EAST WEST BANCORP INC (EWBC)
SIC breadcrumb: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate > Depository Institutions > SIC 6022 State Commercial Banks
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1069157. Latest filing source: 0001069157-26-000009.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read EWBC's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read EWBC's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 4,293,396,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-27 |
| Net income | 1,325,188,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-27 |
| Assets | 80,434,997,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-27 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-27. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001069157.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1,137,481,000 | 1,325,119,000 | 1,651,703,000 | 1,882,300,000 | 1,595,042,000 | 1,618,734,000 | 2,321,231,000 | 3,693,805,000 | 4,193,196,000 | 4,293,396,000 | ||
| Net income | 431,677,000 | 505,624,000 | 703,701,000 | 674,035,000 | 567,797,000 | 872,981,000 | 1,128,083,000 | 1,161,161,000 | 1,165,586,000 | 1,325,188,000 | ||
| Diluted EPS | 2.97 | 3.47 | 4.81 | 4.61 | 3.97 | 6.10 | 7.92 | 8.18 | 8.33 | 9.52 | ||
| Operating cash flow | 650,183,000 | 703,275,000 | 883,172,000 | 733,145,000 | 692,644,000 | 1,168,422,000 | 2,066,022,000 | 1,424,909,000 | 1,411,667,000 | 1,501,700,000 | ||
| Share buybacks | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 145,966,000 | 0.00 | 99,990,000 | 82,174,000 | 143,082,000 | 115,590,000 | ||
| Assets | 34,788,840,000 | 37,121,563,000 | 41,042,356,000 | 44,196,096,000 | 52,156,913,000 | 60,870,701,000 | 64,112,150,000 | 69,612,884,000 | 75,976,475,000 | 80,434,997,000 | ||
| Liabilities | 31,361,099,000 | 33,279,612,000 | 36,618,382,000 | 39,178,479,000 | 46,887,738,000 | 55,033,483,000 | 58,127,538,000 | 62,662,050,000 | 68,253,421,000 | 71,535,795,000 | ||
| Stockholders' equity | 3,427,741,000 | 3,841,951,000 | 4,423,974,000 | 5,017,617,000 | 5,269,175,000 | 5,837,218,000 | 5,984,612,000 | 6,950,834,000 | 7,723,054,000 | 8,899,202,000 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,878,503,000 | 2,174,592,000 | 3,001,377,000 | 3,261,149,000 | 4,017,971,000 | 3,912,935,000 | 3,481,784,000 | 4,614,984,000 | 5,250,742,000 | 4,188,139,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 37.95% | 38.16% | 42.60% | 35.81% | 35.60% | 53.93% | 48.60% | 31.44% | 27.80% | 30.87% | ||
| Return on equity | 12.59% | 13.16% | 15.91% | 13.43% | 10.78% | 14.96% | 18.85% | 16.71% | 15.09% | 14.89% | ||
| Return on assets | 1.24% | 1.36% | 1.71% | 1.53% | 1.09% | 1.43% | 1.76% | 1.67% | 1.53% | 1.65% | ||
| Liabilities / equity | 9.15 | 8.66 | 8.28 | 7.81 | 8.90 | 9.43 | 9.71 | 9.02 | 8.84 | 8.04 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001069157-26-000009; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating. Source concepts: us-gaap:InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001069157-26-000009; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001069157-26-000009; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001069157-26-000009; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001069157-26-000009; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001069157-26-000009; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001069157-26-000009; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001069157-26-000009; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001069157-26-000009; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-08. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001069157.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | 1.81 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | 2.08 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | 2.27 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 906,134,000 | 312,031,000 | 2.20 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 961,787,000 | 287,738,000 | 2.02 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 990,378,000 | 238,953,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 1,023,617,000 | 285,075,000 | 2.03 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 1,034,414,000 | 288,230,000 | 2.06 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 1,075,899,000 | 299,166,000 | 2.14 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 1,059,266,000 | 293,115,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 1,031,802,000 | 290,270,000 | 2.08 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 1,058,999,000 | 310,253,000 | 2.24 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 1,129,732,000 | 368,394,000 | 2.65 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 1,072,863,000 | 356,271,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 1,055,510,000 | 357,796,000 | 2.57 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001069157-26-000020; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating. Source concepts: us-gaap:InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001069157-26-000020; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001069157-26-000020; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001069157-26-000020.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | 58 | ||
| Financial Review | 59 | ||
| Results of Operations | 60 | ||
| Net Interest Income | 60 | ||
| Noninterest Income | 65 | ||
| Noninterest Expense | 66 | ||
| Income Taxes | 66 | ||
| Operating Segment Results | 67 | ||
| Balance Sheet Analysis | 69 | ||
| Debt Securities | 69 | ||
| Loan Portfolio | 71 | ||
| Foreign Outstandings | 77 | ||
| Deposits | 78 | ||
| Capital | 79 | ||
| Regulatory Capital and Ratios | 80 | ||
| Risk Management | 80 | ||
| Credit Risk Management | 81 | ||
| Liquidity Risk Management | 84 | ||
| Market Risk Management | 87 | ||
| Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates | 92 | ||
| Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures | 92 |
57
Overview
The following discussion provides information about the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources of East West Bancorp, Inc. (referred to herein on an unconsolidated basis as “East West” and on a consolidated basis as the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “EWBC”) and its subsidiaries, including its subsidiary bank, East West Bank and its subsidiaries (referred to herein as “East West Bank” or the “Bank”). This information is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”), and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 27, 2026 (the “Company’s 2025 Form 10-K”).
Organization and Strategy
East West is a bank holding company incorporated in Delaware on August 26, 1998, and is registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company commenced business on December 30, 1998 when, pursuant to a reorganization, it acquired all of the voting stock of the Bank, which became its principal asset. The Bank is an independent commercial bank headquartered in California that focuses on the financial service needs of individuals and businesses that operate in both the U.S. and Asia. Through over 110 locations in the U.S. and Asia, the Company provides a full range of consumer and commercial products and services through the following three business segments: (1) Consumer and Business Banking and (2) Commercial Banking, with the remaining operations recorded in (3) Treasury and Other. The Company’s principal activity is lending to and accepting deposits from businesses and individuals. We are committed to enhancing long-term shareholder value by growing loans, deposits and revenue, improving profitability, and investing for the future while managing risks, expenses and capital. Our business model is built on customer loyalty and engagement, understanding our customers’ financial goals, and meeting our customers’ financial needs through our diverse products and services. We expect our relationship-focused business model to continue generating organic growth from existing customers and to expand our targeted customer bases. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had $82.9 billion in total assets and approximately 3,400 full-time equivalent employees. For additional information on our strategy, and the products and services provided by the Bank, see Item 1. Business — Organization and Banking Services in the Company’s 2025 Form 10-K.
