Attached files

file filename
EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 - WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATIONwalex323312018.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATIONwalex3123312018.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATIONwalex3113312018.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
 
 
 
ý
 
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
or
 
 
 
o
 
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
For the transition period from__________ to __________
Commission file number: 001-32550  
 
 
WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
Delaware
 
88-0365922
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
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)
 
 

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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer
 
ý
 
Accelerated filer
 
¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨
 
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
 
¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨ 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
As of April 23, 2018, Western Alliance Bancorporation had 105,860,364 shares of common stock outstanding.



INDEX
 



2


PART I
GLOSSARY OF ENTITIES AND TERMS

The acronyms and abbreviations identified below are used in various sections of this Form 10-Q, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in Item 2 and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item I of this Form 10-Q.
ENTITIES / DIVISIONS:
AAB
Alliance Association Bank
HFF
Hotel Franchise Finance
ABA
Alliance Bank of Arizona
LVSP
Las Vegas Sunset Properties
BON
Bank of Nevada
TPB
Torrey Pines Bank
Bridge
Bridge Bank
WA PWI, LLC
Western Alliance Public Welfare Investments, LLC
Company
Western Alliance Bancorporation and subsidiaries
WAB or Bank
Western Alliance Bank
FIB
First Independent Bank
WABT
Western Alliance Business Trust
HOA Services
Homeowner Associations Services
WAL or Parent
Western Alliance Bancorporation
TERMS:
AFS
Available-for-Sale
HFI
Held for Investment
ALCO
Asset and Liability Management Committee
HTM
Held-to-Maturity
AOCI
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
ICS
Insured Cash Sweep Service
ASC
Accounting Standards Codification
IRC
Internal Revenue Code
ASU
Accounting Standards Update
ISDA
International Swaps and Derivatives Association
ATM
At-the-Market
LIBOR
London Interbank Offered Rate
Basel Committee
Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
LIHTC
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
Basel III
Banking Supervision's December 2010 final capital framework
MBS
Mortgage-Backed Securities
BOD
Board of Directors
NBL
National Business Lines
CDARS
Certificate Deposit Account Registry Service
NOL
Net Operating Loss
CDO
Collateralized Debt Obligation
NPV
Net Present Value
CEO
Chief Executive Officer
OCC
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
CFO
Chief Financial Officer
OCI
Other Comprehensive Income
CRA
Community Reinvestment Act
OREO
Other Real Estate Owned
CRE
Commercial Real Estate
OTTI
Other-than-Temporary Impairment
EPS
Earnings per share
PCI
Purchased Credit Impaired
EVE
Economic Value of Equity
SBA
Small Business Administration
Exchange Act
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
SBIC
Small Business Investment Company
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
FDIC
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
SERP
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
FHLB
Federal Home Loan Bank
TCJA
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
FRB
Federal Reserve Bank
TDR
Troubled Debt Restructuring
FVO
Fair Value Option
TEB
Tax Equivalent Basis
GAAP
U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
XBRL
eXtensible Business Reporting Language
GSE
Government-Sponsored Enterprise
 
 

3


Item 1.
Financial Statements
WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
(in thousands,
except shares and per share amounts)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
149,737

 
$
181,191

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions
 
289,634

 
235,577

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
 
439,371

 
416,768

Money market investments
 
5

 

Investment securities - AFS, at fair value; amortized cost of $3,474,049 at March 31, 2018 and $3,515,401 at December 31, 2017
 
3,405,462

 
3,499,519

Investment securities - HTM, at amortized cost; fair value of $255,418 at March 31, 2018 and $256,314 at December 31, 2017
 
262,304

 
255,050

Investments in restricted stock, at cost
 
66,519

 
65,785

Loans - HFI, net of deferred loan fees and costs
 
15,560,453

 
15,093,935

Less: allowance for credit losses
 
(144,659
)
 
(140,050
)
Net loans held for investment
 
15,415,794

 
14,953,885

Premises and equipment, net
 
116,702

 
118,719

Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
 
30,194

 
28,540

Bank owned life insurance
 
168,619

 
167,764

Goodwill
 
289,895

 
289,895

Other intangible assets, net
 
10,455

 
10,853

Deferred tax assets, net
 
27,374

 
5,780

Investments in LIHTC
 
288,911

 
267,023

Other assets
 
239,126

 
249,504

Total assets
 
$
20,760,731

 
$
20,329,085

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
 
Non-interest-bearing demand
 
$
7,502,036

 
$
7,433,962

Interest-bearing
 
9,852,502

 
9,538,570

Total deposits
 
17,354,538

 
16,972,532

Customer repurchase agreements
 
21,676

 
26,017

Other borrowings
 
300,000

 
390,000

Qualifying debt
 
363,935

 
376,905

Other liabilities
 
426,819

 
333,933

Total liabilities
 
18,466,968

 
18,099,387

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
 

 

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock - par value $0.0001; 200,000,000 authorized; 107,611,765 shares issued at March 31, 2018 and 107,057,520 at December 31, 2017
 
10

 
10

Treasury stock, at cost (1,751,022 shares at March 31, 2018 and 1,570,155 shares at December 31, 2017)
 
(46,469
)
 
(40,173
)
Additional paid in capital
 
1,431,460

 
1,424,540

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
 
(41,662
)
 
(3,145
)
Retained earnings
 
950,424

 
848,466

Total stockholders’ equity
 
2,293,763

 
2,229,698

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
20,760,731

 
$
20,329,085

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
 
$
205,959

 
$
172,553

Investment securities
 
25,772

 
16,571

Dividends
 
1,478

 
2,229

Other
 
1,488

 
912

Total interest income
 
234,697

 
192,265

Interest expense:
 

 

Deposits
 
14,173

 
8,412

Other borrowings
 
1,326

 
190

Qualifying debt
 
4,969

 
4,338

Other
 
9

 
16

Total interest expense
 
20,477

 
12,956

Net interest income
 
214,220

 
179,309

Provision for credit losses
 
6,000

 
4,250

Net interest income after provision for credit losses
 
208,220

 
175,059

Non-interest income:
 

 

Service charges and fees
 
5,745

 
4,738

Card income
 
1,972

 
1,492

Income from equity investments
 
1,460

 
692

Foreign currency income
 
1,202

 
1,042

Lending related income and gains (losses) on sale of loans, net
 
978

 
422

Income from bank owned life insurance
 
928

 
948

Gain (loss) on sales of investment securities, net
 

 
635

Unrealized (losses) gains on assets measured at fair value, net
 
(1,074
)
 
(1
)
Other income
 
432

 
631

Total non-interest income
 
11,643

 
10,599

Non-interest expense:
 

 

Salaries and employee benefits
 
62,133

 
51,620

Occupancy
 
6,864

 
6,894

Legal, professional, and directors' fees
 
6,003

 
8,803

Data processing
 
5,207

 
5,264

Insurance
 
3,869

 
3,228

Deposit costs
 
2,926

 
1,741

Business development
 
1,728

 
2,063

Card expense
 
942

 
731

Marketing
 
596

 
721

Loan and repossessed asset expenses
 
583

 
1,278

Intangible amortization
 
398

 
689

Net (gain) loss on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets
 
(1,228
)
 
(543
)
Other expense
 
8,128

 
5,338

Total non-interest expense
 
98,149

 
87,827

Income before provision for income taxes
 
121,714

 
97,831

Income tax expense
 
20,814

 
24,489

Net income
 
$
100,900

 
$
73,342

 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share available to common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.97

 
$
0.71

Diluted
 
0.96

 
0.70

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
104,530

 
103,987

Diluted
 
105,324

 
104,836

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Net income
 
$
100,900

 
$
73,342

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net:
 
 
 
 
Unrealized (loss) gain on AFS securities, net of tax effect of $12,714 and $(5,670), respectively
 
(38,914
)
 
9,169

Unrealized (loss) gain on SERP, net of tax effect of $2 and $1, respectively
 
(11
)
 
(1
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on junior subordinated debt, net of tax effect of $(478) and $757, respectively
 
1,466

 
(1,229
)
Realized (gain) loss on sale of AFS securities included in income, net of tax effect of $0 and $242, respectively
 

 
(393
)
Net other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(37,459
)
 
7,546

Comprehensive income
 
$
63,441

 
$
80,888

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

6


WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid in Capital
 
Treasury Stock
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
 
Retained Earnings
 
Total Stockholders’ Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2016
105,071

 
$
10

 
$
1,400,140

 
$
(26,362
)
 
$
(4,695
)
 
$
522,436

 
$
1,891,529

Balance, January 1, 2017 (1)
105,071

 
10

 
1,400,140

 
(26,362
)
 
(4,695
)
 
522,974

 
1,892,067

Net income

 

 

 

 

 
73,342

 
73,342

Exercise of stock options
9

 

 
184

 

 

 

 
184

Restricted stock, performance stock units, and other grants, net
549

 


 
6,619

 

 

 

 
6,619

Restricted stock surrendered (2)
(201
)
 

 

 
(10,243
)
 

 

 
(10,243
)
Other comprehensive income, net

 

 

 

 
7,546

 

 
7,546

Balance, March 31, 2017
105,428

 
$
10

 
$
1,406,943

 
$
(36,605
)
 
$
2,851

 
$
596,316

 
$
1,969,515

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2017
105,487

 
$
10

 
$
1,424,540

 
$
(40,173
)
 
$
(3,145
)
 
$
848,466

 
$
2,229,698

Balance, January 1, 2018 (3)
105,487

 
10

 
1,424,540

 
(40,173
)
 
(4,203
)
 
849,524

 
2,229,698

Net income

 

 

 

 

 
100,900

 
100,900

Exercise of stock options
9

 

 
215

 

 

 

 
215

Restricted stock, performance stock unit, and other grants, net
546

 

 
6,705

 

 

 

 
6,705

Restricted stock surrendered (2)
(181
)
 

 

 
(6,296
)
 

 

 
(6,296
)
Other comprehensive loss, net

 

 

 

 
(37,459
)
 

 
(37,459
)
Balance, March 31, 2018
105,861

 
$
10

 
$
1,431,460

 
$
(46,469
)
 
$
(41,662
)
 
$
950,424

 
$
2,293,763

(1)
As adjusted for adoption of ASU 2017-12. The cumulative effect of adoption of this guidance at January 1, 2017 resulted in an increase to retained earnings of $0.5 million and a corresponding increase to loans for the fair market value adjustment on the swaps.
(2)
Share amounts represent Treasury Shares, see "Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" for further discussion.
(3)
As adjusted for adoption of ASU 2016-01 and ASU 2018-02, see "Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" for further discussion.
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

7


WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
100,900

 
$
73,342

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses
 
6,000

 
4,250

Depreciation and amortization
 
3,407

 
3,211

Stock-based compensation
 
6,705

 
6,342

Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation
 
(3,971
)
 
(4,593
)
Deferred income taxes
 
(9,372
)
 
2,401

Amortization of net premiums for investment securities
 
3,920

 
4,007

Amortization of tax credit investments
 
8,128

 
5,931

Accretion of fair market value adjustments on loans acquired from business combinations
 
(5,738
)
 
(6,393
)
Accretion and amortization of fair market value adjustments on other assets and liabilities acquired from business combinations
 
475

 
767

Income from bank owned life insurance
 
(928
)
 
(948
)
(Gains) / Losses on:
 
 
 
 
Sales of investment securities
 

 
(635
)
Assets measured at fair value, net
 
1,074

 
(1
)
Sale of loans
 
(678
)
 
52

Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
 
(1,242
)
 
106

Valuation adjustments of other repossessed assets, net
 
47

 
(380
)
Sale of premises, equipment, and other assets, net
 
(33
)
 
47

Changes in, net of acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
9,744

 
4,864

Other liabilities
 
(30,122
)
 
(4,398
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
88,316

 
$
87,972

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Investment securities - measured at fair value
 
 
 
 
Principal pay downs and maturities
 
$

 
$
33

Investment securities - AFS
 
 
 
 
Purchases
 
(67,949
)
 
(185,199
)
Principal pay downs and maturities
 
105,242

 
90,585

Proceeds from sales
 

 
15,170

Investment securities - HTM
 
 
 
 
Purchases
 
(7,800
)
 
(10,533
)
Principal pay downs and maturities
 
243

 

Purchase of investment tax credits
 
(13,376
)
 
(3,516
)
Purchase of SBIC investments
 
(263
)
 

(Purchase) sale of money market investments, net
 
(5
)
 
(90
)
Proceeds from bank owned life insurance
 
72

 

(Purchase) liquidation of restricted stock
 
(734
)
 
(154
)
Loan fundings and principal collections, net
 
(367,437
)
 
(342,069
)
Purchase of premises, equipment, and other assets, net
 
(576
)
 
(2,575
)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net
 
5,285

 
2,889

Net cash used in investing activities
 
$
(347,298
)
 
$
(435,459
)
 
 
 
 
 

8


 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
 
$
382,006

 
$
806,106

Net increase (decrease) in borrowings
 
(94,340
)
 
(86,017
)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options
 
215

 
184

Cash paid for tax withholding on vested restricted stock
 
(6,296
)
 
(10,243
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
$
281,585

 
$
710,030

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
 
22,603

 
362,543

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period
 
416,768

 
284,491

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period
 
$
439,371

 
$
647,034

Supplemental disclosure:
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
$
25,303

 
$
17,851

Income taxes
 
9,881

 
(23
)
Non-cash investing and financing activity:
 
 
 
 
Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
 
5,744

 

Unfunded commitments originated
 
30,000

 
30,869

Change in unrealized (loss) gain on AFS securities, net of tax
 
(38,914
)
 
9,169

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on junior subordinated debt, net of tax
 
1,466

 
(1,229
)
Change in unfunded obligations
 
120,512

 
114,727

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

9


WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of operation
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, international banking, and online banking products and services through its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, WAB.
WAB operates the following full-service banking divisions: ABA, BON, FIB, Bridge, and TPB. The Company also serves business customers through a national platform of specialized financial services including AAB, Corporate Finance, Equity Fund Resources, HFF, Life Sciences Group, Mortgage Warehouse Lending, Public and Nonprofit Finance, Renewable Resource Group, Resort Finance, and Technology Finance. In addition, the Company has two non-bank subsidiaries, LVSP, which holds and manages certain non-performing loans and OREO and a captive insurance company formed and licensed under the laws of the State of Arizona, CS Insurance Company. CS Insurance Company was established as part of the Company's overall enterprise risk management strategy.
Basis of presentation
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with GAAP and conform to practices within the financial services industry. The accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management's estimates and judgments are ongoing and are based on experience, current and expected future conditions, third-party evaluations and various other assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities, as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions used in the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses; estimated cash flows related to PCI loans; fair value determinations related to acquisitions and certain assets and liabilities carried at fair value; and accounting for income taxes.
Principles of consolidation
As of March 31, 2018, WAL has the following significant wholly-owned subsidiaries: WAB, LVSP, and eight unconsolidated subsidiaries used as business trusts in connection with the issuance of trust-preferred securities.
The Bank has the following significant wholly-owned subsidiaries: WABT, which holds certain investment securities, municipal and nonprofit loans, and leases; WA PWI, LLC, which holds certain limited partnerships invested primarily in low income housing tax credits and small business investment corporations; and BW Real Estate, Inc., which operates as a real estate investment trust and holds certain of WAB's real estate loans and related securities.
The Company does not have any other significant entities that should be considered for consolidation. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts reported in prior periods may have been reclassified in the Consolidated Financial Statements to conform to the current presentation. The reclassifications have no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

10


Interim financial information
The accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 have been prepared in condensed format and, therefore, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These statements have been prepared on a basis that is substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied to the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

The information furnished in these interim statements reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for each respective period presented. Such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations in the interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other quarter or for the full year. The interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
Investment securities
Investment securities may be classified as HTM, AFS, or measured at fair value. The appropriate classification is initially decided at the time of purchase. Securities classified as HTM are those debt securities that the Company has both the intent and ability to hold to maturity regardless of changes in market conditions, liquidity needs, or general economic conditions. These securities are carried at amortized cost. The sale of a security within three months of its maturity date or after the majority of the principal outstanding has been collected is considered a maturity for purposes of classification and disclosure.
Securities classified as AFS or trading securities measured at fair value are reported as an asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at their estimated fair value. As the fair value of AFS debt securities changes, the changes are reported net of income tax as an element of OCI, except for other-than-temporarily-impaired securities. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-01, the fair value changes in AFS equity securities are recognized as part of non-interest income, see "Recently adopted accounting guidance" below for further discussion. When AFS debt securities are sold, the unrealized gain or loss is reclassified from OCI to non-interest income. The changes in the fair values of trading securities are reported in non-interest income. Securities classified as AFS are both equity and debt securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity. Any decision to sell a security classified as AFS would be based on various factors, including significant movements in interest rates, changes in the maturity mix of the Company’s assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, decline in credit quality, and regulatory capital considerations.
Interest income is recognized based on the coupon rate and increased by accretion of discounts earned or decreased by the amortization of premiums paid over the contractual life of the security, adjusted for prepayment estimates, using the interest method.
In estimating whether there are any OTTI losses, management considers the 1) length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost; 2) financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer; 3) impact of changes in market interest rates; and 4) intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value and whether it is not more likely than not the Company would be required to sell the security.
Declines in the fair value of individual AFS debt securities that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings when identified. The fair value of the debt security then becomes the new cost basis. For individual debt securities where the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the other-than-temporary decline in fair value of the debt security related to 1) credit loss is recognized in earnings; and 2) interest rate, market, or other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income or loss.
For individual debt securities where the Company either intends to sell the security or more likely than not will not recover all of its amortized cost, the OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security's cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For individual debt securities for which a credit loss has been recognized in earnings, interest accruals and amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are suspended when the credit loss is recognized. Interest received after accruals have been suspended is recognized on a cash basis.
Restricted stock
WAB is a member of the Federal Reserve System and, as part of its membership, is required to maintain stock in the FRB in a specified ratio to its capital. In addition, WAB is a member of the FHLB system and, accordingly, maintains an investment in capital stock of the FHLB based on the borrowing capacity used. The Bank also maintains an investment in its primary

11


correspondent bank. All of these investments are considered equity securities with no actively traded market. Therefore, the shares are considered restricted investment securities. These investments are carried at cost, which is equal to the value at which they may be redeemed. The dividend income received from the stock is reported in interest income. The Company conducts a periodic review and evaluation of its restricted stock to determine if any impairment exists. No impairment has been recorded to date.
Loans, held for sale
Loans, held for sale consist of SBA loans that the Company originates (or acquires) and intends to sell. These loans are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. Fair value is determined based on available market data for similar assets, expected cash flows, and appraisals of underlying collateral or the credit quality of the borrower. Gains and losses on the sale of loans are recognized pursuant to ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing. Interest income of these loans is accrued daily and loan origination fees and costs are deferred and included in the cost basis of the loan. The Company issues various representations and warranties associated with these loan sales. The Company has not experienced any losses as a result of these representations and warranties.
Loans, held for investment
The Company generally holds loans for investment and has the intent and ability to hold loans until their maturity. Therefore, they are reported at book value. Net loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, adjusted for net deferred fees and costs, purchase accounting fair value adjustments, and an allowance for credit losses. In addition, the book value of loans that are subject to a fair value hedge is adjusted for changes in value attributable to the effective portion of the hedged benchmark interest rate risk.
The Company may also acquire loans through a business combination. These acquired loans are recorded at estimated fair value on the date of purchase, which is comprised of unpaid principal adjusted for estimated credit losses and interest rate fair value adjustments. Loans are evaluated individually at the acquisition date to determine if there has been credit deterioration since origination. Such loans may then be aggregated and accounted for as a pool of loans based on common characteristics. When the Company acquires such loans, the yield that may be accreted (accretable yield) is limited to the excess of the Company’s estimate of undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected over the Company’s initial investment in the loan. The excess of contractual cash flows over the cash flows expected to be collected may not be recognized as an adjustment to yield, loss, or a valuation allowance. Subsequent increases in cash flows expected to be collected generally are recognized prospectively through adjustment of the loan’s yield over the remaining life. Subsequent decreases to cash flows expected to be collected are recognized as impairment. The Company may not carry over or create a valuation allowance in the initial accounting for loans acquired under these circumstances. For purchased loans that are not deemed impaired at the acquisition date, fair value adjustments attributable to both credit and interest rates are accreted (or amortized) over the contractual life of the individual loan. For additional information, see "Note 3. Loans, Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
Loan fees collected for the origination of loans less direct loan origination costs (net deferred loan fees) are amortized over the contractual life of the loan through interest income. If the loan has scheduled payments, the amortization of the net deferred loan fee is calculated using the interest method over the contractual life of the loan. If the loan does not have scheduled payments, such as a line of credit, the net deferred loan fee is recognized as interest income on a straight-line basis over the contractual life of the loan commitment. Commitment fees based on a percentage of a customer’s unused line of credit and fees related to standby letters of credit are recognized over the commitment period. When loans are repaid, any remaining unamortized balances of premiums, discounts, or net deferred fees are recognized as interest income.
Non-accrual loans: When a borrower discontinues making payments as contractually required by the note, the Company must determine whether it is appropriate to continue to accrue interest. The Company ceases accruing interest income when the loan has become delinquent by more than 90 days or when management determines that the full repayment of principal and collection of interest according to contractual terms is no longer likely. The Company may decide to continue to accrue interest on certain loans more than 90 days delinquent if the loans are well secured by collateral and in the process of collection.
For all loan types, when a loan is placed on non-accrual status, all interest accrued but uncollected is reversed against interest income in the period in which the status is changed and, the Company makes a loan-level decision to apply either the cash basis or cost recovery method. The Company recognizes income on a cash basis only for those non-accrual loans for which the collection of the remaining principal balance is not in doubt. Under the cost recovery method, subsequent payments received from the customer are applied to principal and generally no further interest income is recognized until the principal has been paid in full or until circumstances have changed such that payments are again consistently received as contractually required.

12


Impaired loans: A loan is identified as impaired when it is no longer probable that interest and principal will be collected according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement. Generally, impaired loans are classified as non-accrual. However, in certain instances, impaired loans may continue on an accrual basis, if full repayment of all principal and interest is expected and the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. Impaired loans are measured for reserve requirements in accordance with ASC 310, Receivables, based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less applicable disposition costs if the loan is collateral dependent. The amount of an impairment reserve, if any, and any subsequent changes are recorded as a provision for credit losses. Losses are recorded as a charge-off when losses are confirmed. In addition to management's internal loan review process, regulators may from time to time direct the Company to modify loan grades, loan impairment calculations, or loan impairment methodology.
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans: 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. The loan terms that have been modified or restructured due to a borrower’s financial situation include, but are not limited to, a reduction in the stated interest rate, an extension of the maturity or renewal of the loan at an interest rate below current market, a reduction in the face amount of the debt, a reduction in the accrued interest, or deferral of interest payments. A TDR loan is also considered impaired. A TDR loan may be returned to accrual status when the loan is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual restructured terms for a reasonable period of time (generally six months) and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual restructured principal and interest is no longer in doubt. However, such loans continue to be considered impaired. Consistent with regulatory guidance, a TDR loan that is subsequently modified in another restructuring agreement but has shown sustained performance and classification as a TDR, will be removed from TDR status provided that the modified terms were market-based at the time of modification.
Allowance for credit losses
Credit risk is inherent in the business of extending loans and leases to borrowers, for which the Company must maintain an adequate allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses recorded to expense. Loans are charged against the allowance for credit losses when management believes that the contractual principal or interest will not be collected. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance is an amount believed adequate to absorb estimated probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectable, based on evaluation of the collectability of loans and prior credit loss experience, together with other factors. The Company formally re-evaluates and establishes the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses on a quarterly basis.
The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific allowance applies to impaired loans. For impaired collateral dependent loans, the reserve is calculated based on the collateral value, net of estimated disposition costs. Generally, the Company obtains independent collateral valuation analysis for each loan every twelve months. Loans not collateral dependent are evaluated based on the expected future cash flows discounted at the original contractual interest rate.
The general allowance covers all non-impaired loans and incorporates several quantitative and qualitative factors, which are used for all of the Company's portfolio segments. Quantitative factors include company-specific, ten-year historical net charge-offs stratified by loans with similar characteristics. Qualitative factors include: 1) levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; 2) levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; 3) trends in volume and terms of loans; 4) changes in underwriting standards or lending policies; 5) experience, ability, depth of lending staff; 6) national and local economic trends and conditions; 7) changes in credit concentrations; 8) out-of-market exposures; 9) changes in quality of loan review system; and 10) changes in the value of underlying collateral.
Due to the credit concentration of the Company's loan portfolio in real estate secured loans, the value of collateral is heavily dependent on real estate values in Arizona, Nevada, and California. While management uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic or other conditions. In addition, regulators, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review the Bank's allowance for credit losses, and may require the Bank to make additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination. Management regularly reviews the assumptions and formulae used in determining the allowance and makes adjustments if required to reflect the current risk profile of the portfolio.

