10-K
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
Commission file number: 001-32550
WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware | | 88-0365922 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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One E. Washington Street Suite 1400, Phoenix, AZ | | 85004 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
(602) 389-3500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class | | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, $0.0001 Par Value | | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No ý
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 ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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 a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer | | ý | | Accelerated filer | | ¨ |
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Non-accelerated filer | | ¨ | | Smaller reporting company | | ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No ý
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $2.36 billion based on the June 30, 2015 closing price of said stock on the New York Stock Exchange ($33.76 per share).
As of February 10, 2016, Western Alliance Bancorporation had 103,418,400 shares of common stock outstanding.
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.
INDEX
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Item 9B. | | |
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Item 15. | | |
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PART I
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (this “Form 10-K”) are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”). Statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act are generally identified through the inclusion of words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “drive,” “estimate,” “expect,” “expressed confidence,” “forecast,” “future,” “goals,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “position,” “potential,” “project,” “ seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would” or similar statements or variations of such words and other similar expressions. All statements other than historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Reform Act, including statements that are related to or are dependent on estimates or assumptions relating to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events and financial performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause our actual results to differ significantly from historical results and those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those described in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by federal securities laws. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this Form 10-K might not occur, and you should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.
Purpose
The following discussion is designed to provide insight on the financial condition and results of operations of Western Alliance Bancorporation and its subsidiaries. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, herein referred to as “the Consolidated Financial Statements.” These Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
GLOSSARY OF ENTITIES AND TERMS
The acronyms and abbreviations identified below are used in various sections of this Form 10-K, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in Item 7 and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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ENTITIES: |
AAB | Alliance Association Bank | FIB | First Independent Bank |
ABA | Alliance Bank of Arizona | LVSP | Las Vegas Sunset Properties |
BON | Bank of Nevada | TPB | Torrey Pines Bank |
Bridge | Bridge Bank | WAB or Bank | Western Alliance Bank |
Centennial | Centennial Bank | WAL or Parent | Western Alliance Bancorporation |
Company | Western Alliance Bancorporation and subsidiaries | Western Liberty | Western Liberty Bancorp |
TERMS: |
ABS | Asset-Backed Securities | GLBA | Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 |
AFS | Available-for-Sale | GSE | Government-Sponsored Enterprise |
ALCO | Asset and Liability Management Committee | GSIB | Global Systemically Important Banks |
AMT | Alternative Minimum Tax | HFI | Held for Investment |
AOCI | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | HFS | Held for Sale |
ARP | Annual Percentage Rate | HMDA | Home Mortgage Disclosure Act |
ARPS | Adjustable-Rate Preferred Stock | HOEPA | Home Ownership and Protection Act of 1994 |
ASC | Accounting Standards Codification | HTM | Held-to-Maturity |
ASU | Accounting Standards Update | ICS | Insured Cash Sweep Service |
ATM | At-the-Market | IRC | Internal Revenue Code |
BHCA | Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 | ISDA | International Swaps and Derivatives Association |
BOD | Board of Directors | LIBOR | London Interbank Offered Rate |
BOLI | Bank Owned Life Insurance | LIHTC | Low-Income Housing Tax Credit |
BSA | Bank Secrecy Act of 1970 | LTD | Long-Term Debt |
CAMELS | Capital Adequacy, Assets, Management Capability, Earnings, Liquidity, Sensitivity | MBS | Mortgage-Backed Securities |
CBL | Central Business Lines | MLC | Management Loan Committee |
CCO | Chief Credit Officer | MOU | Memorandum of Understanding |
CDARS | Certificate Deposit Account Registry Service | NOL | Net Operating Loss |
CDO | Collateralized Debt Obligation | NPV | Net Present Value |
CEO | Chief Executive Officer | NUBILs | Net Unrealized Built In Losses |
CFO | Chief Financial Officer | OCI | Other Comprehensive Income |
CFPB | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | OFAC | Office of Foreign Asset Control |
CLO | Collateralized Loan Obligation | OREO | Other Real Estate Owned |
CMO | Collateralized Debt Obligation | OTTI | Other-than-Temporary Impairment |
COSO | Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission | PCI | Purchased Credit Impaired |
CPP | TARP Capital Purchase Program | QRM | Qualified Residential Mortgage |
CRA | Community Reinvestment Act | RESPA | Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act |
CRE | Commercial Real Estate | SBA | Small Business Administration |
DIF | FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund | SBIC | Small Business Investment Company |
EPS | Earnings per share | SBLF | Small Business Lending Fund |
EVE | Economic Value of Equity | SEC | Securities and Exchange Commission |
Exchange Act | Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended | SERP | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan |
FASB | Financial Accounting Standards Board | SLC | Senior Loan Committee |
FCRA | Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1971 | SSAE | Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements |
FDIC | Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation | SOX | Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
FHA | Fair Housing Act | TARP | Troubled Asset Relief Program |
FHLB | Federal Home Loan Bank | TDR | Troubled Debt Restructuring |
FICO | The Financing Corporation | TEB | Tax Equivalent Basis |
FRB | Federal Reserve Bank | TILA | Truth in Lending Act |
FVO | Fair Value Option adjustment on junior subordinated debt | TRID | TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures |
GAAP | U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles | XBRL | eXtensible Business Reporting Language |
Organization Structure and Description of Services
WAL is a bank holding company headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware. WAL provides a full spectrum of deposit, lending, treasury management, and online banking products and services through its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, WAB. On June 30, 2015, WAL acquired Bridge Capital Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridge Bank. Upon acquisition, Bridge Capital Holdings merged into WAL and its principal operating subsidiary, Bridge Bank, merged into WAB. Effective as of July 1, 2015, the existing Bridge offices and the two previously existing WAB northern California offices are operating as a combined division, with their results reported under the Company's Northern California operating segment.
WAB operates the following full-service banking divisions: ABA in Arizona, BON in Southern Nevada, Bridge in Northern California, FIB in Northern Nevada, and TPB in Southern California. The Company also serves business customers through a national platform of specialized financial services including AAB, Corporate Finance, Equity Fund Resources, Life Sciences Group, Mortgage Warehouse Lending, Public Finance, Renewable Energy Group, Resort Finance, and Technology Finance. In addition, the Company has one non-bank subsidiary, LVSP, which holds and manages certain non-performing loans and OREO.
WAL also has eight unconsolidated subsidiaries used as business trusts in connection with issuance of trust-preferred securities as described in "Note 10. Qualifying Debt" in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Bank Subsidiary
At December 31, 2015, WAL has the following bank subsidiary:
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Bank Name | | Headquarters | | Number of Locations | | Location Cities | | Total Assets | | Net Loans | | Deposits |
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Western Alliance Bank | | Phoenix, Arizona | | 47 | | Arizona: Chandler, Flagstaff, Mesa, Phoenix, Sedona, Scottsdale, and Tucson | | $ | 14,155.3 |
| | $ | 10,980.3 |
| | $ | 12,038.8 |
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Nevada: Carson City, Fallon, Reno, Sparks, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite, and North Las Vegas |
California: Beverly Hills, Carlsbad, Costa Mesa, La Mesa, Los Angeles, Oakland, Palo Alto, Pleasanton, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose |
| | | Other: Boston, Massachusetts; Dallas, Texas; Reston, Virginia | | | |
WAB also has the following significant wholly-owned subsidiaries:
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• | WAB Investments, Inc., BON Investments, Inc., and TPB Investments, Inc. - each hold certain investment securities, municipal and non-profit loans, and leases. |
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• | BW Real Estate, Inc. - operates as a real estate investment trust and holds certain real estate loans and related securities. |
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• | BW Nevada Holdings, LLC - was dissolved on June 12, 2015 after distributing its 2700 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada office building to WAB. |
Market Segments
The Company’s reportable segments are aggregated primarily based on geographic location, services offered, and markets served, primarily in the Arizona, California, and Nevada regions. As a result of the Bridge acquisition on June 30, 2015, former Bridge activities were allocated between the newly formed Northern California segment and the CBL segment. The Southern California segment represents legacy Western Alliance operations in California, excluding two branches located in northern California, which are now included in the Northern California segment. Prior period amounts have been adjusted accordingly. The Arizona, Nevada, Southern California, and Northern California segments provide full service banking and related services to their respective markets although operations may not be domiciled in these states. The Company's CBL segment provides banking services to niche markets and, as of June 30, 2015, includes the operations of Bridge. These CBLs are managed centrally and are broader in geographic scope, though still predominately within the Company's core market areas. The
Corporate & Other segment primarily relates to our Treasury division and also includes other corporate-related items, income and expense items not allocated to other reportable segments, and inter-segment eliminations.
The accounting policies of the reported segments are the same as those of the Company as described in "Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 8. All intercompany transactions are eliminated for reporting consolidated results of operations. Loan and deposit accounts are assigned directly to the segments where these products are originated and/or serviced. Equity capital is assigned to each segment based on the risk profile of their assets and liabilities with a funds credit provided for the use of this equity as a funding source. Any excess equity not allocated to segments based on risk is assigned to the Corporate & Other segment.
Net interest income, provision for credit losses, and non-interest expense amounts are recorded in their respective segment to the extent that the amounts are directly attributable to those segments. Net interest income of a reportable segment includes a funds transfer pricing process that matches assets and liabilities with similar interest rate sensitivity and maturity characteristics. Using this funds transfer pricing methodology, liquidity is transferred between users and providers. Net income amounts for each reportable segment are further derived by the use of expense allocations. Certain expenses not directly attributable to a specific segment are allocated across all segments based on key metrics, such as number of employees, average loan balances, and average deposit balances. Income taxes are applied to each segment based on the effective tax rate for the geographic location of the segment. Any difference in the corporate tax rate and the aggregate effective tax rates in the segments are adjusted in the Corporate & Other segment.
Lending Activities
Through WAB and its banking divisions and operating subsidiaries, the Company provides a variety of financial services to customers, including CRE loans, construction and land development loans, commercial loans, and consumer loans. The Company’s lending has focused primarily on meeting the needs of business customers.
Commercial and Industrial: Commercial and industrial loans include working capital lines of credit, inventory and accounts receivable lines, mortgage warehouse lines, equipment loans and leases, and other commercial loans. Loans to technology companies, tax exempt municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations are categorized as commercial and industrial loans.
CRE: Loans to finance the purchase or refinancing of CRE and loans to finance inventory and working capital that are additionally secured by CRE make up the majority of our loan portfolio. These CRE loans are secured by apartment buildings, professional offices, industrial facilities, retail centers and other commercial properties. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 48% and 46%, respectively, of our CRE loans were owner-occupied. Owner-occupied CRE loans are loans secured by owner-occupied non-farm nonresidential properties for which the primary source of repayment (more than 50%) is the cash flow from the ongoing operations and activities conducted by the borrower who owns the property. Non-owner occupied CRE loans are CRE loans for which the primary source of repayment is nonaffiliated rental income associated with the collateral property.
Construction and Land Development: Construction and land development loans include multi-family apartment projects, industrial/warehouse properties, office buildings, retail centers, and medical facilities. These loans are primarily originated to experienced local developers with whom the Company has a satisfactory lending history. An analysis of each construction project is performed as part of the underwriting process to determine whether the type of property, location, construction costs, and contingency funds are appropriate and adequate. Loans to finance commercial raw land are primarily to borrowers who plan to initiate active development of the property within two years.
Residential real estate: In 2010, the Company discontinued residential mortgage real estate loan origination as a business line, but continues to hold a small number of previously originated (or acquired) mortgage loans.
Consumer: Limited types of consumer loans are offered to meet customer demand and to respond to community needs. Consumer loans are generally offered at a higher rate and shorter term than residential mortgages. Examples of our consumer loans include: home equity loans and lines of credit, home improvement loans, and personal lines of credit.
At December 31, 2015, our loan portfolio totaled $11.14 billion, including HFS loans, or approximately 78% of total assets. The following table sets forth the composition of our HFI loan portfolio as of the periods presented:
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| | December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2014 |
| | Amount | | Percent | | Amount | | Percent |
| | (in thousands) |
Loans, HFI | | | | | | | | |
Commercial and industrial | | $ | 5,114,257 |
| | 46.1 | % | | $ | 3,326,708 |
| | 39.7 | % |
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied | | 2,283,536 |
| | 20.6 |
| | 2,052,566 |
| | 24.4 |
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Commercial real estate - owner occupied | | 2,083,285 |
| | 18.7 |
| | 1,732,888 |
| | 20.6 |
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Construction and land development | | 1,133,439 |
| | 10.2 |
| | 748,053 |
| | 8.9 |
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Residential real estate | | 322,939 |
| | 2.9 |
| | 299,402 |
| | 3.6 |
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Commercial leases | | 148,493 |
| | 1.3 |
| | 205,639 |
| | 2.4 |
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Consumer | | 26,905 |
| | 0.2 |
| | 33,009 |
| | 0.4 |
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Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs | | 11,112,854 |
| | 100.0 | % | | 8,398,265 |
| | 100.0 | % |
Allowance for credit losses | | (119,068 | ) | | | | (110,216 | ) | | |
Total loans HFI | | $ | 10,993,786 |
| | | | $ | 8,288,049 |
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As of December 31, 2015, the Company also has $23.8 million of HFS loans. For additional information concerning loans, see "Note 4. Loans, Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses" of the Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein or "Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Financial Condition – Loans discussions" in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.
