corporation does not include and does not rely on uncommitted inter-bank lines of credit (federal funds lines) to fund its operations or loan portfolios. The Corporation's exposure to non-rated or sub-prime mortgage- backed securities is not material; therefore, it is not subject to liquidity threats stemming from such exposure.

Based on its capital position, the Corporation does not need to raise additional capital. Its estimated total regulatory capital ratio will be approximately 300 basis points above established regulatory minimums to be "well capitalized."

Dividends

In terms of dividend payments, the Corporation is confident, based on internal forecasts for 2008, that it will be able to continue paying the current dividend amounts to common, preferred and trust preferred shareholders.

Recent Developments

On June 30, 2008, the Corporation announced that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, under the delegated authority of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, elected to terminate the Order to Cease and Desist imposed on the Corporation dated March 16, 2006, relating to the mortgage- related transactions with other financial institutions. With the termination of this Order to Cease and Desist, all regulatory orders imposed on the Corporation as a result of the restatement process have been terminated.

About First BanCorp

First BanCorp is the parent corporation of FirstBank Puerto Rico, a state- chartered commercial bank with operations in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Florida; of FirstBank Insurance Agency; and of Ponce General Corporation. First BanCorp, FirstBank Puerto Rico and FirstBank Florida, the thrift subsidiary of Ponce General, all operate within U.S. banking laws and regulations. The Corporation operates a total of 185 branches, stand-alone offices and in-branch service centers throughout Puerto Rico, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and Florida. Among the subsidiaries of FirstBank Puerto Rico are Money Express, a finance company; First Leasing and Car Rental, a car and truck rental leasing company; and FirstMortgage, a mortgage origination company. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, FirstBank operates First Insurance VI, an insurance agency, and First Express, a small loan company. First BanCorp's common and preferred shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols FBP, FBPPrA, FBPPrB, FBPPrC, FBPPrD and FBPPrE.

Safe Harbor

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" concerning the Corporation's future economic performance. The words or phrases "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "should," "believes" and similar expressions are meant to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are subject to the safe harbor created by such section. The Corporation wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such "forward-looking statements," which speak only as of the date made, and to advise readers that various factors, including, but not limited to, the risks arising from credit and other risks of the Corporation's lending and investment activities, including the condo conversion loans in its Miami Agency; an adverse change in the Corporation's ability to attract new clients and retain existing ones; general economic conditions, including the interest rate scenario and the performance of the financial markets, which may affect demand for the Corporation's products and services and the value of the Corporation's assets, including the value of the interest rate swaps that economically hedge the interest rate risk mainly relating to brokered certificates of deposit and medium-term notes as well as other derivative instruments used for protection from interest rate fluctuations; risks arising from worsening economic conditions in Puerto Rico and in the United States market; changes in the Corporation's expenses associated with acquisitions and dispositions; developments in technology; the impact of Doral Financial Corporation's and R&G Financial Corporation's financial condition on the repayment of their outstanding secured loans to the Corporation; the Corporation's ability to issue brokered certificates of deposit and fund operations; risks associated with downgrades in the credit ratings of the Corporation's securities; general competitive factors and industry consolidation; and risks associated with regulatory and legislative changes for financial services companies in Puerto Rico, the United States, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, could affect the Corporation's financial performance and could cause the Corporation's actual results for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. The Corporation does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any "forward-looking statements" to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