13


Goodwill and other intangible assets
The Company records as goodwill the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in accordance with applicable guidance. The Company performs its annual goodwill and intangibles impairment tests as of October 1 each year, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company can first elect to assess, through qualitative factors, whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. If the qualitative assessment indicates potential impairment, the Company will proceed with a two-step process. The first step tests for impairment, while the second step, if necessary, measures the impairment. The resulting impairment amount, if any, is charged to current period earnings as non-interest expense.
The Company’s intangible assets consist primarily of core deposit intangible assets that are amortized over periods ranging from 5 to 10 years. The Company considers the remaining useful lives of its core deposit intangible assets each reporting period, as required by ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. If the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life has changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over the revised remaining useful life. The Company has not revised its estimates of the useful lives of its core deposit intangibles during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
Other assets acquired through foreclosure
Other assets acquired through foreclosure consist primarily of properties acquired as a result of, or in-lieu-of, foreclosure. Properties or other assets (primarily repossessed assets formerly leased) are classified as OREO and other repossessed property and are initially reported at fair value of the asset less estimated selling costs. Subsequent adjustments are based on the lower of carrying value or fair value less estimated costs to sell the property. Costs related to the development or improvement of the assets are capitalized and costs related to holding the assets are charged to non-interest expense. Property is evaluated regularly to ensure the recorded amount is supported by its current fair value and valuation allowances.
Treasury shares
The Company separately presents treasury shares, which represent shares surrendered to the Company equal in value to the statutory payroll tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of employee restricted stock awards. Treasury shares are carried at cost.
Derivative financial instruments
The Company uses interest-rate swaps to mitigate interest-rate risk associated with changes to 1) the fair value of certain fixed-rate financial instruments (fair value hedges) and 2) certain cash flows related to future interest payments on variable rate financial instruments (cash flow hedges).
The Company recognizes derivatives as assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at their fair value in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge. Derivative instruments designated in a hedge relationship to mitigate exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or liability attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivative instruments designated in a hedge relationship to mitigate exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges.
Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a fair value hedge, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk are recorded in current-period earnings. For a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in AOCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a cash flow hedge is recognized immediately in non-interest income in the Consolidated Income Statement. Under both the fair value and cash flow hedge scenarios, changes in the fair value of derivatives not considered to be highly effective in hedging the change in fair value or the expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized in earnings as non-interest income during the period of the change.
The Company documents its hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction at the time the derivative contract is executed. Both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, the Company assesses whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective (as defined in the guidance) in offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the

14


hedged item. Retroactive effectiveness is assessed, as well as the continued expectation that the hedge will remain effective prospectively. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that a hedge is no longer highly effective. When hedge accounting is discontinued on a fair value hedge that no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the derivative continues to be reported at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, but the carrying amount of the hedged item is no longer adjusted for future changes in fair value. The adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged item that existed at the date hedge accounting is discontinued is amortized over the remaining life of the hedged item into earnings.
Derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges, so called free-standing derivatives, are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognized in earnings as non-interest income during the period of change.
The Company may in the normal course of business purchase a financial instrument or originate a loan that contains an embedded derivative instrument. Upon purchasing the instrument or originating the loan, the Company assesses whether the economic characteristics of the embedded derivative are clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the remaining component of the financial instrument (i.e., the host contract) and whether a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded instrument would meet the definition of a derivative instrument. When it is determined that the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract and a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is separated from the host contract and carried at fair value. However, in cases where the host contract is measured at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in current earnings, or the Company is unable to reliably identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value and is not designated as a hedging instrument.
Off-balance sheet instruments
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into off-balance sheet financial instrument arrangements consisting of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements when they are funded. They involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Losses would be experienced when the Company is contractually obligated to make a payment under these instruments and must seek repayment from the borrower, which may not be as financially sound in the current period as they were when the commitment was originally made. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The Company enters into credit arrangements that generally provide for the termination of advances in the event of a covenant violation or other event of default. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the party. The commitments are collateralized by the same types of assets used as loan collateral.
As with outstanding loans, the Company applies qualitative factors and utilization rates to its off-balance sheet obligations in determining an estimate of losses inherent in these contractual obligations. The estimate for credit losses on off-balance sheet instruments is included in other liabilities and the charge to income that establishes this liability is included in non-interest expense.
The Company also has off-balance sheet arrangements related to its derivative instruments. Derivative instruments are recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements at fair value and their notional values are carried off-balance sheet. See "Note 9. Derivatives and Hedging Activities" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Under the acquisition method, the acquiring entity in a business combination recognizes all of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets and other identifiable intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. To the extent the fair value of net assets acquired, including identified intangible assets, exceeds the purchase price, a bargain purchase gain is recognized. Changes to estimated fair values from a business combination are recognized as an adjustment to goodwill during the measurement period and are recognized in the proper reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Results of operations of an acquired business are included in the Consolidated Income Statement from the date of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs, including conversion and restructuring charges, are expensed as incurred.

15


Fair values of financial instruments
The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities. ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurement, as well as enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The Company uses various valuation approaches, including market, income, and/or cost approaches. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors market participants would consider in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs, as follows:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, volatilities, etc.) or model-based valuation techniques where all significant assumptions are observable, either directly or indirectly, in the market.
Level 3 - Valuation is generated from model-based techniques where one or more significant inputs are not observable, either directly or indirectly, in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques may include use of matrix pricing, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques.
The availability of observable inputs varies based on the nature of the specific financial instrument. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who may purchase the asset or assume the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. When market assumptions are available, ASC 820 requires the Company to make assumptions regarding the assumptions that market participants would use to estimate the fair value of the financial instrument at the measurement date.
ASC 825, Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value.
Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent limitations in any estimation technique. Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction at March 31, 2018 and 2017. The estimated fair value amounts for March 31, 2018 and 2017 have been measured as of period-end, and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these Consolidated Financial Statements subsequent to those dates. As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the reporting date may be different than the amounts reported at period-end.
The information in "Note 13. Fair Value Accounting" in these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only required for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities.
Due to the wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimate, comparisons between the Company’s disclosures and those of other companies or banks may not be meaningful.

16


The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents
The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and due from banks approximate their fair value.
Money market investments
The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for money market investments approximate their fair value.
Investment securities
The fair values of CRA investments, exchange-listed preferred stock, and certain corporate debt securities are based on quoted market prices and are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair values of other investment securities were determined based on matrix pricing. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique that utilizes observable market inputs including, for example, yield curves, credit ratings, and prepayment speeds. Fair values determined using matrix pricing are generally categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Restricted stock
WAB is a member of the Federal Reserve System and the FHLB and, accordingly, maintains investments in the capital stock of the FRB and the FHLB. WAB also maintains an investment in its primary correspondent bank. These investments are carried at cost since no ready market exists for them, and they have no quoted market value. The Company conducts a periodic review and evaluation of its restricted stock to determine if any impairment exists. The fair values of these investments have been categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Loans
The fair value of loans is estimated based on discounted cash flows using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers with similar credit quality and adjustments that the Company believes a market participant would consider in determining fair value based on a third party independent valuation. As a result, the fair value for loans is categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, excluding impaired loans which are categorized as Level 3.
Accrued interest receivable and payable
The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for accrued interest receivable and payable approximate their fair value.
Derivative financial instruments
All derivatives are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. The fair value for derivatives is determined based on market prices, broker-dealer quotations on similar products, or other related input parameters. As a result, the fair values have been categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Deposits
The fair value disclosed for demand and savings deposits is by definition equal to the amount payable on demand at their reporting date (that is, their carrying amount), which the Company believes a market participant would consider in determining fair value. The carrying amount for variable-rate deposit accounts approximates their fair value. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on these deposits. The fair value measurement of the deposit liabilities is categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
FHLB advances and customer repurchase agreements
The fair values of the Company’s borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the market rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The FHLB advances and customer repurchase agreements have been categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy due to their short durations.
Subordinated debt
The fair value of subordinated debt is based on the market rate for the respective subordinated debt security. Subordinated debt has been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

17


Junior subordinated debt
Junior subordinated debt is valued based on a discounted cash flow model which uses as inputs Treasury Bond rates and the 'BB' rated financial index. Junior subordinated debt has been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Off-balance sheet instruments
The fair value of the Company’s off-balance sheet instruments (lending commitments and standby letters of credit) is based on quoted fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements, and the counterparties’ credit standing.
Income taxes
The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and files a consolidated federal income tax return with all of its subsidiaries, with the exception of BW Real Estate, Inc. Deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their income tax bases using enacted tax rates that are expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes.
Net deferred tax assets are recorded to the extent that these assets will more-likely-than-not be realized. In making these determinations, all available positive and negative evidence is considered, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies, projected future taxable income, and recent operating results. If it is determined that deferred income tax assets to be realized in the future are in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance will be recorded, which will reduce the Company's provision for income taxes.
A tax benefit from an unrecognized tax benefit may be recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including related appeals or litigation, based on technical merits. Income tax benefits must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized.
Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as part of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Income Statement. Accrued interest and penalties are included in the related tax liability line with other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See "Note 11. Income Taxes" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on income taxes.
Non-interest income
Non-interest income includes service charges and fees, card income, income from equity investments, income from bank owned life insurance, foreign currency income, lending related income and gains (losses) on sale of loans, gains and losses on sales of investment securities, and other income. Service charges and fees are composed of fees earned from performing account analysis and general account services, fees earned in lieu of compensating balances, and other deposit account services. Service charges and fees are accounted for in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and are recognized as the related services are provided. Card income includes fees earned from customer use of debit and credit cards, interchange income from merchants, and international charges. Card income is generally in the scope of ASC 310, Receivables, however, certain processing transactions for merchants, such as interchange fees, are in scope of ASC 606. Income from equity investments includes gains on equity warrant assets, SBIC equity income, and success fees. Income from bank owned life insurance is accounted for in accordance with ASC 325, Investments - Other. Foreign currency income represents fees earned on the differential between purchases and sales of foreign currency on behalf of the Company’s clients. Lending related fees include fees earned from gains or losses on the sale of loans, SBA income, and letter of credit fees. Gains and losses on the sale of loans and SBA income are recognized pursuant to ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing. Fees related to standby letters of credit are accounted for in accordance with ASC 440, Commitments. Other income includes operating lease income, which is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term in accordance with ASC 840, Leases. Net (gain) loss on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets may also be presented in non-interest income in the event that a gain is recognized upon sale. Gains and losses on the sale of repossessed and other assets are accounted for in accordance with ASC 610, Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets. See "Note 15. Revenue from Contracts with Customers" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further details related to the nature and timing of revenue recognition for non-interest income revenue streams within the scope of the new standard.

18


Recent accounting pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2016-02, Leases. The amendments in ASU 2016-02 to Topic 842, Leases, require lessees to recognize the lease assets and lease liabilities arising from operating leases in the statement of financial position. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from that applied under previous GAAP. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Management is in its implementation assessment stage, which includes identifying the population of the Company's leases that are within the scope of the new guidance, gathering all key lease data, and considering new lease software options that will facilitate application of the new accounting requirements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, require that an organization measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The ASU also requires enhanced disclosures, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures that provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Additionally, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on AFS debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management has formed a Steering Committee and established an implementation team made up of subject matter experts across different functions within the Company, including Finance, Risk, Credit, and IT, that will facilitate all phases of planning and implementation of the new guidance. Under the direction of the Company's CECL Steering Committee and in partnership with its Enterprise Project Management Office, the implementation team has completed its gap assessment and are fully engaged with the implementation of its plan. Key initiatives underway include model development, data adequacy and formation, accounting policy drafting and software solution installations. Further, the team is also in the process of evaluating its control framework to identify risks resulting from new processes, judgments, and data.
In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2017-08, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in ASU 2017-08 to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs, shorten the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium to the earliest call date, which more closely align the amortization period of premiums and discounts to expectations incorporated in market pricing on the underlying securities. Under current GAAP, entities generally amortize the premium as an adjustment of yield over the contractual life of the instrument. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The amendments in this ASU should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently adopted accounting guidance
In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The amendments in ASU 2014-09 to ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, creates a common revenue standard and clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue that can be applied consistently across various transactions, industries, and capital markets. The amendments in the ASU clarify that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. As part of that principle, the entity should identify the contract(s) with the customer, identify the performance obligation(s) of the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate that transaction price to the performance obligation(s) of the contract, and then recognize revenue when or as the entity satisfies the performance obligation(s). The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. Substantially all of the Company's revenue is generated from interest income related to loans and investment securities, which are not within the scope of this guidance. The contracts that are within the scope of this guidance include service charges and fees on deposit accounts, certain types of card income, and success fees earned from equity investments. The Company has completed its review of contracts and other agreements that are within the scope of this guidance and did not identify any material changes to the timing or amount of revenue recognition. The Company’s accounting policies did not change materially since the principles of revenue recognition in the ASU are largely consistent with current practices applied by the Company. The Company has expanded its qualitative disclosures of performance obligations and disaggregation of significant categories of revenue. See "Note 15. Revenue from Contracts with Customers" for further discussion.

19


In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendments in ASU 2016-01 to Subtopic 825-10, Financial Instruments, contain the following elements: 1) requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; 2) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; 3) eliminates the requirement for public entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; 4) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; 5) requires an entity to present separately in OCI the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; 6) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or accompanying notes to the financial statements; 7) clarifies that the entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to AFS securities in combination with the entity's other deferred tax assets. Effective on January 1, 2015, the Company adopted the amendment noted in item 5) above as discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. Effective on January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the other amendments in this guidance. The primary impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements results from the amendments discussed in item 1) above as changes in the fair value of the Company's equity investments are now recognized in net income, rather than in AOCI. As of January 1, 2018, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of $0.4 million to decrease accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding increase to opening retained earnings. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recognized a loss of $1.1 million related to fair value changes in equity securities, which was recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement.
In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendments in ASU 2016-15 to Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, provide guidance on eight specific cash flow classification issues: 1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; 2) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments; 3) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; 4) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; 5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies; 6) distributions received from equity method investments; 7) beneficial interest in securitization transactions; and 8) separately identifiable cash flows and the application of the predominance principle. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The amendments in ASU 2017-01 to Topic 805, Business Combinations, clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendments in ASU 2017-04 to Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, modify the concept of impairment from the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value to the condition that exists when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. Accordingly, the amendments eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test because goodwill impairment will no longer be determined by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February 2017, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2017-05, Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets. The amendments in ASU 2017-05 to Subtopic 610-20, Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets, clarify the scope of Subtopic 610-20 and add guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets, including partial sales of real estate. Under current GAAP, there are several different accounting models to evaluate whether the transfer of certain assets qualify for sale treatment. The new standard reduces the number of potential accounting models that might apply and clarifies which model does apply in various circumstances. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

20


In May 2017, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2017-09, Scope of Modification Accounting. The amendments in ASU 2017-09 to Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless all of the following conditions are met: the fair value of the modified award is the same as the fair value of the original award immediately before the original award is modified; the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award immediately before the original award is modified; and the classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Under current GAAP, the effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax liabilities and assets are included in income from continuing operations even in situations in which the related income tax effects of items in AOCI were originally recognized in comprehensive income. Accordingly, as the adjustment of deferred taxes due to the reduction of the historical corporate income tax rate to the newly enacted corporate income tax rate is required to be included in income from continuing operations, the tax effects of items within AOCI do not reflect the current tax rate. The amendments in ASU 2018-02 to Topic 220, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income, allow a reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings from tax effects resulting from the TCJA. The Company elected to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018 and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of $0.7 million to decrease accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding increase to opening retained earnings.

21


2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
The carrying amounts and fair values of investment securities at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized as follows: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized (Losses)
 
Fair Value
 
 
(in thousands)
Held-to-maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt
 
$
262,304

 
$
795

 
$
(7,681
)
 
$
255,418

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDO
 
$
50

 
$
19,403

 
$

 
$
19,453

Commercial MBS issued by GSEs
 
110,347

 
60

 
(5,434
)
 
104,973

Corporate debt securities
 
105,040

 
140

 
(3,504
)
 
101,676

CRA investments
 
51,771

 

 
(925
)
 
50,846

Preferred stock
 
92,959

 
1,191

 
(832
)
 
93,318

Private label residential MBS
 
839,655

 
32

 
(20,691
)
 
818,996

Residential MBS issued by GSEs
 
1,676,686

 
210

 
(49,997
)
 
1,626,899

Tax-exempt
 
499,045

 
6,083

 
(7,207
)
 
497,921

Trust preferred securities
 
32,000

 

 
(3,383
)
 
28,617

U.S. government sponsored agency securities
 
64,000

 

 
(3,710
)
 
60,290

U.S. treasury securities
 
2,496

 

 
(23
)
 
2,473

Total AFS securities
 
$
3,474,049

 
$
27,119

 
$
(95,706
)
 
$
3,405,462

 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized (Losses)
 
Fair Value
 
 
(in thousands)
Held-to-maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt
 
$
255,050

 
$
4,514

 
$
(3,250
)
 
$
256,314

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDO
 
$
50

 
$
21,807

 
$

 
$
21,857

Commercial MBS issued by GSEs
 
113,069

 
46

 
(4,038
)
 
109,077

Corporate debt securities
 
105,044

 
261

 
(1,822
)
 
103,483

CRA investments
 
51,133

 

 
(517
)
 
50,616

Preferred stock
 
52,172

 
1,160

 
(136
)
 
53,196

Private label residential MBS
 
874,261

 
756

 
(6,493
)
 
868,524

Residential MBS issued by GSEs
 
1,719,188

 
810

 
(30,703
)
 
1,689,295

Tax-exempt
 
501,988

 
10,893

 
(1,971
)
 
510,910

Trust preferred securities
 
32,000

 

 
(3,383
)
 
28,617

U.S. government sponsored agency securities
 
64,000

 

 
(2,538
)
 
61,462

U.S. treasury securities
 
2,496

 

 
(14
)
 
2,482

Total AFS securities
 
$
3,515,401

 
$
35,733

 
$
(51,615
)
 
$
3,499,519

The Company conducts an OTTI analysis on a quarterly basis. The initial indication of OTTI for both debt and equity securities is a decline in the market value below the amount recorded for an investment, and taking into account the severity and duration of the decline. Another potential indication of OTTI is a downgrade below investment grade. In determining whether an impairment is OTTI, the Company considers the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been below cost, recent events specific to the issuer, including investment downgrades by rating agencies and economic conditions of its industry, and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery. For marketable equity securities, the Company also considers the issuer’s financial condition, capital strength, and near-term prospects.

22


For debt securities, for the purpose of an OTTI analysis, the Company also considers the cause of the price decline (general level of interest rates, credit spreads, and industry and issuer-specific factors), the issuer’s financial condition, near-term prospects, and current ability to make future payments in a timely manner, as well as the issuer’s ability to service debt, and any change in agencies’ ratings at the evaluation date from the acquisition date and any likely imminent action.
The Company has reviewed securities for which there is an unrealized loss in accordance with its accounting policy for OTTI described above and determined that there are no impairment charges for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company does not consider any securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. No assurance can be made that OTTI will not occur in future periods.
Information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position follows: 
 
March 31, 2018
 
Less Than Twelve Months
 
More Than Twelve Months
 
Total
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
(in thousands)
Held-to-Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt
$
7,681

 
$
208,272

 
$

 
$

 
$
7,681

 
$
208,272

Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial MBS issued by GSEs
$
262

 
$
11,999

 
$
5,172

 
$
91,109

 
$
5,434

 
$
103,108

Corporate debt securities
2,200

 
57,799

 
1,304

 
38,696

 
3,504

 
96,495

CRA investments

 

 
925

 
50,846

 
925

 
50,846

Preferred stock
832

 
47,808

 

 

 
832

 
47,808

Private label residential MBS
13,613

 
625,316

 
7,078

 
188,584

 
20,691

 
813,900

Residential MBS issued by GSEs
25,817

 
1,096,496

 
24,180

 
512,464

 
49,997

 
1,608,960

Tax-exempt
3,278

 
173,905

 
3,929

 
67,415

 
7,207

 
241,320

Trust preferred securities

 

 
3,383

 
28,617

 
3,383

 
28,617

U.S. government sponsored agency securities
94

 
4,906

 
3,616

 
55,384

 
3,710

 
60,290

U.S. treasury securities
23

 
2,473

 

 

 
23

 
2,473

Total AFS securities
$
46,119

 
$
2,020,702

 
$
49,587

 
$
1,033,115

 
$
95,706

 
$
3,053,817

 
December 31, 2017
 
Less Than Twelve Months
 
More Than Twelve Months
 
Total
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
(in thousands)
Held-to-maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt
$
3,250

 
$
107,921

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,250

 
$
107,921

Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial MBS issued by GSEs
$
161

 
$
13,565

 
$
3,877

 
$
93,641

 
$
4,038

 
$
107,206

Corporate debt securities
1,398

 
78,602

 
424

 
19,576

 
1,822

 
98,178

CRA investments

 

 
517

 
50,616

 
517

 
50,616

Preferred stock
136

 
7,357

 

 

 
136

 
7,357

Private label residential MBS
3,115

 
480,885

 
3,378

 
188,710

 
6,493

 
669,595

Residential MBS issued by GSEs
13,875

 
999,478

 
16,828

 
523,270

 
30,703

 
1,522,748

Tax-exempt
17

 
6,159

 
1,954

 
69,674

 
1,971

 
75,833

Trust preferred securities

 

 
3,383

 
28,617

 
3,383

 
28,617

U.S. government sponsored agency securities
14

 
4,986

 
2,524

 
56,476

 
2,538

 
61,462

U.S. treasury securities
14

 
2,482

 

 

 
14

 
2,482

Total AFS securities
$
18,730

 
$
1,593,514

 
$
32,885

 
$
1,030,580

 
$
51,615

 
$
2,624,094


23


At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company’s unrealized losses relate primarily to market interest rate increases since the securities' original purchase date. The total number of securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2018 is 401, compared to 302 at December 31, 2017. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and industry analysis reports. Since material downgrades have not occurred and management does not intend to sell the debt securities in an unrealized loss position in the foreseeable future, none of the securities described in the above table or in this paragraph are deemed to be OTTI.
The amortized cost and fair value of securities as of March 31, 2018, by contractual maturities, are shown below. MBS are shown separately as individual MBS are comprised of pools of loans with varying maturities. Therefore, these securities are listed separately in the maturity summary. 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
 