General
The Company adheres to a specific set of credit standards within its banking subsidiary that are intended to ensure the proper management of credit risk. Furthermore, the Bank's senior management team plays an active role in monitoring compliance with such standards.
Loan originations are subject to a process that includes the credit evaluation of borrowers, utilizing established lending limits, analysis of collateral, and procedures for continual monitoring and identification of credit deterioration. Loan officers actively monitor their individual credit relationships in order to report suspected risks and potential downgrades as early as possible. The WAB BOD approves all changes to loan policy, as well as lending limit authorities. Our lending policies generally incorporate consistent underwriting standards across all geographic regions that the Bank operates in, customized as necessary to conform to state law and local market conditions. Our credit culture has enabled us to identify troubled credits early, allowing us to take corrective action when necessary.
Loan Approval Procedures and Authority
Our loan approval procedures are executed through a tiered loan limit authorization process, which is structured as follows:
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• | Individual Authorities. The CCO of each region sets the authorization levels for individual loan officers on a case-by-case basis. Generally, the more experienced a loan officer, the higher the authorization level. The maximum approval authority for any loan officer is $1.0 million. Certain members of executive management or credit administration may have higher approval authority. |
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• | Management Loan Committees. Credits in excess of individual loan limits are submitted to the appropriate region’s MLC. The MLCs consist of members of the senior management team of each region and are chaired by each region’s CCO. The MLCs have approval authority up to $7.0 million. |
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• | Credit Administration. Credits in excess of the MLC authority are submitted to the WAB SLC. The SLC has approval authority up to established house concentration limits, which range from $15.0 million to $50.0 million, depending on risk grade. SLC approval is also required for new relationships of $12.5 million or greater to borrowers within market footprint, and $5.0 million or greater outside market footprint. The SLC reviews all other loan approvals to any one borrower of $5.0 million or greater. The SLC is chaired by the WAB CCO and includes the Company’s CEO. Current policy states that over house limit exceptions require unanimous approval of the SLC. |
Loans to One Borrower. In addition to the limits set forth above, subject to certain exceptions, state banking laws generally limit the amount of funds that a bank may lend to a single borrower. Under Arizona law, the obligations of one borrower to a bank generally may not exceed 20% of the bank’s capital, plus an additional 10% of its capital if the additional amounts are fully secured by readily marketable collateral.
Concentrations of Credit Risk. Our lending policies also establish customer and product concentration limits to control single customer and product exposures. Our lending policies have several different measures to limit concentration exposures. Set forth below are the primary segmentation limits and actual measures as of December 31, 2015:
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| | Percent of Total Capital |
| | Policy Limit | | Actual |
CRE | | 435 | % | | 274 | % |
Commercial and industrial | | 400 |
| | 329 |
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Construction and land development | | 95 |
| | 71 |
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Residential real estate | | 25 |
| | 20 |
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Consumer | | 5 |
| | 2 |
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Asset Quality
General
To measure asset quality, the Company has instituted a loan grading system consisting of nine different categories. The first five are considered “satisfactory.” The other four grades range from a “special mention” category to a “loss” category and are consistent with the grading systems used by Federal banking regulators. All loans are assigned a credit risk grade at the time they are made, and each assigned loan officer reviews the credit with his or her immediate supervisor on a quarterly basis to determine whether a change in the credit risk grade is warranted. In addition, the grading of our loan portfolio is reviewed on a regular basis by our internal Loan Review Department.
Collection Procedure
If a borrower fails to make a scheduled payment on a loan, Bank personnel attempt to remedy the deficiency by contacting the borrower and seeking payment. Contacts generally are made within 15 business days after the payment becomes past due. The Bank maintains regional Special Assets Departments, which generally services and collects loans rated substandard or worse. Each division's CCO is responsible for monitoring activity that may indicate an increased risk rating, including, but not limited to, past-dues, overdrafts and loan agreement covenant defaults. Loans deemed uncollectible are proposed for charge-off and all charge-offs in excess of $100,000 are reported to the WAB BOD.
Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming assets include loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest, non-accrual loans, TDR loans, and repossessed assets, including OREO. In general, loans are placed on non-accrual status when we determine ultimate collection of principal and interest to be in doubt due to the borrower’s financial condition, collateral value, and collection efforts. A TDR loan is a loan on which the Company, for reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that the Company would not otherwise consider. Other repossessed assets resulted from loans where we have received title or physical possession of the borrower’s assets. The Company generally re-appraises OREO and collateral dependent impaired loans every twelve months. The net gain on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets was $2.1 million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Losses may be experienced in future periods.
Criticized Assets
Federal bank regulators require banks to classify its assets on a regular basis. In addition, in connection with their examinations of the Bank, examiners have authority to identify problem assets and, if appropriate, re-classify them. A loan grade six from our internal loan grading system is utilized to identify potential problem assets and loans grades seven through nine are utilized to identify actual problem assets.
The following describes the potential and actual problem assets using our internal loan grading system definitions:
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• | "Special Mention" (Grade 6): Generally these are assets that possess weaknesses that warrant management's close attention. These loans may involve borrowers with adverse financial trends, higher debt to equity ratios, or weaker |
liquidity positions, but not to the degree of being considered a “problem loan” where risk of loss may be apparent. Loans in this category are usually performing as agreed, although there may be non-compliance with financial covenants.
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• | “Substandard” (Grade 7): These assets are characterized by well-defined credit weaknesses and carry the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if such weakness or deficiency is not corrected. We believe that these loans generally are adequately secured and in the event of a foreclosure action or liquidation, the Company should be protected from loss. All loans 90 days or more past due and all loans on non-accrual are considered at least “substandard,” unless extraordinary circumstances would suggest otherwise. |
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• | “Doubtful” (Grade 8): These assets have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as "substandard" with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable, but because of certain known factors which may work to the advantage and strengthening of the asset (for example, capital injection, perfecting liens on additional collateral and refinancing plans), classification as an estimated loss is deferred until a more precise status may be determined. |
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• | “Loss” (Grade 9): These assets are considered uncollectible and having such little recoverable value that it is not practical to defer writing off the asset. This classification does not mean that the loan has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not practicable or desirable to defer writing off the asset, even though partial recovery may be achieved in the future. |
Allowance for Credit Losses
Like other financial institutions, the Company must maintain an adequate allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses charged to expense. Loans are charged against the allowance for credit losses when management believes that collectability of the contractual principal or interest is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance is reported at an amount believed adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectable, based on evaluation of the collectability of loans and prior credit loss experience, together with the other factors. For a detailed discussion of the Company’s methodology see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Financial Condition – Critical Accounting Policies – Allowance for Credit Losses” in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.
Investment Activities
Our banking subsidiary and holding company have an investment policy, which was approved by the Bank's and Company's BOD. This policy dictates that investment decisions be made based on the safety of the investment, liquidity requirements of the Bank and holding company, potential returns, cash flow targets, and consistency with our interest rate risk management. The Bank’s ALCO is responsible for making securities portfolio decisions in accordance with established policies. The CFO and Treasurer have the authority to purchase and sell securities within specified guidelines. All transactions for the Bank and for our holding company were reviewed by the ALCO and BOD.
Generally, our investment policy limits new securities investments to the following: securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, including U.S. treasury bills, notes, and bonds, direct obligations of Ginnie Mae, USDA and SBA loans; MBS or CMO issued by a GSE, such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac; debt securities issued by a GSE, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the FHLB; municipal securities with a rating of “Single-A” or higher; ARPS where the issuing company is rated “BBB” or higher; corporate debt with a rating of “Single-A” or better; investment grade corporate bond mutual funds; private label collateralized mortgage obligations with a single rating of “AA” or higher; commercial mortgage-backed securities with a rating of “AAA”; and mandatory purchases of equity securities of the FRB and FHLB. ARPS holdings are limited to no more than 10% of the Bank’s Common Equity Tier 1; municipal securities are limited to no more than 5% of the Bank's assets; investment grade corporate bond mutual funds are limited to no more than 5% of the Bank's Tier 1 capital; corporate debt holdings are limited to no more than 2.5% of the Bank’s assets; and commercial mortgage-backed securities are limited to an aggregate purchase limit of $50 million.
The Company no longer purchases (although we may continue to hold previously acquired) CDOs. Our policies also govern the use of derivatives, and provide that the Company prudently use derivatives in accordance with applicable regulations as a risk management tool to reduce the overall exposure to interest rate risk, and not for speculative purposes.
As of December 31, 2015, all of our investment securities are classified as AFS or measured at fair value (“trading”) pursuant to ASC Topic 320, Investments and ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments. AFS securities are reported at fair value in accordance with Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company had an investment securities portfolio of $1.98 billion, representing approximately 13.9% of our total assets, with the majority of the portfolio invested in AAA/AA+-rated securities. The average duration of our investment securities was 3.3 years as of December 31, 2015.
The following table summarizes the investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
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| | December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2014 |
| | Amount | | Percent | | Amount | | Percent |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
Collateralized debt obligations | | $ | 10,060 |
| | 0.5 | % | | $ | 11,445 |
| | 0.8 | % |
Commercial MBS issued by GSEs | | 19,114 |
| | 1.0 |
| | 2,147 |
| | 0.1 |
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Corporate debt securities | | 13,251 |
| | 0.7 |
| | 52,489 |
| | 3.4 |
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CRA investments | | 34,685 |
| | 1.7 |
| | 24,332 |
| | 1.6 |
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Municipal obligations | | 334,830 |
| | 16.9 |
| | 299,037 |
| | 19.6 |
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Mutual funds | | — |
| | — |
| | 37,702 |
| | 2.5 |
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Preferred stock | | 111,236 |
| | 5.6 |
| | 82,612 |
| | 5.4 |
|
Private label commercial MBS | | 4,691 |
| | 0.2 |
| | 5,149 |
| | 0.3 |
|
Private label residential MBS | | 257,128 |
| | 13.0 |
| | 70,243 |
| | 4.6 |
|
Residential MBS issued by GSEs | | 1,171,702 |
| | 59.0 |
| | 893,047 |
| | 58.8 |
|
Trust preferred securities | | 24,314 |
| | 1.2 |
| | 25,546 |
| | 1.7 |
|
U.S. government sponsored agency securities | | — |
| | — |
| | 18,346 |
| | 1.2 |
|
U.S. treasury securities | | 2,993 |
| | 0.2 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Total investment securities | | $ | 1,984,004 |
| | 100.0 | % | | $ | 1,522,095 |
| | 100.0 | % |
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had an investment in BOLI of $162.5 million and $142.0 million, respectively. The BOLI was purchased to help offset employee benefit costs. For additional information concerning investments, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Investments” in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.
Deposit Products
The Company offers a variety of deposit products, including checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and other types of deposit accounts, including fixed-rate, fixed maturity certificates of deposit. The Company has historically focused on growing its lower cost core customer deposits. As of December 31, 2015, the deposit portfolio was comprised of 34% non-interest bearing deposits and 66% interest-bearing deposits.
The competition for deposits in our markets is strong. The Company has historically been successful in attracting and retaining deposits due to several factors, including: 1) our high quality of customer service; 2) our experienced relationship bankers who have strong relationships within their communities; 3) the broad selection of cash management services we offer; and 4) incentives to employees for business development and retention. The Company intends to continue its focus on attracting deposits from our business lending relationships in order to maintain our low cost of funds and improve our net interest margin. The loss of low-cost deposits could negatively impact future profitability.
Deposit balances are generally influenced by national and local economic conditions, changes in prevailing interest rates, internal pricing decisions, perceived stability of financial institutions and competition. The Company’s deposits are primarily obtained from communities surrounding its branch offices. In order to attract and retain deposits, we rely on providing quality service and introducing new products and services that meet the needs of our customers.