EXHIBIT A Table 1. Selected Financial Data (In thousands, except for per share and financial ratios) Six-month period Quarter ended ended June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30, 2008 2008 2007 2008 2007 Condensed Income Statements: Total interest income $276,608 $279,087 $305,871 $555,695 $604,456 Total interest expense 142,002 154,629 188,656 296,631 369,806 Net interest income 134,606 124,458 117,215 259,064 234,650 Provision for loan and lease losses 41,323 45,793 24,628 87,116 49,542 Non-interest income 12,002 29,380 10,903 41,382 26,725 Non-interest expenses 81,763 82,187 73,454 163,950 152,818 Income before income taxes 23,522 25,858 30,036 49,380 59,015 Income tax benefit (expense) 9,472 7,731 (6,241) 17,203 (12,388) Net income 32,994 33,589 23,795 66,583 46,627 Net income attributable to common stockholders 22,925 23,520 13,726 46,445 26,489 Per Common Share Results: Net income per share basic $0.25 $0.25 $0.16 $0.50 $0.32 Net income per share diluted $0.25 $0.25 $0.16 $0.50 $0.32 Cash dividends declared $0.07 $0.07 $0.07 $0.14 $0.14 Average shares outstanding 92,505 92,504 83,254 92,505 83,254 Average shares outstanding diluted 92,708 92,592 83,876 92,650 83,757 Book value per common share $9.21 $9.73 $9.08 $9.21 $9.08 Tangible book value per common share $8.62 $9.13 $8.45 $8.62 $8.45 Selected Financial Ratios (In Percent): Profitability: Return on Average Assets 0.72 0.77 0.56 0.74 0.54 Interest Rate Spread (1) 2.92 2.64 2.34 2.78 2.35 Net Interest Margin (1) 3.28 3.09 2.88 3.19 2.91 Return on Average Total Equity 9.16 9.36 7.16 9.26 7.45 Return on Average Common Equity 10.29 10.63 7.05 10.46 7.55 Average Total Equity to Average Total Assets 7.91 8.18 7.76 8.04 7.31 Dividend payout ratio 28.25 27.53 42.46 27.88 44.00 Efficiency ratio (2) 55.77 53.42 57.33 54.57 58.47 Asset Quality: Allowance for loan and lease losses to loans receivable 1.82 1.74 1.47 1.82 1.47 Net charge-offs (annualized) to average loans 0.97 0.85 0.75 0.91 0.77 Provision for loan and lease losses to net charge-offs 1.40x 1.80x 1.17x 1.58x 1.16x Other Information: Common Stock Price: End of period $6.34 $10.16 $10.99 $6.34 $10.99 As of As of As of June 30, March 31, December 31, 2008 2008 2007 Balance Sheet Data: Loans and loans held for sale $12,250,045 $12,081,998 $11,799,746 Allowance for loan and lease losses 222,272 210,495 190,168 Money market and investment securities 6,086,338 5,456,038 4,811,413 Total assets 18,828,786 18,149,029 17,186,931 Deposits 11,527,784 11,639,031 11,034,521 Borrowings 5,719,399 4,852,446 4,460,006 Total common equity 851,593 900,158 871,546 Total equity 1,401,693 1,450,258 1,421,646 (1) -On a tax equivalent basis (see discussion in Table 2 below). (2) -Non-interest expenses to the sum of net interest income and non-interest income. The denominator includes non-recurring income and changes in the fair value of derivative instruments and financial instruments measured at fair value under SFAS 159.

Table 2. Statement of Average Interest-Earning Assets and Average Interest-Bearing Liabilities (On a Tax Equivalent Basis)