(in thousands)
Held-to-maturity
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
1,200

 
$
1,208

After one year through five years
 
10,100

 
10,206

After five years through ten years
 
14,847

 
14,475

After ten years
 
236,157

 
229,529

Total HTM securities
 
$
262,304

 
$
255,418

 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
55,801

 
$
54,879

After one year through five years
 
15,947

 
16,242

After five years through ten years
 
256,070

 
251,220

After ten years
 
519,543

 
532,253

Mortgage-backed securities
 
2,626,688

 
2,550,868

Total AFS securities
 
$
3,474,049

 
$
3,405,462


24


The following tables summarize the carrying amount of the Company’s investment ratings position as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
AAA
 
Split-rated AAA/AA+
 
AA+ to AA-
 
A+ to A-
 
BBB+ to BBB-
 
BB+ and below
 
Unrated
 
Totals
 
 
(in thousands)
Held-to-maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
262,304

 
$
262,304

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDO
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
19,453

 
$

 
$
19,453

Commercial MBS issued by GSEs
 

 
104,973

 

 

 

 

 

 
104,973

Corporate debt securities
 

 

 

 
72,747

 
28,929

 

 

 
101,676

CRA investments
 

 
25,078

 

 

 

 

 
25,768

 
50,846

Preferred stock
 

 

 

 
10,118

 
64,444

 
4,031

 
14,725

 
93,318

Private label residential MBS
 
748,064

 

 
67,405

 
998

 
879

 
1,650

 

 
818,996

Residential MBS issued by GSEs
 

 
1,626,899

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,626,899

Tax-exempt
 
62,746

 
24,635

 
243,818

 
163,250

 

 

 
3,472

 
497,921

Trust preferred securities
 

 

 

 

 
28,617

 

 

 
28,617

U.S. government sponsored agency securities
 

 
60,290

 

 

 

 

 

 
60,290

U.S. treasury securities
 

 
2,473

 

 

 

 

 

 
2,473

Total AFS securities (1)
 
$
810,810

 
$
1,844,348

 
$
311,223

 
$
247,113

 
$
122,869

 
$
25,134

 
$
43,965

 
$
3,405,462

(1)
Where ratings differ, the Company uses an average of the available ratings by major credit agencies.
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
AAA
 
Split-rated AAA/AA+
 
AA+ to AA-
 
A+ to A-
 
BBB+ to BBB-
 
BB+ and below
 
Unrated
 
Totals
 
 
(in thousands)
Held-to-maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
255,050

 
$
255,050

Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDO
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
21,857

 
$

 
$
21,857

Commercial MBS issued by GSEs
 

 
109,077

 

 

 

 

 

 
109,077

Corporate debt securities
 

 

 

 
74,293

 
29,190

 

 

 
103,483

CRA investments
 

 
25,349

 

 

 

 

 
25,267

 
50,616

Preferred stock
 

 

 

 
10,388

 
23,822

 
4,104

 
14,882

 
53,196

Private label residential MBS
 
809,242

 

 
55,161

 
1,350

 
931

 
1,840

 

 
868,524

Residential MBS issued by GSEs
 

 
1,689,295

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,689,295

Tax-exempt
 
64,893

 
25,280

 
249,200

 
167,994

 

 

 
3,543

 
510,910

Trust preferred securities
 

 

 

 

 
28,617

 

 

 
28,617

U.S. government sponsored agency securities
 

 
61,462

 

 

 

 

 

 
61,462

U.S. treasury securities
 

 
2,482

 

 

 

 

 

 
2,482

Total AFS securities (1)
 
$
874,135

 
$
1,912,945

 
$
304,361

 
$
254,025

 
$
82,560

 
$
27,801

 
$
43,692

 
$
3,499,519

(1)
Where ratings differ, the Company uses an average of the available ratings by major credit agencies.
Securities with carrying amounts of approximately $1.01 billion and $913.7 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, were pledged for various purposes as required or permitted by law.

25


The following table presents gross gains and losses on sales of investment securities: 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Gross gains
 
$

 
$
636

Gross losses
 

 
(1
)
Net gains on sales of investment securities
 
$

 
$
635

3. LOANS, LEASES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
The composition of the Company’s held for investment loan portfolio is as follows: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
$
6,944,381

 
$
6,841,381

Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
 
3,925,301

 
3,904,011

Commercial real estate - owner occupied
 
2,264,650

 
2,241,613

Construction and land development
 
1,957,489

 
1,632,204

Residential real estate
 
418,127

 
425,940

Consumer
 
50,505

 
48,786

Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs
 
15,560,453

 
15,093,935

Allowance for credit losses
 
(144,659
)
 
(140,050
)
Total loans HFI
 
$
15,415,794

 
$
14,953,885

Net deferred loan fees and costs as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 total $32.6 million and $25.3 million, respectively, which is a reduction in the carrying value of loans. Net unamortized purchase discounts on secondary market loan purchases total $8.0 million and $8.5 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Total loans held for investment are also net of interest rate and credit marks on acquired loans, which are a net reduction in the carrying value of loans. Interest rate marks were $13.0 million and $14.1 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Credit marks were $23.1 million and $27.0 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
The following table presents the contractual aging of the recorded investment in past due loans held for investment by class of loans:
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
Current
 
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
Over 90 Days Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
$
6,932,086

 
$
5,094

 
$
4,970

 
$
2,231

 
$
12,295

 
$
6,944,381

Commercial real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
 
2,263,102

 
1,418

 

 
130

 
1,548

 
2,264,650

Non-owner occupied
 
3,732,372

 

 

 
2,799

 
2,799

 
3,735,171

Multi-family
 
190,130

 

 

 

 

 
190,130

Construction and land development
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
 
1,259,939

 

 

 

 

 
1,259,939

Land
 
697,550

 

 

 

 

 
697,550

Residential real estate
 
413,726

 
1,397

 

 
3,004

 
4,401

 
418,127

Consumer
 
49,907

 

 
259

 
339

 
598

 
50,505

Total loans
 
$
15,538,812

 
$
7,909

 
$
5,229

 
$
8,503

 
$
21,641

 
$
15,560,453

 

26


 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Current
 
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
Over 90 days
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
$
6,835,385

 
$
2,245

 
$
669

 
$
3,082

 
$
5,996

 
$
6,841,381

Commercial real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
 
2,240,457

 
1,026

 

 
130

 
1,156

 
2,241,613

Non-owner occupied
 
3,696,729

 
2,993

 

 
2,847

 
5,840

 
3,702,569

Multi-family
 
201,442

 

 

 

 

 
201,442

Construction and land development
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
 
1,090,176

 

 

 

 

 
1,090,176

Land
 
536,917

 

 

 
5,111

 
5,111

 
542,028

Residential real estate
 
411,857

 
6,874

 
1,487

 
5,722

 
14,083

 
425,940

Consumer
 
48,408

 
83

 
213

 
82

 
378

 
48,786

Total loans
 
$
15,061,371

 
$
13,221

 
$
2,369

 
$
16,974

 
$
32,564

 
$
15,093,935

The following table presents the recorded investment in non-accrual loans and loans past due ninety days or more and still accruing interest by class of loans: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Non-accrual loans
 
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
 
Non-accrual loans
 
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
 
 
Current
 
Past Due/
Delinquent
 
Total
Non-accrual
 
 
Current
 
Past Due/
Delinquent
 
Total
Non-accrual
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
$
16,103

 
$
8,081

 
$
24,184

 
$
37

 
$
17,913

 
$
4,113

 
$
22,026

 
$
43

Commercial real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
 

 
131

 
131

 

 
1,089

 
792

 
1,881

 

Non-owner occupied
 

 
2,799

 
2,799

 

 

 
5,840

 
5,840

 

Multi-family
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction and land development
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land
 

 

 

 

 
868

 
5,111

 
5,979

 

Residential real estate
 
6,127

 
3,717

 
9,844

 

 
2,039

 
6,078

 
8,117

 

Consumer
 

 
339

 
339

 

 

 
82

 
82

 

Total
 
$
22,230

 
$
15,067

 
$
37,297

 
$
37

 
$
21,909

 
$
22,016

 
$
43,925

 
$
43

The reduction in interest income associated with loans on non-accrual status was approximately $0.6 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
The Company utilizes an internal asset classification system as a means of reporting problem and potential problem loans. Under the Company’s risk rating system, the Company classifies problem and potential problem loans as Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss. Substandard loans include those characterized by well-defined weaknesses and carry the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as Doubtful, or risk rated nine, 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. The final rating of Loss covers loans considered uncollectible and having such little recoverable value that it is not practical to defer writing off the asset. Loans that do not currently expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but possess weaknesses that warrant management’s close attention, are deemed to be Special Mention. Risk ratings are updated, at a minimum, quarterly.

27


The following tables present gross loans by risk rating: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
Pass
 
Special Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Loss
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
$
6,756,803

 
$
100,928

 
$
82,499

 
$
4,151

 
$

 
$
6,944,381

Commercial real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
 
2,168,305

 
42,472

 
53,232

 
641

 

 
2,264,650

Non-owner occupied
 
3,696,971

 
26,716

 
11,484

 

 

 
3,735,171

Multi-family
 
190,130

 

 

 

 

 
190,130

Construction and land development
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
 
1,255,462

 
4,477

 

 

 

 
1,259,939

Land
 
695,821

 
905

 
824

 

 

 
697,550

Residential real estate
 
398,814

 
9,146

 
10,167

 

 

 
418,127

Consumer
 
49,613

 
58

 
834

 

 

 
50,505

Total
 
$
15,211,919

 
$
184,702

 
$
159,040

 
$
4,792

 
$

 
$
15,560,453

 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
Pass
 
Special Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Loss
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
Current (up to 29 days past due)
 
$
15,206,755

 
$
184,306

 
$
143,622

 
$
4,129

 
$

 
$
15,538,812

Past due 30 - 59 days
 
5,091

 
374

 
2,444

 

 

 
7,909

Past due 60 - 89 days
 
73

 
22

 
5,134

 

 

 
5,229

Past due 90 days or more
 

 

 
7,840

 
663

 

 
8,503

Total
 
$
15,211,919

 
$
184,702

 
$
159,040

 
$
4,792

 
$

 
$
15,560,453

 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Pass
 
Special Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Loss
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
$
6,675,574

 
$
85,781

 
$
76,328

 
$
3,698

 
$

 
$
6,841,381

Commercial real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
 
2,149,465

 
43,122

 
48,397

 
629

 

 
2,241,613

Non-owner occupied
 
3,676,711

 
11,166

 
14,692

 

 

 
3,702,569

Multi-family
 
201,442

 

 

 

 

 
201,442

Construction and land development
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
 
1,072,342

 
4,477

 
13,357

 

 

 
1,090,176

Land
 
535,412

 
637

 
5,979

 

 

 
542,028

Residential real estate
 
408,527

 
8,971

 
8,442

 

 

 
425,940

Consumer
 
47,824

 
878

 
84

 

 

 
48,786

Total
 
$
14,767,297

 
$
155,032

 
$
167,279

 
$
4,327

 
$

 
$
15,093,935

 

28


 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Pass
 
Special Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Loss
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
Current (up to 29 days past due)
 
$
14,758,149

 
$
154,295

 
$
145,934

 
$
2,993

 
$

 
$
15,061,371

Past due 30 - 59 days
 
7,966

 
518

 
4,737

 

 

 
13,221

Past due 60 - 89 days
 
1,182

 
219

 
968

 

 

 
2,369

Past due 90 days or more
 

 

 
15,640

 
1,334

 

 
16,974

Total
 
$
14,767,297

 
$
155,032

 
$
167,279

 
$
4,327

 
$

 
$
15,093,935

The table below reflects the recorded investment in loans classified as impaired: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Impaired loans with a specific valuation allowance under ASC 310 (1)
 
$
9,598

 
$
19,315

Impaired loans without a specific valuation allowance under ASC 310 (2)
 
87,994

 
79,239

Total impaired loans
 
$
97,592

 
$
98,554

Valuation allowance related to impaired loans (3)
 
$
(5,562
)
 
$
(5,606
)
(1)
Includes TDR loans of $3.0 million and $3.7 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(2)
Includes TDR loans of $48.2 million and $48.8 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(3)
Includes valuation allowance related to TDR loans of $1.0 million and $1.2 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
The following table presents impaired loans by class: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
$
43,459

 
$
34,156

Commercial real estate
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
 
8,107

 
10,430

Non-owner occupied
 
17,654

 
21,251

Multi-family
 

 

Construction and land development
 
 
 
 
Construction
 

 

Land
 
9,812

 
15,426

Residential real estate
 
18,185

 
17,170

Consumer
 
375

 
121

Total
 
$
97,592

 
$
98,554

A valuation allowance is established for an impaired loan when the fair value of the loan is less than the recorded investment. In certain cases, portions of impaired loans are charged-off to realizable value instead of establishing a valuation allowance and are included, when applicable, in the table above as “Impaired loans without a specific valuation allowance under ASC 310.” However, before concluding that an impaired loan needs no associated valuation allowance, an assessment is made to consider all available and relevant information for the method used to evaluate impairment and the type of loan being assessed. The valuation allowance disclosed above is included in the allowance for credit losses reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

29


The following table presents the average investment in impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans: 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Average balance on impaired loans
 
$
93,081

 
$
103,387

Interest income recognized on impaired loans
 
873

 
921

Interest recognized on non-accrual loans, cash basis
 
438

 
332

The following table presents the average investment in impaired loans by loan class: 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
$
36,849

 
$
26,101

Commercial real estate
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
 
9,043

 
21,128

Non-owner occupied
 
18,925

 
24,399

Multi-family
 

 

Construction and land development
 
 
 
 
Construction
 

 

Land
 
10,281

 
14,432

Residential real estate
 
17,799

 
17,103

Consumer
 
184

 
224

Total
 
$
93,081

 
$
103,387

The average investment in TDR loans was $48.3 million and $60.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The following table presents interest income on impaired loans by class: 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
$
250

 
$
144

Commercial real estate
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
 
127

 
177

Non-owner occupied
 
262

 
239

Multi-family
 

 

Construction and land development
 
 
 
 
Construction
 

 

Land
 
130

 
221

Residential real estate
 
104

 
139

Consumer
 

 
1

Total
 
$
873

 
$
921

The Company is not committed to lend significant additional funds on these impaired loans.

30


The following table summarizes nonperforming assets: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Non-accrual loans (1)
 
$
37,297

 
$
43,925

Loans past due 90 days or more on accrual status (2)
 
37

 
43

Accruing troubled debt restructured loans
 
43,766

 
42,431

Total nonperforming loans
 
81,100

 
86,399

Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
 
30,194

 
28,540

Total nonperforming assets
 
$
111,294

 
$
114,939

(1)
Includes non-accrual TDR loans of $7.4 million and $10.1 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(2)
Includes less than $0.1 million from loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality at each of the periods ended March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality
Changes in the accretable yield for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality are as follows:  
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Balance, at beginning of period
 
$
9,324

 
$
15,177

Reclassifications from non-accretable to accretable yield (1)
 
683

 

Accretion to interest income
 
(313
)
 
(907
)
Reversal of fair value adjustments upon disposition of loans
 
(1,586
)
 
(458
)
Balance, at end of period
 
$
8,108

 
$
13,812

(1)
The primary drivers of reclassification from non-accretable to accretable yield resulted from changes in estimated cash flows.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for credit losses by portfolio type: 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
Construction and Land Development
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning Balance
 
$
19,511

 
$
31,495

 
$
5,478

 
$
82,793

 
$
773

 
$
140,050

Charge-offs
 

 

 
107

 
3,517

 

 
3,624

Recoveries
 
(1,388
)
 
(126
)
 
(250
)
 
(459
)
 
(10
)
 
(2,233
)
Provision
 
1,695

 
1,247

 
(102
)
 
3,143

 
17

 
6,000

Ending balance
 
$
22,594

 
$
32,868

 
$
5,519

 
$
82,878

 
$
800

 
$
144,659

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning Balance
 
$
21,175

 
$
25,673

 
$
3,851

 
$
73,333

 
$
672

 
$
124,704

Charge-offs
 

 

 
115

 
2,594

 
34

 
2,743

Recoveries
 
(277
)
 
(533
)
 
(251
)
 
(328
)
 
(49
)
 
(1,438
)
Provision
 
(355
)
 
1,798

 
425

 
2,362

 
20

 
4,250

Ending balance
 
$
21,097

 
$
28,004

 
$
4,412

 
$
73,429

 
$
707

 
$
127,649


31


The following table presents impairment method information related to loans and allowance for credit losses by loan portfolio segment: 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate-Owner Occupied
 
Commercial Real Estate-Non-Owner Occupied
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Construction and Land Development
 
Consumer
 
Total Loans
 
 
(in thousands)
Loans as of March 31, 2018;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded Investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded
 
$

 
$

 
$
9,425

 
$
173

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,598

Impaired loans with no allowance recorded
 
8,107

 
17,654

 
34,034

 
18,012

 
9,812

 
375

 
87,994

Total loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
8,107

 
17,654

 
43,459

 
18,185

 
9,812

 
375

 
97,592

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
2,248,803

 
3,805,229

 
6,900,885

 
399,346

 
1,947,677

 
50,130

 
15,352,070

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 
7,740

 
102,418

 
37

 
596

 

 

 
110,791

Total recorded investment
 
$
2,264,650

 
$
3,925,301

 
$
6,944,381

 
$
418,127

 
$
1,957,489

 
$
50,505

 
$
15,560,453

Unpaid Principal Balance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded
 
$

 
$

 
$
12,250

 
$
173

 
$

 
$

 
$
12,423

Impaired loans with no allowance recorded
 
15,029

 
24,431

 
63,541

 
26,801

 
26,440

 
10,950

 
167,192

Total loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
15,029

 
24,431

 
75,791

 
26,974

 
26,440

 
10,950

 
179,615

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
2,248,803

 
3,805,229

 
6,900,885

 
399,346

 
1,947,677

 
50,130

 
15,352,070

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 
9,945

 
124,803

 
4,412

 
715

 

 

 
139,875

Total unpaid principal balance
 
$
2,273,777

 
$
3,954,463

 
$
6,981,088

 
$
427,035

 
$
1,974,117

 
$
61,080

 
$
15,671,560

Related Allowance for Credit Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded
 
$

 
$

 
$
5,389

 
$
173

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,562

Impaired loans with no allowance recorded
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total loans individually evaluated for impairment
 

 

 
5,389

 
173

 

 

 
5,562

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
14,475

 
17,566

 
77,487

 
5,346

 
22,594

 
800

 
138,268

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 

 
827

 
2

 

 

 

 
829

Total allowance for credit losses
 
$
14,475

 
$
18,393

 
$
82,878

 
$
5,519

 
$
22,594

 
$
800

 
$
144,659


32


 
 
Commercial Real Estate-Owner Occupied
 
Commercial Real Estate-Non-Owner Occupied
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Construction and Land Development
 
Consumer
 
Total Loans
 
 
(in thousands)
Loans as of December 31, 2017;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded Investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded
 
$

 
$

 
$
19,315

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
19,315

Impaired loans with no allowance recorded
 
10,430

 
21,250

 
14,842

 
17,170

 
15,426

 
121

 
79,239

Total loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
10,430

 
21,250

 
34,157

 
17,170

 
15,426

 
121

 
98,554

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
2,221,614

 
3,777,219

 
6,807,181

 
408,169

 
1,616,778

 
48,665

 
14,879,626

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 
9,569

 
105,542

 
43

 
601

 

 

 
115,755

Total recorded investment
 
$
2,241,613

 
$
3,904,011

 
$
6,841,381

 
$
425,940

 
$
1,632,204

 
$
48,786

 
$
15,093,935

Unpaid Principal Balance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded
 
$

 
$

 
$
20,795

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
20,795

Impaired loans with no allowance recorded
 
17,459

 
28,028

 
42,261

 
26,057

 
32,289

 
10,695

 
156,789

Total loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
17,459

 
28,028

 
63,056

 
26,057

 
32,289

 
10,695

 
177,584

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
2,221,614

 
3,777,219

 
6,807,181

 
408,169

 
1,616,778

 
48,665

 
14,879,626

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 
12,619

 
128,440

 
3,146

 
720

 

 

 
144,925

Total unpaid principal balance
 
$
2,251,692

 
$
3,933,687

 
$
6,873,383

 
$
434,946

 
$
1,649,067

 
$
59,360

 
$
15,202,135

Related Allowance for Credit Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded
 
$

 
$

 
$
5,606

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,606

Impaired loans with no allowance recorded
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total loans individually evaluated for impairment
 

 

 
5,606

 

 

 

 
5,606

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
13,884

 
16,135

 
76,919

 
5,500

 
19,599

 
776

 
132,813

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 

 
1,629

 
2

 

 

 

 
1,631

Total allowance for credit losses
 
$
13,884

 
$
17,764

 
$
82,527

 
$
5,500

 
$
19,599

 
$
776

 
$
140,050


33


Troubled Debt Restructurings
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. The loan terms that have been modified or restructured due to a borrower’s financial situation include, but are not limited to, a reduction in the stated interest rate, an extension of the maturity or renewal of the loan at an interest rate below current market, a reduction in the face amount of the debt, a reduction in the accrued interest, or deferral of interest payments. The majority of the Company's modifications are extensions in terms or deferral of payments which result in no lost principal or interest followed by reductions in interest rates or accrued interest. A TDR loan is also considered impaired. Consistent with regulatory guidance, a TDR loan that is subsequently modified in another restructuring agreement but has shown sustained performance and classification as a TDR, will be removed from TDR status provided that the modified terms were market-based at the time of modification.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company had five new TDR loans with a recorded investment of $15.0 million and one new TDR loan with a recorded investment of $4.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. No principal amounts were forgiven and there were no waived fees or other expenses resulting from the TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, there were no TDR loans for which there was a payment default. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, there was one commercial and industrial TDR loan with a recorded investment of $0.1 million for which there was a payment default.
A TDR loan is deemed to have a payment default when it becomes past due 90 days, goes on non-accrual, or is restructured again. Payment defaults, along with other qualitative indicators, are considered by management in the determination of the allowance for credit losses.
At March 31, 2018, there was one commercial and industrial loan commitment outstanding on TDR loans for less than $0.1 million and at December 31, 2017 there were no loan commitments outstanding on TDR loans.
Loan Purchases and Sales
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, secondary market loan purchases totaled $141.5 million and $253.3 million, respectively. For 2018, these purchased loans consisted of $118.3 million of commercial and industrial loans and $23.2 million of residential real estate loans. For 2017, these purchased loans consisted of $200.3 million of commercial and industrial loans and $53.0 million of residential real estate loans.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company sold loans which primarily consisted of commercial and industrial loans with a carrying value of $31.0 million and recognized a net gain of $0.7 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company sold CRE loans with a carrying value of $9.2 million and recognized a loss of less than of $0.1 million on the sales.