In 2015, the Bank's deposit rates were determined through an internal oversight process under the direction of its ALCO. The Bank considers a number of factors when determining deposit rates, including:
| |
• | current and projected national and local economic conditions and the outlook for interest rates; |
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• | loan and deposit positions and forecasts, including any concentrations in either; and |
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• | FHLB advance rates and rates charged on other funding sources. |
The following table shows our deposit composition:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2014 |
| | Amount | | Percent | | Amount | | Percent |
| | (in thousands) |
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits | | $ | 4,093,976 |
| | 34.0 | % | | $ | 2,288,048 |
| | 25.6 | % |
Interest checking (NOW) | | 1,028,073 |
| | 8.5 |
| | 854,935 |
| | 9.6 |
|
Savings and money market | | 5,296,921 |
| | 44.1 |
| | 3,869,699 |
| | 43.3 |
|
Certificate of deposit ($250,000 or more) | | 1,569,525 |
| | 13.0 |
| | 1,339,238 |
| | 15.0 |
|
Other time deposits | | 42,129 |
| | 0.4 |
| | 579,123 |
| | 6.5 |
|
Total deposits | | $ | 12,030,624 |
| | 100.0 | % | | $ | 8,931,043 |
| | 100.0 | % |
In addition to our deposit base, we have access to other sources of funding, including FHLB and FRB advances, repurchase agreements and unsecured lines of credit with other financial institutions. Previously, we have also accessed the capital markets through trust preferred, subordinated debt, and Senior Note offerings. For additional information concerning our deposits, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Balance Sheet Analysis – Deposits” in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.
Financial Products and Services
In addition to traditional commercial banking activities, the Company offers other financial services to its customers, including: internet banking, wire transfers, electronic bill payment, lock box services, courier, and cash management services.
Customer, Product, and Geographic Concentrations
Approximately 49% and 54% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, consisted of CRE-secured loans, including CRE loans, and construction and land development loans. The Company’s business is concentrated in the Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Phoenix, Reno, San Diego and Tucson metropolitan areas. Consequently, the Company is dependent on the trends of these regional economies. The Company is not dependent upon any single or limited number of customers, the loss of which would have a material adverse effect on the Company. No material portion of the Company’s business is seasonal.
Foreign Operations
The Company has no significant foreign operations. We provide loans, letters of credit, foreign exchange, and other trade-related services to commercial enterprises that conduct business outside the U.S.
Customer Concentration
Neither the Company nor any of its reportable segments has any customer relationships that individually account for 10% or more of consolidated or segment revenues, respectively.
Competition
The financial services industry is highly competitive. Many of our competitors are much larger in total assets and capitalization, have greater access to capital markets, and offer a broader range of financial services than we can offer, and may have lower cost structures.
This increasingly competitive environment is primarily a result of long-term changes in regulation that made mergers and geographic expansion easier; changes in technology and product delivery systems and web-based tools; and the accelerating pace of consolidation among financial services providers. We compete for loans, deposits, and customers with other banks, credit unions, brokerage companies, mortgage companies, insurance companies, finance companies, and other non-bank financial services providers. This strong competition for deposit and loan products directly affects the interest rates on those products and the terms on which they are offered to consumers.
Technological innovation continues to contribute to greater competition in domestic and international financial services markets.
Mergers between financial institutions have placed additional pressure on banks to consolidate their operations, reduce expenses and increase revenues to remain competitive. The competitive environment is also significantly impacted by federal and state legislation that makes it easier for non-bank financial institutions to compete with the Company.
Employees
As of December 31, 2015, the Company had 1,446 full-time equivalent employees. The Company’s employees are not represented by a union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Management believes that its employee relations are good.
Recent Developments
The capital framework under Basel III became effective for the Company on January 1, 2015. Under the Basel III final rules, minimum requirements have increased for both the quantity and quality of capital held by the Company. A new capital conservation buffer, comprised of Common Equity Tier 1 capital, is also established above the regulatory minimum capital requirements. This capital conservation buffer will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and will increase each subsequent year by an additional 0.625% until reaching its final level of 2.5% on January 1, 2019. Strict eligibility requirements for regulatory capital instruments have been implemented under the final rules and the final rules also revise the definitions and calculations of Tier 1 capital, total capital, and risk-weighted assets. In addition, the final rules create a new capital ratio, Common Equity Tier 1. As of December 31, 2015, the Tier 1 capital ratio was 10.2% and the Common Equity Tier 1 ratio was 9.7%.
On September 27, 2011, as part of the U.S. Treasury’s SBLF program, the Company sold $141.0 million of Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, to the Secretary of the Treasury, with the proceeds used to redeem in full preferred shares previously issued by the Company in 2008 under TARP Capital Purchase Program. The initial dividend rate on the SBLF shares was 5%, subject to downward adjustment based on the Company growth in qualifying small business loans. Due to its rapid success in growing qualifying small business loans, the Company's dividend rate on the SBLF Shares was locked in at 1% (the lowest possible rate) in the first quarter of 2012. The Company redeemed 70,500 SBLF shares on December 19, 2014, at their liquidation value of $1,000 per share plus accrued dividends for a total redemption price of $70.7 million. The Company redeemed the remaining 70,500 SBLF shares on December 18, 2015, at their liquidation value of $1,000 per share plus accrued dividends for a total redemption price of $70.7 million.
Supervision and Regulation
The Company and its subsidiaries are extensively regulated and supervised under both federal and state laws. A summary description of the laws and regulations which relate to the Company’s operations are discussed in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.
Additional Available Information
The Company maintains an internet website at http://www.westernalliancebancorp.com. The Company makes available its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act and other information related to the Company free of charge, through this site as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files those documents with, or otherwise furnishes them to the SEC. The SEC maintains an internet site, http://www.sec.gov, in which all forms filed electronically may be accessed. The Company’s internet website and the information contained therein are not intended to be incorporated in this Form 10-K.
In addition, copies of the Company’s annual report will be made available, free of charge, upon written request.
Investing in the Company’s common stock involves various risks, many of which are specific to the Company’s business. The discussion below addresses the material risks and uncertainties, of which the Company are currently aware, that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition. Other risks that the Company does not know about now, or that the Company does not currently believe are significant, could negatively impact the Company’s business or the trading price of the Company’s securities. See additional discussions about credit, interest rate, market, and litigation risks in "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
Risks Relating to Our Business
The Company’s financial performance may be adversely affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally.
The Company’s financial performance is highly dependent upon the business environment in the markets where the Company operates and in the U.S. as a whole. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by declines in economic growth, business activity, or investor or business confidence, limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital, increases in inflation or interest rates, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, acts of war, or a combination of these or other factors. A worsening of business and economic conditions generally or specifically in the principal markets in which the Company conducts business could have adverse effects, including the following:
| |
• | a decrease in deposit balances or the demand for loans and other products and services the Company offers; |
| |
• | an increase in the number of borrowers who become delinquent, file for protection under bankruptcy laws or default on their loans or other obligations to the Company, which could lead to higher levels of nonperforming assets, net charge-offs and provisions for credit losses; |
| |
• | a decrease in the value of loans and other assets secured by real estate; |
| |
• | a decrease in net interest income from the Company’s lending and deposit gathering activities; |
| |
• | an impairment of certain intangible assets such as goodwill; and |
| |
• | an increase in competition resulting from the increasing consolidation of financial services companies. |
In the U.S. financial services industry, the commercial soundness of financial institutions is closely interrelated as a result of credit, trading, clearing or other relationships between the institutions. As a result, concerns about, or a default or threatened default by, one institution could lead to significant market-wide liquidity and credit problems, losses or defaults by other institutions. This is sometimes referred to as “systemic risk” and may adversely affect financial intermediaries, such as clearing agencies, clearing houses, banks, securities firms, and exchanges, with which the Company interacts on a daily basis, and therefore could adversely affect the Company.
It is possible that the business environment in the U.S. will continue to experience volatility for the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that these conditions will improve in the near term or that conditions will not worsen. Such conditions could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition.
The Company is highly dependent on real estate and events that negatively impact the real estate market will hurt the Company’s business and earnings.
The Company is located in areas in which economic growth is largely dependent on the real estate market, and a majority of the Company’s loan portfolio is secured by or otherwise dependent on real estate. A decline in real estate activity, even if less severe than occurred in 2009 and 2008, would likely cause a decline in asset and deposit growth and negatively impact the Company’s earnings and financial condition.
The Company’s high concentration of CRE, construction and land development, and commercial and industrial loans expose us to increased lending risks.
CRE, construction and land development, and commercial and industrial loans, comprised approximately 96% of our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015, exposes the Company to a greater risk of loss than residential real estate and consumer loans, which comprise a much smaller percentage of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2015. CRE, land development, and commercial and industrial loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to residential loans. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one commercial loan or one credit relationship exposes us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to one residential mortgage loan. Much of the growth in the Company's commercial and industrial loan portfolio in recent years is attributable to specialty business lines, such as mortgage warehouse and municipal/non-profit lending, that present unique risks and involve specialized underwriting and management. Likewise, with the Company's recent acquisition of Bridge and related initiatives, the Company now has commercial and industrial credit exposure in niche business sectors that are new to the Company, such as technology and life sciences.
Although its proportion has declined in recent years, real estate construction, acquisition, and development lending continues to represent a significant percentage of the Company's total loan portfolio, and involves certain risks that are not present in other types of loans, including project and market risks. Project risks include cost overruns, borrower credit risk, project completion risk, general contractor credit risk, and environmental and other hazard risks. Market risks include affordability, which means the risk that borrowers cannot obtain affordable financing, product design risk, and risks posed by competing projects. Real estate construction, acquisition, and development loans also involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If the Company's appraisal of the value of the completed project proves to be overstated or market values or rental rates decline, the Company may have inadequate security for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project.
The Company’s allowance for loan losses may be insufficient, which could require the Company to raise additional capital or otherwise adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Credit losses are inherent in the business of making loans. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of the Company’s consolidated loan portfolio and maintain an allowance for estimated credit losses based on a number of factors, including the size of the portfolio, asset classifications, economic trends, industry experience and trends, industry and geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, management’s assessment of the credit risk inherent in the portfolio, historical loan loss experience, and loan underwriting policies. In addition, the Company evaluates all loans identified as problem loans and augments the allowance based upon its estimation of the potential loss associated with those problem loans. Additions to the allowance for credit losses recorded through the Company’s provision for credit losses decreases the Company’s net income. If such assumptions and judgments are incorrect, the Company’s actual credit losses may exceed the Company’s allowance for credit losses.
At December 31, 2015, the Company's allowance for credit losses was $119.1 million. Deterioration in the real estate market and/or general economic conditions could affect the ability of the Company’s loan customers to service their debt, which could result in additional loan provisions and increases in the Company’s allowance for credit losses. In addition, the Company may be required to record additional loan provisions or increase the Company’s allowance for credit losses based on new information regarding existing loans, input from regulators in connection with their review of the Company’s allowance, changes in regulatory guidance, regulations or accounting standards, identification of additional problem loans, and other factors, both within and outside of the Company’s management’s control. Moreover, because future events are uncertain and because the Company may not successfully identify all deteriorating loans in a timely manner, there may be loans that deteriorate in an accelerated time frame.
Any increases in the provision or allowance for credit losses will result in a decrease in the Company’s net income and, potentially, capital, and may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. If actual credit losses materially exceed the Company’s allowance for credit losses, the Company may be required to raise additional capital, which may not be available to the Company on acceptable terms or at all. The Company’s inability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms when needed could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and capital.
Because of the geographic concentration of the Company’s assets, changes in local economic conditions could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations.
The Company’s business is primarily concentrated in selected markets in Arizona, California, and Nevada. As a result of this geographic concentration, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations depend largely upon economic
conditions in these market areas. Deterioration in economic conditions in these markets could result in one or more of the following: an increase in loan delinquencies and charge-offs; an increase in problem assets and foreclosures; a decrease in the demand for the Company’s products and services; or a decrease in the value of collateral for loans, especially real estate.
The Company’s financial instruments expose the Company to certain market risks and may increase the volatility of AOCI.
The Company holds certain financial instruments measured at fair value. For those financial instruments measured at fair value, the Company is required to recognize the changes in the fair value of such instruments in AOCI each quarter. Therefore, any increases or decreases in the fair value of these financial instruments have a corresponding impact on reported AOCI. Fair value can be affected by a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, including the Company’s credit position, interest rate volatility, capital markets volatility, and other economic factors. Accordingly, the Company’s earnings are subject to mark-to-market risk and the application of fair value accounting may cause the Company’s AOCI to be more volatile than would be suggested by the Company’s underlying performance.
If the Company loses a significant portion of its core deposits or its cost of funding deposits increases significantly, the Company's liquidity and/or profitability would be adversely impacted.