Average volume June 30, March 31, June 30, Quarter Ended 2008 2008 2007 (Dollars in thousands) Earning assets: Money market investments $374,559 $429,441 $424,877 Government obligations (2) 1,303,468 2,268,554 2,634,794 Mortgage-backed securities 3,806,115 2,393,727 2,340,279 Corporate bonds 6,103 6,267 6,964 FHLB stock 66,703 61,748 44,099 Equity investments 4,183 4,263 8,515 Total investments (3) 5,561,131 5,164,000 5,459,528 Residential real estate loans 3,308,950 3,188,296 2,877,844 Construction loans 1,475,995 1,472,488 1,447,779 Commercial loans 5,379,906 5,221,823 4,740,338 Finance leases 376,007 378,002 381,609 Consumer loans 1,613,563 1,653,520 1,737,817 Total loans (4) (5) 12,154,421 11,914,129 11,185,387 Total earning assets $17,715,552 $17,078,129 $16,644,915 Interest-bearing liabilities: Interest bearing deposits $11,045,132 $10,506,233 $10,503,431 Other borrowed funds 3,724,955 3,670,829 3,648,460 FHLB advances 1,151,861 1,067,070 675,530 Total interest bearing liabilities (6) $15,921,948 $15,244,132 $14,827,421 Net interest income Interest rate spread Net interest margin Interest income (1) / expense June 30, March 31, June 30, Quarter Ended 2008 2008 2007 (Dollars in thousands) Earning assets: Money market investments $1,813 $3,259 $5,288 Government obligations (2) 20,566 37,145 39,139 Mortgage-backed securities 58,034 33,991 29,295 Corporate bonds 141 141 143 FHLB stock 1,140 1,121 748 Equity investments - 11 2 Total investments (3) 81,694 75,668 74,615 Residential real estate loans 54,239 51,720 46,847 Construction loans 20,745 23,720 31,403 Commercial loans 73,461 85,440 90,738 Finance leases 8,108 8,288 8,342 Consumer loans 46,479 48,056 50,794 Total loans (4) (5) 203,032 217,224 228,124 Total earning assets $284,726 $292,892 $302,739 Interest-bearing liabilities: Interest bearing deposits $98,295 $111,976 $127,804 Other borrowed funds 32,351 38,494 46,449 FHLB advances 9,572 11,148 9,001 Total interest bearing liabilities (6) $140,218 $161,618 $183,254 Net interest income $144,508 $131,274 $119,485 Interest rate spread Net interest margin Average rate (1) June 30, March 31, June 30, Quarter Ended 2008 2008 2007 Earning assets: Money market investments 1.95% 3.05% 4.99% Government obligations (2) 6.35% 6.59% 5.96% Mortgage-backed securities 6.13% 5.71% 5.02% Corporate bonds 9.29% 9.05% 8.24% FHLB stock 6.87% 7.30% 6.80% Equity investments 0.00% 1.04% 0.09% Total investments (3) 5.91% 5.89% 5.48% Residential real estate loans 6.59% 6.52% 6.53% Construction loans 5.65% 6.48% 8.70% Commercial loans 5.49% 6.58% 7.68% Finance leases 8.67% 8.82% 8.77% Consumer loans 11.59% 11.69% 11.72% Total loans (4) (5) 6.72% 7.33% 8.18% Total earning assets 6.46% 6.90% 7.30% Interest-bearing liabilities: Interest bearing deposits 3.58% 4.29% 4.88% Other borrowed funds 3.49% 4.22% 5.11% FHLB advances 3.34% 4.20% 5.34% Total interest bearing liabilities (6) 3.54% 4.26% 4.96% Net interest income Interest rate spread 2.92% 2.64% 2.34% Net interest margin 3.28% 3.09% 2.88% Average volume Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2008 2007 (Dollars in thousands) Earning assets: Money market investments $402,774 $416,244 Government obligations (2) 1,786,011 2,681,953 Mortgage-backed securities 3,102,385 2,361,926 Corporate bonds 6,185 6,983 FHLB stock 64,274 42,817 Equity investments 4,186 10,368 Total investments (3) 5,365,815 5,520,291 Residential real estate loans 3,249,913 2,840,729 Construction loans 1,474,252 1,466,238 Commercial loans 5,301,551 4,755,577 Finance leases 377,004 375,825 Consumer loans 1,633,598 1,755,532 Total loans (4) (5) 12,036,318 11,193,901 Total earning assets $17,402,133 $16,714,192 Interest-bearing liabilities: Interest bearing deposits $10,779,267 $10,462,227 Other borrowed funds 3,697,892 3,742,210 FHLB advances 1,109,465 646,242 Total interest bearing liabilities (6) $15,586,624 $14,850,679 Net interest income Interest rate spread Net interest margin Interest income (1) / expense Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2008 2007 (Dollars in thousands) Earning assets: Money market investments $5,072 $10,666 Government obligations (2) 57,711 79,480 Mortgage-backed securities 92,025 59,268 Corporate bonds 282 288 FHLB stock 2,261 1,202 Equity investments 11 3 Total investments (3) 157,362 150,907 Residential real estate loans 105,959 92,368 Construction loans 44,465 63,216 Commercial loans 158,901 180,703 Finance leases 16,396 16,579 Consumer loans 94,535 102,480 Total loans (4) (5) 420,256 455,346 Total earning assets $577,618 $606,253 Interest-bearing liabilities: Interest bearing deposits $210,271 $252,312 Other borrowed funds 70,845 95,470 FHLB advances 20,720 17,198 Total interest bearing liabilities (6) $301,836 $364,980 Net interest income $275,782 $241,273 Interest rate spread Net interest margin Average rate (1) Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2008 2007 Earning assets: Money market investments 2.53% 5.17% Government obligations (2) 6.50% 5.94% Mortgage-backed securities 5.97% 5.06% Corporate bonds 9.17% 8.27% FHLB stock 7.07% 5.66% Equity investments 0.53% 0.06% Total investments (3) 5.90% 5.51% Residential real estate loans 6.56% 6.56% Construction loans 6.07% 8.69% Commercial loans 6.03% 7.66% Finance leases 8.75% 8.90% Consumer loans 11.64% 11.77% Total loans (4) (5) 7.02% 8.20% Total earning assets 6.67% 7.31% Interest-bearing liabilities: Interest bearing deposits 3.92% 4.86% Other borrowed funds 3.85% 5.14% FHLB advances 3.76% 5.37% Total interest bearing liabilities (6) 3.89% 4.96% Net interest income Interest rate spread 2.78% 2.35% Net interest margin 3.19% 2.91%