Current Developments
Economic Developments
Evolving geopolitical uncertainties, including armed conflict involving Iran or heightened tensions in other regions, as well as changes in trade policies and tariffs, continue to raise concerns about inflation, oil and energy price volatility, and supply chain disruptions. At its March and April 2026 meetings, the Federal Reserve maintained the federal funds target rate, reflecting a cautious stance as it manages persistent inflationary pressures and a gradually cooling labor market amid an increasingly uncertain global environment. These factors may create volatility that could affect both inflation and overall economic growth. The Company monitors changes in economic and industry conditions and their impacts on the Company’s business, customers, employees, communities and markets.
Further discussion of the potential impacts on the Company’s business due to the economic environment has been provided in Item 1A. — Risk Factors — Risks Related to Geographic and Political Uncertainties and — Risks Related to Financial Matters in the Company’s 2025 Form 10-K.
Regulatory Updates
In March 2026, the federal banking agencies issued proposed revisions to the U.S. regulatory capital framework. The proposals would, among other things, modify aspects of the standardized approach to risk-based capital treatment of certain exposure categories that are material to the Company. The proposed changes address the definition of capital, the calculation of certain risk-weighted assets and future indexing of certain dollar-based thresholds. The Company has been monitoring these proposals and assessing their potential impacts on its regulatory capital position.
58
Financial Review
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ and shares in thousands, except per share, and ratio data) | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||
| Summary of operations: | |||||||||
| Net interest income before provision for credit losses | $ | 671,193 | $ | 600,201 | |||||
| Noninterest income | 102,556 | 92,102 | |||||||
| Total revenue | 773,749 | 692,303 | |||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 36,000 | 49,000 | |||||||
| Noninterest expense | 280,314 | 252,148 | |||||||
| Income before income taxes | 457,435 | 391,155 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 99,639 | 100,885 | |||||||
| Net income | $ | 357,796 | $ | 290,270 | |||||
| Per share: | |||||||||
| Basic earnings | $ | 2.59 | $ | 2.10 | |||||
| Diluted earnings | $ | 2.57 | $ | 2.08 | |||||
| Dividends declared | $ | 0.80 | $ | 0.60 | |||||
| Weighted-average number of shares outstanding: | |||||||||
| Basic | 138,054 | 138,201 | |||||||
| Diluted | 138,919 | 139,291 | |||||||
| Performance metrics: | |||||||||
| Return on average assets (“ROA”) | 1.79 | % | 1.56 | % | |||||
| Return on average common equity (“ROAE”) | 16.04 | % | 14.96 | % | |||||
| Return on average tangible common equity (“ROATCE”) (1) | 16.92 | % | 15.92 | % | |||||
| Common dividend payout ratio | 31.16 | % | 28.97 | % | |||||
| Net interest margin | 3.49 | % | 3.35 | % | |||||
| Efficiency ratio (2) | 36.23 | % | 36.42 | % |
| At period end: | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total assets | $ | 82,886,152 | $ | 80,434,997 | |||
| Total loans | $ | 58,128,334 | $ | 56,899,148 | |||
| Total deposits | $ | 68,919,555 | $ | 67,082,701 | |||
| Common shares outstanding at period-end | 136,979 | 137,579 | |||||
| Book value per share | $ | 65.70 | $ | 64.68 | |||
| Tangible book value per share (1) | $ | 62.27 | $ | 61.27 |
(1)For additional information regarding the reconciliation of these non-U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) financial measures, refer to Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-Q.
(2)Efficiency ratio is calculated as noninterest expense divided by total revenue.
The Company’s net income for the first quarter 2026 was $358 million, a $68 million or 23% increase from the same prior year period. The year-over-year increase was primarily driven by higher net interest income before provision for credit losses, lower provision for credit losses, and increased noninterest income, partially offset by higher noninterest expense. Noteworthy aspects of the Company’s performance for the first quarter of 2026 included:
•Net interest income and net interest margin. First quarter 2026 net interest income before provision for credit losses of $671 million increased $71 million or 12% from the first quarter of 2025. First quarter 2026 net interest margin of 3.49% increased 14 bps year-over-year.
•Earnings per share growth. First quarter 2026 basic and diluted earnings per share both increased 23% to $2.59 and $2.57, respectively, from the first quarter of 2025.
59
•Profitability ratios. First quarter 2026 ROA, ROAE and the ROATCE of 1.79%, 16.04% and 16.92%, respectively, increased 23 bps, 108 bps and 100 bps year-over-year, respectively. ROATCE is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional information regarding the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, refer to Item 2. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-Q.
•Efficiency ratios. First quarter 2026 efficiency ratio was 36.23%, compared with 36.42% for the same period in 2025. The improvement in the efficiency ratio was primarily due to higher net interest income before provision for credit losses and an increase in noninterest income.
•Asset growth. Total assets reached $82.9 billion as of March 31, 2026, an increase of $2.5 billion from December 31, 2025, primarily driven by a $1.2 billion or 2% increase in net loans held-for-investment and an $881 million or 7% increase in available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities.
•Deposit growth. Total deposits were $68.9 billion as of March 31, 2026, an increase of $1.8 billion or 3%, from December 31, 2025, primarily driven by growth in money market and noninterest-bearing demand deposits.
•Capital levels. Stockholders’ equity was $9.0 billion as of March 31, 2026, up $100 million or 1%, from December 31, 2025. Book value per share of $65.70 as of March 31, 2026, increased $1.02 or 2%, compared with December 31, 2025. Tangible book value per share of $62.27 as of March 31, 2026, increased $1.00 or 2%, compared with December 31, 2025. Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional details, see the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures presented under Item 2. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-Q.