The Company’s profitability depends in part on successfully attracting and retaining a stable base of relatively low-cost deposits. The competition for these deposits in the Company's markets is strong and customers may demand higher interest rates on their deposits or seek other investments offering higher rates of return. The Company is a member of the Promontory Interfinancial Network, and offers its reciprocal deposit products, such as CDARS and ICS, to customers seeking federal insurance for deposit amounts that exceed the applicable deposit insurance limit at a single institution. The Company also from time to time offers other credit enhancements to depositors, such as FHLB letters of credit and, for certain deposits of public monies, pledges of collateral in the form of readily marketable securities. Any event or circumstance that interferes with or limits the Company's ability to offer these products to customers that require greater security for their deposits, such as a significant regulatory enforcement action or a significant decline in capital levels at the Company's bank subsidiary, could negatively impact the Company's ability to attract and retain deposits. For further discussion of CDARS and ICS, see "Note 8. Deposits" to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K. If the Company were to lose a significant portion of its low-cost deposits, the Company would be required to borrow from other sources at higher rates and the Company's liquidity and profitability would be adversely impacted.
From time to time, the Company has been dependent on borrowings from the FHLB and the FRB, and there can be no assurance these programs will be available as needed.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company has borrowings from the FHLB of San Francisco of $150.0 million and no borrowings from the FRB. In the past, the Company has been reliant on borrowings from the FHLB of San Francisco and the FRB to satisfy its short-term liquidity needs. The Company’s borrowing capacity is generally dependent on the value of its collateral pledged to these entities. These lenders could reduce the Company’s borrowing capacity or eliminate certain types of collateral and could otherwise modify or even terminate their loan programs. Any change or termination could have an adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity and profitability.
The business may be adversely affected by computer, internet, and telecommunications fraud.
The Company is inherently exposed to operational risk caused by the use of computer, internet, and telecommunications systems. These risks may manifest themselves in the form of theft and other fraudulent activity by employees, customers, other outside entities targeting the Company and/or the Company’s customers that use the Company’s internet banking, electronic banking, or some other form of the Company’s telecommunications systems. Such activity may take many forms, including check fraud, electronic fraud, wire fraud, phishing, and other dishonest acts. In recent periods, there has been a rise in electronic theft and fraudulent activity within the financial services industry, especially in the commercial banking sector, due in part to cyber criminals targeting commercial bank accounts. Consistent with industry trends, the Company has also experienced an increase in attempted electronic fraudulent activity in recent periods.
Although the Company devotes substantial resources to maintaining secure systems and to preventing such incidents, given the increasing sophistication of possible perpetrators, and the growing use of electronic, internet-based, and networked systems to conduct business directly or indirectly with the Company’s clients, fraud losses may occur regardless of the preventative and detection systems in place or if those systems fail or prove to be inadequate.
A failure in or breach of the Company’s operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of the Company’s third party vendors and other service providers, including as a result of cyber-attacks, could disrupt the Company’s businesses, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage the Company’s reputation, increase the Company’s costs, and cause losses.
The Company’s operations rely on the secure processing, storage, and transmission of confidential and other information. Although the Company takes numerous protective measures to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the Company’s and its clients’ information across all geographic and product lines, and endeavor to modify these protective measures as circumstances warrant, the nature of the threats continues to evolve. As a result, the Company’s computer systems, software, and networks and those of the Company’s customers and third party vendors may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, loss, or destruction of data (including confidential client information), account takeovers, unavailability of service, computer viruses, or other malicious code, cyber-attacks and other events that could have an adverse security impact and result in significant losses to the Company and/or the its customers. These threats may originate externally from third parties, including foreign governments, organized criminal groups, and other hackers, and outsourced or infrastructure-support providers and application developers, or the threats may originate from within the Company’s organization.
We also face the risk of operational disruption, failure, termination, or capacity constraints of any of the third parties that facilitate the Company’s business activities, including vendors, exchanges, clearing agents, clearing houses, or other financial intermediaries. Such parties could also be the source or cause of an attack on, or breach of, the Company’s operational systems, data or infrastructure. In addition, the Company may be at risk of an operational failure with respect to its clients’ systems. The Company’s risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats, the outsourcing of some of the Company’s business operations, and the continued uncertain global economic environment. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the Company may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance its protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities.
The Company maintains insurance policies that it believes provide reasonable coverage at a manageable expense for an institution of the Company’s size and scope with similar technological systems. However, the Company cannot assure that these policies will afford coverage for all possible losses or would be sufficient to cover all financial losses, damages, penalties, including lost revenues, should the Company experience any one or more of the its or a third party’s systems failing or experiencing an attack.
The Company relies on other companies to provide key components of its business infrastructure.
The Company relies on third parties to provide key components for its business operations, such as data processing and storage, recording and monitoring transactions, online banking interfaces and services, internet connections, and network access. While the Company selects these third-party vendors carefully, it does not control their actions. Any problems caused by these third parties, including those resulting from breakdowns or other disruptions in communication services provided by a vendor, failure of a vendor to handle current or higher volumes, cyber-attacks and security breaches at a vendor, failure of a vendor to provide services for any reason, or poor performance of services by a vendor, could adversely affect the Company’s ability to deliver products and services to its customers and otherwise conduct its business. Financial or operational difficulties of a third-party vendor could also hurt the Company’s operations if those difficulties interfere with the vendor's ability to serve the Company. Replacing these third party vendors also could create significant delays and expense that adversely affect the Company’s business and performance.
A change in the Company’s creditworthiness could increase the Company’s cost of funding or adversely affect its liquidity.
Market participants regularly evaluate the Company’s creditworthiness and the creditworthiness of the Company’s long-term debt based on a number of factors, some of which are not entirely within the Company’s control, including the Company’s financial strength and the financial services industry generally. There can be no assurance that the Company's perceived creditworthiness will remain the same. Changes could adversely affect the cost and other terms upon which the Company is able to obtain funding and its access to the capital markets, and could increase the Company’s cost of capital. Likewise, any loss of or decline in the credit rating assigned to WAB could impair its ability to attract deposits or to obtain other funding sources, or increase its cost of funding.
The Company may not be able to successfully implement its planned system conversion or otherwise keep pace with its growth by improving its controls and processes, and its reporting systems and procedures, which could cause it to experience compliance and operational problems or lose customers, or incur additional expenditures beyond current projections, any one of which could adversely affect the Company’s financial results.
The Company is planning a system conversion for the core banking platform during 2016 with the goal of becoming more efficient and providing better products and services to its customers, thereby strengthening its controls and processes and improving overall results. Successfully implementing this conversion and achieving these goals will require communicating these changes to the Company’s customers in a positive fashion, and integrating the Company’s systems and operating procedures. Moreover, in general, the Company’s future success will depend on the ability of officers and other key employees to continue to implement and improve operational, credit, financial, management and other internal risk controls and processes, and improve reporting systems and procedures, while at the same time maintaining and growing existing businesses and client relationships. The Company may not successfully implement such changes or improvements in an efficient or timely manner, or it may discover deficiencies in its existing systems and controls that adversely affect the Company’s ability to grow its existing businesses and client relationships and could require the Company to incur additional expenditures to expand its administrative and operational infrastructure. If the Company is unable to successfully implement the core banking system conversion or to improve its controls, processes, and reporting systems and procedures, the Company may lose customers, experience compliance and operational problems or incur additional expenditures beyond current projections, any one of which could adversely affect the Company’s financial results.
The Company’s expansion strategy may not prove to be successful and our market value and profitability may suffer.
The Company continually evaluates expansion through acquisitions of banks and other financial businesses, the organization of new banks and the expansion of our existing banks through establishment of new branches. In 2015, we completed the largest bank acquisition in our history, Bridge Capital Holdings. This acquisition was, and any future acquisitions will be, accompanied by the risks commonly encountered in such transactions. These risks include, among other things:
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• | difficulty of integrating the operations and personnel; |
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• | potential disruption of the Company’s ongoing business; |
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• | failure to retain key personnel at the acquired business; |
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• | inability of the Company’s management to maximize its financial and strategic position by the successful implementation of uniform product offerings and the incorporation of uniform technology into the Company’s product offerings and control systems; and |
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• | failure to realize any expected revenue increases, cost savings, and other projected benefits from an acquisition. |
The economic crisis in 2008 also highlighted risks that are unique to acquisitions of financial institutions and banks and that are difficult to assess, including the risk that the acquired institution has troubled, illiquid, or bad assets or an unstable base of deposits or assets under management.
The Company expects that competition for suitable acquisition candidates may be significant. We may compete with other banks or financial service companies with similar acquisition strategies, many of which are larger and have greater financial and other resources. The Company cannot assure that we will be able to successfully identify and acquire suitable acquisition targets on acceptable terms and conditions, or that it will be able to obtain the regulatory approvals needed to complete the transaction.
In addition to the acquisition of existing financial institutions, the Company may consider the organization of new banks in new market areas. Although we do not have any current plans to do so, the organization of a new bank carries with it numerous risks, including the following:
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• | the inability to obtain any required regulatory approvals; |
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• | significant costs and anticipated operating losses during the application and organizational phases, and the first years of operation of the new bank; |
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• | the inability to secure or retain the services of qualified senior management; |
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• | the local market may not accept the services of a bank owned and managed by a bank holding company headquartered outside of the market area of the bank; |
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• | the inability to obtain attractive locations within a new market at a reasonable cost; and |
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• | the additional strain on management resources and internal systems and controls. |
The Company cannot provide any assurance that it will be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with acquisitions or the organization of new banks. Potential regulatory enforcement actions, like a MOU, also may adversely affect our ability to engage in certain expansionary activities. The Company’s inability to provide resources necessary to meet the requirements of any regulatory action or otherwise to overcome these risks could have an adverse effect on the achievement of our business strategy and maintenance of our market value.
The Company’s future success depends on its ability to compete effectively in a highly competitive market.
The Company faces substantial competition in all phases of its operations from a variety of different competitors. The Company’s competitors, including large commercial banks, community banks, thrift institutions, mutual savings banks, credit unions, finance companies, insurance companies, securities dealers, brokers, mortgage bankers, investment advisors, money market mutual funds, and other financial institutions, compete with lending and deposit-gathering services offered by the Company. Increased competition in the Company’s markets may result in reduced loans and deposits or less favorable pricing.
There is competition for financial services in the markets in which the Company conduct its businesses, including from many local commercial banks as well as numerous national and regionally based commercial banks. In particular, the Company has experienced intense price and terms competition in some of the lending lines of business in recent years. Many of these competing institutions have much greater financial and marketing resources than the Company has. Due to their size, larger competitors can achieve economies of scale and may offer a broader range of products and services or more attractive pricing than the Company. Some of the financial services organizations with which the Company competes are not subject to the same degree of regulation as is imposed on bank holding companies and federally insured depository institutions. As a result, these non-bank competitors have certain advantages over the Company in accessing funding and in providing various services.
The banking business in the Company’s primary market areas is very competitive, and the level of competition facing the Company may increase further, which may limit its asset growth and financial results. If the Company is unable to compete effectively, its business and results of operations may be adversely affected.
The Company’s success is dependent upon its ability to recruit and retain qualified employees, especially seasoned relationship bankers.
The Company’s business plan includes and is dependent upon hiring and retaining highly qualified and motivated executives and employees at every level. In particular, the Company’s relative success to date has been partly the result of its management’s ability to identify and retain highly qualified employees with expertise in certain specialty areas or that have long-standing relationships in their communities. These professionals bring with them valuable customer relationships and have been an integral part of the Company’s ability to attract deposits and to expand its market share. From time to time, the Company recruits or utilizes the services of employees who are subject to restrictions on their ability to use confidential information of a prior employer, to freely compete with that employer, or to solicit customers of that employer. If the Company is unable to hire or retain qualified employees, or if new employees are subject to these types of restrictions, it may not be able to successfully execute its business strategy. If the Company or its employee is found to have violated any non-solicitation or other restrictions applicable to the Company or tits employee, the Company or its employee could become subject to litigation or other proceedings.
The Company could be harmed if it loses the services of key members of its senior management team.
The Company believes that its success to date has been substantially dependent on its senior management team, including, but not limited to, Robert Sarver, Chairman and CEO; Dale Gibbons, CFO; Robert R. McAuslan, CCO; John Guedry, Executive Vice President-Southern Nevada Administration; James Lundy, Executive Vice President-Arizona Administration; Daniel Myers, Executive Vice President-Northern California Administration; and Gerald Cady, Executive Vice President-Southern California Administration. The Company also believes that its prospects for success in the future are dependent on retaining its senior management team. In addition to their skills and experience as bankers, these persons provide the Company with extensive community ties upon which the Company’s competitive strategy is based. The Company’s ability to retain these persons may be hindered by the fact that it has not entered into employment agreements with any of them. The loss of the services of any of these persons, particularly Mr. Sarver, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business if the Company cannot replace them with equally qualified persons who are also familiar with its market areas.
Mr. Sarver’s involvement in outside business interests requires substantial time and attention and may adversely affect the Company’s ability to achieve its strategic plan.