(1) On a tax equivalent basis. The tax equivalent yield was estimated by dividing the interest rate spread on exempt assets by (1 less Puerto Rico statutory tax rate of 39%) and adding to it the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. When adjusted to a tax equivalent basis, yields on taxable and exempt assets are comparable. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments, unrealized gains or losses on SFAS 159 liabilities, and basis adjustment amortization or accretion are excluded from interest income and interest expense for average rate calculation purposes because the changes in valuation do not affect interest paid or received.

(2) Government obligations include debt issued by government sponsored agencies.

(3) Unrealized gains and losses in available-for-sale securities are excluded from the average volumes.

(4)Average loan balances include the average of non-accruing loans, on which interest income is recognized when collected.

(5)Interest income on loans includes $2.9 million, $2.5 million and $2.4 million for the second quarter of 2008, first quarter of 2008 and second quarter of 2007, respectively, of income from prepayment penalties and late fees related to the Corporation's loan portfolio. Interest income on loans includes $5.4 million, and $5.9 million for the six month period ended on June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, of income from prepayment penalties and late fees related to the Corporation's loan portfolio.

(6) Unrealized gains and losses on SFAS 159 liabilities are excluded from the average volumes.

Table 3. Non-Interest Income Six-Month Period Quarter Ended Ended June 30, March 31,June 30, June 30, 2008 2008 2007 2008 2007 (In thousands) Other service charges on loans $1,418 $1,313 $2,418 $2,731 $4,209 Service charges on deposit accounts 3,191 3,364 3,185 6,555 6,376 Mortgage banking activities 804 319 351 1,123 1,113 Rental income 579 543 669 1,122 1,333 Insurance income 2,551 2,728 2,625 5,279 5,574 Other operating income 4,138 4,920 3,091 9,058 6,399 Non-interest income before net (loss) gain on investments, net gain on partial extinguishment and recharacterization of a secured commercial loan to a local financial institution and gain on sale of credit card portfolio 12,681 13,187 12,339 25,868 25,004 Gain on VISA shares - 9,342 - 9,342 - Net (loss) gain on sale of investment (190) 6,851 - 6,661 (732) Impairment on investments (489) - (1,436) (489) (2,863) Net (loss) gain on investment (679) 16,193 (1,436) 15,514 (3,595) Gain on partial extinguishment and recharacterization of a secured commercial loan to a local financial institution - - - - 2,497 Gain on sale of credit card portfolio - - - - 2,819 - Total $12,002 $29,380 $10,903 $41,382 $26,725 Table 4. Non-Interest Expenses Six-Month Period Quarter Ended Ended June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30, 2008 2008 2007 2008 2007 (In thousands) Employees' compensation and benefits $34,994 $36,326 $33,352 $71,320 $69,724 Occupancy and equipment 15,541 14,979 14,496 30,520 28,878 Deposit insurance premium 2,345 2,346 328 4,691 684 Other taxes, insurance and supervisory fees 5,588 5,664 5,124 11,252 10,041 Professional fees - recurring 3,620 4,560 3,343 8,180 6,745 Professional fees - non- recurring 1,299 499 2,265 1,798 5,260 Servicing and processing fees 2,381 2,588 1,656 4,969 3,375 Business promotion 4,802 4,265 4,864 9,067 9,794 Communications 2,250 2,273 2,169 4,523 4,397 Foreclosure-related expenses 3,172 3,256 266 6,428 541 Other 5,771 5,431 5,591 11,202 13,379 Total $81,763 $82,187 $73,454 $163,950 $152,818 Table 5. Loan Portfolio