Results of Operations
Net Interest Income
The Company’s primary source of revenue is net interest income, which is the interest income earned on interest-earning assets less interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is the ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. Net interest income and net interest margin are impacted by several factors, including changes in average balances and the composition of interest-earning assets and funding sources, market interest rate fluctuations and the slope of the yield curve, repricing characteristics and maturity of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the volume of noninterest-bearing sources of funds and asset quality.
60
Net interest income and net interest margin for the first quarter of 2026 increased year-over-year. The $71 million or 12% year-over-year increase in net interest income, and the 14 bp year-over-year increase in net interest margin primarily reflected lower interest-bearing deposit funding costs and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, and increases in loans and AFS debt securities’ average balances, partially offset by lower yields on loans, AFS debt securities, and interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks.
Average interest-earning assets were $78.0 billion for the first quarter of 20
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | 35 | ||
| Financial Review | 36 | ||
| Results of Operations | 37 | ||
| Net Interest Income | 37 | ||
| Noninterest Income | 42 | ||
| Noninterest Expense | 43 | ||
| Income Taxes | 44 | ||
| Operating Segment Results | 44 | ||
| Balance Sheet Analysis | 47 | ||
| Debt Securities | 47 | ||
| Loan Portfolio | 49 | ||
| Foreign Outstandings | 55 | ||
| Deposits | 56 | ||
| Capital | 57 | ||
| Regulatory Capital and Ratios | 58 | ||
| Risk Management | 58 | ||
| Credit Risk Management | 59 | ||
| Liquidity Risk Management | 63 | ||
| Market Risk Management | 66 | ||
| Critical Accounting Estimates | 71 | ||
| Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures | 74 |
34
Overview
The following discussion provides information about the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources of the Company, including its subsidiary bank, East West Bank. This information is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K. For information on our business, see Item 1. Business in this Form 10-K.
Current Economic Developments
Evolving trade policies and tariffs and recent government shutdowns raised concerns about inflation, supply chain disruptions, and slower economic growth. The uncertain business environment led to a softening in the labor market, as companies adopted more cautious hiring practices, while reduced immigration further limited labor supply. The residential mortgage and CRE markets moderated but housing affordability pressures remained elevated. The Federal Reserve, which resumed lowering interest rates in late 2025, now faces heightened policy complexity in 2026. The transition to a new Chairman of the Federal Reserve, which is expected after Chairman Jerome Powell’s term expires in May 2026, adds additional uncertainty, particularly as leadership debates continue over balancing inflation risks against labor market softening. The economic uncertainty caused by these factors could result in decreased consumer spending and curb business investments. The Company monitors changes in economic and industry conditions and their impacts on the Company’s business, customers, employees, communities and markets.
Further discussion of the potential impacts on the Company’s business due to the economic environment has been provided in Item 1A. — Risk Factors — Risks Related to Geographic and Political Uncertainties and — Risks Related to Financial Matters in this Form 10-K.
35
Financial Review
Our MD&A analyzes the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for 2025 and 2024. Some tables include additional periods to comply with disclosure requirements or to illustrate trends in greater depth. The page locations of specific sections that we refer to are presented in the table of contents. To review our financial condition and results of operations for 2024 and a comparison between 2024 and 2023 results, see Item 7. MD&A of our 2024 Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025.
| ($ and shares in thousands, except per share, and ratio data) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary of operations: | |||||||
| Net interest income before provision for credit losses | $ | 2,552,629 | $ | 2,278,716 | |||
| Noninterest income | 379,227 | 335,218 | |||||
| Total revenue | 2,931,856 | 2,613,934 | |||||
| Provision for credit losses | 160,000 | 174,000 | |||||
| Noninterest expense | 1,046,396 | 958,073 | |||||
| Income before income taxes | 1,725,460 | 1,481,861 | |||||
| Income tax expense | 400,272 | 316,275 | |||||
| Net income | $ | 1,325,188 | $ | 1,165,586 | |||
| Per share: | |||||||
| Basic earnings | $ | 9.58 | $ | 8.39 | |||
| Diluted earnings | $ | 9.52 | $ | 8.33 | |||
| Dividends declared | $ | 2.40 | $ | 2.20 | |||
| Weighted-average number of shares outstanding: | |||||||
| Basic | 138,342 | 138,898 | |||||
| Diluted | 139,130 | 139,958 | |||||
| Performance metrics: | |||||||
| Return on average assets (“ROA”) | 1.70 | % | 1.60 | % | |||
| Return on average common equity (“ROAE”) | 16.01 | % | 15.93 | % | |||
| Return on average tangible common equity (“ROATCE”) (1) | 16.99 | % | 17.05 | % | |||
| Common dividend payout ratio | 25.30 | % | 26.58 | % | |||
| Net interest margin | 3.41 | % | 3.27 | % | |||
| Efficiency ratio (2) | 35.69 | % | 36.65 | % | |||
| At year end: | |||||||
| Total assets | $ | 80,434,997 | $ | 75,976,475 | |||
| Total loans | $ | 56,899,148 | $ | 53,726,637 | |||
| Total deposits | $ | 67,082,701 | $ | 63,175,023 | |||
| Common shares outstanding at period-end | 137,579 | 138,437 | |||||
| Book value per share | $ | 64.68 | $ | 55.79 | |||
| Tangible book value per share (1) | $ | 61.27 | $ | 52.39 |
(1)For additional information regarding the reconciliation of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures, refer to Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
(2)Efficiency ratio is calculated as noninterest expense divided by total revenue.
The Company’s 2025 net income was $1.3 billion, a $160 million or 14% increase from 2024. The increase was primarily driven by higher net interest income before provision for credit losses, increased noninterest income and a decrease in provision for credit losses, partially offset by higher noninterest expense and income tax expense. Noteworthy items about the Company’s performance for 2025 included:
•Net interest income and net interest margin. Year-over-year net interest income before provision for credit losses increased $274 million or 12% to $2.6 billion in 2025. Full year 2025 net interest margin was 3.41%, a 14 bp increase year-over-year.
36
•Earnings per share growth. Full year 2025 basic EPS and diluted EPS both expanded 14% to $9.58 and $9.52, respectively.