Mr. Sarver joined the Company in December 2002 and is an integral part of the Company’s business. He has substantial business interests that are unrelated to the Company, including his position as managing partner of the Phoenix Suns National Basketball Association franchise and his recent purchase of a Spanish soccer team, RCD Mallorca Football Club. Mr. Sarver’s other business interests demand significant time commitments, the intensity of which may vary throughout the year. Mr. Sarver’s other commitments may reduce the amount of time he has available to devote to the Company’s business. The Company believes that Mr. Sarver spends the substantial majority of his business time on matters related to the Company. However, a significant reduction in the amount of time Mr. Sarver devotes to the Company’s business may adversely affect its ability to achieve the Company’s strategic plan.
The Company's risk management practices may prove to be inadequate or not fully effective.
The Company's risk management framework seeks to mitigate risk and appropriately balance risk and return. The Company has established policies and procedures intended to identify, monitor, and manage the types of risk to which it is subject, including credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, and reputational risk. A Board level risk committee approves and reviews the Company's risk management policies and oversees operation of our risk management framework. Although the Company has devoted significant resources to developing its risk management policies and procedures and expect to continue to do so in the future, these policies and procedures, as well as the Company's risk management techniques, may not be fully effective. In addition, as regulations and markets in which the Company operates continue to evolve, the Company's risk management framework may not always keep sufficient pace with those changes. If the Company's risk management framework does not effectively identify or mitigate its risks, the Company could suffer unexpected losses and could be materially adversely affected. Management of our risks in some cases depends upon the use of analytical and/or forecasting models. If the models we use to mitigate these risks are inadequate, we may incur increased losses. In addition, there may be risks that exist, or that develop in the future, that we have not appropriately anticipated, identified, or mitigated.
The Company's internal controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented and the accuracy of the Company's judgments and estimates about financial and accounting matters may impact operating results and financial condition.
The Company's management regularly reviews and updates its internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of the Company's controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could result in materially inaccurate reported financial statements and/or have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Similarly, the Company's management makes certain estimates and judgments in preparing the Company's financial statements. The quality and accuracy of those estimates and judgments will impact the Company's operating results and financial condition.
There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with the introduction or expansion of lines of business or new products and services within existing lines of business.
From time to time, the Company may implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services, the Company may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved and price and profitability targets may not prove attainable. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new product or service. Furthermore, any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business or new products or services could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition.
If the Company is unable to understand and adapt to technological change, the Company’s business could be adversely affected.
The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology driven products and services. The effective use of technology can increase efficiency and enable financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. However, some new technologies needed to compete effectively result in incremental operating costs. The Company’s future success depends, in part, upon its ability to address the needs of its
customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in operations. Many of the Company’s competitors, because of their larger size and available capital, have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. The Company may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and, in turn, its financial condition and results of operations.
The markets in which the Company operates are subject to the risk of earthquakes and other natural disasters.
The Company's recent acquisition of Bridge Capital Holdings substantially increased the Company's presence in the State of California, and many of the real and personal properties securing the Company's loans are located in California. California is experiencing a record drought and is prone to earthquakes, brush fires, flooding, and other natural disasters. In addition to possibly sustaining damage to our own properties, if there is a major earthquake, flood, or other natural disaster in California or any of our other markets, the Company faces the risk that many of its borrowers may experience uninsured property losses, or sustained job interruption and/or loss which may materially impair their ability to meet the terms of their loan obligations. Therefore, the continuing drought in California, or an earthquake, flood, pandemic, or other natural disaster or catastrophic event, or a combination of these or other factors, in any of the Company's markets could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Risks Related to the Banking Industry
The Company operates in a highly regulated environment and the laws and regulations that govern the Company’s operations, corporate governance, executive compensation, and accounting principles, or changes in them, or the Company’s failure to comply with them, may adversely affect the Company.
The Company is subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and legislation that govern almost all aspects of its operations. Intended to protect customers, depositors, and the DIF, these laws and regulations, among other matters, prescribe minimum capital requirements, impose limitations on the business activities in which the Company can engage, limit the dividends or distributions that WAB can pay to the Company or that the Company can pay to its stockholders, restrict the ability of affiliates to guarantee the Company’s debt, impose certain specific accounting requirements on the Company that may be more restrictive and may result in greater or earlier charges to earnings or reductions in the Company’s capital than GAAP, among other things. Compliance with laws and regulations can be difficult and costly, and changes to laws and regulations often impose significant additional compliance costs. Further, an alleged failure by the Company to comply with these laws and regulations, even if the Company acted in good faith or the alleged failure reflects a difference in interpretation, could subject the Company to additional restrictions on its business activities (including mergers, acquisitions, and new branches), fines and other penalties, any of which could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, capital base, and the price of the Company’s securities. In addition, during 2014, WAB and the Company each increased their respective total consolidated assets above $10 billion, and both became subject to regulations and oversight not applicable before that time. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Supervision and Regulation” included in this Form 10-K for a more detailed summary of the regulations and supervision to which the Company are subject.
Since the recent financial crisis, financial institutions generally have been subjected to increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities. Recent changes to the legal and regulatory framework governing the Company’s operations, including the passage and continued implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act, have drastically revised the laws and regulations under which the Company operate. These changes may result in increased costs of doing business, decreased revenues and net income, and may reduce the Company’s ability to effectively compete in attracting and retaining customers. In general, bank regulators have increased their focus on risk management and consumer compliance, and the Company expects this focus to continue. Additional compliance requirements are likely and can be costly to implement, may require additional compliance personnel and may limit the Company’s ability to offer competitive products to its customers.
The Company is also subject to changes in federal and state law, as well as regulations and governmental policies, income tax laws, and accounting principles. Regulations affecting banks and other financial institutions are undergoing continuous review and frequently change, and the ultimate effect of such changes cannot be predicted. Recent areas of legislative focus include housing finance reform, flood insurance, and cyber security. Regulations and laws may be modified at any time, and new legislation may be enacted that will affect the Company, WAB and the Company’s other subsidiaries. Any changes in any federal and state law, as well as regulations and governmental policies, income tax laws, and accounting principles, could affect the Company in substantial and unpredictable ways, including ways that may adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations. Failure to appropriately comply with any such laws, regulations or principles could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties or damage to the Company’s reputation, all of which could adversely affect its business, financial condition, or results of operations.
State and federal banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of the Company’s business, including for compliance with laws and regulations, and the Company’s failure to comply with any supervisory actions to which the Company is or becomes subject as a result of such examinations may adversely affect the Company.
State and federal banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of the Company’s business, including for compliance with laws and regulations. If, as a result of an examination, an agency were to determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, or other aspects of any of the Company’s operations had become unsatisfactory, or that any of the Company’s banks or their management was in violation of any law or regulation, federal banking agencies may take a number of different remedial or enforcement actions it deems appropriate to remedy such a deficiency. These actions include the power to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, to require affirmative actions to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in the bank’s capital, to restrict the bank’s growth, to assess civil monetary penalties against the bank’s officers or directors, to remove officers and directors and, if the FDIC concludes that such conditions cannot be corrected or there is an imminent risk of loss to depositors, to terminate the bank’s deposit insurance. Under Arizona law, the state banking supervisory authority has many of the same enforcement powers with respect to its state-chartered banks. Finally, the CFPB has the authority to examine the Company and has authority to take enforcement actions, including the issuance of cease-and-desist orders or civil monetary penalties against the Company if it finds that the Company offers consumer financial products and services in violation of federal consumer financial protection laws or in an unfair, deceptive, or abusive manner.
If the Company were unable to comply with regulatory directives in the future, or if the Company were unable to comply with the terms of any future supervisory requirements to which the Company may become subject, then it could become subject to a variety of supervisory actions and orders, including cease and desist orders, prompt corrective actions, MOUs, and/or other regulatory enforcement actions. If the Company’s regulators were to take such supervisory actions, then the Company could, among other things, become subject to greater restrictions on its ability to develop any new business, as well as restrictions on its existing business, and the Company could be required to raise additional capital, dispose of certain assets and liabilities within a prescribed period of time, or both. Failure to implement the measures in the time frames provided, or at all, could result in additional orders or penalties from federal and state regulators, which could result in one or more of the remedial actions described above. In the event WAB was ultimately unable to comply with the terms of a regulatory enforcement action, it could ultimately fail and be placed into receivership by the chartering agency. The terms of any such supervisory action and the consequences associated with any failure to comply therewith could have a material negative effect on the Company’s business, operating flexibility, and financial condition.
Changes in interest rates and increased rate competition could adversely affect the Company’s profitability, business and prospects.
Most of the Company’s assets and liabilities are monetary in nature, which subjects the Company to significant risks from changes in interest rates and can impact the Company’s net income and the valuation of its assets and liabilities. Increases or decreases in prevailing interest rates could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, asset quality, and prospects. The Company’s operating income and net income depend to a great extent on its net interest margin. Net interest margin is the difference between the interest yields the Company receives on loans, securities, and other earning assets and the interest rates the Company pay on interest bearing deposits, borrowings, and other liabilities. These rates are highly sensitive to many factors beyond the Company’s control, including competition, general economic conditions, and monetary and fiscal policies of various governmental and regulatory authorities, including the FRB. If the rate of interest the Company pay on its interest bearing deposits, borrowings, and other liabilities increases more than the rate of interest the Company receive on loans, securities, and other earning assets increases, the Company’s net interest income, and therefore its earnings, would be adversely affected. The Company’s earnings also could be adversely affected if the rates on the Company’s loans and other investments fall more quickly than those on its deposits and other liabilities. The Company has recently experienced increased competition for loans on the basis of interest rates.
In addition, loan volumes are affected by market interest rates on loans. Rising interest rates generally are associated with a lower volume of loan originations, while lower interest rates are usually associated with higher loan originations. Conversely, in rising interest rate environments, loan repayment rates will decline and in falling interest rate environments, loan repayment rates will increase. The Company cannot guarantee that it will be able to minimize interest rate risk. In addition, an increase in the general level of interest rates may adversely affect the ability of certain borrowers to pay the interest on and principal of their obligations.
Interest rates also affect how much money the Company can lend. When interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing increases. Accordingly, changes in market interest rates could materially and adversely affect the Company’s net interest spread, asset quality, loan origination volume, business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The Company is exposed to risk of environmental liabilities with respect to properties to which the Company obtains title.
Approximately 53% of the Company’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2015 was secured by real estate. In the course of the Company’s business, the Company may foreclose on and take title to real estate, and could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. The Company may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation, and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination, or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances, or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, if the Company is the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, the Company may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. These costs and claims could be substantial and adversely affect the Company’s business and prospects.
Risks Related to our Common Stock
The price of the Company’s common stock has increased substantially in the past several years and may fluctuate significantly in the future, which may make it difficult for you to resell shares of common stock owned by you at times or at prices you find attractive.
The price of the Company’s common stock on New York Stock Exchange constantly changes, and has increased substantially over the past four years. The Company expects that the market price of its common stock will continue to fluctuate and there can be no assurances about the market prices for its common stock.
The Company’s stock price may fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. These factors include:
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• | sales of the Company’s equity securities; |
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• | the Company’s financial condition, performance, creditworthiness, and prospects; |
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• | quarterly variations in the Company’s operating results or the quality of its assets; |
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• | operating results that vary from the expectations of management, securities analysts, and investors; |
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• | changes in expectations as to the Company’s future financial performance; |
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• | announcements of strategic developments, acquisitions, and other material events by the Company or its competitors; |
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• | the operating and securities price performance of other companies that investors believe are comparable to the Company; |
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• | the credit, mortgage, and housing markets, the markets for securities relating to mortgages or housing, and developments with respect to financial institutions generally; |
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• | changes in global financial markets and global economies and general market conditions, such as interest or foreign exchange rates, stock, commodity or real estate valuations or volatility and other geopolitical, regulatory or judicial events; and |
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• | the Company’s past and future dividend practices. |
There may be future sales or other dilution of the Company’s equity, which may adversely affect the market price of the Company’s common stock.
The Company is not restricted from issuing additional common stock, including any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, common stock. The Company also grants a significant number of shares of common stock to employees and directors under the Company’s Incentive Plan each year. The issuance of any additional shares of the Company’s common stock or preferred stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive common stock, or the exercise of such securities could be substantially dilutive to stockholders of the Company’s common stock. Holders of the Company’s common stock have no preemptive rights that entitle such holders to purchase their pro rata share of any offering of shares of any class or series. Because the Company’s decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions, its acquisition activity and other factors, the Company cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing, or nature of its future offerings. Thus, the Company’s stockholders bear the risk of the Company’s future offerings reducing the market price of the Company’s common stock and diluting their stock holdings in the Company.