34


4. OTHER ASSETS ACQUIRED THROUGH FORECLOSURE
The following table represents the changes in other assets acquired through foreclosure: 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
Gross Balance
 
Valuation Allowance
 
Net Balance
 
 
(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
32,552

 
$
(4,012
)
 
$
28,540

Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
 
5,744

 

 
5,744

Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net
 
(5,294
)
 
9

 
(5,285
)
Valuation adjustments, net
 

 
(47
)
 
(47
)
Gains (losses), net (1)
 
1,242

 
 
 
1,242

Balance, end of period
 
$
34,244

 
$
(4,050
)
 
$
30,194

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
54,138

 
$
(6,323
)
 
$
47,815

Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net
 
(3,113
)
 
224

 
(2,889
)
Valuation adjustments, net
 

 
380

 
380

Gains (losses), net (1)
 
(106
)
 

 
(106
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
50,919

 
$
(5,719
)
 
$
45,200

(1)
There was $1.0 million in net gains related to initial transfers to other assets during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and compared to zero during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
At March 31, 2018 and 2017, the majority of the Company’s repossessed assets consisted of properties located in Nevada. The Company held 18 properties at March 31, 2018, compared to 19 at December 31, 2017, and 25 at March 31, 2017.
5. OTHER BORROWINGS
The following table summarizes the Company’s borrowings as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Short-Term:
 
 
 
 
FHLB advances
 
$
300,000

 
$
390,000

Total short-term borrowings
 
$
300,000

 
$
390,000

The Company maintains other lines of credit with correspondent banks totaling $145.0 million. These lines of credit are unsecured, of which $45.0 million has a floating interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 3.25% and $100.0 million has a rate equivalent to the federal funds effective rate. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no outstanding balances on the Company's lines of credit.
The Company maintains lines of credit with the FHLB and the FRB. The Company’s borrowing capacity is determined based on collateral pledged, generally consisting of investment securities and loans, at the time of the borrowing. At March 31, 2018, the Company had $300.0 million in short-term FHLB overnight advances with an interest rate of 1.87%. At December 31, 2017, short-term FHLB advances of $390.0 million had an interest rate of 1.41%.
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had additional available credit with the FHLB of approximately $2.20 billion and $1.91 billion, respectively, and with the FRB of approximately $1.22 billion and $1.11 billion, respectively.

35


6. QUALIFYING DEBT
Subordinated Debt
The Parent has $175.0 million of subordinated debentures, which was recorded net of issuance costs of $5.5 million, and matures July 1, 2056. Beginning on or after July 1, 2021, the Company may redeem the debentures, in whole or in part, at their principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest. The debentures have a fixed interest rate of 6.25% per annum.
WAB has $150.0 million of subordinated debt, which was recorded net of debt issuance costs of $1.8 million, and matures July 15, 2025. The subordinated debt has a fixed interest rate of 5.00% through June 30, 2020 and then converts to a variable rate of 3.20% plus three-month LIBOR through maturity.
To hedge the interest rate risk on the Company's subordinated debt issuances, the Company entered into fair value interest rate hedges with receive fixed/pay variable swaps.
The carrying value of all subordinated debt issuances, which includes the fair value of the related hedges, totals $297.5 million and $308.6 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Junior Subordinated Debt
The Company has formed or acquired through acquisition eight statutory business trusts, which exist for the exclusive purpose of issuing Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities.
With the exception of debt issued by Bridge Capital Trust I and Bridge Capital Trust II, junior subordinated debt is recorded at fair value at each reporting date due to the FVO election made by the Company under ASC 825. The Company did not make the FVO election for the junior subordinated debt acquired as part of the Bridge acquisition. Accordingly, the carrying value of these trusts does not reflect the current fair value of the debt and includes a fair market value adjustment established at acquisition that is being accreted over the remaining life of the trusts.
The carrying value of junior subordinated debt was $66.4 million and $68.3 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The weighted average interest rate of all junior subordinated debt as of March 31, 2018 was 4.65%, which is three-month LIBOR plus the contractual spread of 2.34%, compared to a weighted average interest rate of 4.03% at December 31, 2017.

36


7. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Stock-Based Compensation
Restricted Stock Awards
Restricted stock awards granted to employees generally vest over a three-year period. Stock grants made to non-employee WAL directors in 2018 will be fully vested at June 30, 2018. The Company estimates the compensation expense for stock grants based upon the grant date fair value. Stock compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The aggregate grant date fair value for the restricted stock awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $21.9 million. Stock compensation expense related to restricted stock awards and stock options granted to employees are included in Salaries and employee benefits in the Consolidated Income Statement. For restricted stock awards granted to WAL directors, the related stock compensation expense is included in Legal, professional, and directors' fees. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recognized $4.3 million in stock-based compensation expense related to all restricted stock award grants, compared to $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
In addition, the Company previously granted shares of restricted stock to certain members of executive management that had both performance and service conditions that affect vesting. There were no such grants made during the three months ended March 31, 2018, however expense is still being recognized for the grants made in 2016 and 2017 as they also have a three-year vesting period. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recognized $0.6 million in stock-based compensation expense related to these performance-based restricted stock grants, compared to $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Performance Stock Units
The Company grants members of its executive management performance stock units that do not vest unless the Company achieves a specified cumulative EPS target over a three-year performance period. The number of shares issued will vary based on the cumulative EPS target that is achieved. The Company estimates the cost of performance stock units based upon the grant date fair value and expected vesting percentage over the three-year performance period. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recognized $1.6 million in stock-based compensation expense related to these performance stock units, compared to $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
The three-year performance period for the 2015 grant ended on December 31, 2017, and the Company's cumulative EPS for the performance period exceeded the level required for a maximum award under the terms of the grant. As a result, executive management members were entitled to the maximum award of 202,074 shares, which was paid out in the first quarter of 2018.
Treasury Shares
The Company purchased 180,867 treasury shares at a weighted average price of $59.02 per share and 201,306 at a weighted average price of $50.88 per share during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

37


8. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, for the periods indicated: 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on AFS
 
Unrealized holding gains on SERP
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on junior subordinated debt
 
Impairment loss on securities
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2017
 
$
(10,026
)
 
$
385

 
$
6,352

 
$
144

 
$
(3,145
)
Balance, January 1, 2018 (1)
 
(12,556
)
 
469

 
7,740

 
144

 
(4,203
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(38,914
)
 
(11
)
 
1,466

 

 
(37,459
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(38,914
)
 
(11
)
 
1,466

 

 
(37,459
)
Balance, March 31, 2018
 
$
(51,470
)
 
$
458

 
$
9,206

 
$
144

 
$
(41,662
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2016
 
$
(14,916
)
 
$
121

 
$
9,956

 
$
144

 
$
(4,695
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
9,169

 
(1
)
 
(1,229
)
 

 
7,939

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
(393
)
 

 

 

 
(393
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
8,776

 
(1
)
 
(1,229
)
 

 
7,546

Balance, March 31, 2017
 
$
(6,140
)
 
$
120

 
$
8,727

 
$
144

 
$
2,851

(1)
As adjusted for adoption of ASU 2016-01 and ASU 2018-02, see "Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies " for further discussion.
The following table presents reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
Income Statement Classification
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Gain on sales of investment securities, net
 
$

 
$
635

Income tax expense
 

 
(242
)
Net of tax
 
$

 
$
393

9. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The Company is a party to various derivative instruments. Derivative instruments are contracts between two or more parties that have a notional amount and an underlying variable, require a small or no initial investment, and allow for the net settlement of positions. A derivative’s notional amount serves as the basis for the payment provision of the contract and takes the form of units, such as shares or dollars. A derivative’s underlying variable is a specified interest rate, security price, commodity price, foreign exchange rate, index, or other variable. The interaction between the notional amount and the underlying variable determines the number of units to be exchanged between the parties and influences the fair value of the derivative contract.
The primary type of derivatives that the Company uses are interest rate swaps. Generally, these instruments are used to help manage the Company's exposure to interest rate risk and meet client financing and hedging needs.
Derivatives are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, after taking into account the effects of bilateral collateral and master netting agreements. These agreements allow the Company to settle all derivative contracts held with the same counterparty on a net basis, and to offset net derivative positions with related cash collateral, where applicable.
As of March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 31, 2017, the Company does not have any significant outstanding cash flow hedges or free-standing derivatives.

38


Derivatives Designated in Hedge Relationships
The Company utilizes derivatives that have been designated as part of a hedge relationship in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance to minimize the exposure to changes in benchmark interest rates and volatility of net interest income and EVE to interest rate fluctuations. The primary derivative instruments used to manage interest rate risk are interest rate swaps, which convert the contractual interest rate index of agreed-upon amounts of assets and liabilities (i.e., notional amounts) to another interest rate index.
The Company has entered into pay fixed/receive variable interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges of certain fixed rate loans. As a result, the Company receives variable-rate interest payments in exchange for making fixed-rate payments over the lives of the contracts without exchanging the notional amounts.
The Company has also entered into receive fixed/pay variable interest rate swaps, designated as fair value hedges on its fixed rate subordinated debt offerings. As a result, the Company is paying a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 3.16% and is receiving semi-annual fixed payments of 5.00% to match the payments on the $150.0 million subordinated debt. For the fair value hedge on the Parent's $175.0 million subordinated debentures issued on June 16, 2016, the Company is paying a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 3.25% and is receiving quarterly fixed payments of 6.25% to match the payments on the debt.
Derivatives Not Designated in Hedge Relationships

Management also enters into certain foreign exchange derivative contracts which are not designated as accounting hedges. These derivative contracts include spot, forward and forward window contracts. The purpose of these derivative contracts is to mitigate foreign currency risk on transactions entered into, or on behalf of customers. Contracts with customers, along with the related derivative trades the Company places, are both remeasured at fair value, and are referred to as economic hedges since they economically offset the Company's exposure. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, changes in the fair value related to these derivative contracts totaled $0.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and are included in Other non-interest income in the Consolidated Income Statements.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the following amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet related to cumulative basis adjustments for fair value hedges:

 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Carrying Value of Hedged Assets/(Liabilities)
 
Cumulative Amount of the Fair Value Hedging Adjustment (1)
 
Carrying Value of Hedged Assets/(Liabilities)
 
Cumulative Amount of the Fair Value Hedging Adjustment (1)
 
 
(in thousands)
Loans - HFI, net of deferred loan fees and costs
 
$
671,363

 
$
18,063

 
$
699,452

 
$
41,919

Qualifying debt
 
(297,506
)
 
21,193

 
(308,608
)
 
9,959

(1)
Included in the carrying value of the hedged assets/(liabilities).

For the Company's derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings in the same line item as the offsetting loss or gain on the related interest rate swaps. For loans, the gain or loss on the hedged item is included in interest income and for subordinated debt, the gain or loss on the hedged item is included in interest expense.

39


Fair Values, Volume of Activity, and Gain/Loss Information Related to Derivative Instruments
The following table summarizes the fair values of the Company's derivative instruments on a gross and net basis as of March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 31, 2017. The change in the notional amounts of these derivatives from March 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018 indicates the volume of the Company's derivative transaction activity during these periods. The derivative asset and liability balances are presented on a gross basis, prior to the application of bilateral collateral and master netting agreements. Total derivative assets and liabilities are adjusted to take into account the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow the Company to settle all derivative contracts with the same counterparty on a net basis and to offset the net derivative position with the related collateral. Where master netting agreements are not in effect or are not enforceable under bankruptcy laws, the Company does not adjust those derivative amounts with counterparties. The fair value of derivative contracts, after taking into account the effects of master netting agreements, is included in other assets or other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as indicated in the following table:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Notional
Amount
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
Notional
Amount
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
Notional
Amount
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
(in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
989,379

 
$
3,533

 
$
42,789

 
$
993,432

 
$
1,703

 
$
53,581

 
$
1,035,151

 
$
1,985

 
$
59,136

Total
989,379

 
3,533

 
42,789

 
993,432

 
1,703

 
53,581

 
1,035,151

 
1,985

 
59,136

Netting adjustments (1)

 
3,493

 
3,493

 

 
896

 
896

 

 
1,947

 
1,947

Net derivatives in the balance sheet
$
989,379

 
$
40

 
$
39,296

 
$
993,432

 
$
807

 
$
52,685

 
$
1,035,151

 
$
38

 
$
57,189

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts (2)
$
90,855

 
$
684

 
$
394

 
$
85,335

 
$
1,232

 
$
983

 
$
68,298

 
$
327

 
$
111

Interest rate swaps
36,840

 
1,170

 
1,170

 
36,969

 
776

 
776

 
38,192

 
796

 
796

Total
$
127,695

 
$
1,854

 
$
1,564

 
$
122,304

 
$
2,008

 
$
1,759

 
$
106,490

 
$
1,123

 
$
907

(1)
Netting adjustments represent the amounts recorded to convert the Company's derivative balances from a gross basis to a net basis in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance.
(2)
Prior period derivative asset / liability netting adjustments have been made to conform to current presentation.
Counterparty Credit Risk
Like other financial instruments, derivatives contain an element of credit risk. This risk is measured as the expected positive replacement value of the contracts. Management generally enters into bilateral collateral and master netting agreements that provide for the net settlement of all contracts with the same counterparty. Additionally, management monitors counterparty credit risk exposure on each contract to determine appropriate limits on the Company's total credit exposure across all product types. In general, the Company has a zero credit threshold with regard to derivative exposure with counterparties. Management reviews the Company's collateral positions on a daily basis and exchanges collateral with counterparties in accordance with standard ISDA documentation and other related agreements. The Company generally holds collateral in the form of cash deposits or highly rated securities issued by the U.S. Treasury or government-sponsored enterprises, such as GNMA, FNMA, and FHLMC. The total collateral netted against net derivative liabilities totaled $40.1 million at March 31, 2018, $53.6 million at December 31, 2017, and $59.1 million at March 31, 2017.

40


The following table summarizes the Company's largest exposure to an individual counterparty at the dates indicated:
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Largest gross exposure (derivative asset) to an individual counterparty
 
$
2,515

 
$
893

 
$
3,569

Collateral posted by this counterparty
 

 

 
4,680

Derivative liability with this counterparty
 
20,624

 
40,340

 

Collateral pledged to this counterparty
 
29,719

 
60,476

 
1,340

Net exposure after netting adjustments and collateral
 
$

 
$

 
$
229

Credit Risk Contingent Features
Management has entered into certain derivative contracts that require the Company to post collateral to the counterparties when these contracts are in a net liability position. Conversely, the counterparties may be required to post collateral when these contracts are in a net asset position. The amount of collateral to be posted is based on the amount of the net liability and exposure thresholds. As of March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 31, 2017 the aggregate fair value of all derivative contracts with credit risk contingent features (i.e., those containing collateral posting provisions) held by the Company that were in a net liability position totaled $39.3 million, $52.7 million, and $57.2 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, the Company was in an over-collateralized net position of $12.1 million after considering $52.2 million of collateral held in the form of cash and securities. As of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017, the Company was in an over-collateralized position of $25.0 million and $11.7 million, respectively.
10. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Diluted EPS is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares during each period, including common stock equivalents. Basic EPS is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares during the period.
The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted EPS: 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Weighted average shares - basic
 
104,530

 
103,987

Dilutive effect of stock awards
 
794

 
849

Weighted average shares - diluted
 
105,324

 
104,836

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
100,900

 
$
73,342

Earnings per share - basic
 
0.97

 
0.71

Earnings per share - diluted
 
0.96

 
0.70

The Company had no anti-dilutive stock options outstanding at each of the periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

41


11. INCOME TAXES  
The effective tax rate was 17.10% and 25.03% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate is due primarily to the decrease in the Federal statutory rate for 2018.
As of March 31, 2018, the net deferred tax asset was $27.4 million, an increase of $21.6 million from December 31, 2017. This overall increase in the net deferred tax asset was primarily the result of recognizing previously deferred income and decreases in the fair market value of AFS securities.
Although realization is not assured, the Company believes that the realization of the recognized deferred tax asset of $27.4 million at March 31, 2018 is more-likely-than-not based on expectations as to future taxable income and based on available tax planning strategies within the meaning of ASC 740, Income Taxes, that could be implemented if necessary to prevent a carryover from expiring.
At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had no deferred tax valuation allowance.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s gross federal NOL carryovers, a portion of which are subject to limitations under Section 382 of the IRC, totaled approximately $135.6 million for which a deferred tax asset of $24.0 million has been recorded reflecting the expected benefit of these federal NOL carryovers. The Company also has varying gross amounts of state NOL carryovers with California and Arizona being the most significant. The ending gross California and Arizona NOL carryovers totaled approximately $19.1 million and $13.3 million, respectively. A deferred tax asset of $2.8 million has been recorded to reflect the expected benefit of all state NOL carryovers.
Investments in LIHTC
The Company invests in LIHTC funds that are designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal tax credits.
Investments in LIHTC and unfunded LIHTC obligations are included as part of other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and total $288.9 million and $167.9 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2018, compared to $267.0 million and $151.3 million as of December 31, 2017. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, $8.1 million and $5.9 million, respectively, of amortization related to LIHTC investments was recognized as a component of income tax expense.
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Unfunded Commitments and Letters of Credit
The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. They involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Lines of credit are obligations to lend money to a borrower. Credit risk arises when the borrower's current financial condition may indicate less ability to pay than when the commitment was originally made. In the case of standby letters of credit, the risk arises from the potential failure of the customer to perform according to the terms of a contract. In such a situation, the third party might draw on the standby letter of credit to pay for completion of the contract and the Company would look to its customer to repay these funds with interest. To minimize the risk, the Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it would for a loan to that customer.
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees are commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party in borrowing arrangements. The Company generally has recourse to recover from the customer any amounts paid under the guarantees. Typically, letters of credit issued have expiration dates within one year.

42


A summary of the contractual amounts for unfunded commitments and letters of credit are as follows: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Commitments to extend credit, including unsecured loan commitments of $437,437 at March 31, 2018 and $364,638 at December 31, 2017
 
$
6,500,031

 
$
5,851,158

Credit card commitments and financial guarantees
 
186,613

 
153,752

Standby letters of credit, including unsecured letters of credit of $12,148 at March 31, 2018 and $11,664 at December 31, 2017
 
181,068

 
161,966

Total
 
$
6,867,712

 
$
6,166,876

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer provided that there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The Company enters into credit arrangements that generally provide for the termination of advances in the event of a covenant violation or other event of default. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the party. The commitments are collateralized by the same types of assets used as loan collateral.
The Company has exposure to credit losses from unfunded commitments and letters of credit. As funds have not been disbursed on these commitments, they are not reported as loans outstanding. Credit losses related to these commitments are included in other liabilities as a separate loss contingency and are not included in the allowance for credit losses reported in "Note 3. Loans, Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses" of these Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. This loss contingency for unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit was $7.2 million and $6.2 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Changes to this liability are adjusted through other expense in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Concentrations of Lending Activities
The Company’s lending activities are driven in large part by the customers served in the market areas where the Company has branch offices in the states of Arizona, Nevada, and California. Despite the geographic concentration of lending activities, the Company does not have a single external customer from which it derives 10% or more of its revenues. The Company monitors concentrations within four broad categories: geography, industry, product, and collateral. The Company's loan portfolio includes significant credit exposure to the CRE market. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, CRE related loans accounted for approximately 52% of total loans. Substantially all of these loans are secured by first liens with an initial loan to value ratio of generally not more than 75%. Approximately 37% and 36% of these CRE loans, excluding construction and land loans, were owner-occupied at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Contingencies
The Company is involved in various lawsuits of a routine nature that are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. Expenses are being incurred in connection with these lawsuits, but in the opinion of management, based in part on consultation with outside legal counsel, the resolution of these lawsuits and associated defense costs will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Lease Commitments
The Company leases the majority of its office locations and many of these leases contain multiple renewal options and provisions for increased rents. Total rent expense of $2.5 million and $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, was included in Occupancy expense in these Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

43


13. FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING
The fair value of an asset or liability is the price that would be received to sell that asset or paid to transfer that liability in an orderly transaction occurring in the principal market (or most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market) for such asset or liability. In estimating fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach, and/or the cost approach. Such valuation techniques are consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques include the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC 825 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC 825 are described in "Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally-developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality and the Company’s creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. The Company’s valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While management believes the Company’s valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Furthermore, the reported fair value amounts have not been comprehensively revalued since the presentation dates, and therefore, estimates of fair value after the balance sheet date may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein. A more detailed description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value is set forth below. Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are recognized as of the end of the month following the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.
Under ASC 825, the Company elected the FVO treatment for junior subordinated debt issued by WAL. This election is irrevocable and results in the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on these items at each reporting date. These unrealized gains and losses are recognized as part of other comprehensive income rather than earnings. The Company did not elect FVO treatment for the junior subordinated debt assumed in the Bridge Capital Holdings acquisition.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, gains and losses from fair value changes on junior subordinated debt were as follows:
 
 
Changes in Fair Values for Items Measured at Fair Value
Pursuant to Election of the Fair Value Option
 
 
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value, Net
 
Interest Income on Securities
 
Interest Expense on Junior Subordinated Debt
 
Total Changes Included in Current-Period Earnings
 
Total Changes Included in OCI
 
 
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Junior subordinated debt
 
$
1,944

 
$

 
$
904

 
$
904

 
$
1,466

Total
 
$
1,944

 
$

 
$
904

 
$
904

 
$
1,466

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities measured at fair value
 
$
(1
)
 
$
7

 
$

 
$
6

 
$

Junior subordinated debt
 
(1,986
)
 

 
(749
)
 
(749
)
 
(1,229
)
Total
 
$
(1,987
)
 
$
7

 
$
(749
)
 
$
(743
)
 
$
(1,229
)
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company sold all of its investment securities measured at fair value. No significant gain or loss was recognized upon sale of these securities.

44


Fair value on a recurring basis
Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following:
Securities measured at fair value: All of the Company’s securities measured at fair value, which consist of MBS, are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs in the same manner as described below for AFS securities.
AFS securities: Preferred stock and CRA investments are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. Other securities classified as AFS are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information, and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.
Independent pricing service: The Company's independent pricing service provides pricing information on the majority of the Company's Level 1 and 2 securities. Management independently evaluates the fair value measurements received from the Company's third party pricing service through multiple review steps. First, management reviews what has transpired in the marketplace with respect to interest rates, credit spreads, volatility, and mortgage rates, among other things, and develops an expectation of changes to the securities' valuations from the previous quarter. Then, management obtains market values from additional sources. The pricing service provides management with observable market data including interest rate curves and mortgage prepayment speed grids, as well as dealer quote sheets, new bond offering sheets, and historical trade documentation. Management reviews the assumptions and decides whether they are reasonable. Management may compare interest rates, credit spreads, and prepayments speeds used as part of the assumptions to those that management believes are reasonable. Management may price securities using the provided assumptions to determine whether they can develop similar prices on like securities. Any discrepancies between management’s review and the prices provided by the vendor are discussed with the vendor and the Company’s other valuation advisors. Lastly, management selects a sample of investment securities and compares the values provided by its primary third party pricing service to the market values obtained from secondary sources and evaluates those with notable variances.
Interest rate swaps: Interest rate swaps are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The Company obtains dealer quotations to value its interest rate swaps.
Junior subordinated debt: The Company estimates the fair value of its junior subordinated debt using a discounted cash flow model which incorporates the effect of the Company’s own credit risk in the fair value of the liabilities (Level 3). The Company’s cash flow assumptions are based on contractual cash flows as the Company anticipates that it will pay the debt according to its contractual terms.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company estimates the discount rate at 6.65%, which represents an implied credit spread of 4.34% plus three-month LIBOR (2.31%). As of December 31, 2017, the Company estimated the discount rate at 5.61%, which was a 3.92% credit spread plus three-month LIBOR (1.69%).