•Profitability ratios. Full year 2025 ROA and ROAE of 1.70% and 16.01%, respectively, expanded 10 bps and 8 bps, respectively, year-over-year. Full year 2025 ROATCE was 16.99%. ROATCE is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional information regarding the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, refer to Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
•Efficiency ratio. The efficiency ratio was 35.69% in 2025, a 96 bp improvement compared with 2024. The improvement in the efficiency ratio primarily reflected a year-over-year increase in net interest income before provision for credit losses.
•Asset growth. Total assets reached $80.4 billion as of December 31, 2025, an increase of $4.5 billion or 6% year-over-year, primarily driven by loan growth of $3.0 billion or 6%, and an increase in AFS debt securities of $2.4 billion or 22%.
•Deposit growth. Total deposits were $67.1 billion as of December 31, 2025, an increase of $3.9 billion or 6% year-over-year, primarily reflecting growth in time deposits and noninterest-bearing demand deposits.
•Capital levels. Stockholders’ equity was $8.9 billion as of December 31, 2025, up $1.2 billion or 15%, from December 31, 2024. Book value per share of $64.68 as of December 31, 2025, increased $8.89 or 16% from December 31, 2024. Tangible book value per share of $61.27 as of December 31, 2025, increased $8.88 or 17% from December 31, 2024. Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional details, see the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
Results of Operations
Net Interest Income
The Company’s primary source of revenue is net interest income, which is the interest income earned on interest-earning assets less interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is the ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. Net interest income and net interest margin are impacted by several factors, including changes in average balances and the composition of interest-earning assets and funding sources, market interest rate fluctuations and the slope of the yield curve, repricing characteristics and maturity of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the volume of noninterest-bearing sources of funds, and asset quality.
Net interest income and net interest margin for 2025 increased year-over-year. The $274 million or 12% year-over-year increase in 2025 net interest income is primarily due to lower interest-bearing deposit funding costs and increases in the average balances of deposits, AFS debt securities and loans, partially offset by lower loan yields. The 14 bps year-over-year increase in 2025 net interest margin primarily reflected lower interest-bearing deposit costs, partially offset by an increase in AFS securities and decreases in the yield and balances of interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks.
37
Average interest-earning assets increased $5.2 billion or 7% to $74.9 billion in 2025. The year-over-year increase in average interest-earning assets primarily reflected increases in AFS debt securities and loan growth. The yield on average interest-earning assets was 5.73% in 2025, a decrease of 28 bps from 2024. The year-over-year decrease in the yield on average interest-earning assets primarily reflected the impact of lower benchmark interest rates of the loan portfolio.
The average loan yield was 6.40% in 2025, a decrease of 27 bps from 2024. The year-over-year decrease in the average loan yield primarily reflected the loan portfolio’s sensitivity to lower benchmark interest rates. Excluding the $32 million discount accretion and interest recoveries from the full payment on purchased credit impaired and workout loans from the 2025 loans’ interest income, the adjusted average loan yield for 2025 was 6.34%, compared with 6.67% in 2024. Adjusted average loan yield is a non-GAAP financial ratio. For additional details, refer to Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K. Approximately 58% of loans held-for-investment were variable-rate as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024.
38
Deposits are an important source of funds and impact both net interest income and net interest margin. Average deposits of $64.8 billion in 2025, increased $5.2 billion or 9% from 2024. Average noninterest-bearing deposits of $15.6 billion in 2025, increased $799 million or 5% from 2024. Average noninterest-bearing deposits made up 24% and 25% of average deposits in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
The average cost of deposits was 2.46% in 2025, a decrease of 42 bps from 2024. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits was 3.24% in 2025, a decrease of 59 bps from 2024. These year-over-year decreases primarily reflected the impacts of lower benchmark interest rates and the Company’s efforts to reduce deposit costs.
The average cost of funds calculation includes deposits, short-term borrowings, FHLB advances, assets sold under repurchase agreements (“repurchase agreements”) and long-term debt. In 2025, the average cost of funds was 2.56%, a decrease of 46 bps from 2024. The year-over-year decrease was mainly driven by the change in the average cost of deposits as discussed above.
The Company utilizes various tools to manage interest rate risk. Refer to the Interest Rate Risk Management section of Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Market Risk Management for details.
39
The following table presents the interest spread, net interest margin, average balances, interest income and expense, and the average yield/rate by asset and liability component in 2025, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks | $ | 4,264,056 | $ | 159,081 | 3.73 | % | $ | 4,936,550 | $ | 231,794 | 4.70 | % | $ | 4,638,630 | $ | 220,643 | 4.76 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Assets purchased under resale agreements (“resale agreements”) (1) | 425,000 | 6,475 | 1.52 | % | 519,263 | 11,254 | 2.17 | % | 691,223 | 20,164 | 2.92 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AFS (2)(3) | 12,516,569 | 572,959 | 4.58 | % | 8,811,274 | 399,280 | 4.53 | % | 6,105,999 | 225,592 | 3.69 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-maturity (“HTM”) (2) | 2,890,503 | 48,978 | 1.69 | % | 2,935,937 | 49,785 | 1.70 | % | 2,976,237 | 50,598 | 1.70 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt securities (2) | 15,407,072 | 621,937 | 4.04 | % | 11,747,211 | 449,065 | 3.82 | % | 9,082,236 | 276,190 | 3.04 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial (“C&I”) (2) | 17,447,333 | 1,242,165 | 7.12 | % | (4) | 16,492,472 | 1,294,451 | 7.85 | % | 15,499,899 | 1,190,940 | 7.68 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE (2) | 20,709,803 | 1,281,156 | 6.19 | % | 20,316,013 | 1,292,973 | 6.36 | % | 19,824,272 | 1,227,795 | 6.19 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 16,420,367 | 968,689 | 5.90 | % | 15,504,795 | 900,514 | 5.81 | % | 14,155,784 | 750,813 | 5.30 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 47,456 | 2,651 | 5.59 | % | 55,500 | 3,041 | 5.48 | % | 65,181 | 3,198 | 4.91 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans (2)(5)(6) | 54,624,959 | 3,494,661 | 6.40 | % | (4) | 52,368,780 | 3,490,979 | 6.67 | % | 49,545,136 | 3,172,746 | 6.40 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted equity securities | 161,400 | 11,242 | 6.97 | % | 147,080 | 10,104 | 6.87 | % | 82,177 | 4,062 | 4.94 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | $ | 74,882,487 | $ | 4,293,396 | 5.73 | % | $ | 69,718,884 | $ | 4,193,196 | 6.01 | % | $ | 64,039,402 | $ | 3,693,805 | 5.77 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | 386,798 | 345,056 | 555,689 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan, lease, and securities’ losses | (763,105) | (688,448) | (625,785) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | 3,393,682 | 3,446,350 | 3,788,199 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 77,899,862 | $ | 72,821,842 | $ | 67,757,505 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Checking deposits | $ | 7,589,980 | $ | 183,262 | 2.41 | % | $ | 7,731,828 | $ | 221,367 | 2.86 | % | $ | 7,658,414 | $ | 179,200 | 2.34 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Money market deposits | 15,685,199 | 488,496 | 3.11 | % | 13,970,375 | 525,870 | 3.76 | % | 11,680,540 | 399,482 | 3.42 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings deposits | 1,719,422 | 13,519 | 0.79 | % | 1,770,041 | 17,764 | 1.00 | % | 2,128,943 | 15,573 | 0.73 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 24,256,155 | 909,252 | 3.75 | % | 21,400,834 | 955,173 | 4.46 | % | 16,301,856 | 611,295 | 3.75 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing deposits | 49,250,756 | 1,594,529 | 3.24 | % | 44,873,078 | 1,720,174 | 3.83 | % | 37,769,753 | 1,205,550 | 3.19 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”), short-term borrowings and federal funds purchased | 740 | 22 | 2.97 | % | 962,061 | 42,163 | 4.38 | % | 3,591,114 | 157,002 | 4.37 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| FHLB advances | 3,181,509 | 141,472 | 4.45 | % | 2,752,733 | 147,269 | 5.35 | % | 123,288 | 6,430 | 5.22 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | 46,199 | 2,082 | 4.51 | % | 3,613 | 197 | 5.45 | % | 34,443 | 1,497 | 4.35 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities | 35,780 | 2,662 | 7.44 | % | 58,467 | 4,677 | 8.00 | % | 152,790 | 11,072 | 7.25 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | $ | 52,514,984 | $ | 1,740,767 | 3.31 | % | $ | 48,649,952 | $ | 1,914,480 | 3.94 | % | $ | 41,671,388 | $ | 1,381,551 | 3.32 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing liabilities and stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Demand deposits | 15,598,605 | 14,799,961 | 17,192,978 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 1,509,865 | 2,056,755 | 2,410,154 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | 8,276,408 | 7,315,174 | 6,482,985 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 77,899,862 | $ | 72,821,842 | $ | 67,757,505 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate spread | 2.42 | % | 2.07 | % | 2.45 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income and net interest margin | $ | 2,552,629 | 3.41 | % | $ | 2,278,716 | 3.27 | % | $ | 2,312,254 | 3.61 | % |
(1)Includes the average balances and interest income for securities and loans purchased under resale agreements for 2023. There were no loans purchased under resale agreements for both 2025 and 2024.
(2)Yields on tax-exempt debt securities and loans are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
(3)Includes the amortization of net premiums on AFS debt securities of $26 million, $35 million and $31 million for 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(4)Includes $32 million of additional interest income from discount accretion and interest recoveries from the full payment on purchased credit impaired and workout loans during the twelve months ended December 31, 2025. Refer to Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
(5)Average balances include nonperforming loans and loans held-for-sale.
(6)Includes the accretion of net deferred loan fees and amortization of net premiums, which totaled $81 million for 2025 and $53 million for each of 2024 and 2023.
40
The following table summarizes the extent to which changes in (1) interest rates, and (2) volume of average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities affected the Company’s net interest income for the periods presented. The total change for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is segmented into changes attributable to variations in volume and yield/rate. Changes that are not solely due to either volume or yield/rate are allocated proportionally based on the absolute value of the change related to average volume and average yield/rate.
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 vs. 2024 | 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes Due to | Changes Due to | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Total Change | Volume | Yield/Rate | Total Change | Volume | Yield/Rate | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks | $ | (72,713) | $ | (28,990) | $ | (43,723) | $ | 11,151 | $ | 14,019 | $ | (2,868) | |||||||||||
| Resale agreements (1) | (4,779) | (1,813) | (2,966) | (8,910) | (4,382) | (4,528) | |||||||||||||||||
| Debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| AFS | 173,679 | 169,573 | 4,106 | 173,688 | 114,930 | 58,758 | |||||||||||||||||
| HTM | (807) | (770) | (37) | (813) | (684) | (129) | |||||||||||||||||
| Total debt securities | 172,872 | 168,803 | 4,069 | 172,875 | 114,246 | 58,629 | |||||||||||||||||
| Loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | (52,286) | 72,271 | (124,557) | 103,511 | 77,492 | 26,019 | |||||||||||||||||
| CRE | (11,817) | 24,775 | (36,592) | 65,178 | 30,853 | 34,325 | |||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 68,175 | 53,837 | 14,338 | 149,701 | 74,955 | 74,746 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | (390) | (448) | 58 | (157) | (506) | 349 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | 3,682 | 150,435 | (146,753) | 318,233 | 182,794 | 135,439 | |||||||||||||||||
| Restricted equity securities | 1,138 | 996 | 142 | 6,042 | 4,045 | 1,997 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest and dividend income | $ | 100,200 | $ | 289,431 | $ | (189,231) | $ | 499,391 | $ | 310,722 | $ | 188,669 | |||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Checking deposits | $ | (38,105) | $ | (3,994) | $ | (34,111) | $ | 42,167 | $ | 1,734 | $ | 40,433 | |||||||||||
| Money market deposits | (37,374) | 59,918 | (97,292) | 126,388 | 83,521 | 42,867 | |||||||||||||||||
| Savings deposits | (4,245) | (495) | (3,750) | 2,191 | (2,930) | 5,121 | |||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | (45,921) | 118,165 | (164,086) | 343,878 | 213,823 | 130,055 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing deposits | (125,645) | 173,594 | (299,239) | 514,624 | 296,148 | 218,476 | |||||||||||||||||
| BTFP, short-term borrowings and federal funds purchased | (42,141) | (42,104) | (37) | (114,839) | (115,219) | 380 | |||||||||||||||||
| FHLB advances | (5,797) | 21,081 | (26,878) | 140,839 | 140,669 | 170 | |||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | 1,885 | 1,925 | (40) | (1,300) | (1,606) | 306 | |||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities | (2,015) | (1,707) | (308) | (6,395) | (7,443) | 1,048 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest expense | $ | (173,713) | $ | 152,789 | $ | (326,502) | $ | 532,929 | $ | 312,549 | $ | 220,380 | |||||||||||
| Changes in net interest income | $ | 273,913 | $ | 136,642 | $ | 137,271 | $ | (33,538) | $ | (1,827) | $ | (31,711) |
(1)Includes the average balances and interest income for securities and loans purchased under resale agreements for 2023. There were no loans purchased under resale agreements for both 2025 and 2024.