Offerings of debt, which would be senior to the Company’s common stock upon liquidation, and/or preferred equity securities which may be senior to the Company’s common stock for purposes of dividend distributions or upon liquidation, may adversely affect the market price of the Company’s common stock.
The Company may from time to time issue debt securities, borrow money through other means, or issue preferred stock. From time to time the Company borrows money from the FRB, the FHLB, other financial institutions, and other lenders. In June 2015, WAB issued $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due July 15, 2025. All of these securities or borrowings have priority over the common stock in a liquidation, which could affect the market price of the Company’s stock.
The Company’s BOD is authorized to issue one or more classes or series of preferred stock from time to time without any action on the part of the stockholders. The Company’s BOD also has the power, without stockholder approval, to set the terms of any such classes or series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting rights, dividend rights, and preferences over the Company’s common stock with respect to dividends or upon the Company’s dissolution, winding-up, and liquidation and other terms. If the Company issues preferred stock in the future that has a preference over its common stock, with respect to the payment of dividends or upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, or if the Company issues preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of its common stock, the rights of holders of its common stock, the market price of its common stock could be adversely affected.
Anti-takeover provisions could negatively impact the Company’s stockholders.
Provisions of Delaware law and provisions of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and its Amended and Restated Bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of the Company or have the effect of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire control of the Company. Additionally, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, authorizes the Company’s BOD to issue additional series of preferred stock and such preferred stock could be issued as a defensive measure in response to a takeover proposal. These provisions could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire the Company even if an acquisition might be in the best interest of the Company’s stockholders.
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Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
None.
At December 31, 2015, the Company and WAB are headquartered at One E. Washington Street in Phoenix, Arizona. WAB operates 40 domestic branch locations, 18 of which are owned and 22 are leased, and 7 loan production offices. In addition, WAB owns and occupies a 36,000 square foot operations facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has seven executive and administrative facilities, two of which are owned. See "Item 1. Business” for location cities. For information regarding rental payments, see "Note 5. Premises and Equipment" of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
The Company continually evaluates the suitability and adequacy of its offices. Management believes that the existing facilities are adequate for present and anticipated future use.
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or to which any of our properties are subject. There are no material proceedings known to us to be contemplated by any governmental authority. See the “Supervision and Regulation” section of "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Form 10-K for additional information. From time to time, we are involved in a variety of litigation matters in the ordinary course of our business and anticipate that we will become involved in new litigation matters in the future.
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Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures |
Not applicable.
PART II
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Item 5. | Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. |
Market Information
The Company’s common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WAL” on June 30, 2005. The Company has filed, without qualifications, its 2015 Domestic Company Section 303A CEO Certification regarding its compliance with the NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards. The following table presents the high and low sales prices of the Company’s common stock for each quarterly period for the last two years as reported by The NASDAQ Global Select Market:
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 Quarters | | 2014 Quarters |
| | Fourth | | Third | | Second | | First | | Fourth | | Third | | Second | | First |
Range of stock prices: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
High | | $ | 39.11 |
| | $ | 35.17 |
| | $ | 34.95 |
| | $ | 30.41 |
| | $ | 28.31 |
| | $ | 25.21 |
| | $ | 25.75 |
| | $ | 25.72 |
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Low | | 29.12 |
| | 28.42 |
| | 28.91 |
| | 24.52 |
| | 21.43 |
| | 22.01 |
| | 20.76 |
| | 20.56 |
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Holders
At December 31, 2015, there were approximately 1,439 stockholders of record. This number does not include stockholders who hold shares in the name of brokerage firms or other financial institutions. The Company is not provided the exact number of or identities of these stockholders. There are no other classes of common equity outstanding.
Dividends
WAL is a legal entity separate and distinct from WAB and LVSP. As a holding company with limited significant assets other than the capital stock of our subsidiaries, WAL's ability to pay dividends depends primarily upon the receipt of dividends or other capital distributions from our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to WAL is subject to, among other things, their individual earnings, financial condition, and need for funds, as well as federal and state governmental policies and regulations applicable to WAL and each of those subsidiaries, which limit the amount that may be paid as dividends without prior approval. See the additional discussion in the “Supervision and Regulation” section of this report for information regarding restrictions on the ability to pay cash dividends. In addition, the terms and conditions of other securities we issue may restrict our ability to pay dividends to holders of our common stock. For example, if any required payments on outstanding trust preferred securities are not made, WAL would be prohibited from paying cash dividends on our common stock. WAL has never paid a cash dividend on its common stock and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Sale of Unregistered Securities
None.
Share Repurchases
There were no shares repurchased during 2015 or 2014.
Performance Graph
The following graph summarizes a five year comparison of the cumulative total returns for the Company’s common stock, the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index and the KBW Regional Banking Total Return Index, each of which assumes an initial value of $100.00 on December 31, 2010 and reinvestment of dividends.
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Item 6. | Selected Financial Data. |
The following selected financial data have been derived from the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011, and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report:
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
| | (in thousands, except per share data) |
Results of Operations: | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | $ | 525,144 |
| | $ | 416,379 |
| | $ | 362,655 |
| | $ | 318,295 |
| | $ | 296,591 |
|
Interest expense | | 32,568 |
| | 31,486 |
| | 29,760 |
| | 28,032 |
| | 38,923 |
|
Net interest income | | 492,576 |
| | 384,893 |
| | 332,895 |
| | 290,263 |
| | 257,668 |
|
Provision for credit losses | | 3,200 |
| | 4,726 |
| | 13,220 |
| | 46,844 |
| | 46,188 |
|
Net interest income after provision for credit losses | | 489,376 |
| | 380,167 |
| | 319,675 |
| | 243,419 |
| | 211,480 |
|
Non-interest income | | 29,768 |
| | 24,651 |
| | 22,197 |
| | 46,505 |
| | 34,457 |
|
Non-interest expense | | 260,606 |
| | 207,319 |
| | 196,216 |
| | 188,860 |
| | 195,598 |
|
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes | | 258,538 |
| | 197,499 |
| | 145,656 |
| | 101,064 |
| | 50,339 |
|
Income tax expense | | 64,294 |
| | 48,390 |
| | 29,830 |
| | 25,935 |
| | 16,849 |
|
Income from continuing operations | | 194,244 |
| | 149,109 |
| | 115,826 |
| | 75,129 |
| | 33,490 |
|
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | | — |
| | (1,158 | ) | | (861 | ) | | (2,490 | ) | | (1,996 | ) |
Net income | | $ | 194,244 |
| | $ | 147,951 |
| | $ | 114,965 |
| | $ | 72,639 |
| | $ | 31,494 |
|
The Company adopted the amended guidance in ASU 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects, beginning on January 1, 2014. As a result, prior period financial information has been adjusted to conform to the amended guidance.
On June 30, 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of Bridge Capital Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridge Bank. As a result, Bridge’s results of operations have been included in the Company’s results beginning July 1, 2015. See "Note 2. Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions" for further discussion of the impact that the acquisition had on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
| | (in thousands, except per share data) |
Per Share Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings per share available to common stockholders - basic | | $ | 2.05 |
| | $ | 1.69 |
| | $ | 1.33 |
| | $ | 0.84 |
| | $ | 0.19 |
|
Earnings per share available to common stockholders - diluted | | 2.03 |
| | 1.67 |
| | 1.31 |
| | 0.83 |
| | 0.19 |
|
Earnings per share from continuing operations - basic | | 2.05 |
| | 1.70 |
| | 1.34 |
| | 0.87 |
| | 0.21 |
|
Earnings per share from continuing operations - diluted | | 2.03 |
| | 1.69 |
| | 1.32 |
| | 0.86 |
| | 0.21 |
|
Book value per common share | | 15.44 |
| | 10.49 |
| | 8.20 |
| | 7.15 |
| | 6.02 |
|
Shares outstanding at period end | | 103,087 |
| | 88,691 |
| | 87,186 |
| | 86,465 |
| | 82,362 |
|
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic | | 94,570 |
| | 86,693 |
| | 85,682 |
| | 82,285 |
| | 80,909 |
|
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted | | 95,219 |
| | 87,506 |
| | 86,541 |
| | 82,912 |
| | 81,183 |
|
Selected Balance Sheet Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 224,640 |
| | $ | 164,396 |
| | $ | 305,514 |
| | $ | 204,625 |
| | $ | 154,995 |
|
Investment securities and other | | 1,984,126 |
| | 1,522,546 |
| | 1,659,370 |
| | 1,236,648 |
| | 1,490,501 |
|
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs | | 11,136,663 |
| | 8,398,265 |
| | 6,801,415 |
| | 5,709,318 |
| | 4,780,069 |
|
Allowance for credit losses | | 119,068 |
| | 110,216 |
| | 100,050 |
| | 95,427 |
| | 99,170 |
|
Total assets | | 14,275,089 |
| | 10,600,498 |
| | 9,307,342 |
| | 7,622,442 |
| | 6,844,541 |
|
Total deposits | | 12,030,624 |
| | 8,931,043 |
| | 7,838,205 |
| | 6,455,177 |
| | 5,658,512 |
|
Other borrowings | | 150,000 |
| | 390,263 |
| | 341,096 |
| | 193,717 |
| | 353,321 |
|
Qualifying debt | | 210,328 |
| | 40,437 |
| | 41,858 |
| | 36,218 |
| | 36,985 |
|
Total stockholders' equity | | 1,591,502 |
| | 1,000,928 |
| | 855,498 |
| | 759,421 |
| | 636,683 |
|
Selected Other Balance Sheet Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Average assets | | $ | 12,420,803 |
| | $ | 9,891,109 |
| | $ | 8,500,324 |
| | $ | 7,193,425 |
| | $ | 6,486,396 |
|
Average earning assets | | 11,621,977 |
| | 9,270,465 |
| | 7,887,584 |
| | 6,685,107 |
| | 5,964,056 |
|
Average stockholders' equity | | 1,323,952 |
| | 964,131 |
| | 798,497 |
| | 691,004 |
| | 631,361 |
|
Selected Financial and Liquidity Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | |
Return on average assets | | 1.56 | % | | 1.50 | % | | 1.35 | % | | 1.01 | % | | 0.49 | % |
Return on average tangible common equity | | 17.83 |
| | 18.52 |
| | 18.28 |
| | 13.97 |
| | 6.89 |
|
Net interest margin | | 4.51 |
| | 4.42 |
| | 4.39 |
| | 4.49 |
| | 4.37 |
|
Loan to deposit ratio | | 92.57 |
| | 94.04 |
| | 86.77 |
| | 88.45 |
| | 84.48 |
|
Capital Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | |
Leverage ratio | | 9.8 | % | | 9.7 | % | | 9.8 | % | | 10.1 | % | | 9.8 | % |
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio | | 10.2 |
| | 10.5 |
| | 11.1 |
| | 11.3 |
| | 11.3 |
|
Total risk-based capital ratio | | 12.2 |
| | 11.7 |
| | 12.4 |
| | 12.6 |
| | 12.6 |
|
Average equity to average assets | | 10.7 |
| | 9.7 |
| | 9.4 |
| | 9.6 |
| | 9.7 |
|
Selected Asset Quality Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-accrual loans to gross loans | | 0.44 | % | | 0.81 | % | | 1.11 | % | | 1.83 | % | | 1.89 | % |
Non-accrual loans and repossessed assets to total assets | | 0.65 |
| | 1.18 |
| | 1.53 |
| | 2.39 |
| | 2.62 |
|
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing to total loans | | 0.03 |
| | 0.06 |
| | 0.02 |
| | 0.02 |
| | 0.05 |
|
Allowance for credit losses to total loans | | 1.07 |
| | 1.31 |
| | 1.47 |
| | 1.67 |
| | 2.07 |
|
Allowance for credit losses to non-accrual loans | | 246.10 |
| | 162.90 |
| | 132.20 |
| | 91.13 |
| | 109.71 |
|
Net (recoveries) charge-offs to average loans | | (0.06 | ) | | (0.07 | ) | | 0.14 |
| | 0.99 |
| | 1.32 |
|
| |
Item 7. | Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. |
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risk, uncertainties, and assumptions. Certain risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Form 10-K, may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
Financial Overview and Highlights
WAL is a bank holding company headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware. WAL provides a full spectrum of deposit, lending, treasury management, and online banking products and services through its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, WAB. On June 30, 2015, WAL acquired Bridge Capital Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridge Bank. Upon acquisition, Bridge Capital Holdings merged into WAL and its principal operating subsidiary, Bridge Bank, merged into WAB. Effective as of July 1, 2015, the existing Bridge offices and the previously existing WAB northern California offices are operating as a combined division, with their results reported under the Company's Northern California operating segment.