45


The fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis was determined using the following inputs as of the periods presented: 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using:
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Fair Value
 
 
(in thousands)
March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDO
 
$

 
$
19,453

 
$

 
$
19,453

Commercial MBS issued by GSEs
 

 
104,973

 

 
104,973

Corporate debt securities
 

 
101,676

 

 
101,676

CRA investments
 
50,846

 

 

 
50,846

Preferred stock
 
93,318

 

 

 
93,318

Private label residential MBS
 

 
818,996

 

 
818,996

Residential MBS issued by GSEs
 

 
1,626,899

 

 
1,626,899

Tax-exempt
 

 
497,921

 

 
497,921

Trust preferred securities
 

 
28,617

 

 
28,617

U.S. government sponsored agency securities
 

 
60,290

 

 
60,290

U.S. treasury securities
 

 
2,473

 

 
2,473

Total AFS securities
 
$
144,164

 
$
3,261,298

 
$

 
$
3,405,462

Derivative assets (1)
 
$

 
$
5,387

 
$

 
$
5,387

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Junior subordinated debt (2)
 
$

 
$

 
$
54,290

 
$
54,290

Derivative liabilities (1)
 

 
44,353

 

 
44,353

(1)
Derivative assets and liabilities relate to interest rate swaps, see "Note 9. Derivatives and Hedging Activities." In addition, the carrying value of loans is increased by $18,063 and the net carrying value of subordinated debt is decreased by $21,193 as of March 31, 2018, which relates to the fair value of the hedges put in place to mitigate against fluctuations in interest rates.
(2)
Includes only the portion of junior subordinated debt that is recorded at fair value at each reporting period pursuant to the election of FVO treatment.


46


 
 
Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using:
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Fair Value
 
 
(in thousands)
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDO
 
$

 
$
21,857

 
$

 
$
21,857

Commercial MBS issued by GSEs
 

 
109,077

 

 
109,077

Corporate debt securities
 

 
103,483

 

 
103,483

CRA investments
 
50,616

 

 

 
50,616

Preferred stock
 
53,196

 

 

 
53,196

Private label residential MBS
 

 
868,524

 

 
868,524

Residential MBS issued by GSEs
 

 
1,689,295

 

 
1,689,295

Tax-exempt
 

 
510,910

 

 
510,910

Trust preferred securities
 

 
28,617

 

 
28,617

U.S. government sponsored agency securities
 

 
61,462

 

 
61,462

U.S. treasury securities
 

 
2,482

 

 
2,482

Total AFS securities
 
$
103,812

 
$
3,395,707

 
$

 
$
3,499,519

Derivative assets (1)
 
$

 
$
3,711

 
$

 
$
3,711

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Junior subordinated debt (2)
 
$

 
$

 
$
56,234

 
$
56,234

Derivative liabilities (1)
 

 
55,340

 

 
55,340

(1)
Derivative assets and liabilities relate to interest rate swaps, see "Note 9. Derivatives and Hedging Activities." In addition, the carrying value of loans is increased by $41,919 and the net carrying value of subordinated debt is decreased by $9,959 as of December 31, 2017, which relates to the fair value of the hedges put in place to mitigate against fluctuations in interest rates.
(2)
Includes only the portion of junior subordinated debt that is recorded at fair value at each reporting period pursuant to the election of FVO treatment.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the change in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis was as follows: 
 
 
Junior Subordinated Debt
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Beginning balance
 
$
(56,234
)
 
$
(50,410
)
Transfers into Level 3
 

 

Total gains (losses) for the period
 
 
 
 
Included in other comprehensive income
 
1,944

 
(1,986
)
Ending balance
 
$
(54,290
)
 
$
(52,396
)
 
For Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
Valuation Technique
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Input Value
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Junior subordinated debt
 
$
54,290

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Implied credit rating of the Company
 
6.65
%
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
Valuation Technique
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Input Value
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Junior subordinated debt
 
$
56,234

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Implied credit rating of the Company
 
5.61
%

47


The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s junior subordinated debt as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was the implied credit risk for the Company, calculated as the difference between the 20-year 'BB' rated financial index over the corresponding swap index.
Fair value on a nonrecurring basis
Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. That is, the assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis, but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The following table presents such assets carried on the Balance Sheet by caption and by level within the ASC 825 hierarchy:
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
 
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Active Markets for Similar Assets
(Level 2)
 
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
 
(in thousands)
As of March 31, 2018;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with specific valuation allowance
 
$
4,036

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,036

Impaired loans without specific valuation allowance (1)
 
63,639

 

 

 
63,639

Other assets acquired through foreclosure
 
30,194

 

 

 
30,194

As of December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with specific valuation allowance
 
$
13,709

 
$

 
$

 
$
13,709

Impaired loans without specific valuation allowance (1)
 
63,607

 

 

 
63,607

Other assets acquired through foreclosure
 
28,540

 

 

 
28,540

(1)
Net of loan balances with charge-offs of $24.4 million and $15.6 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

48


For Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:
 
March 31, 2018
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Range
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans
$
67,675

 
Collateral method
 
Third party appraisal
 
Costs to sell
 
4.0% to 10.0%
 
Discounted cash flow method
 
Discount rate
 
Contractual loan rate
 
4.0% to 7.0%
 
 
Scheduled cash collections
 
Probability of default
 
0% to 20.0%
 
 
Proceeds from non-real estate collateral
 
Loss given default
 
0% to 70.0%
Other assets acquired through foreclosure
30,194

 
Collateral method
 
Third party appraisal
 
Costs to sell
 
4.0% to 10.0%
 
December 31, 2017
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Range
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans
$
77,316

 
Collateral method
 
Third party appraisal
 
Costs to sell
 
4.0% to 10.0%
 
Discounted cash flow method
 
Discount rate
 
Contractual loan rate
 
4.0% to 7.0%
 
 
Scheduled cash collections
 
Probability of default
 
0% to 20.0%
 
 
Proceeds from non-real estate collateral
 
Loss given default
 
0% to 70.0%
Other assets acquired through foreclosure
28,540

 
Collateral method
 
Third party appraisal
 
Costs to sell
 
4.0% to 10.0%
Impaired loans: The specific reserves for collateral dependent impaired loans are based on collateral value, net of estimated disposition costs and other identified quantitative inputs. Collateral value is determined based on independent third-party appraisals or internally-developed discounted cash flow analyses. Appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches, including comparable sales and the income approach. Fair value is determined, where possible, using market prices derived from an appraisal or evaluation, which are considered to be Level 2. However, certain assumptions and unobservable inputs are often used by the appraiser, therefore qualifying the assets as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. In addition, when adjustments are made to an appraised value to reflect various factors such as the age of the appraisal or known changes in the market or the collateral, such valuation inputs are considered unobservable and the fair value measurement is categorized as a Level 3 measurement. Internal discounted cash flow analyses are also utilized to estimate the fair value of impaired loans, which considers internally-developed, unobservable inputs such as discount rates, default rates, and loss severity.
Total Level 3 impaired loans had an estimated fair value of $67.7 million and $77.3 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Impaired loans with a specific valuation allowance had a gross estimated fair value of $9.6 million and $19.3 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, which was reduced by a specific valuation allowance of $5.6 million for each period.
Other assets acquired through foreclosure: Other assets acquired through foreclosure consist of properties acquired as a result of, or in-lieu-of, foreclosure. These assets are initially reported at the fair value determined by independent appraisals using appraised value less estimated cost to sell. Such properties are generally re-appraised every twelve months. There is risk for subsequent volatility. Costs relating to the development or improvement of the assets are capitalized and costs relating to holding the assets are charged to expense.
Fair value is determined, where possible, using market prices derived from an appraisal or evaluation, which are considered to be Level 2. However, certain assumptions and unobservable inputs are often used by the appraiser, therefore qualifying the assets as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. When significant adjustments are based on unobservable inputs, such as when a current appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the

49


appraised value and there is no observable market price, the resulting fair value measurement has been categorized as a Level 3 measurement. The Company had $30.2 million and $28.5 million of such assets at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Credit vs. non-credit losses
Under the provisions of ASC 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities, OTTI is separated into the amount of total impairment related to the credit loss and the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total impairment related to all other factors is recognized in OCI.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company determined that no securities experienced credit losses.
There is no OTTI balance recognized in comprehensive income as of March 31, 2018 and 2017.
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments
The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments is as follows: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HTM
 
$
262,304

 
$

 
$
255,418

 
$

 
$
255,418

AFS
 
3,405,462

 
144,164

 
3,261,298

 

 
3,405,462

Derivative assets
 
5,387

 

 
5,387

 

 
5,387

Loans, net
 
15,415,794

 

 
15,254,388

 
67,675

 
15,322,063

Accrued interest receivable
 
80,398

 

 
80,398

 

 
80,398

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
$
17,354,538

 
$

 
$
17,360,147

 
$

 
$
17,360,147

Customer repurchase agreements
 
21,676

 

 
21,676

 

 
21,676

FHLB advances
 
300,000

 

 
300,000

 

 
300,000

Qualifying debt
 
363,935

 

 
331,190

 
64,842

 
396,032

Derivative liabilities
 
44,353

 

 
44,353

 

 
44,353

Accrued interest payable
 
11,540

 

 
11,540

 

 
11,540

 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HTM
 
$
255,050

 
$

 
$
256,314

 
$

 
$
256,314

AFS
 
3,499,519

 
103,812

 
3,395,707

 

 
3,499,519

Derivative assets
 
3,711

 

 
3,711

 

 
3,711

Loans, net
 
14,953,885

 

 
14,577,010

 
77,316

 
14,654,326

Accrued interest receivable
 
85,517

 

 
85,517

 

 
85,517

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Deposits
 
$
16,972,532

 
$

 
$
16,980,066

 
$

 
$
16,980,066

Customer repurchase agreements
 
26,017

 

 
26,017

 

 
26,017

FHLB advances
 
390,000

 

 
390,000

 

 
390,000

Qualifying debt
 
376,905

 

 
336,803

 
67,210

 
404,013

Derivative liabilities
 
55,340

 

 
55,340

 

 
55,340

Accrued interest payable
 
16,366

 

 
16,366

 

 
16,366


50


Interest rate risk
The Company assumes interest rate risk (the risk to the Company’s earnings and capital from changes in interest rate levels) as a result of its normal operations. As a result, the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, as well as its future net interest income will change when interest rate levels change and that change may be either favorable or unfavorable to the Company.
Interest rate risk exposure is measured using interest rate sensitivity analysis to determine the Company's change in EVE and net interest income resulting from hypothetical changes in interest rates. If potential changes to EVE and net interest income resulting from hypothetical interest rate changes are not within the limits established by the BOD, the BOD may direct management to adjust the asset and liability mix to bring interest rate risk within BOD-approved limits.
WAB has an ALCO charged with managing interest rate risk within the BOD-approved limits. Limits are structured to prohibit an interest rate risk profile that does not conform to both management and BOD risk tolerances. There is also ALCO reporting at the Parent level for reviewing interest rate risk for the Company, which gets reported to the BOD and its Finance and Investment Committee.
Fair value of commitments
The estimated fair value of standby letters of credit outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is insignificant. Loan commitments on which the committed interest rates are less than the current market rate are also insignificant at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

51


14. SEGMENTS
The Company's reportable segments are aggregated based primarily on geographic location, services offered, and markets served. The Company's regional segments, which include Arizona, Nevada, Southern California, and Northern California, provide full service banking and related services to their respective markets. The operations from the regional segments correspond to the following banking divisions: ABA in Arizona, BON and FIB in Nevada, TPB in Southern California, and Bridge in Northern California.
The Company's NBL segments provide specialized banking services to niche markets. The Company's NBL reportable segments include HOA Services, Public & Nonprofit Finance, Technology & Innovation, HFF, and Other NBLs. These NBLs are managed centrally and are broader in geographic scope than the Company's other segments, though still predominately located within the Company's core market areas. The HOA Services NBL corresponds to the AAB division. The operations of Public and Nonprofit Finance are combined into one reportable segment. The Technology & Innovation NBL includes the operations of Equity Fund Resources, Life Sciences Group, Renewable Resource Group, and Technology Finance. The HFF NBL includes the hotel franchise loan portfolio acquired from GE Capital US Holdings, Inc. on April 20, 2016. The Other NBLs segment consists of Corporate Finance, Mortgage Warehouse Lending, and Resort Finance.
The Corporate & Other segment consists of corporate-related items, income and expense items not allocated to the Company's other reportable segments, and inter-segment eliminations.
The Company's segment reporting process begins with the assignment of all loan and deposit accounts 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 the exception of goodwill, which is assigned a 100% weighting, equity capital allocations ranged from 0% to 12% during the year, with a funds credit provided for the use of this equity as a funding source. Any excess or deficient 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 is recorded in each segment on a TEB with a corresponding increase in income tax expense, which is eliminated in the Corporate & Other segment.
Further, 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. A net user of funds has lending/investing in excess of deposits/borrowings and a net provider of funds has deposits/borrowings in excess of lending/investing. A segment that is a user of funds is charged for the use of funds, while a provider of funds is credited through funds transfer pricing, which is determined based on the average life of the assets or liabilities in the portfolio.
The net income amount for each reportable segment is 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. These types of expenses include information technology, operations, human resources, finance, risk management, credit administration, legal, and marketing.
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.

52


The following is a summary of operating segment information for the periods indicated:
 
 
 
 
Regional Segments
Balance Sheet:
 
Consolidated Company
 
Arizona
 
Nevada
 
Southern California
 
Northern California
At March 31, 2018
 
(in millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and investment securities
 
$
4,173.7

 
$
2.1

 
$
8.5

 
$
2.2

 
$
2.5

Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs
 
15,560.4

 
3,472.7

 
1,819.6

 
2,013.6

 
1,271.4

Less: allowance for credit losses
 
(144.7
)
 
(33.9
)
 
(17.9
)
 
(20.3
)
 
(11.2
)
Total loans
 
15,415.7

 
3,438.8

 
1,801.7

 
1,993.3

 
1,260.2

Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
 
30.2

 
2.3

 
15.0

 

 
0.2

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
 
300.4

 

 
23.2

 

 
156.3

Other assets
 
840.7

 
46.4

 
58.3

 
14.8

 
15.1

Total assets
 
$
20,760.7

 
$
3,489.6

 
$
1,906.7

 
$
2,010.3

 
$
1,434.3

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
$
17,354.5

 
$
5,020.6

 
$
3,648.1

 
$
2,423.8

 
$
1,814.4

Borrowings and qualifying debt
 
663.9

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities
 
448.6

 
10.9

 
16.2

 
1.9

 
10.5

Total liabilities
 
18,467.0

 
5,031.5

 
3,664.3

 
2,425.7

 
1,824.9

Allocated equity:
 
2,293.7

 
24.7

 
21.8

 
10.3

 
7.6

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
20,760.7

 
$
5,056.2

 
$
3,686.1

 
$
2,436.0

 
$
1,832.5

Excess funds provided (used)
 

 
1,566.6

 
1,779.4

 
425.7

 
398.2


 
 
National Business Lines
 
 
Balance Sheet:
 
HOA
Services
 
Public & Nonprofit Finance
 
Technology & Innovation
 
Hotel Franchise Finance
 
Other NBLs
 
Corporate & Other
At March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
(in millions)
Cash, cash equivalents, and investment securities
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,158.4

Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs
 
167.0

 
1,539.8

 
1,168.9

 
1,378.7

 
2,725.4

 
3.3

Less: allowance for credit losses
 
(1.7
)
 
(15.5
)
 
(10.3
)
 
(6.3
)
 
(27.5
)
 
(0.1
)
Total loans
 
165.3

 
1,524.3

 
1,158.6

 
1,372.4

 
2,697.9

 
3.2

Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
 

 

 

 

 

 
12.7

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
 

 

 
120.8

 
0.1

 

 

Other assets
 
0.8

 
14.7

 
6.8

 
6.4

 
13.4

 
664.0

Total assets
 
$
166.1

 
$
1,539.0

 
$
1,286.2

 
$
1,378.9

 
$
2,711.3

 
$
4,838.3

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
$
2,475.3

 
$

 
$
1,733.5

 
$

 
$

 
$
238.8

Borrowings and qualifying debt
 

 

 

 

 

 
663.9

Other liabilities
 
1.6

 
21.5

 
1.2

 
(0.3
)
 
124.3

 
260.8

Total liabilities
 
2,476.9

 
21.5

 
1,734.7

 
(0.3
)
 
124.3

 
1,163.5

Allocated equity:
 
5.9

 
1.3

 
11.1

 
8.3

 
9.3

 
2,193.4

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
2,482.8

 
$
22.8

 
$
1,745.8

 
$
8.0

 
$
133.6

 
$
3,356.9

Excess funds provided (used)
 
2,316.7

 
(1,516.2
)
 
459.6

 
(1,370.9
)
 
(2,577.7
)
 
(1,481.4
)





53



 
 
 
 
Regional Segments

 
Consolidated Company
 
Arizona
 
Nevada
 
Southern California
 
Northern California
At December 31, 2017
 
(in millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and investment securities
 
$
4,237.1

 
$
2.1

 
$
8.2

 
$
2.1

 
$
1.7

Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs
 
15,093.9

 
3,323.7

 
1,844.8

 
1,934.7

 
1,275.5

Less: allowance for credit losses
 
(140.0
)
 
(31.5
)
 
(18.1
)
 
(19.5
)
 
(13.2
)
Total loans
 
14,953.9

 
3,292.2

 
1,826.7

 
1,915.2

 
1,262.3

Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
 
28.5

 
2.3

 
13.3

 

 
0.2

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
 
300.7

 

 
23.2

 

 
156.5

Other assets
 
808.9

 
46.3

 
58.8

 
14.4

 
15.1

Total assets
 
$
20,329.1

 
$
3,342.9

 
$
1,930.2

 
$
1,931.7

 
$
1,435.8

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
$
16,972.5

 
$
4,841.3

 
$
3,951.4

 
$
2,461.1

 
$
1,681.7

Borrowings and qualifying debt
 
766.9

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities
 
360.0

 
11.6

 
20.9

 
3.2

 
11.9

Total liabilities
 
18,099.4

 
4,852.9

 
3,972.3

 
2,464.3

 
1,693.6

Allocated equity:
 
2,229.7

 
396.5

 
263.7

 
221.8

 
303.1

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
20,329.1

 
$
5,249.4

 
$
4,236.0

 
$
2,686.1

 
$
1,996.7

Excess funds provided (used)
 

 
1,906.5

 
2,305.8

 
754.4

 
560.9

 
 
National Business Lines
 
 

 
HOA
Services
 
Public & Nonprofit Finance
 
Technology & Innovation
 
Hotel Franchise Finance
 
Other NBLs
 
Corporate & Other
At December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
(in millions)
Cash, cash equivalents, and investment securities
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,223.0

Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs
 
162.1

 
1,580.4

 
1,097.9

 
1,327.7

 
2,543.0

 
4.1

Less: allowance for credit losses
 
(1.6
)
 
(15.6
)
 
(11.4
)
 
(4.0
)
 
(25.0
)
 
(0.1
)
Total loans
 
160.5

 
1,564.8

 
1,086.5

 
1,323.7

 
2,518.0

 
4.0

Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
 

 

 

 

 

 
12.7

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
 

 

 
120.9

 
0.1

 

 

Other assets
 
0.9

 
17.9

 
6.0

 
5.9

 
15.5

 
628.1

Total assets
 
$
161.4

 
$
1,582.7

 
$
1,213.4

 
$
1,329.7

 
$
2,533.5

 
$
4,867.8

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
$
2,230.4

 
$

 
$
1,737.6

 
$

 
$

 
$
69.0

Borrowings and qualifying debt
 

 

 

 

 

 
766.9

Other liabilities
 
1.2

 
42.4

 
0.8

 
0.4

 
5.5

 
262.1

Total liabilities
 
2,231.6

 
42.4

 
1,738.4

 
0.4

 
5.5

 
1,098.0

Allocated equity:
 
59.4

 
126.5

 
244.1

 
108.3

 
206.0

 
300.3

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
2,291.0

 
$
168.9

 
$
1,982.5

 
$
108.7

 
$
211.5

 
$
1,398.3

Excess funds provided (used)
 
2,129.6

 
(1,413.8
)
 
769.1

 
(1,221.0
)
 
(2,322.0
)
 
(3,469.5
)

54


 
 
 
 
Regional Segments
 
 
Consolidated Company
 
Arizona
 
Nevada
 
Southern California
 
Northern California
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
(in thousands)
Net interest income (expense)
 
$
214,220

 
$
54,555

 
$
36,690

 
$
27,802

 
$
22,255

Provision for (recovery) credit losses
 
6,000

 
1,434

 
(1,723
)
 
729

 
1,548

Net interest income (expense) after provision for credit losses
 
208,220

 
53,121

 
38,413

 
27,073

 
20,707

Non-interest income
 
11,643

 
1,416

 
3,333

 
1,001

 
2,547

Non-interest expense
 
(98,149
)
 
(21,504
)
 
(14,084
)
 
(13,646
)
 
(12,503
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
121,714

 
33,033

 
27,662

 
14,428

 
10,751

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
20,814

 
8,321

 
5,903

 
4,135

 
3,098

Net income
 
$
100,900

 
$
24,712

 
$
21,759

 
$
10,293

 
$
7,653

 
 
National Business Lines
 
 
 
 
HOA
Services
 
Public & Nonprofit Finance
 
Technology & Innovation
 
Hotel Franchise Finance
 
Other NBLs
 
Corporate & Other
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
(in thousands)
Net interest income (expense)
 
$
15,359

 
$
3,746

 
$
22,821

 
$
14,185

 
$
18,811

 
$
(2,004
)
Provision for (recovery) credit losses
 
47

 
(207
)
 
1,651

 
1,236

 
1,285

 

Net interest income (expense) after provision for credit losses
 
15,312

 
3,953

 
21,170

 
12,949

 
17,526

 
(2,004
)
Non-interest income
 
150

 

 
3,051

 
13

 
224

 
(92
)
Non-interest expense
 
(7,803
)
 
(2,174
)
 
(9,833
)
 
(2,206
)
 
(5,662
)
 
(8,734
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
7,659

 
1,779

 
14,388

 
10,756

 
12,088

 
(10,830
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
1,761

 
409

 
3,309

 
2,474

 
2,780

 
(11,376
)
Net income
 
$
5,898

 
$
1,370

 
$
11,079

 
$
8,282

 
$
9,308

 
$
546

 
 
 
 
Regional Segments
 
 
Consolidated Company
 
Arizona
 
Nevada
 
Southern California
 
Northern California
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
(in thousands)
Net interest income (expense)
 
$
179,309

 
$
43,907

 
$
35,296

 
$
25,218

 
$
22,035

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses
 
4,250

 
14

 
(211
)
 
91

 
396

Net interest income (expense) after provision for credit losses
 
175,059

 
43,893

 
35,507

 
25,127

 
21,639

Non-interest income
 
10,599

 
1,113

 
2,133

 
743

 
2,113

Non-interest expense
 
(87,827
)
 
(18,622
)
 
(15,870
)
 
(12,703
)
 
(12,709
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
97,831

 
26,384

 
21,770

 
13,167

 
11,043

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
24,489

 
10,350

 
7,620

 
5,537

 
4,643

Net income (loss)
 
$
73,342

 
$
16,034

 
$
14,150

 
$
7,630

 
$
6,400

 
 
National Business Lines
 
 
 
 
HOA
Services
 
Public & Nonprofit Finance
 
Technology & Innovation
 
Hotel Franchise Finance
 
Other NBLs
 
Corporate & Other
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
(in thousands)
Net interest income (expense)
 
$
12,748

 
$
6,485

 
$
18,166

 
$
13,581

 
$
14,143

 
$
(12,270
)
Provision for (recovery) credit losses
 
127

 
509

 
296

 

 
3,527

 
(499
)
Net interest income (expense) after provision for credit losses
 
12,621

 
5,976

 
17,870

 
13,581

 
10,616

 
(11,771
)
Non-interest income
 
141

 
70

 
1,873

 