41
Noninterest Income
The following table presents the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | % Change from 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Commercial and consumer deposit-related fees | $ | 111,844 | $ | 103,880 | 8 | % | $ | 93,811 | ||||||||
| Lending and loan servicing fees | 107,988 | 98,455 | 10 | % | 83,876 | |||||||||||
| Foreign exchange income | 58,905 | 54,605 | 8 | % | 48,276 | |||||||||||
| Wealth management fees | 50,000 | 38,627 | 29 | % | 26,994 | |||||||||||
| Customer derivative income, net of mark-to-market adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||
| Customer derivative income | 19,053 | 14,923 | 28 | % | 23,216 | |||||||||||
| Derivative mark-to-market and credit valuation adjustments | (2,197) | 1,478 | NM | (3,016) | ||||||||||||
| Total customer derivative income, net of mark-to-market adjustments | 16,856 | 16,401 | 3 | % | 20,200 | |||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) on AFS debt securities | 963 | 2,069 | (53) | % | (6,862) | |||||||||||
| Other investment income | 10,868 | 5,611 | 94 | % | 9,348 | |||||||||||
| Other income | 21,803 | 15,570 | 40 | % | 17,469 | |||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | $ | 379,227 | $ | 335,218 | 13 | % | $ | 293,112 | ||||||||
| Noninterest income as a percentage of total revenue | 13 | % | 13 | % | 11 | % |
NM — Not meaningful.
Noninterest income comprised 13% of total revenue in both 2025 and 2024. Noninterest income for 2025 was $379 million, a $44 million or 13% increase compared with 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher wealth management fees, lending and loan servicing fees, commercial and consumer deposit-related fees, other income, other investment income, and foreign exchange income.
Commercial and consumer deposit-related fees were $112 million in 2025, an increase of $8 million or 8%, compared with 2024. This year-over-year increase was primarily due to analysis service fees, which reflected higher commercial customer activity and fee increases.
Lending and loan servicing fees were $108 million in 2025, an increase of $10 million or 10%, compared with 2024. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to higher trade finance and credit enhancement fees driven by increased customer activity.
Foreign exchange income was $59 million, an increase of $4 million or 8%, compared with 2024. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to increased customer activity and the favorable valuation of certain foreign currency denominated balance sheet items, partially offset by losses on foreign exchange trades.
Wealth management fees were $50 million in 2025, an increase of $11 million or 29%, compared with 2024. The year-over-year increase primarily reflected higher customer demand for wealth management products such as fixed-rate corporate bonds and fixed annuities.
Other investment income was $11 million in 2025, an increase of $5 million or 94% compared with 2024. The year-over-year increase primarily reflected $5 million of recoveries, $3 million of which were related to the Company’s previous investment in DC Solar recorded in other investment income, $1 million of fair value gains from the derivative liability-classified equity contract related to the 2023 Rayliant investment, and higher distributions from affordable housing partnership investments.
Other income was $22 million in 2025, an increase of $6 million or 40% compared with 2024. The year-over-year increase primarily reflected $4 million increased income from bank-owned life insurance and a structuring fee received from an energy tax credit investment.
42
Noninterest Expense
The following table presents the components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | % Change from 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Compensation and employee benefits | $ | 618,753 | $ | 550,734 | 12 | % | $ | 508,538 | ||||||||
| Occupancy and equipment expense | 66,129 | 64,399 | 3 | % | 64,528 | |||||||||||
| Deposit account expense | 35,218 | 47,390 | (26) | % | 43,143 | |||||||||||
| Computer and software related expenses | 54,737 | 47,271 | 16 | % | 44,475 | |||||||||||
| Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments | 31,725 | 45,736 | (31) | % | 103,308 | |||||||||||
| Other operating expense | 165,039 | 148,301 | 11 | % | 136,305 | |||||||||||
| Amortization of tax credit and CRA investments | 74,795 | 54,242 | 38 | % | 120,299 | |||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | $ | 1,046,396 | $ | 958,073 | 9 | % | $ | 1,020,596 |
Noninterest expense was $1.0 billion in 2025, an increase of $88 million or 9%, compared with 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher compensation and employee benefits, amortization of tax credit and CRA investments, other operating expense, and computer and software related expenses, partially offset by lower deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments, and deposit account expense.
Compensation and employee benefits were $619 million in 2025, an increase of $68 million or 12%, compared with 2024. The year-over-year increase was primarily driven by $31 million of additional compensation expense recognized from the change in equity award expense recognition for retirement eligible employees, while the remaining increase was due to merit increases and staffing growth. Refer to Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Stock-Based Compensation for details related to the change in the timing of recognition for awards granted to retirement-eligible employees.
Deposit account expense was $35 million in 2025, a decrease of $12 million or 26%, compared with 2024. The year-over-year decrease was primarily driven by lower balances and referral rates paid on certain deposit accounts.
Computer and software related expenses were $55 million in 2025, an increase of $7 million or 16% compared with 2024. The year-over-year increases primarily reflected higher software expenses and data processing costs to support the Company’s growth.
Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments were $32 million in 2025, a decrease of $14 million or 31%, compared with 2024. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to lower FDIC charges, which reflected a decrease in the estimated losses to the FDIC’s DIF. For additional information related to the FDIC charge, see Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — FDIC Deposit Insurance Assessments in this Form 10-K.
Other operating expense was $165 million in 2025, an increase of $17 million or 11%, compared with 2024. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to problem loan related expenses, higher consulting expenses for various Company initiatives, and other real estate owned (“OREO”) write-downs, partially offset by a decrease in interest paid on cash collateral.
Amortization of tax credit and CRA investments was $75 million in 2025, an increase of $21 million or 38%, compared with 2024. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to the timing of tax credit investments that closed in a given period.
43
Income Taxes
The following table presents income before income taxes, income tax expense and effective tax rate for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | % Change from 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 1,725,460 | $ | 1,481,861 | 16% | $ | 1,459,770 | ||||||
| Income tax expense | $ | 400,272 | $ | 316,275 | 27% | $ | 298,609 | ||||||
| Effective tax rate | 23.2 | % | 21.3 | % | 20.5 | % |
Income tax expense for 2025, compared with 2024, increased $84 million or 27%, primarily due to higher pre-tax income, and the one-time revaluation of deferred tax assets due to the adoption of the California single sales factor apportionment method in 2025, partially offset by favorable adjustments driven by a lower California state tax apportionment. The differences between the 2025 and 2024 effective tax rates from the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to state taxes, partially offset by tax credits associated with energy, affordable housing, historic and new market tax credit investments. Refer to Note 11 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Operating Segment Results
The Company organizes its operations into three reportable operating segments: (1) Consumer and Business Banking; (2) Commercial Banking; and (3) Treasury and Other. These segments are defined based on customer type, the channels where customers are served, and the products and services provided. For a description of the Company’s internal management reporting process, including the segment cost allocation methodology, see Note 17 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Segment net interest income represents the difference between actual interest earned on assets and interest incurred on liabilities of the segment, adjusted for funding charges or credits through the Company’s internal funds transfer pricing process.
Consumer and Business Banking
The Consumer and Business Banking segment primarily provides financial products and services to consumer and commercial customers through the Company’s domestic branch network and digital banking platforms. This segment offers consumer and commercial deposits, mortgage and home equity loans, and other products and services. It also originates commercial loans for small- and medium-sized enterprises through the Company’s branch network. Other products and services provided by this segment include wealth management, private banking, treasury management, interest rate risk hedging and foreign exchange services.
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The following table presents financial information for the Consumer and Business Banking segment for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | $ | % | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Net interest income before provision for credit losses | $ | 1,079,288 | $ | 1,152,033 | $ | (72,745) | (6) | % | $ | 1,225,954 | ||||||||
| Noninterest income | 120,779 | 108,773 | 12,006 | 11 | % | 103,210 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue before provision for credit losses | 1,200,067 | 1,260,806 | (60,739) | (5) | % | 1,329,164 | ||||||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 26,044 | 8,691 | 17,353 | 200 | % | 21,454 | ||||||||||||
| Compensation and employee benefits | 240,500 | 217,612 | 22,888 | 11 | % | 203,387 | ||||||||||||
| Other noninterest expense | 229,833 | 234,494 | (4,661) | (2) | % | 261,406 | ||||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | 470,333 | 452,106 | 18,227 | 4 | % | 464,793 | ||||||||||||
| Segment income before income taxes | 703,690 | 800,009 | (96,319) | (12) | % | 842,917 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 201,003 | 236,791 | (35,788) | (15) | % | 247,952 | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income | $ | 502,687 | $ | 563,218 | $ | (60,531) | (11) | % | $ | 594,965 | ||||||||
| Average loans | $ | 20,313,671 | $ | 18,966,662 | $ | 1,347,009 | 7 | % | $ | 17,739,984 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 33,384,458 | $ | 30,815,912 | $ | 2,568,546 | 8 | % | $ | 28,174,781 |
Consumer and Business Banking segment net income decreased $61 million or 11% year-over-year to $503 million in 2025, primarily due to a $73 million decrease in net interest income, a $23 million increase in compensation and employee benefits, and a $17 million increase in provision for credit losses, partially offset by a $12 million increase in noninterest income.
The decrease in net interest income before provision for credit losses was primarily driven by the year-over-year decline in interest rates. The increase in noninterest income was mainly driven by higher wealth management fees in 2025. The increase in provision for credit losses was driven by loan growth and the worsening macroeconomic outlook in the residential mortgage loan sector in 2025. The increase in compensation and employee benefits was primarily due to staffing growth and increased wealth management commissions. The decrease in other noninterest expense was primarily driven by decreased deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments, from lower FDIC charges.
Commercial Banking
The Commercial Banking segment primarily generates commercial loan and deposit products. Commercial loan products include CRE lending, construction finance, commercial business lending, working capital lines of credit, trade finance, letters of credit, affordable housing lending, asset-based lending, asset-backed finance, project finance, equipment financing, and loan syndication. Commercial deposit products and other financial services include treasury management, foreign exchange services, and interest rate and commodity risk hedging.
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The following table presents financial information for the Commercial Banking segment for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | $ | % | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Net interest income before provision for credit losses | $ | 1,028,314 | $ | 1,125,931 | $ | (97,617) | (9) | % | $ | 1,116,013 | ||||||||
| Noninterest income | 218,177 | 197,780 | 20,397 | 10 | % | 168,502 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue before provision for credit losses | 1,246,491 | 1,323,711 | (77,220) | (6) | % | 1,284,515 | ||||||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 152,085 | 166,953 | (14,868) | (9) | % | 100,391 | ||||||||||||
| Compensation and employee benefits | 246,303 | 234,240 | 12,063 | 5 | % | 217,663 | ||||||||||||
| Other noninterest expense | 157,616 | 161,969 | (4,353) | (3) | % | 158,949 | ||||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | 403,919 | 396,209 | 7,710 | 2 | % | 376,612 | ||||||||||||
| Segment income before income taxes | 690,487 | 760,549 | (70,062) | (9) | % | 807,512 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 196,979 | 224,897 | (27,918) | (12) | % | 237,359 | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income | $ | 493,508 | $ | 535,652 | $ | (42,144) | (8) | % | $ | 570,153 | ||||||||
| Average loans | $ | 34,000,936 | $ | 32,996,221 | $ | 1,004,715 | 3 | % | $ | 31,365,547 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 27,137,950 | $ | 25,820,956 | $ | 1,316,994 | 5 | % | $ | 23,304,066 |
Commercial Banking segment net income decreased $42 million or 8% year-over-year to $494 million in 2025, primarily driven by a $98 million decrease in net interest income, partially offset by a $20 million increase in noninterest income and a $15 million decrease in provision for credit losses.