Composition of the loan portfolio including loans held for sale at period-end.

June 30, March 31, December 31, June 30, (In thousands) 2008 2008 2007 2007 Residential real estate loans $3,393,934 $3,277,686 $3,164,421 $2,924,697 Commercial loans: Construction loans 1,467,544 1,484,492 1,454,644 1,459,774 Commercial real estate loans 1,324,509 1,342,644 1,279,251 1,278,995 Commercial loans 3,502,929 3,362,926 3,231,126 2,813,448 Loans to local financial institutions collateralized by real estate mortgages 591,674 606,041 624,597 663,931 Commercial loans 6,886,656 6,796,103 6,589,618 6,216,148 Finance leases 373,588 376,835 378,556 386,267 Consumer and other loans 1,595,867 1,631,374 1,667,151 1,721,567 Total loans $12,250,045 $12,081,998 $11,799,746 $11,248,679 Table 6. Loan Portfolio by Geography Puerto Virgin United As of June 30, 2008 Rico Islands States Total (In thousands) Residential real estate loans, including loans held for sale $2,534,253 $461,157 $398,524 $3,393,934 Construction loans (1) 725,778 158,650 583,116 1,467,544 Commercial real estate loans 838,986 61,341 424,182 1,324,509 Commercial loans 3,332,846 136,626 33,457 3,502,929 Loans to local financial institutions collateralized by real estate mortgages 591,674 - - 591,674 Total commercial loans 5,489,284 356,617 1,040,755 6,886,656 Finance leases 373,588 - - 373,588 Consumer loans 1,417,815 133,241 44,811 1,595,867 Total loans, gross $9,814,940 $951,015 $1,484,090 $12,250,045 (1) United States construction loans include approximately $250.5 million of condo-conversion loans originated by the Miami Agency. Table 7. Non-Performing Assets June 30, March 31, December 31, June 30, (Dollars in thousands) 2008 2008 2007 2007 Non-accruing loans: Residential real estate $230,240 $229,643 $209,077 $147,954 Commercial, commercial real estate and construction 176,441 145,819 148,939 119,891 Finance leases 4,619 4,989 6,250 6,987 Consumer 37,175 41,030 48,784 40,732 448,475 421,481 413,050 315,564 Other real estate owned (1) 38,620 33,913 16,116 6,280 Other repossessed property 11,270 10,000 10,154 14,100 Total non-performing assets $498,365 $465,394 $439,320 $335,944 Allowance for loan and lease losses $222,272 $210,495 $190,168 $165,009 Allowance to total non-accruing loans 49.56% 49.94% 46.04% 52.29% Allowance to total non-accruing loans, excluding residential real estate loans 101.85% 109.73% 93.23% 98.45% (1) As of June 30, 2008, other real estate owned include approximately $18.6 million from the previously reported impaired relationship in the Miami Agency. Table 8. Net Charge-Offs Ratios to Average Loans Six-Months Ended June 30, Year Ended December 31, 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 Residential real estate loans 0.15% 0.03% 0.04% 0.05% 0.02% Commercial and Construction loans 0.63% 0.23% 0.04% 0.10% 0.11% Consumer loans* 3.11% 3.48% 2.90% 2.06% 2.25% Total loans 0.91% 0.79% 0.55% 0.39% 0.48% * Includes Lease Financing Alan Cohen Senior Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations Office [phone]