 
721

 
1,692

Non-interest expense
 
(7,147
)
 
(2,323
)
 
(8,779
)
 
(2,988
)
 
(4,721
)
 
(1,965
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
5,615

 
3,723

 
10,964

 
10,593

 
6,616

 
(12,044
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
2,106

 
1,402

 
4,111

 
3,972

 
2,481

 
(17,733
)
Net income
 
$
3,509

 
$
2,321

 
$
6,853

 
$
6,621

 
$
4,135

 
$
5,689


55


15. REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
Adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Amendments to ASC 606
The core principal of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, is that an entity shall recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. ASC 606 requires entities to exercise more judgment when considering the terms of a contract than under ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. ASC 606 applies to all contracts with customers to provide goods or services in the ordinary course of business, except for contracts that are specifically excluded from its scope. The majority of the Company’s revenue streams including interest income, credit and debit card fees, income from equity investments including warrants and SBIC equity income, income from bank owned life insurance, foreign currency income, lending related income, and gains and losses on sales of investment securities are outside the scope of ASC 606. Revenue streams including service charges and fees, interchange fees on credit and debit cards, and success fees are within the scope of ASC 606.
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the amendments to ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method, and applied the guidance to all contracts in scope that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Comparative prior periods have not been adjusted and are presented under ASC 605. The Company did not identify any material changes to the timing or amount of revenue recognition as a result of adoption.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the periods indicated along with the reportable segment for each revenue category:
 
 
 
 
Regional Segments
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
Consolidated Company
 
Arizona
 
Nevada
 
Southern California
 
Northern California
 
 
(in thousands)
Revenue from contracts with customers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges and fees
 
$
5,745

 
$
917

 
$
2,069

 
$
738

 
$
1,059

Debit and credit card interchange (1)
 
1,508

 
257

 
272

 
139

 
837

Success fees (2)
 
781

 

 

 

 
2

Other income
 
235

 
61

 
69

 
27

 
73

Total revenue from contracts with customers
 
$
8,269

 
$
1,235

 
$
2,410

 
$
904

 
$
1,971

Revenues outside the scope of ASC 606 (3)
 
3,374

 
181

 
923

 
97

 
576

Total non-interest income
 
$
11,643

 
$
1,416

 
$
3,333

 
$
1,001

 
$
2,547

 
 
National Business Lines
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
HOA
Services
 
Public & Nonprofit Finance
 
Technology & Innovation
 
Hotel Franchise Finance
 
Other NBLs
 
Corporate & Other
 
 
(in thousands)
Revenue from contracts with customers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges and fees
 
$
146

 
$

 
$
815

 
$

 
$

 
$
1

Debit and credit card interchange (1)
 
3

 

 

 

 

 

Success fees (2)
 

 

 
779

 

 

 

Other income
 

 

 

 

 

 
5

Total revenue from contracts with customers
 
$
149

 
$

 
$
1,594

 
$

 
$

 
$
6

Revenues outside the scope of ASC 606 (3)
 
1

 

 
1,457

 
13

 
224

 
(98
)
Total non-interest income
 
$
150

 
$

 
$
3,051

 
$
13

 
$
224

 
$
(92
)

56


 
 
 
 
Regional Segments
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
Consolidated Company
 
Arizona
 
Nevada
 
Southern California
 
Northern California
 
 
(in thousands)
Revenue from contracts with customers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges and fees
 
$
4,738

 
$
619

 
$
1,662

 
$
496

 
$
1,028

Debit and credit card interchange (1)
 
1,215

 
214

 
234

 
129

 
638

Success fees (2)
 
325

 

 

 

 
145

Other income
 
119

 
11

 
3

 
(27
)
 
42

Total revenue from contracts with customers
 
$
6,397

 
$
844

 
$
1,899

 
$
598

 
$
1,853

Revenues outside the scope of ASC 606 (3)
 
4,202

 
269

 
234

 
145

 
260

Total non-interest income
 
$
10,599

 
$
1,113

 
$
2,133

 
$
743

 
$
2,113

 
 
National Business Lines
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
HOA
Services
 
Public & Nonprofit Finance
 
Technology & Innovation
 
Hotel Franchise Finance
 
Other NBLs
 
Corporate & Other
 
 
(in thousands)
Revenue from contracts with customers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges and fees
 
$
141

 
$

 
$
795

 
$

 
$

 
$
(3
)
Debit and credit card interchange (1)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Success fees (2)
 

 

 
180

 

 

 

Other income
 

 

 

 

 
85

 
5

Total revenue from contracts with customers
 
$
141

 
$

 
$
975

 
$

 
$
85

 
$
2

Revenues outside the scope of ASC 606 (3)
 

 
70

 
898

 

 
636

 
1,690

Total non-interest income
 
$
141

 
$
70

 
$
1,873

 
$

 
$
721

 
$
1,692

(1)
Included as part of Card income in the Consolidated Income Statement.
(2)
Included as part of Income from equity investments in the Consolidated Income Statement.
(3)
Amounts are accounted for under separate guidance. Refer to discussion of revenue sources not subject to ASC 606 under the Non-interest income section in "Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."
Performance Obligations
Many of the services the Company performs for its customers are ongoing, and either party may cancel at any time. The fees for these contracts are dependent upon various underlying factors, such as customer deposit balances, and as such may be considered variable. The Company’s performance obligations for these services are satisfied as the services are rendered and payment is collected on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. Other contracts with customers are for services to be provided at a point in time, and fees are recognized at the time such services are rendered. The Company had no material unsatisfied performance obligations as of March 31, 2018. The revenue streams within the scope of ASC 606 are described in further detail below.
Service Charges and Fees
The Company performs deposit account services for its customers, which include analysis and treasury management services, use of safe deposit boxes, check upcharges, and other ancillary services. The depository arrangements the Company holds with its customers are considered day-to-day contracts with ongoing renewals and optional purchases, and as such, the contract duration does not extend beyond the services performed. Due to the short-term nature of such contracts, the Company generally recognizes revenue for deposit related fees as services are rendered. From time to time, the Company may waive certain fees for its customers. The Company considers historical experience when recognizing revenue from contracts with customers, and may reduce the transaction price to account for fee waivers or refunds.
Debit and Credit Card Interchange
When a credit or debit card issued by the Company is used to purchase goods or services from a merchant, the Company earns an interchange fee. The Company considers the merchant its customer in these transactions as the Company provides the merchant with the service of enabling the cardholder to purchase the merchant’s goods or services with increased convenience, and it enables the merchants to transact with a class of customer that may not have access to sufficient funds at the time of purchase. The Company acts as an agent to the payment network by providing nightly settlement services between the network and the merchant. This transmission of data and funds represents the Company’s performance obligation and is performed nightly. As the payment network

57


is in direct control of setting the rates and the Company is acting as an agent, the interchange fee is recorded net of expenses as the services are provided.
Success Fees
Success fees are one-time fees detailed as part of certain loan agreements and are earned immediately upon occurrence of a triggering event. Examples of triggering events include: a borrower obtaining its next round of funding, an acquisition, or completion of a public offering. Success fees are variable consideration as the transaction price can vary and is contingent on the occurrence or non-occurrence of a future event. As the consideration is highly susceptible to factors outside of the Company’s influence and uncertainty about the amount of consideration is not expected to be resolved for an extended period of time, the variable consideration is constrained and is not recognized until the achievement of the triggering event.
Principal versus Agent Considerations
When more than one party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, ASC 606 requires the Company to determine whether it is the principal or an agent in these transactions by evaluating the nature of its promise to the customer. An entity is a principal and therefore records revenue on a gross basis, if it controls a promised good or service before transferring that good or service to the customer. An entity is an agent and records as revenue the net amount it retains for its agency services if its role is to arrange for another entity to provide the goods or services. The Company most commonly acts as a principal and records revenue on a gross basis, except in certain circumstances. As an example, revenues earned from interchange fees, in which the Company acts as an agent, are recorded as non-interest income, net of the related expenses paid to the principal.
Practical Expedients
The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient allowed in ASC 340-40-25-4, which permits the Company to immediately expense contract acquisition costs, such as commissions, when the asset that would have resulted from capitalizing these costs would be amortized in one year or less. The practical expedient described in ASC 606-10-32-18, which is associated with the determination of whether a significant financing component exists, is not currently applicable to the Company.
Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of cash settlements or invoicing to customers. The Company records contract liabilities, or deferred revenue, when payments from customers are received or due in advance of providing services to customers. The Company generally receives payments for its services during the period or at the time services are provided, therefore, does not have material contract liability balances at period-end. The Company records contract assets or receivables when revenue is recognized prior to receipt of cash from the customer. Accounts receivable total $1.4 million and $1.3 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and are presented in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Principal stockholders, directors, and executive officers of the Company, their immediate family members, and companies they control or own more than a 10% interest in, are considered to be related parties. In the ordinary course of business, the Company engages in various related party transactions, including extending credit and bank service transactions. All related party transactions are subject to review and approval pursuant to the Company's Related Party Transactions policy.
On April 1, 2017, the Company hired an executive officer who was previously the Managing Partner of an external consulting firm that the Company actively uses for risk management services. Prior to joining the Company, the executive officer sold his interest in this external consulting firm and was paid with a combination of cash and a $1.0 million note that will be paid in equal installments ending in 2019. Expenses to this external consulting firm as well as sponsorships, donations and other services to related parties totaled less than $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and less than $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

58


Item 2.
Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

This discussion is designed to provide insight into management's assessment of significant trends related to the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital resources, and interest rate sensitivity. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the interim Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements hereto and financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. Unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "Company," "we," and "our" refer to Western Alliance Bancorporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, 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 concerning matters that are not historical facts.
The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q reflect the Company's current views about future events and financial performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that may cause the Company's actual results to differ significantly from historical results and those expressed in any forward-looking statement, including those risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q. Risks and uncertainties include those set forth in the Company's filings with the SEC and the following factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented: 1) financial market and economic conditions adversely effecting financial performance; 2) dependency on real estate and events that negatively impact the real estate market; 3) high concentration of commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans; 4) actual credit losses may exceed expected losses in the loan portfolio; 5) recent changes to FASB accounting standards and the impact on the recognition of credit losses; 6) results of any tax audit findings, challenges to the Company's tax positions, or adverse changes or interpretations of tax laws; 7) the geographic concentrations of the Company's assets increase the risks related to local economic conditions; 8) exposure of financial instruments to certain market risks may increase the volatility of earnings and AOCI; 9) dependence on low-cost deposits; 10) ability to borrow from the FHLB or the FRB; 11) perpetration of fraud; 12) information security breaches; 13) reliance on third parties to provide key components of the Company's infrastructure; 14) a change in the Company's creditworthiness; 15) the Company's ability to implement and improve its controls and processes to keep pace with its growth; 16) expansion strategies may not be successful; 17) risks associated with new lines of businesses or new products and services within existing lines of business; 18) the Company's ability to compete in a highly competitive market; 19) the Company's ability to recruit and retain qualified employees and implement adequate succession planning to mitigate the loss of key members of its senior management team; 20) inadequate or ineffective risk management practices and internal controls and procedures; 21) the Company's ability to adapt to technological change; 22) exposure to natural and manmade disasters in markets that the Company operates; 23) risk of operating in a highly regulated industry and the Company's ability to remain in compliance; 24) failure to comply with state and federal banking agency laws and regulations; 25) changes in interest rates and increased rate competition; 26) exposure to environmental liabilities related to the properties to which the Company acquires title; and 27) risks related to ownership and price of the Company's common stock.
For more information regarding risks that may cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
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, international banking, and online banking products and services through its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, WAB.
WAB operates the following full-service banking divisions: ABA, BON and FIB, Bridge, and TPB. The Company also serves business customers through a national platform of specialized financial services including AAB, Corporate Finance, Equity Fund Resources, HFF, Life Sciences Group, Mortgage Warehouse Lending, Public and Nonprofit Finance, Renewable Resource Group, Resort Finance, and Technology Finance.

59


Financial Result Highlights for the First Quarter of 2018
Net income of $100.9 million, compared to $73.3 million for the first quarter 2017
Diluted earnings per share of $0.96, compared to $0.70 per share for the first quarter 2017
Total loans of $15.56 billion, up $466.5 million from December 31, 2017
Total deposits of $17.35 billion, up $382.0 million from December 31, 2017
Net interest margin of 4.60% compared to 4.63% in the first quarter 2017
Net operating revenue of $226.9 million constituting year-over-year growth of 19.9% or $37.7 million, and an increase in operating non-interest expenses of 12.5% or $11.0 million for the first quarter 20171 
Operating PPNR of $127.6 million, up 26.4% from $100.9 million in the first quarter 20171 
Efficiency ratio of 42.4% in the first quarter 2018, compared to 44.0% in the first quarter 2017
Operating efficiency ratio of 42.7% in the first quarter 2018, compared to 44.4% in the first quarter 20171
Nonperforming assets decreased to 0.33% of total assets, from 0.44% at March 31, 2017
Annualized net loan charge-offs to average loans outstanding of 0.04% for the first quarter 2018 and 2017
Tangible common equity ratio of 9.8%, compared to 9.4% at March 31, 20171
Stockholders' equity of $2.29 billion, an increase of $64.1 million from December 31, 2017
Book value per common share of $21.67, an increase of 16.0% from $18.68 at March 31, 2017
Tangible book value per share, net of tax, of $18.86, an increase of 18.9% from $15.86 at March 31, 20171
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 three months ended March 31, 2018.
1 See Non-GAAP Financial Measures section beginning on page 62.




60


As a bank holding company, management focuses on key ratios in evaluating the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
A summary of the Company's results of operations, financial condition, and selected metrics are included in the following tables: 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
100,900

 
$
73,342

Earnings per share available to common stockholders - basic
 
0.97

 
0.71

Earnings per share available to common stockholders - diluted
 
0.96

 
0.70

Return on average assets
 
1.99
%
 
1.69
%
Return on average tangible common equity (1)
 
20.46

 
17.85

Net interest margin
 
4.60

 
4.63

(1)
See Non-GAAP Financial Measures section beginning on page 62.
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Total assets
 
$
20,760,731

 
$
20,329,085

Total loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs
 
15,560,453

 
15,093,935

Total deposits
 
17,354,538

 
16,972,532

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 the Company's key asset quality metrics: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Non-accrual loans
 
$
37,297

 
$
43,925

Non-performing assets
 
111,294

 
114,939

Non-accrual loans to gross loans
 
0.24
%
 
0.29
%
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding
 
0.04

 
0.01

(1)
Annualized for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Actual year-to-date for the year ended December 31, 2017.
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 $20.76 billion at March 31, 2018 from $20.33 billion at December 31, 2017. The increase in total assets of $431.6 million, or 2.1%, relates primarily loan growth of $466.5 million, which was partially offset by a decrease in AFS investment securities of $94.1 million. Total loans increased by $466.5 million, or 3.1%, to $15.56 billion as of March 31, 2018, compared to $15.09 billion as of December 31, 2017. The increase in loans during the quarter was driven by construction and land development loans of $325.3 million and commercial and industrial loans of $103.0 million. Total deposits increased $382.0 million, or 2.3%, to $17.35 billion as of March 31, 2018 from $16.97 billion as of December 31, 2017.

61


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth a summary financial overview for the comparable periods:  
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Increase
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
(Decrease)
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Consolidated Income Statement Data:
Interest income
 
$
234,697

 
$
192,265

 
$
42,432

Interest expense
 
20,477

 
12,956

 
7,521

Net interest income
 
214,220

 
179,309

 
34,911

Provision for credit losses
 
6,000

 
4,250

 
1,750

Net interest income after provision for credit losses
 
208,220

 
175,059

 
33,161

Non-interest income
 
11,643

 
10,599

 
1,044

Non-interest expense
 
98,149

 
87,827

 
10,322

Income before provision for income taxes
 
121,714

 
97,831

 
23,883

Income tax expense
 
20,814

 
24,489

 
(3,675
)
Net income
 
$
100,900

 
$
73,342

 
$
27,558

Earnings per share available to common stockholders - basic
 
$
0.97

 
$
0.71

 
$
0.26

Earnings per share available to common stockholders - diluted
 
$
0.96

 
$
0.70

 
$
0.26

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 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.
Operating Pre-Provision Net Revenue
Operating PPNR is defined by the Federal Reserve in SR 14-3, which requires companies subject to the rule to project PPNR over the planning horizon for each of the economic scenarios defined annually by the regulators. Banking regulations define PPNR as net interest income plus non-interest income less non-interest expense. Management has further adjusted this metric to exclude any non-recurring or non-operational elements of non-interest income or non-interest expense, which are outlined in the table below. Management feels that this is an important metric as it illustrates the underlying performance of the Company, it enables investors and others to assess the Company's ability to generate capital to cover credit losses through the credit cycle, and provides consistent reporting with a key metric used by bank regulatory agencies.

62


The following table shows the components of operating PPNR for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Total non-interest income
 
$
11,643

 
$
10,599

Less:
 
 
 
 
Gain (loss) on sales of investment securities, net (1)
 

 
635

Unrealized (losses) gains on assets measured at fair value, net (1)
 
(1,074
)
 
(1
)
Total operating non-interest income
 
12,717

 
9,965

Plus: net interest income
 
214,220

 
179,309

Net operating revenue
 
$
226,937

 
$
189,274

Total non-interest expense
 
$
98,149

 
$
87,827

Less:
 
 
 
 
Net (gain) loss on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets (1)
 
(1,228
)
 
(543
)
Total operating non-interest expense
 
$
99,377

 
$
88,370

Operating pre-provision net revenue (2)
 
$
127,560

 
$
100,904

Plus:
 
 
 
 
Non-operating revenue adjustments
 
(1,074
)
 
634

Less:
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses
 
6,000

 
4,250

Non-operating expense adjustments
 
(1,228
)
 
(543
)
Income before provision for income taxes
 
121,714

 
97,831

Income tax expense
 
20,814

 
24,489

Net income
 
$
100,900

 
$
73,342

(1)
The operating PPNR non-GAAP performance metric is adjusted to exclude the effects of this non-operational item.
(2)
There were no adjustments made for non-recurring items during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

63


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 and goodwill. 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.
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
(dollars and shares in thousands)
Total stockholders' equity
$
2,293,763

 
$
2,229,698

Less: goodwill and intangible assets
300,350

 
300,748

Total tangible stockholders' equity
1,993,413

 
1,928,950

Plus: deferred tax - attributed to intangible assets
2,773

 
2,698

Total tangible common equity, net of tax
$
1,996,186

 
$
1,931,648

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
20,760,731

 
$
20,329,085

Less: goodwill and intangible assets, net
300,350

 
300,748

Tangible assets
20,460,381

 
20,028,337

Plus: deferred tax - attributed to intangible assets
2,773

 
2,698

Total tangible assets, net of tax
$
20,463,154

 
$
20,031,035

 
 
 
 
Tangible equity ratio
9.7
%
 
9.6
%
Tangible common equity ratio
9.8

 
9.6

Common shares outstanding
105,861

 
105,487

Book value per share
$
21.67

 
$
21.14

Tangible book value per share, net of tax
18.86

 
18.31

Operating Efficiency Ratio
The following table shows the components used in the calculation of the operating efficiency ratio, which management uses as a metric for assessing cost efficiency:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
(dollars in thousands)
Total operating non-interest expense
$
99,377

 
$
88,370

 
 
 
 
Divided by:
 
 
 
Total net interest income
$
214,220

 
$
179,309

Plus:
 
 
 
Tax equivalent interest adjustment
5,727

 
9,676

Operating non-interest income
12,717

 
9,965

Net operating revenue - TEB
$
232,664

 
$
198,950

 
 
 
 
Operating efficiency ratio - TEB
42.7
%
 
44.4
%
Operating efficiency ratio - TEB adjusted (1)
41.7
%
 
 
(1)
The current period operating efficiency ratio was adjusted to exclude the effects from the TCJA of the lower statutory corporate federal tax rate on the calculation of the tax equivalent adjustment in order to be comparable to the prior period.


64


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.
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
(dollars in thousands)
Common Equity Tier 1:
 
 
 
Common Equity
$
2,293,763

 
$
2,229,698

Less:
 
 
 
Non-qualifying goodwill and intangibles
297,577

 
296,421

Disallowed deferred tax asset
832

 
638

AOCI related adjustments
(50,868
)
 
(9,496
)
Unrealized gain on changes in fair value liabilities
13,269

 
7,785

Common Equity Tier 1
$
2,032,953

 
$
1,934,350

Divided by: Risk-weighted assets
$
19,425,630

 
$
18,569,608

Common Equity Tier 1 ratio
10.5
%
 
10.4
%
 
 
 
 
Common Equity Tier 1
$
2,032,953

 
$
1,934,350

Plus:
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities
81,500

 
81,500

Less:
 
 
 
Disallowed deferred tax asset

 
159

Unrealized gain on changes in fair value liabilities

 
1,947

Tier 1 capital
$
2,114,453

 
$
2,013,744

Divided by: Tangible average assets
$
20,057,003

 
$
19,624,517

Tier 1 leverage ratio
10.5
%
 
10.3
%
 
 
 
 
Total Capital:
 
 
 
Tier 1 capital
$
2,114,453

 
$
2,013,744

Plus:
 
 
 
Subordinated debt
301,244

 
301,020

Qualifying allowance for credit losses
144,659

 
140,050

Other
7,183

 
6,174

Less: Tier 2 qualifying capital deductions

 

Tier 2 capital
$
453,086

 
$
447,244

 
 
 
 
Total capital
$
2,567,539

 
$
2,460,988

 
 
 
 
Total capital ratio
13.2
%
 
13.3
%
 
 
 
 
Classified assets to Tier 1 capital plus allowance for credit losses:
 
 
 
Classified assets
$
213,482

 
$
222,004

Divided by:
 
 
 
Tier 1 capital
2,114,453

 
2,013,744

Plus: Allowance for credit losses
144,659

 
140,050

Total Tier 1 capital plus allowance for credit losses
$
2,259,112

 
$
2,153,794

 
 
 
 
Classified assets to Tier 1 capital plus allowance
9.4
%
 
10.3
%

65


Net Interest Margin
The net interest margin is reported on a TEB. A tax equivalent adjustment is added to reflect interest earned on certain securities and loans that are exempt from federal and state 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:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Average
Yield / Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Average
Yield / Cost
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Interest earning assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
 
$
6,580,935

 
$
85,547

 
5.38
%
 
$
5,756,934

 
$
68,474

 
5.16
%
CRE - non-owner occupied
 
3,920,777

 
56,285

 
5.76

 
3,550,331

 
53,735

 
6.07

CRE - owner-occupied
 
2,241,787

 
28,551

 
5.21

 
1,997,977

 
24,726

 
5.14

Construction and land development
 
1,789,356

 
29,619

 
6.63

 
1,510,781

 
22,102

 
5.86

Residential real estate
 
425,267

 
5,280

 
4.97

 
271,867

 
3,023

 
4.45

Consumer
 
47,935

 
677

 
5.65

 
38,494

 
493

 
5.12

Total loans (1), (2), (3)
 
15,006,057

 
205,959

 
5.59

 
13,126,384

 
172,553

 
5.47

Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities - taxable
 
2,875,345

 
19,149

 
2.66

 
2,105,190

 
12,437

 
2.36

Securities - tax-exempt
 
836,914

 
7,472

 
4.47

 
604,300

 
5,677

 
5.57

Total securities (1)
 
3,712,259

 
26,621

 
3.07

 
2,709,490

 
18,114

 
3.08

Other
 
425,667

 
2,117

 
1.99

 
482,029

 
1,598

 
1.33

Total interest earning assets
 
19,143,983

 
234,697

 
5.02

 
16,317,903

 
192,265

 
4.95

Non-interest earning assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
 
142,356

 
 
 
 
 
142,713

 
 
 
 
Allowance for credit losses
 
(141,030
)
 
 
 
 
 
(125,727
)
 
 
 
 
Bank owned life insurance
 
168,070

 
 
 
 
 
164,835

 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
990,845

 
 
 
 
 
900,543

 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
20,304,224

 
 
 
 
 
$
17,400,267

 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing transaction accounts
 
$
1,654,720

 
$
1,380

 
0.33
%
 
$
1,434,826

 
$
805

 
0.22
%
Savings and money market accounts
 
6,226,611

 
8,915

 
0.57

 
6,068,997

 
5,312

 
0.35

Time certificates of deposit
 
1,579,940

 
3,878

 
0.98

 
1,484,868

 
2,295

 
0.62

Total interest-bearing deposits
 
9,461,271

 
14,173

 
0.60

 
8,988,691

 
8,412

 
0.37

Short-term borrowings
 
351,616

 
1,335

 
1.52

 
110,892

 
206

 
0.74

Qualifying debt
 
368,849

 
4,969

 
5.39

 
354,087

 
4,338

 
4.90

Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
10,181,736

 
20,477

 
0.80

 
9,453,670

 
12,956

 
0.55

Non-interest-bearing liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
 
7,510,614

 
 
 
 
 
5,719,169

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
338,530

 
 
 
 
 
280,595

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
 
2,273,344

 
 
 
 
 
1,946,833

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
20,304,224

 
 
 
 
 
$
17,400,267

 
 
 
 
Net interest income and margin (4)
 
 
 
$
214,220

 
4.60
%
 
 
 
$
179,309

 
4.63
%
Net interest margin (5)
 
 
 
 
 
4.72
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Yields on loans and securities have been adjusted to a TEB. The taxable-equivalent adjustment was $5.7 million and $9.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(2)
Included in the yield computation are net loan fees of $10.0 million and accretion on acquired loans of $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $6.9 million and $6.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, respectively.
(3)
Includes non-accrual loans.
(4)
Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average earning assets.
(5)
Current period net interest margin is adjusted to exclude the effects from the TCJA of the lower statutory corporate federal tax rate on the calculation of the tax equivalent adjustment in order to be comparable to the prior period.