WAB operates the following full-service banking divisions: ABA in Arizona, BON in Southern Nevada, Bridge in Northern California, FIB in Northern Nevada, and TPB in Southern California. The Company also serves business customers through a national platform of specialized financial services including AAB, Corporate Finance, Equity Fund Resources, Life Sciences Group, Mortgage Warehouse Lending, Public Finance, Renewable Energy Group, Resort Finance, and Technology Finance. In addition, the Company has one non-bank subsidiary, LVSP, which holds and manages certain non-performing loans and OREO.
Financial Result Highlights of 2015
| |
• | Net income available to common stockholders of $193.5 million for 2015, compared to $146.6 million for 2014 |
| |
• | Diluted earnings per share of $2.03 for 2015, and $1.67 per share for 2014 |
| |
• | Pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings increased $72.3 million to $267.9 million, compared to $195.6 million in 20141 |
| |
• | Net operating revenue of $521.8 million, constituting year-over-year growth of 27.9%, or $113.7 million, compared to an increase in operating expenses of 19.5%, or $41.4 million1 |
| |
• | Net interest margin of 4.51% in 2015, compared to 4.42% in 2014 |
| |
• | Efficiency ratio of 45.8% in 2015, compared to 49.1% in 20141 |
| |
• | Total loans of $11.14 billion, up $2.74 billion from December 31, 2014 |
| |
• | Total deposits of $12.03 billion, up $3.10 billion from December 31, 2014 |
| |
• | Nonperforming assets (nonaccrual loans and repossessed assets) decreased to 0.65% of total assets, from 1.18% at December 31, 2014 |
| |
• | Net loan recoveries to average loans outstanding of 0.06%, compared to 0.07% at December 31, 2014 |
| |
• | Tangible common equity ratio of 9.2%, compared to 8.6% at December 31, 20141 |
| |
• | Stockholders' equity of $1.59 billion, an increase of $590.6 million from December 31, 2014 |
| |
• | Tangible book value per share, net of tax, of $12.54, an increase of 22.8% from $10.21 at December 31, 20141 |
The impact to the Company from these items, and others of both a positive and negative nature, are discussed in more detail below as they pertain to the Company’s overall comparative performance for the year ended December 31, 2015. As a bank holding company, management focuses on key ratios in evaluating the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
1 See Non-GAAP Financial Measures section beginning on page 33.
Acquisition of Bridge Capital Holdings
On June 30, 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of Bridge Capital Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridge Bank, headquartered in San Jose, California. Under the terms of the acquisition, each outstanding share of Bridge common stock was exchanged for 0.8145 shares of WAL's common stock plus $2.39 in cash. The Company paid $36.5 million in cash and issued 12.5 million common shares for all equity interests in Bridge. The merger was undertaken, in part, because Bridge strengthens the Company's Northern California presence and provides new avenues for growth in technology and international services.
Bridge’s results of operations have been included in the Company’s results beginning July 1, 2015. Acquisition / restructure expenses related to the Bridge acquisition of $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, have been included in non-interest expense, of which approximately $0.9 million are acquisition related costs as defined by ASC 805. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805. Assets purchased and liabilities assumed were recorded at their respective acquisition date estimated fair values. The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to adjustment during the first twelve months after the acquisition date if additional information becomes available to indicate a more accurate or appropriate value for an asset or liability.
The following table shows the recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their as adjusted acquisition date fair values, which include all measurement period adjustments identified and recognized during the last six months of 2015: |
| | | |
| As Adjusted |
| (in thousands) |
Assets: | |
Cash and cash equivalents (1) | $ | 378,966 |
|
Investment securities - AFS | 61,299 |
|
Investments in restricted stock | 7,015 |
|
Loans | 1,439,930 |
|
Premises and equipment | 1,519 |
|
Other assets acquired through foreclosure | 1,407 |
|
Bank owned life insurance | 17,385 |
|
Investment in LIHTC | 5,354 |
|
Intangible assets | 14,997 |
|
Deferred tax assets, net | 18,287 |
|
Other assets | 19,993 |
|
Total assets | $ | 1,966,152 |
|
Liabilities: | |
Deposits | $ | 1,742,031 |
|
Qualifying debt | 11,287 |
|
Other liabilities | 11,678 |
|
Total liabilities | 1,764,996 |
|
Net assets acquired | $ | 201,156 |
|
Consideration paid | |
Common stock (12,451,240 shares at $33.76 per share) | $ | 420,354 |
|
Fair value of equity awards related to pre-combination vesting | 10,676 |
|
Cash | 36,539 |
|
Fair value of total consideration | 467,569 |
|
Goodwill | $ | 266,413 |
|
| |
(1) | Cash and cash equivalents is net of a $6.2 million payment made by Bridge related to the cash out of vested, unexercised stock options at the date of closing. Cash acquired, less cash consideration paid of $36.5 million, resulted in net cash and cash equivalents increasing by $342.4 million following the acquisition. |
The Company identified $6.8 million in measurement period adjustments since June 30, 2015, which have been reflected as an adjustment to increase goodwill. Due to early adoption of the amended guidance within ASU 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, as discussed in "Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, these adjustments to provisional amounts identified during the measurement period are recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, rather than retrospectively adjusting the
provisional amounts at the acquisition date. Any effects on earnings from changes in the provisional amounts have been appropriately reflected in the Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended December 31, 2015. The significant measurement period adjustments relate to loans, net deferred tax assets, and other liabilities. The fair value of loans decreased as there were further adjustments made to the interest and credit marks on Bridge loans. The net deferred tax assets balance was adjusted to account for the tax effects of all the changes in the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Other liabilities also increased to accrue for unrecorded expenses and other liabilities incurred prior to acquisition. Although further measurement period adjustments are not expected to be significant, the estimated fair value of tax related items and other liabilities are still preliminary and are subject to additional measurement period adjustments.
Loans acquired in the Bridge acquisition consist of loans that are not considered impaired (non-PCI loans) and loans that have shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination (PCI loans) as of the acquisition date. All loans were recorded net of fair value adjustments (interest rate and credit marks), which were determined using discounted contractual cash flow models. The fair value of non-PCI loans acquired totals $1.43 billion, which is net of interest and credit marks of $26.0 million. The fair value of PCI loans totals $10.9 million, which is net of interest and credit marks of $5.7 million. See "Note 4. Loans, Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses" to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional detail of the acquired loans.
In connection with the Bridge acquisition, the Company acquired intangible assets of $15.0 million, consisting primarily of core deposit intangibles. The core deposit intangible asset balance has been allocated to the Northern California and CBL segments based on their respective core deposit balances at June 30, 2015, and is subject to amortization over its estimated useful life of 10 years.
Goodwill related to the acquisition totaled $266.4 million, which includes $6.8 million of measurement period adjustments identified and recognized since June 30, 2015. Goodwill has been allocated to the Northern California and CBL segments based on their proportionate loan and deposit balances as of June 30, 2015. Management believes this methodology allocates goodwill to the reporting units in a manner consistent with the expected synergies of the combination. None of the goodwill recognized as part of the acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
Qualifying debt assumed from Bridge is comprised of junior subordinated debt with a contractual balance of $17.5 million and is recorded net of a $6.2 million fair value mark that will be accreted over the remaining life of the trusts. See "Note 10. Qualifying Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail and discussion of the debt.
In connection with the acquisition, the Company assumed Bridge's SERP, an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan. The SERP provides retirement benefits to certain Bridge officers based on years of service and final average salary. Pursuant to the terms of the SERP agreements, if the officer's service is terminated by Bridge or by the officer for "good reason" (as defined in the SERP agreements) within 24 months following a change in control, such as the Bridge acquisition, the officer is entitled to full vesting of the normal benefit under the SERP agreement, and such SERP benefits will be made in installment payments commencing on the first business day of January of the year following the officer's attainment of age 55 or, if the officer is already age 55 as of such termination of employment, on the first business day of January of the year following the officer's termination of employment. As of June 30, 2015, a $7.1 million liability included in other liabilities was recorded in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the SERP. A discount rate of 5.75% and an employee compensation rate increase of 4.00% were used in determining the SERP liability as of June 30, 2015.
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
A summary of our results of operations, financial condition, and select metrics are included in the following tables:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
| | (in thousands, except per share amounts) |
Net income available to common stockholders | | $ | 193,494 |
| | $ | 146,564 |
| | $ | 113,555 |
|
Earnings per share applicable to common stockholders - basic | | 2.05 |
| | 1.69 |
| | 1.33 |
|
Earnings per share applicable to common stockholders - diluted | | 2.03 |
| | 1.67 |
| | 1.31 |
|
Net interest margin | | 4.51 | % | | 4.42 | % | | 4.39 | % |
Return on average assets | | 1.56 |
| | 1.50 |
| | 1.35 |
|
Return on average tangible common equity | | 17.83 |
| | 18.52 |
| | 18.28 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2014 |
| | (in thousands) |
Total assets | | $ | 14,275,089 |
| | $ | 10,600,498 |
|
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs | | 11,136,663 |
| | 8,398,265 |
|
Total deposits | | 12,030,624 |
| | 8,931,043 |
|
Asset Quality
For all banks and bank holding companies, asset quality plays a significant role in the overall financial condition of the institution and results of operations. The Company measures asset quality in terms of non-accrual loans as a percentage of gross loans and net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans. Net charge-offs are calculated as the difference between charged-off loans and recovery payments received on previously charged-off loans. The following table summarizes asset quality metrics:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | At or for the Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
| | (in thousands) |
Non-accrual loans | | $ | 48,381 |
| | $ | 67,659 |
| | $ | 75,680 |
|
Non-performing assets | | 166,058 |
| | 214,661 |
| | 233,509 |
|
Non-accrual loans to gross loans | | 0.44 | % | | 0.81 | % | | 1.11 | % |
Net (recoveries) charge-offs to average loans | | (0.06 | )% | | (0.07 | )% | | 0.14 | % |
Asset and Deposit Growth
The Company’s assets and liabilities are comprised primarily of loans and deposits. Therefore, the ability to originate new loans and attract new deposits is fundamental to the Company’s growth. Total assets increased to $14.28 billion at December 31, 2015 from $10.60 billion at December 31, 2014. Total loans, including HFS loans, increased by $2.74 billion, or 32.6%, to $11.14 billion as of December 31, 2015, compared to $8.40 billion as of December 31, 2014. Total deposits increased $3.10 billion, or 34.7%, to $12.03 billion as of December 31, 2015 from $8.93 billion as of December 31, 2014. The growth in total assets, loans, and deposits related to the acquisition of Bridge was $2.23 billion, $1.44 billion, and $1.74 billion, respectively.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth a summary financial overview for the comparable periods: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, | | Increase | | Year Ended December 31, | | Increase |
| | 2015 | | 2014 | | (Decrease) | | 2014 | | 2013 | | (Decrease) |
| | (in thousands, except per share amounts) |
Consolidated Income Statement Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | $ | 525,144 |
| | $ | 416,379 |
| | $ | 108,765 |
| | $ | 416,379 |
| | $ | 362,655 |
| | $ | 53,724 |
|
Interest expense | | 32,568 |
| | 31,486 |
| | 1,082 |
| | 31,486 |
| | 29,760 |
| | 1,726 |
|
Net interest income | | 492,576 |
| | 384,893 |
| | 107,683 |
| | 384,893 |
| | 332,895 |
| | 51,998 |
|
Provision for credit losses | | 3,200 |
| | 4,726 |
| | (1,526 | ) | | 4,726 |
| | 13,220 |
| | (8,494 | ) |
Net interest income after provision for credit losses | | 489,376 |
| | 380,167 |
| | 109,209 |
| | 380,167 |
| | 319,675 |
| | 60,492 |
|
Non-interest income | | 29,768 |
| | 24,651 |
| | 5,117 |
| | 24,651 |
| | 22,197 |
| | 2,454 |
|
Non-interest expense | | 260,606 |
| | 207,319 |
| | 53,287 |
| | 207,319 |
| | 196,216 |
| | 11,103 |
|
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | 258,538 |
| | 197,499 |
| | 61,039 |
| | 197,499 |
| | 145,656 |
| | 51,843 |
|
Income tax expense | | 64,294 |
| | 48,390 |
| | 15,904 |
| | 48,390 |
| | 29,830 |
| | 18,560 |
|
Income from continuing operations | | 194,244 |
| | 149,109 |
| | 45,135 |
| | 149,109 |
| | 115,826 |
| | 33,283 |
|
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | | — |
| | (1,158 | ) | | 1,158 |
| | (1,158 | ) | | (861 | ) | | (297 | ) |
Net income | | $ | 194,244 |
| | $ | 147,951 |
| | $ | 46,293 |
| | $ | 147,951 |
| | $ | 114,965 |
| | $ | 32,986 |
|
Net income available to common stockholders | | $ | 193,494 |
| | $ | 146,564 |
| | $ | 46,930 |
| | $ | 146,564 |
| | $ | 113,555 |
| | $ | 33,009 |
|
Earnings per share applicable to common stockholders - basic | | $ | 2.05 |
| | $ | 1.69 |
| | $ | 0.36 |
| | $ | 1.69 |
| | $ | 1.33 |
| | $ | 0.36 |
|
Earnings per share applicable to common stockholders - diluted | | $ | 2.03 |
| | $ | 1.67 |
| | $ | 0.36 |
| | $ | 1.67 |
| | $ | 1.31 |
| | $ | 0.36 |
|
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The following discussion and analysis contains financial information determined by methods other than those prescribed by GAAP. The Company's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in their analysis of the Company's performance. These measurements typically adjust GAAP performance measures to exclude the effects of unrealized gains or losses on assets and liabilities measured at fair value as well as other items to adjust income available to common stockholders for certain significant activities or transactions that, in management's opinion, do not reflect recurring period-to-period comparisons of the Company's performance. Management believes presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful supplemental information that is essential to a complete understanding of the operating results of the Company's core businesses. Since the presentation of these non-GAAP performance measures and their impact differ between companies, these non-GAAP disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.
Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Operating Earnings
Pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings adjust the level of earnings to exclude the impact of income taxes, provision for credit losses, and non-recurring or other items not considered part of the Company's core operations. Management believes that eliminating the effects of these items makes it easier to analyze underlying performance trends and enables investors to assess the Company's earnings power and ability to generate capital to cover credit losses.
The following table shows the components of pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
| (in thousands) |
Total non-interest income | $ | 29,768 |
| | $ | 24,651 |
| | $ | 22,197 |
|
Less: | | | | | |
Gain (loss) on sales of investment securities, net | 615 |
| | 757 |
| | (1,195 | ) |
Unrealized gains (losses) on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net | 47 |
| | 1,212 |
| | (6,483 | ) |
(Loss) on extinguishment of debt | (81 | ) | | (502 | ) | | (1,387 | ) |
Bargain purchase gain from acquisition | — |
| | — |
| | 10,044 |
|
Legal settlement | — |
| | — |
| | 38 |
|
Total operating non-interest income | 29,187 |
| | 23,184 |
| | 21,180 |
|
Plus: net interest income | 492,576 |
| | 384,893 |
| | 332,895 |
|
Net operating revenue | $ | 521,763 |
| | $ | 408,077 |
| | $ | 354,075 |
|
Total non-interest expense | $ | 260,606 |
| | $ | 207,319 |
| | $ | 196,216 |
|
Less: | | | | | |
Net (gain) on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets | (2,070 | ) | | (5,350 | ) | | (2,387 | ) |
Acquisition / restructure expense | 8,836 |
| | 198 |
| | 5,752 |
|
Total operating non-interest expense | $ | 253,840 |
| | $ | 212,471 |
| | $ | 192,851 |
|
Pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings | $ | 267,923 |
| | $ | 195,606 |
| | $ | 161,224 |
|
Tangible Common Equity
The following table presents financial measures related to tangible common equity. Tangible common equity represents total stockholders' equity less identifiable intangible assets, goodwill, and preferred stock. Management believes that tangible common equity financial measures are useful in evaluating the Company's capital strength, financial condition, and ability to manage potential losses. In addition, management believes that these measures improve comparability to other institutions that have not engaged in acquisitions that resulted in recorded goodwill and other intangible assets.
|
| | | | | | | |
| December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 |
| (dollars and shares in thousands) |
Total stockholders' equity | $ | 1,591,502 |
| | $ | 1,000,928 |
|
Less: goodwill and intangible assets | 305,354 |
| | 25,913 |
|
Total tangible stockholders' equity | 1,286,148 |
| | 975,015 |
|
Less: preferred stock | — |
| | 70,500 |
|
Total tangible common equity | 1,286,148 |
| | 904,515 |
|
Plus: deferred tax - attributed to intangible assets | 6,093 |
| | 1,006 |
|
Total tangible common equity, net of tax | $ | 1,292,241 |
| | $ | 905,521 |
|
| | | |
Total assets | $ | 14,275,089 |
| | $ | 10,600,498 |
|
Less: goodwill and intangible assets, net | 305,354 |
| | 25,913 |
|
Tangible assets | 13,969,735 |
| | 10,574,585 |
|
Plus: deferred tax - attributed to intangible assets | 6,093 |
| | 1,006 |
|
Total tangible assets, net of tax | $ | 13,975,828 |
| | $ | 10,575,591 |
|
| | | |
Tangible equity ratio | 9.2 | % | | 9.2 | % |
Tangible common equity ratio | 9.2 |
| | 8.6 |
|
Common shares outstanding | 103,087 |
| | 88,691 |
|
Tangible book value per share, net of tax | $ | 12.54 |
| | $ | 10.21 |
|
Efficiency Ratio
The following table shows the components used in the calculation of the efficiency ratio, which management uses as a metric for assessing cost efficiency:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
| (dollars in thousands) |
Total operating non-interest expense | $ | 253,840 |
| | $ | 212,471 |
| | $ | 192,851 |
|
| | | | | |
Divided by: | | | | | |
Total net interest income | $ | 492,576 |
| | $ | 384,893 |
| | $ | 332,895 |
|
Plus: | | | | | |
Tax equivalent interest adjustment | 31,883 |
| | 24,571 |
| | 13,312 |
|
Operating non-interest income | 29,187 |
| | 23,184 |
| | 21,180 |
|
Net operating revenue - TEB | $ | 553,646 |
| | $ | 432,648 |
| | $ | 367,387 |
|
| | | | | |
Efficiency ratio - TEB | 45.8 | % | | 49.1 | % | | 52.5 | % |
Adjusted Allowance for Credit Losses
The adjusted allowance for credit losses to gross loans ratio includes an adjustment for the remaining credit marks on acquired performing and PCI loans. Under GAAP, the allowance for credit losses on acquired loans is not carried over in an acquisition as acquired loans are recorded at fair value, net of related interest rate and credit marks, which discounts the loans based on expected future cash flows. The credit marks on acquired loans represent the allowance for credit losses carried over to the Company. Therefore, by adding back the remaining credit marks on acquired loans, management believes this is more indicative of the allowance available for inherent losses in the loan portfolio.
|
| | | | | | | |
| December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 |
| (dollars in thousands) |
Allowance for credit losses | $ | 119,068 |
| | $ | 110,216 |
|
Plus: remaining credit marks | | | |
Acquired performing loans | 12,154 |
| | 2,335 |
|
Purchased credit impaired loans | 8,491 |
| | 9,279 |
|
Adjusted allowance for credit losses | $ | 139,713 |
| | $ | 121,830 |
|
| | | |
Gross loans held for investment and deferred fees, net | $ | 11,112,854 |
| | $ | 8,398,265 |
|
Plus: remaining credit marks | | | |
Acquired performing loans | 12,154 |
| | 2,335 |
|
Purchased credit impaired loans | 8,491 |
| | 9,279 |
|
Adjusted loans, net of deferred fees and costs | $ | 11,133,499 |
| | $ | 8,409,879 |
|
| | | |
Allowance for credit losses to gross loans | 1.07 | % | | 1.31 | % |
Allowance for credit losses to gross loans, adjusted for acquisition accounting | 1.25 |
| | 1.45 |
|
Regulatory Capital
The following table presents certain financial measures related to regulatory capital under Basel III, which includes Common Equity Tier 1 and total capital. The FRB and other banking regulators use Common Equity Tier 1 and total capital as a basis for assessing a bank's capital adequacy; therefore, management believes it is useful to assess financial condition and capital adequacy using this same basis. Specifically, the total capital ratio takes into consideration the risk levels of assets and off-balance sheet financial instruments. In addition, management believes that the classified assets to Common Equity Tier 1 plus allowance measure is an important regulatory metric for assessing asset quality.
|
| | | |
| Basel III |
| December 31, 2015 |
| (dollars in thousands) |
Common Equity Tier 1: | |
Common Equity | $ | 1,591,502 |
|
Less: | |
Non-qualifying goodwill and intangibles | 293,487 |
|
Disallowed unrealized losses on equity securities | — |
|
Disallowed deferred tax asset | 5,001 |
|
AOCI related adjustments | 10,228 |
|
Unrealized gain on changes in fair value liabilities | 6,309 |
|
Common Equity Tier 1 (regulatory) | $ | 1,276,477 |
|
Divided by: Risk-weighted assets (regulatory) | $ | 13,193,563 |
|
Common Equity Tier 1 ratio | 9.7 | % |
| |
Common Equity Tier 1 (regulatory) | $ | 1,276,477 |
|
Plus: | |
Trust preferred securities | 81,500 |
|
Preferred stock | — |
|
Less: | |
Disallowed deferred tax asset | 7,502 |
|
Unrealized gain on changes in fair value liabilities | 9,464 |
|
Tier 1 capital | $ | 1,341,011 |
|
| |
Total Capital: | |
Tier 1 capital (regulatory) | $ | 1,341,011 |
|
Plus: | |
Subordinated debt | 140,097 |
|
Qualifying allowance for credit losses | 119,068 |
|
Other | 3,296 |
|
Less: Tier 2 qualifying capital deductions | — |
|
Tier 2 capital | $ | 262,461 |
|
| |
Total capital | $ | 1,603,472 |
|
| |
Total capital ratio | 12.2 | % |
| |
Classified assets to Common Equity Tier 1 plus allowance for credit losses: | |
Classified assets | $ | 221,126 |
|
Divided by: | |
Common Equity Tier 1 (regulatory) | 1,276,477 |
|
Plus: Allowance for credit losses | 119,068 |
|
Total Common Equity Tier 1 plus allowance for credit losses | $ | 1,395,545 |
|
| |
Classified assets to Common Equity Tier 1 plus allowance | 16 | % |
Net Interest Margin
The net interest margin is reported on a TEB. A tax equivalent adjustment is added to reflect interest earned on certain municipal securities and loans that are exempt from federal income tax. The following tables set forth the average balances, interest income, interest expense, and average yield (on a fully TEB) for the periods indicated:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2014 |
| | Average Balance | | Interest | | Average Yield / Cost | | Average Balance | | Interest | | Average Yield / Cost |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
Interest earning assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans (1), (2), (3) | | $ | 9,674,234 |
| | $ | 476,417 |
| | 5.18 | % | | $ | 7,432,087 |
| | $ | 370,922 |
| | 5.23 | % |
Securities - taxable (1) | | 1,268,755 |
| | 28,525 |
| | 2.25 |
| | 1,191,305 |
| | 27,903 |
| | 2.34 |
|
Securities - tax-exempt | | 407,012 |
| | 15,032 |
| | 5.41 |
| | 416,404 |
| | 15,306 |
| | 5.28 |
|
Total securities | | 1,675,767 |
| | 43,557 |
| | 3.02 |
| | 1,607,709 |
| | 43,209 |
| | 3.10 |
|
Other | | 271,976 |
| | 5,170 |
| | 1.90 |
| | 230,669 |
| | 2,248 |
| | 0.97 |
|
Total interest earnings assets | | 11,621,977 |
| | 525,144 |
| | 4.79 |
| | 9,270,465 |
| | 416,379 |
| | 4.76 |
|
Non-interest earning assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and due from banks | | 137,923 |
| | | | | | 133,739 |
| | | | |
Allowance for credit losses | | (115,033 | ) | | | | | | (106,100 | ) | | | | |
Bank owned life insurance | | 152,288 |
| | | | | | 141,885 |
| | | | |
Other assets | | 623,648 |
| | | | | | 451,120 |
| | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 12,420,803 |
| | | | | | $ | 9,891,109 |
| | | | |
Interest-bearing liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-bearing deposits: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest bearing transaction accounts | | $ | 983,889 |
| | $ | 1,736 |
| | 0.18 | % | | $ | 793,118 |
| | $ | 1,522 |
| | 0.19 | % |
Savings and money market | | 4,470,189 |
| | 12,544 |
| | 0.28 |
| | 3,616,829 |
| | 10,852 |
| | 0.30 |
|
Time certificates of deposits | | 1,808,120 |
| | 7,515 |
| | 0.42 |
| | 1,758,342 |
| | 7,638 |
| | 0.43 |
|
Total interest-bearing deposits | | 7,262,198 |
| | 21,795 |
| | 0.30 |
| | 6,168,289 |
| | 20,012 |
| | 0.32 |
|
Short-term borrowings | | 185,173 |
| | 4,965 |
| | 2.68 |
| | 173,228 |
| | 2,336 |
| | 1.35 |
|
Long-term debt | | 76,655 |
| | 801 |
| | 1.04 |
| | 265,828 |
| | 7,384 |
| | 2.78 |
|
Qualifying debt | |