66



 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018 versus 2017
 
 
Increase (Decrease) Due to Changes in (1)
 
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
 
$
10,711

 
$
6,362

 
$
17,073

CRE - non-owner occupied
 
5,318

 
(2,768
)
 
2,550

CRE - owner-occupied
 
3,105

 
720

 
3,825

Construction and land development
 
4,611

 
2,906

 
7,517

Residential real estate
 
1,905

 
352

 
2,257

Consumer
 
133

 
51

 
184

Total loans
 
25,783

 
7,623

 
33,406

Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities - taxable
 
5,129

 
1,583

 
6,712

Securities - tax-exempt
 
2,077

 
(282
)
 
1,795

Total securities
 
7,206

 
1,301

 
8,507

Other
 
(280
)
 
799

 
519

Total interest income
 
32,709

 
9,723

 
42,432

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing transaction accounts
 
$
183

 
$
392

 
$
575

Savings and money market
 
226

 
3,377

 
3,603

Time certificates of deposit
 
233

 
1,350

 
1,583

Short-term borrowings
 
914

 
215

 
1,129

Qualifying debt
 
199

 
432

 
631

Total interest expense
 
1,755

 
5,766

 
7,521

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase
 
$
30,954

 
$
3,957

 
$
34,911

 
(1)
Changes due to both volume and rate have been allocated to volume changes.
Comparison of interest income, interest expense and net interest margin
The Company's primary source of revenue is interest income. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, interest income was $234.7 million, an increase of $42.4 million, or 22.1%, compared to $192.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. This increase was primarily the result of a $1.88 billion increase in the average loan balance which, together with the effect of the rising rate environment, drove a $33.4 million increase in loan interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Interest income from investment securities increased by $8.5 million for the comparable period primarily due to an increase in the average investment balance of $1.00 billion from March 31, 2017 as well as an increase in interest rates and mix. Average yield on interest earning assets increased to 5.02% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to 4.95% for the same period in 2017, which was primarily the result of increased yields on loans and investment securities, attributable to the rising interest rate environment.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, interest expense was $20.5 million, compared to $13.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Interest expense on deposits increased $5.8 million for the same period as average interest-bearing deposits increased $472.6 million and customer concessions on rates for certain deposit relationships were made, resulting in a 23 basis point increase in average cost of interest bearing deposits. Interest expense on short-term borrowings increased by $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. The increase is attributable to an increase average short-term borrowings of $240.7 million due to utilization of FHLB overnight advances.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, net interest income was $214.2 million, compared to $179.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in net interest income reflects a $2.83 billion increase in average interest-earning assets, offset by a $728.1 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities. The decrease in net interest margin of 3 basis

67


points is the result of higher deposit and funding costs and a decrease in the tax equivalent adjustment on tax-exempt loans and securities for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, which resulted from the TCJA. These decreases to net interest margin were partially offset by an increase in average yield on loans and securities due to the rising interest rate environment. Adjusting net interest margin to exclude the effects of the TCJA, would in net interest margin of 4.72% for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses in each period is reflected as a reduction in earnings for that period. The provision is equal to the amount required to maintain the allowance for credit losses at a level that is adequate to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the provision for credit losses was $6.0 million compared to $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The provision increase was primarily due to organic growth in total loans of $466.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The Company defines its organic loans as those loans that have not been acquired in a transaction accounted for as a business combination. The Company may establish an additional allowance for credit losses for PCI loans through provision for credit losses when impairment is determined as a result of lower than expected cash flows. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the allowance for credit losses on PCI loans was $0.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
Non-interest Income
The following table presents a summary of non-interest income for the periods presented: 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
 
(in thousands)
Service charges and fees
 
$
5,745

 
$
4,738

 
$
1,007

Card income
 
1,972

 
1,492

 
480

Income from equity investments
 
1,460

 
692

 
768

Foreign currency income
 
1,202

 
1,042

 
160

Lending related income and gains (losses) on sale of loans, net
 
978

 
422

 
556

Income from bank owned life insurance
 
928

 
948

 
(20
)
Gain (loss) on sales of investment securities, net
 

 
635

 
(635
)
Unrealized (losses) gains on assets measured at fair value, net
 
(1,074
)
 
(1
)
 
(1,073
)
Other income
 
432

 
631

 
(199
)
Total non-interest income
 
$
11,643

 
$
10,599

 
$
1,044

Total non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017, increased by $1.0 million, or 9.8%. The increase in non-interest income is due primarily to an increase in service charges and fees and income from equity investments. The increase in service charges and fees is due to the continued growth in the Company's deposit base, which increased $2.00 billion from March 31, 2017. The increase in income from equity investments is attributable to an increase in warrant income. These increases were partially offset by unrealized losses on assets measured at fair value, which relate to unrealized losses on the Company's equity securities. Due to adoption of ASU 2016-01, effective January 1, 2018, changes in the fair value of equity securities are recognized in net income rather than accumulated other comprehensive income.

68


Non-interest Expense
The following table presents a summary of non-interest expense for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
(in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
$
62,133

 
$
51,620

 
$
10,513

Occupancy
6,864

 
6,894

 
(30
)
Legal, professional, and directors' fees
6,003

 
8,803

 
(2,800
)
Data processing
5,207

 
5,264

 
(57
)
Insurance
3,869

 
3,228

 
641

Deposit costs
2,926

 
1,741

 
1,185

Business development
1,728

 
2,063

 
(335
)
Card expense
942

 
731

 
211

Marketing
596

 
721

 
(125
)
Loan and repossessed asset expenses
583

 
1,278

 
(695
)
Intangible amortization
398

 
689

 
(291
)
Net (gain) loss on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets
(1,228
)
 
(543
)
 
(685
)
Other expense
8,128

 
5,338

 
2,790

Total non-interest expense
$
98,149

 
$
87,827

 
$
10,322

Total non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, increased $10.3 million, or 11.8%. This increase primarily relates to salaries and employee benefits, deposit costs, and other expense. Salaries and employee benefits have increased as the Company supports its continued growth, with a corresponding decrease in professional costs. Full-time equivalent employees increased 9.8% from 1,560 at March 31, 2017, compared to 1,713 at March 31, 2018. Deposits costs consist of fees to Promontory and others for reciprocal deposits as well as earnings credits on select non-interest bearing deposits. The increase in deposit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 primarily relates to an increase in deposit earnings credits paid to account holders. The increase to other expense is primarily related to a $1.6 million increase in the reserve for unfunded commitments and letters of credit. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in legal, professional, and directors' fees of $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 due to a decrease in consulting costs, compared to the same period in 2017.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was 17.10%, compared to 25.03% for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate is due primarily to the decrease in the Federal statutory rate effective in 2018.

69


Business Segment Results
The Company's reportable segments are aggregated primarily based on geographic location, services offered, and markets served. The Company's regional segments, which include Arizona, Nevada, Southern California, and Northern California, provide full service banking and related services to their respective markets. The Company's NBL segments, which include HOA Services, Public & Nonprofit Finance, Technology & Innovation, HFF, and Other NBLs, provide specialized banking services to niche markets. These NBLs are managed centrally and are broader in geographic scope than the Company's other segments, though still predominately located within the Company's core market areas. The Corporate & Other segment consists of corporate-related items, income and expense items not allocated to the Company's other reportable segments, and inter-segment eliminations.
The following tables present selected operating segment information for the periods presented:
 
 
 
 
Regional Segments
 
 
Consolidated Company
 
Arizona
 
Nevada
 
Southern California
 
Northern California
At March 31, 2018
 
(in millions)
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs
 
$
15,560.4

 
$
3,472.7

 
$
1,819.6

 
$
2,013.6

 
$
1,271.4

Deposits
 
17,354.5

 
5,020.6

 
3,648.1

 
2,423.8

 
1,814.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs
 
$
15,093.9

 
$
3,323.7

 
$
1,844.8

 
$
1,934.7

 
$
1,275.5

Deposits
 
16,972.5

 
4,841.3

 
3,951.4

 
2,461.1

 
1,681.7

 
 
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
121,714

 
$
33,033

 
$
27,662

 
$
14,428

 
$
10,751

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
97,831

 
$
26,384

 
$
21,770

 
$
13,167

 
$
11,043

 
 
National Business Lines
 
 
 
 
HOA
Services
 
Public & Nonprofit Finance
 
Technology & Innovation
 
Hotel Franchise Finance
 
Other NBLs
 
Corporate & Other
At March 31, 2018
 
(in millions)
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs
 
$
167.0

 
$
1,539.8

 
$
1,168.9

 
$
1,378.7

 
$
2,725.4

 
$
3.3

Deposits
 
2,475.3

 

 
1,733.5

 

 

 
238.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs
 
$
162.1

 
$
1,580.4

 
$
1,097.9

 
$
1,327.7

 
$
2,543.0

 
$
4.1

Deposits
 
2,230.4

 

 
1,737.6

 

 

 
69.0

 
 
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
7,659

 
$
1,779

 
$
14,388

 
$
10,756

 
$
12,088

 
$
(10,830
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
5,615

 
$
3,723

 
$
10,964

 
$
10,593

 
$
6,616

 
$
(12,044
)

70


BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS
Total assets increased $431.6 million, or 2.1%, to $20.76 billion at March 31, 2018, compared to $20.33 billion at December 31, 2017. The increase in total assets relates primarily to organic loan growth, which was partially offset by a decrease in AFS investment securities of $94.1 million. Loans increased $466.5 million, or 3.1%, to $15.56 billion at March 31, 2018, compared to $15.09 billion at December 31, 2017. The increase in loans during the quarter was driven by construction and land development loans of $325.3 million and commercial and industrial loans of $103.0 million.
Total liabilities increased $367.6 million, or 2.0%, to $18.47 billion at March 31, 2018, compared to $18.10 billion at December 31, 2017. The increase in liabilities is due primarily to an increase in total deposits of $382.0 million, or 2.3%, to $17.35 billion, all of which is attributable to organic deposit growth.
Total stockholders’ equity increased by $64.1 million, or 2.9%, to $2.29 billion at March 31, 2018, compared to $2.23 billion at December 31, 2017. The increase in stockholders' equity relates primarily to net income for the three months ended March 31, 2018, partially offset by a decrease in the fair value of the Company's AFS portfolio, which is recognized as part of AOCI.
Investment securities
Investment securities are classified at the time of acquisition as either HTM, AFS, or measured at fair value based upon various factors, including asset/liability management strategies, liquidity and profitability objectives, and regulatory requirements. HTM securities are carried at amortized cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts. AFS securities are securities that may be sold prior to maturity based upon asset/liability management decisions. Investment securities classified as AFS are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on AFS debt securities are recorded as part of AOCI in stockholders’ equity. Effective January 1, 2018, unrealized gains or losses on AFS equity securities are recorded in earnings as part of non-interest income. Amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts on MBS is periodically adjusted for estimated prepayments. Investment securities measured at fair value are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in current period earnings.
The Company's investment securities portfolio is utilized as collateral for borrowings, required collateral for public deposits and customer repurchase agreements, and to manage liquidity, capital, and interest rate risk. The following table summarizes the carrying value of the investment securities portfolio for each of the periods below: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(in thousands)
CDO
 
$
19,453

 
$
21,857

Commercial MBS issued by GSEs
 
104,973

 
109,077

Corporate debt securities
 
101,676

 
103,483

CRA investments
 
50,846

 
50,616

Preferred stock
 
93,318

 
53,196

Private label residential MBS
 
818,996

 
868,524

Residential MBS issued by GSEs
 
1,626,899

 
1,689,295

Tax-exempt
 
760,225

 
765,960

Trust preferred securities
 
28,617

 
28,617

U.S. government sponsored agency securities
 
60,290

 
61,462

U.S. treasury securities
 
2,473

 
2,482

Total investment securities
 
$
3,667,766

 
$
3,754,569


71


Loans
The table below summarizes the distribution of the Company’s held for investment loan portfolio: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
$
6,944,381

 
$
6,841,381

Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
 
3,925,301

 
3,904,011

Commercial real estate - owner occupied
 
2,264,650

 
2,241,613

Construction and land development
 
1,957,489

 
1,632,204

Residential real estate
 
418,127

 
425,940

Consumer
 
50,505

 
48,786

Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs
 
15,560,453

 
15,093,935

Allowance for credit losses
 
(144,659
)
 
(140,050
)
Total loans HFI
 
$
15,415,794

 
$
14,953,885

Net deferred loan fees and costs as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 total $32.6 million and $25.3 million, respectively, which is a reduction in the carrying value of loans. Net unamortized purchase discounts on secondary market loan purchases total $8.0 million and $8.5 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Total loans held for investment are also net of interest rate and credit marks on acquired loans, which are a net reduction in the carrying value of loans. Interest rate marks were $13.0 million and $14.1 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Credit marks were $23.1 million and $27.0 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Concentrations of Lending Activities
The Company monitors concentrations within four broad categories: product, collateral, geography, and industry. The Company’s loan portfolio includes significant credit exposure to the CRE market. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, CRE related loans accounted for approximately 52% of total loans. Substantially all of these loans are secured by first liens with an initial loan to value ratio of generally not more than 75%. Approximately 37% and 36% of these CRE loans, excluding construction and land loans, were owner-occupied at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Impaired loans
A loan is identified as impaired when it is no longer probable that interest and principal will be collected according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement. Generally, impaired loans are classified as non-accrual. However, in certain instances, impaired loans may continue on an accrual basis if full repayment of all principal and interest is expected and the loan is both well-secured and in the process of collection. Impaired loans are measured for reserve requirements in accordance with ASC 310 based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less applicable disposition costs if the loan is collateral dependent. The amount of an impairment reserve, if any, and any subsequent changes are charged against the allowance for credit losses.
In addition to the Company's own internal loan review process, regulators may from time to time direct the Company to modify loan grades, loan impairment calculations, or loan impairment methodology.

72


Total non-performing loans decreased by $5.3 million, or 6.1%, at March 31, 2018 to $81.1 million from $86.4 million at December 31, 2017
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Total non-accrual loans (1)
 
$
37,297

 
$
43,925

Loans past due 90 days or more on accrual status (2)
 
37

 
43

Accruing troubled debt restructured loans
 
43,766

 
42,431

Total nonperforming loans, excluding loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 
81,100

 
86,399

Other impaired loans
 
16,492

 
12,155

Total impaired loans
 
$
97,592

 
$
98,554

Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
 
$
30,194

 
$
28,540

Non-accrual loans to gross loans held for investment
 
0.24
%
 
0.29
%
Loans past due 90 days or more on accrual status to gross loans held for investment
 
0.00

 
0.00

(1)
Includes non-accrual TDR loans of $7.4 million and $10.1 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(2)
Includes less than $0.1 million from loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality at each of the periods ended March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Interest income received on non-accrual loans was $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Interest income that would have been recorded under the original terms of non-accrual loans was $0.6 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
The composition of non-accrual loans by loan type and by segment were as follows: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Non-accrual
Balance
 
Percent of Non-Accrual Balance
 
Percent of
Total HFI
Loans
 
Non-accrual
Balance
 
Percent of Non-Accrual Balance
 
Percent of
Total HFI
Loans
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
$
24,184

 
64.84
%
 
0.16
%
 
$
22,026

 
50.14
%
 
0.15
%
Commercial real estate
 
2,930

 
7.86

 
0.02

 
7,721

 
17.59

 
0.05

Construction and land development
 

 

 

 
5,979

 
13.61

 
0.04

Residential real estate
 
9,844

 
26.39

 
0.06

 
8,117

 
18.48

 
0.05

Consumer
 
339

 
0.91

 
0.00

 
82

 
0.19

 
0.00

Total non-accrual loans
 
$
37,297

 
100.00
%
 
0.24
%
 
$
43,925

 
100.00
%
 
0.29
%
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Nonaccrual Loans
 
Percent of Segment's Total HFI Loans
 
Nonaccrual Loans
 
Percent of Segment's Total HFI Loans
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Arizona
 
$
8,330

 
0.24
%
 
$
4,520

 
0.14
%
Nevada
 
3,354

 
0.18

 
8,189

 
0.44

Southern California
 
8,641

 
0.43

 
8,140

 
0.42

Northern California
 
5,350

 
0.42

 
14,489

 
1.14

Technology and Innovation
 
11,283

 
0.97

 
7,389

 
0.67

Other NBLS
 
333

 
0.01

 
51

 
0.00

Corporate & Other
 
6

 
0.18

 
1,147

 
28.09

Total non-accrual loans
 
$
37,297

 
0.24
%
 
$
43,925

 
0.29
%

73


Troubled Debt Restructured Loans
A TDR loan is a loan that is granted a concession, for reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, that the lender would not otherwise consider. The loan terms that have been modified or restructured due to a borrower’s financial situation include, but are not limited to, a reduction in the stated interest rate, an extension of the maturity or renewal of the loan at an interest rate below current market, a reduction in the face amount of the debt, a reduction in accrued interest, extensions, deferrals, renewals, and rewrites. A TDR loan is also considered impaired. Generally, a loan that is modified at an effective market rate of interest is no longer disclosed as a TDR in years subsequent to the restructuring if it is performing based on the terms specified by the restructuring agreement. However, such loans continue to be considered impaired.
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the aggregate amount of loans classified as impaired was $97.6 million and $98.6 million, respectively. The total specific allowance for credit losses related to these loans was $5.6 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company had $43.8 million and $42.4 million in loans classified as accruing restructured loans at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Impaired loans by segment at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(in thousands)
Arizona
 
$
15,014

 
$
10,468

Nevada
 
38,516

 
46,730

Southern California
 
9,965

 
8,465

Northern California
 
6,025

 
14,489

Technology & Innovation
 
27,029

 
16,449

Other NBLs
 
333

 
51

Corporate & Other
 
710

 
1,902

Total impaired loans
 
$
97,592

 
$
98,554

The following tables present a breakdown of total impaired loans and the related specific reserves for the periods indicated: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
Impaired
Balance
 
Percent of Impaired Balance
 
Percent of
Total HFI Loans
 
Reserve
Balance
 
Percent of Reserve Balance
 
Percent of
Total Allowance
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
$
43,459

 
44.53
%
 
0.28
%
 
$
5,389

 
96.89
%
 
3.73
%
Commercial real estate
 
25,761

 
26.40

 
0.17

 

 

 

Construction and land development
 
9,812

 
10.06

 
0.06

 

 

 

Residential real estate
 
18,185

 
18.63

 
0.12

 
173

 
3.11

 
0.12

Consumer
 
375

 
0.38

 
0.00

 

 

 

Total impaired loans
 
$
97,592

 
100.00
%
 
0.63
%
 
$
5,562

 
100.00
%
 
3.84
%
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Impaired
Balance
 
Percent of Impaired Balance
 
Percent of
Total HFI Loans
 
Reserve
Balance
 
Percent of Reserve Balance
 
Percent of
Total Allowance
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
$
34,156

 
34.66
%
 
0.23
%
 
$
5,606

 
100.00
%
 
4.00
%
Commercial real estate
 
31,681

 
32.15

 
0.21

 

 

 

Construction and land development
 
15,426

 
15.65

 
0.10

 

 

 

Residential real estate
 
17,170

 
17.42

 
0.11

 

 

 

Consumer
 
121

 
0.12

 
0.00

 

 

 

Total impaired loans
 
$
98,554

 
100.00
%
 
0.65
%
 
$
5,606

 
100.00
%
 
4.00
%


74


Allowance for Credit Losses
The following table summarizes the activity in the Company's allowance for credit losses for the period indicated: 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
(dollars in thousands)
Allowance for credit losses:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
140,050

 
$
124,704

Provision charged to operating expense:
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
3,143

 
2,362

Commercial real estate
1,247

 
1,798

Construction and land development
1,695

 
(355
)
Residential real estate
(102
)
 
425

Consumer
17

 
20

Total Provision
6,000

 
4,250

Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
(459
)
 
(328
)
Commercial real estate
(126
)
 
(533
)
Construction and land development
(1,388
)
 
(277
)
Residential real estate
(250
)
 
(251
)
Consumer
(10
)
 
(49
)
Total recoveries
(2,233
)
 
(1,438
)
Loans charged-off:
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
3,517

 
2,594

Commercial real estate

 

Construction and land development

 

Residential real estate
107

 
115

Consumer

 
34

Total charged-off
3,624

 
2,743

Net charge-offs
1,391

 
1,305

Balance at end of period
$
144,659

 
$
127,649

Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding
0.04
%
 
0.04
%
Allowance for credit losses to gross loans
0.93

 
0.94

Allowance for credit losses to gross organic loans
1.02

 
1.08


75


The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses by loan type. However, the allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories. 
 
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Construction and Land Development
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for Credit Losses
 
$
82,878

 
$
32,868

 
$
22,594

 
$
5,519

 
$
800

 
$
144,659

Percent of Total Allowance for Credit Losses
 
57.3
%
 
22.7
%
 
15.6
%
 
3.8
%
 
0.6
%
 
100.0
%
Percent of Loan Type to Total HFI Loans
 
44.6

 
39.8

 
12.6

 
2.7

 
0.3

 
100.0

December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for Credit Losses
 
$
82,527

 
$
31,648

 
$
19,599

 
$
5,500

 
$
776

 
$
140,050

Percent of Total Allowance for Credit Losses
 
58.9
%
 
22.6
%
 
14.0
%
 
3.9
%
 
0.6
%
 
100.0
%
Percent of Loan Type to Total HFI Loans
 
45.2

 
40.8

 
10.9

 
2.8

 
0.3

 
100.0

Problem Loans
The Company classifies loans consistent with federal banking regulations using a nine category grading system. These loan grades are described in further detail in "Item 1. Business” of the Company's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2017. The following table presents information regarding potential and actual problem loans, consisting of loans graded Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss, but still performing, and excluding acquired loans: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
Number of Loans
 
Loan Balance
 
Percent of Loan Balance
 
Percent of Total HFI Loan Balance
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
159

 
$
139,189

 
53.30
%
 
0.90
%
Commercial real estate
 
52

 
106,904

 
40.93

 
0.69

Construction and land development
 
5

 
5,382

 
2.06

 
0.03

Residential real estate
 
3

 
9,146

 
3.50

 
0.06

Consumer
 
5

 
553

 
0.21

 
0.00

Total
 
224

 
$
261,174

 
100.00
%
 
1.68
%
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Number of Loans
 
Loan Balance
 
Percent of Loan Balance
 
Percent of Total HFI Loan Balance
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
 
166

 
$
127,015

 
51.63
%
 
0.84
%
Commercial real estate
 
48

 
90,653

 
36.85

 
0.60

Construction and land development
 
5

 
18,471

 
7.51

 
0.12

Residential real estate
 
3

 
8,971

 
3.65

 
0.06

Consumer
 
10

 
880

 
0.36

 
0.01

Total
 
232

 
$
245,990

 
100.00
%
 
1.63
%


76


Other Assets Acquired Through Foreclosure
The following table represents the changes in other assets acquired through foreclosure: 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018:
 
 
Gross Balance
 
Valuation Allowance
 
Net Balance
 
 
(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
32,552

 
$
(4,012
)
 
$
28,540

Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
 
5,744

 

 
5,744

Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net
 
(5,294
)
 
9

 
(5,285
)
Valuation adjustments, net
 

 
(47
)
 
(47
)
Gains (losses), net (1)
 
1,242

 
 
 
1,242

Balance, end of period
 
$
34,244

 
$
(4,050
)
 
$
30,194

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
54,138

 
$
(6,323
)
 
$
47,815

Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net
 
(3,113
)
 
224

 
(2,889
)
Valuation adjustments, net
 

 
380

 
380

Gains (losses), net (1)
 
(106
)
 

 
(106
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
50,919

 
$
(5,719
)
 
$
45,200

(1)
There was $1.0 million in net gains related to initial transfers to other assets during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and compared to zero during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Other assets acquired through foreclosure consist primarily of properties acquired as a result of, or in-lieu-of, foreclosure. OREO and other repossessed property are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less estimated costs to sell the property. Costs relating to the development or improvement of the assets are capitalized and costs relating to holding the assets are charged to expense. The Company has $30.2 million, $28.5 million $45.2 million of such assets at March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 31, 2017, respectively.
At March 31, 2018 and 2017, the majority of the Company’s repossessed assets consisted of properties located in Nevada. The Company held 18 properties at March 31, 2018, compared to 19 at December 31, 2017, and 25 at March 31, 2017.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess consideration paid for net assets acquired in a business combination over their fair value. Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in a business combination that are determined to have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization, but are subsequently evaluated for impairment at least annually. The Company has goodwill of $289.9 million and intangible assets totaling $10.5 million at March 31, 2018, which have been allocated to the Nevada, Northern California, Technology & Innovation, and HFF operating segments.
The Company performs its annual goodwill and intangibles impairment tests as of October 1 each year, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no events or circumstances that indicated an interim impairment test of goodwill or other intangible assets was necessary.
Deferred Tax Assets
As of March 31, 2018, the net deferred tax asset was $27.4 million, an increase of $21.6 million from December 31, 2017. This overall increase in the net deferred tax asset was primarily the result of recognizing previously deferred income and decreases in the fair market value of AFS securities.
At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had no deferred tax valuation allowance.

77


Deposits
Deposits are the primary source for funding the Company's asset growth. Total deposits increased to $17.35 billion at March 31, 2018, from $16.97 billion at December 31, 2017, an increase of $382.0 million, or 2.3%. The increase in deposits is attributable to an increase in interest-bearing transaction account deposits of $190.1 million and CDs of $139.9 million from December 31, 2017.
WAB is a participant in the Promontory Interfinancial Network, a network that offers deposit placement services such as CDARS and ICS, which offer products that qualify large deposits for FDIC insurance. At March 31, 2018, the Company has $389.8 million of CDARS deposits and $634.8 million of ICS deposits, compared to $401.4 million of CDARS deposits and $617.9 million of ICS deposits at December 31, 2017. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company also has $88.3 million and $67.3 million, respectively, of wholesale brokered deposits. In addition, non-interest bearing deposits for which the Company provides account holders with earnings credits totaled $1.95 billion and $1.85 billion at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company incurred $2.7 million and $1.5 million in deposit related costs during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The average balances and weighted average rates paid on deposits are presented below:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Average Balance
 
Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Rate
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Interest-bearing transaction accounts
 
$
1,654,720

 
0.33
%
 
$
1,434,826

 
0.22
%
Savings and money market accounts
 
6,226,611

 
0.57

 
6,068,997

 
0.35

Time certificates of deposit
 
1,579,940

 
0.98

 
1,484,868

 
0.62

Total interest-bearing deposits
 
9,461,271

 
0.60

 
8,988,691

 
0.37

Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
 
7,510,614

 

 
5,719,169

 

Total deposits
 
$
16,971,885

 
0.33
%
 
$
14,707,860

 
0.23
%
Other Borrowings
The Company from time to time utilizes short-term borrowed funds to support short-term liquidity needs generally created by increased loan demand. The majority of these short-term borrowed funds consist of advances from the FHLB and customer repurchase agreements. The Company’s borrowing capacity with the FHLB is determined based on collateral pledged, generally consisting of securities and loans. In addition, the Company has borrowing capacity from other sources, collateralized by securities, including securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction, and may require additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities. At March 31, 2018, total short-term borrowed funds consist of customer repurchase agreements of $21.7 million and FHLB advances of $300.0 million. At December 31, 2017, total short-term borrowed funds consisted of customer repurchase agreements of $26.0 million and FHLB advances of $390.0 million.
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company did not have any borrowings classified as long-term.
Qualifying Debt
Qualifying debt consists of subordinated debt and junior subordinated debt, inclusive of issuance costs and fair market value adjustments. At March 31, 2018, the carrying value of qualifying debt was $363.9 million, compared to $376.9 million at December 31, 2017.



78


Capital Resources
The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements could trigger certain mandatory or discretionary actions that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s business and financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items (discussed in "Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies" to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements) as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
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 began being phased in on 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.
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company and the Bank exceeded the capital levels necessary to be classified as well-capitalized, as defined by the banking agencies. The actual capital amounts and ratios for the Company and the Bank are presented in the following tables as of the periods indicated:
 
 
Total Capital
 
Tier 1 Capital
 
Risk-Weighted Assets
 
Tangible Average Assets
 
Total Capital Ratio
 
Tier 1 Capital Ratio
 
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio
 
Common Equity
Tier 1
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WAL
 
$
2,567,539

 
$
2,114,453

 
$
19,425,630

 
$
20,057,003

 
13.2
%
 
10.9
%
 
10.5
%
 
10.5
%
WAB
 
2,402,863

 
2,101,071

 
19,509,579

 
20,123,862

 
12.3

 
10.8

 
10.4

 
10.8

Well-capitalized ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.0

 
8.0

 
5.0

 
6.5

Minimum capital ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.0

 
6.0

 
4.0

 
4.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WAL
 
$
2,460,988

 
$
2,013,744

 
$
18,569,608

 
$
19,624,517

 
13.3
%
 
10.8
%
 
10.3
%
 
10.4
%
WAB
 
2,299,919

 
2,003,745

 
18,664,200

 
19,541,990

 
12.3

 
10.7

 
10.3

 
10.7

Well-capitalized ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.0

 
8.0

 
5.0

 
6.5

Minimum capital ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.0

 
6.0

 
4.0

 
4.5




79


Critical Accounting Policies
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The critical accounting policies upon which the Company's financial condition and results of operations depend, and which involve the most complex subjective decisions or assessments, are included in the discussion entitled "Critical Accounting Policies" in "Item 7. Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, and all amendments thereto, as filed with the SEC. There were no material changes to the critical accounting policies disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Liquidity
Liquidity is the ongoing ability to accommodate liability maturities and deposit withdrawals, fund asset growth and business operations, and meet contractual obligations through unconstrained access to funding at reasonable market rates. Liquidity management involves forecasting funding requirements and maintaining sufficient capacity to meet the needs and accommodate fluctuations in asset and liability levels due to changes in the Company's business operations or unanticipated events.
The ability to have readily available funds sufficient to repay fully maturing liabilities is of primary importance to depositors, creditors, and regulators. The Company's liquidity, represented by cash and amounts due from banks, federal funds sold, and non-pledged marketable securities, is a result of the Company's operating, investing, and financing activities and related cash flows. In order to ensure funds are available when necessary, on at least a quarterly basis, the Company projects the amount of funds that will be required over a twelve-month period and it also strives to maintain relationships with a diversified customer base. Liquidity requirements can also be met through short-term borrowings or the disposition of short-term assets.
The following table presents the available and outstanding balances on the Company's lines of credit:
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
Available
Balance
 
Outstanding Balance
 
 
(in millions)
Unsecured fed funds credit lines at correspondent banks
 
$
100.0

 
$

Other lines with correspondent banks:
 
 
 
 
Secured other lines with correspondent banks
 

 

Unsecured other lines with correspondent banks
 
45.0

 

Total other lines with correspondent banks
 
$
145.0

 
$

In addition to lines of credit, the Company has borrowing capacity with the FHLB and FRB from pledged loans and securities. The borrowing capacity, outstanding borrowings, and available credit as of March 31, 2018 are presented in the following table:
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
(in millions)
FHLB:
 
 
Borrowing capacity
 
$
2,732.8

Outstanding borrowings
 
300.0

Letters of credit
 
229.5

Total available credit
 
$
2,203.3

 
 
 
FRB:
 
 
Borrowing capacity
 
$
1,220.5

Outstanding borrowings
 

Total available credit
 
$
1,220.5

The Company has a formal liquidity policy and, in the opinion of management, its liquid assets are considered adequate to meet cash flow needs for loan funding and deposit cash withdrawals for the next 90-120 days. At March 31, 2018, there was $2.69 billion in liquid assets, comprised of $439.4 million in cash, cash equivalents, and money market investments and $2.25 billion in unpledged marketable securities. At December 31, 2017, the Company maintained $2.89 billion in liquid assets, comprised

80


of $416.8 million of cash, cash equivalents, and money market investments, and $2.48 billion of unpledged marketable securities.
The Parent maintains liquidity that would be sufficient to fund its operations and certain non-bank affiliate operations for an extended period should funding from normal sources be disrupted. Since deposits are taken by WAB and not by the Parent, Parent liquidity is not dependent on the Bank's deposit balances. In the Company's analysis of Parent liquidity, it is assumed that the Parent is unable to generate funds from additional debt or equity issuances, receives no dividend income from subsidiaries and does not pay dividends to stockholders, while continuing to make nondiscretionary payments needed to maintain operations and repayment of contractual principal and interest payments owed by the Parent and affiliated companies. Under this scenario, the amount of time the Parent and its non-bank subsidiary can operate and meet all obligations before the current liquid assets are exhausted is considered as part of the Parent liquidity analysis. Management believes the Parent maintains adequate liquidity capacity to operate without additional funding from new sources for over twelve months.
WAB maintains sufficient funding capacity to address large increases in funding requirements, such as deposit outflows. This capacity is comprised of liquidity derived from a reduction in asset levels and various secured funding sources. On a long-term basis, the Company’s liquidity will be met by changing the relative distribution of its asset portfolios (for example, by reducing investment or loan volumes, or selling or encumbering assets). Further, the Company can increase liquidity by soliciting higher levels of deposit accounts through promotional activities and/or borrowing from correspondent banks, the FHLB of San Francisco, and the FRB. At March 31, 2018, the Company's long-term liquidity needs primarily relate to funds required to support loan originations, commitments, and deposit withdrawals, which can be met by cash flows from investment payments and maturities, and investment sales, if necessary.
The Company’s liquidity is comprised of three primary classifications: 1) cash flows provided by operating activities; 2) cash flows used in investing activities; and 3) cash flows provided by financing activities. Net cash provided by or used in operating activities consists primarily of net income, adjusted for changes in certain other asset and liability accounts and certain non-cash income and expense items, such as the provision for credit losses, investment and other amortization and depreciation. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $88.3 million and $88.0 million, respectively.
The Company's primary investing activities are the origination of real estate and commercial loans, the collection of repayments of these loans, and the purchase and sale of securities. The Company's net cash provided by and used in investing activities has been primarily influenced by its loan and securities activities. The net increase in loans for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $367.4 million and $342.1 million, respectively. There was a net decrease in investment securities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 of $29.7 million, compared to a net increase of $89.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Net cash provided by financing activities has been impacted significantly by increased deposit levels. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, net deposits increased $382.0 million and $806.1 million, respectively.
Fluctuations in core deposit levels may increase the Company's need for liquidity as certificates of deposit mature or are withdrawn before maturity, and as non-maturity deposits, such as checking and savings account balances, are withdrawn. Additionally, the Company is exposed to the risk that customers with large deposit balances will withdraw all or a portion of such deposits, due in part to the FDIC limitations on the amount of insurance coverage provided to depositors. To mitigate the uninsured deposit risk, the Company participates in the CDARS and ICS programs, which allow an individual customer to invest up to $50.0 million and $110.0 million, respectively, through one participating financial institution or, a combined total of $150.0 million per individual customer, with the entire amount being covered by FDIC insurance. As of March 31, 2018, the Company has $389.8 million of CDARS and $634.8 million of ICS deposits.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company has $88.3 million of wholesale brokered deposits outstanding. Brokered deposits are generally considered to be deposits that have been received from a third party who is engaged in the business of placing deposits on behalf of others. A traditional deposit broker will direct deposits to the banking institution offering the highest interest rate available. Federal banking laws and regulations place restrictions on depository institutions regarding brokered deposits because of the general concern that these deposits are not relationship based and are at a greater risk of being withdrawn and placed on deposit at another institution offering a higher interest rate, thus posing liquidity risk for institutions that gather brokered deposits in significant amounts.
Federal and state banking regulations place certain restrictions on dividends paid. The total amount of dividends which may be paid at any date is generally limited to the retained earnings of the bank. Dividends paid by WAB to the Parent would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Parent contributed $1.1 million to WAB and WAB and LVSP paid

81


dividends to the Parent of $10.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Subsequent to March 31, 2018, WAB paid dividends to the Parent of $10.0 million.
Recent accounting pronouncements
See "Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1. Financial Statements for information on recent and recently adopted accounting pronouncements and their expected impact, if any, on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

82


Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and equity prices. The Company's market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending, investing, and deposit taking activities. To that end, management actively monitors and manages the Company's interest rate risk exposure. The Company generally manages its interest rate sensitivity by evaluating re-pricing opportunities on its earning assets to those on its funding liabilities.
Management uses various asset/liability strategies to manage the re-pricing characteristics of the Company's assets and liabilities, all of which are designed to ensure that exposure to interest rate fluctuations is limited to within the Company's guidelines of acceptable levels of risk-taking. Hedging strategies, including the terms and pricing of loans and deposits and management of the deployment of its securities, are used to reduce mismatches in interest rate re-pricing opportunities of portfolio assets and their funding sources.
Interest rate risk is addressed by the ALCO, which includes members of executive management, finance, and operations. ALCO monitors interest rate risk by analyzing the potential impact on the net EVE and net interest income from potential changes in interest rates and considers the impact of alternative strategies or changes in balance sheet structure. The Company manages its balance sheet in part to maintain the potential impact on EVE and net interest income within acceptable ranges despite changes in interest rates.
The Company's exposure to interest rate risk is reviewed at least quarterly by the ALCO. Interest rate risk exposure is measured using interest rate sensitivity analysis to determine its change in both EVE and net interest income in the event of hypothetical changes in interest rates. If potential changes to EVE and net interest income resulting from hypothetical interest rate changes are not within the limits established by the BOD, the BOD may direct management to adjust the asset and liability mix to bring interest rate risk within Board-approved limits.
Net Interest Income Simulation. In order to measure interest rate risk at March 31, 2018, the Company uses a simulation model to project changes in net interest income that result from forecasted changes in interest rates. This analysis calculates the difference between a baseline net interest income forecast using current yield curves that do not take into consideration any future anticipated rate hikes, compared to forecasted net income resulting from an immediate parallel shift in rates upward or downward, along with other scenarios directed by ALCO. The income simulation model includes various assumptions regarding the re-pricing relationships for each of the Company's products. Many of the Company's assets are floating rate loans, which are assumed to re-price immediately and, proportional to the change in market rates, depending on their contracted index, including the impact of caps or floors. Some loans and investments contain contractual prepayment features (embedded options) and, accordingly, the simulation model incorporates prepayment assumptions. The Company's non-term deposit products re-price more slowly, usually changing less than the change in market rates and at the Company's discretion.
This analysis indicates the impact of changes in net interest income for the given set of rate changes and assumptions. It assumes the balance sheet remains static and that its structure does not change over the course of the year. It does not account for all factors that could impact the Company's results, including changes by management to mitigate interest rate changes or secondary factors, such as changes to the Company's credit risk profile as interest rates change.
Furthermore, loan prepayment rate estimates and spread relationships change regularly. Interest rate changes create changes in actual loan prepayment speeds that will differ from the market estimates incorporated in this analysis. Changes that vary significantly from the modeled assumptions may have significant effects on the Company's actual net interest income.
This simulation model assesses the changes in net interest income that would occur in response to an instantaneous and sustained increase or decrease (shock) in market interest rates over a twelve-month period. At March 31, 2018, the Company's net interest income exposure for the next twelve months related to these hypothetical changes in market interest rates was within the Company's current guidelines for all up-rate scenarios. The Company’s net interest income exposure in the down-rate scenario was not within the Company’s guideline of (5.0)%. The breach is the result of an increase in short interest rates over the past two years, resulting from fed funds rate increases, and as floating-rate asset yields improved, the Company’s
deposit costs have not increased materially; thus in a current down-rate scenario, the Company will not see the full impact of a
rate decrease on its deposit costs while it will see that impact on floating-rate assets. The Board and management have accepted
the breach and believe that as deposit costs increase over time, interest expense will be more sensitive in a down-rate scenario,
dampening the Company’s overall net interest income sensitivity.

83


Sensitivity of Net Interest Income
 
 
Interest Rate Scenario (change in basis points from Base)
 
 
Down 100
 
Base
 
Up 100
 
Up 200
 
Up 300
 
Up 400
 
 
(in thousands)
Interest Income
 
$
894,158

 
$
994,245

 
$
1,102,692

 
$
1,210,015

 
$
1,317,556

 
$
1,425,338

Interest Expense
 
63,415

 
102,813

 
147,045

 
191,093

 
235,081

 
279,042

Net Interest Income
 
$
830,743

 
$
891,432

 
$
955,647

 
$
1,018,922

 
$
1,082,475

 
$
1,146,296

% Change
 
(6.8
)%
 
 
 
7.2
%
 
14.3
%
 
21.4
%
 
28.6
%
Economic Value of Equity. The Company measures the impact of market interest rate changes on the NPV of estimated cash flows from its assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet items, defined as EVE, using a simulation model. This simulation model assesses the changes in the market value of interest rate sensitive financial instruments that would occur in response to an instantaneous and sustained increase or decrease (shock) in market interest rates.
At March 31, 2018, the Company's EVE exposure related to these hypothetical changes in market interest rates was within the Company's current guidelines. The following table shows the Company's projected change in EVE for this set of rate shocks at March 31, 2018:
Economic Value of Equity 
 
 
Interest Rate Scenario (change in basis points from Base)
 
 
Down 100
 
Base
 
Up 100
 
Up 200
 
Up 300
 
Up 400
 
 
(in thousands)
Assets
 
$
21,026,818

 
$
20,690,171

 
$
20,298,087

 
$
19,930,042

 
$
19,588,014

 
$
19,263,748

Liabilities
 
17,353,938

 
16,968,425

 
16,646,918

 
16,374,427

 
16,140,702

 
15,938,979

Net Present Value
 
$
3,672,880

 
$
3,721,746

 
$
3,651,169

 
$
3,555,615

 
$
3,447,312

 
$
3,324,769

% Change
 
(1.3
)%
 
 
 
(1.9
)%
 
(4.5
)%
 
(7.4
)%
 
(10.7
)%
The computation of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions, including relative levels of market interest rates, asset prepayments, and deposit decay, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results. Further, the computations do not contemplate any actions the Company may undertake in response to changes in interest rates. Actual amounts may differ from the projections set forth above should market conditions vary from the underlying assumptions.
Derivative Contracts. In the normal course of business, the Company uses derivative instruments to meet the needs of its customers and manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The following table summarizes the aggregate notional amounts, market values, and terms of the Company’s derivative positions as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
Outstanding Derivatives Positions
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Notional
 
Net Value
 
Weighted Average Term (Years)
 
Notional
 
Net Value
 
Weighted Average Term (Years)
(dollars in thousands)
$
1,117,074

 
$
(38,966
)
 
15.8

 
$
1,115,736

 
$
(51,629
)
 
16.0


84


Item 4.
Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls
Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. Additionally, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were also effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or is subject to under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the CEO and CFO, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2018, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings.
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or to which any of its properties are subject. There are no material proceedings known to the Company to be contemplated by any governmental authority. From time to time, the Company is involved in a variety of litigation matters in the ordinary course of its business and anticipates that it will become involved in new litigation matters in the future.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
There have not been any material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information about the Company's purchases of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act for the periods indicated:
 
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
( c)
 
(d)
 
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
 
Average Price Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
1/1/2018 through 1/31/2018
 
105,980

 
$
59.42

 
 
2/1/2018 through 2/28/2018
 
74,887

 
58.46

 
 
3/1/2018 through 3/31/2018
 

 

 
 
Total
 
180,867

 
$
59.02

 
 
(1)
All shares purchased during the period were transferred to the Company from employees in satisfaction of minimum tax withholding obligations associated with the vesting of restricted stock awards during the period.
(2)
The Company has not announced a repurchase plan relating to its common stock.
Item 5.
Other Information
Not applicable.

85


Item 6.
Exhibits
EXHIBITS
3.1
 
 
 
 
3.2
 
 
 
 
3.3
 
 
 
 
3.4
 
 
 
 
3.5
 
 
 
 
4.1
 
 
 
 
4.2
 
 
 
 
4.3
 
 
 
 
4.4
 
 
 
 
4.5
 
 
 
 
4.6
 
 
 
 
10.1
 
 
 
 
10.2
 
 
 
 
31.1*
 
 
 
 
31.2*
 
 
 
 
32**
 
 
 
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
 
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
 
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
*    Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.
±
Management contract or compensatory arrangement.


86


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
April 27, 2018
 
By:
 
/s/ Kenneth A. Vecchione
 
 
 
 
Kenneth A. Vecchione
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
April 27, 2018
 
By:
 
/s/ Dale Gibbons
 
 
 
 
Dale Gibbons
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and
 
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
April 27, 2018
 
By:
 
/s/ J. Kelly Ardrey Jr.
 
 
 
 
J. Kelly Ardrey Jr.
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and
 
 
 
 
Chief Accounting Officer



87