The net interest income decrease was primarily driven by the year-over-year decline in interest rates. The noninterest income increase was primarily due to increases in lending and loan servicing fees, commercial deposit-related fees, and wealth management fees. The decrease in provision for credit losses was primarily driven by lower net charge-offs in the C&I portfolio. The increase in compensation and employee benefits was primarily driven by staffing growth. The decrease in other noninterest expense was primarily driven by the decreases in deposit account expense and deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments, partially offset by increased loan related expenses.
Treasury and Other
Centralized functions, including the corporate treasury activities of the Company, tax credit investment activity, eliminations of inter-segment amounts, and centrally managed departments, have been aggregated and included in the Treasury and Other segment.
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The following table presents financial information for the Treasury and Other segment for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | $ | % | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Net interest income (loss) before (reversal of) provision for credit losses | $ | 445,027 | $ | 752 | $ | 444,275 | NM | $ | (29,713) | |||||||||
| Noninterest income | 40,271 | 28,665 | 11,606 | 40 | % | 21,400 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue (loss) before (reversal of) provision for credit losses | 485,298 | 29,417 | 455,881 | NM | (8,313) | |||||||||||||
| (Reversal of) provision for credit losses | (18,129) | (1,644) | (16,485) | NM | 3,155 | |||||||||||||
| Compensation and employee benefits | 131,950 | 98,882 | 33,068 | 33 | % | 87,488 | ||||||||||||
| Other noninterest expense | 40,194 | 10,876 | 29,318 | 270 | % | 91,703 | ||||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | 172,144 | 109,758 | 62,386 | 57 | % | 179,191 | ||||||||||||
| Segment income (loss) before income taxes | 331,283 | (78,697) | 409,980 | NM | (190,659) | |||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 2,290 | (145,413) | 147,703 | NM | (186,702) | |||||||||||||
| Segment net income (loss) | $ | 328,993 | $ | 66,716 | $ | 262,277 | 393 | % | $ | (3,957) | ||||||||
| Average loans | $ | 310,352 | $ | 405,897 | $ | (95,545) | (24) | % | $ | 439,605 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 4,326,953 | $ | 3,036,171 | $ | 1,290,782 | 43 | % | $ | 3,483,884 |
NM — Not meaningful.
Treasury and Other segment income before income taxes increased $410 million in 2025, primarily driven by a $444 million increase in net interest income and $16 million increase in reversal of credit losses, partially offset by a $33 million increase in compensation and employee benefits and a $29 million increase in other noninterest expense.
The net interest income increase was mainly driven by higher AFS debt securities’ interest income due to higher average balances and higher loan interest income, primarily due to $32 million of additional interest income from discount accretion and interest recoveries from the full payment on purchased credit impaired and workout loans. The increase in reversal of credit losses was primarily due to an $18 million reversal of credit losses related to the payoff of purchased credit impaired loans in the third quarter of 2025. The increase in compensation and employee benefits was primarily driven by additional compensation expense from a change in equity award expense recognition for retirement eligible employees recorded in the third quarter of 2025. Refer to Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Stock-Based Compensation to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for further details related to the change in the timing of recognition for awards granted to retirement-eligible employees. The increase in other noninterest expense was primarily driven by higher amortization of tax credit and CRA investments.
Income tax expense is allocated to the Consumer and Business Banking and the Commercial Banking segments by applying statutory income tax rates to the respective segment income before income taxes. The income tax expense or benefit in the Treasury and Other segment consists of the remaining unallocated income tax expense or benefit after allocating income tax expense to the two core segments, and reflects the impact of tax credit investment activity.
Balance Sheet Analysis
Debt Securities
The Company maintains a portfolio of high quality and liquid debt securities with a moderate duration profile. It closely manages the overall portfolio credit, interest rate and liquidity risks. The Company’s debt securities provide:
•interest income for earnings and yield enhancement;
•funding availability for needs arising during the normal course of business;
•the ability to execute interest rate risk management strategies in response to changes in economic or market conditions; and
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•collateral to support pledging agreements as required and/or to enhance the Company’s borrowing capacity.
While the Company does not intend to sell its debt securities, it may sell AFS debt securities in response to changes in the balance sheet and related interest rate risk to meet liquidity, regulatory and strategic requirements.
The following table presents the distribution of the Company’s AFS and HTM debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and by credit ratings as of December 31, 2025:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | Rating as of December 31, 2025 (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | % of Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | % of Fair Value | AAA/AA | A | BBB | BB and Lower | No Rating (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AFS debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 1,010,053 | $ | 993,913 | 7 | % | $ | 676,300 | $ | 638,265 | 6 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities | 287,687 | 257,654 | 2 | % | 308,220 | 262,587 | 3 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities (3) | 10,544,278 | 10,397,991 | 79 | % | 8,447,303 | 8,164,474 | 75 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal securities | 277,275 | 243,102 | 2 | % | 287,301 | 250,153 | 2 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-agency mortgage-backed securities | 667,195 | 584,735 | 4 | % | 808,762 | 692,078 | 6 | % | 95 | % | 3 | % | — | % | 2 | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate debt securities | 554,158 | 464,981 | 4 | % | 653,500 | 526,166 | 5 | % | — | % | 38 | % | 59 | % | 3 | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign government bonds | 247,249 | 238,455 | 2 | % | 244,803 | 233,880 | 2 | % | 46 | % | 54 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 31,886 | 31,389 | 0 | % | 35,086 | 34,715 | 0 | % | 30 | % | 17 | % | 53 | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Collateralized loan obligations | — | — | — | % | 44,500 | 44,493 | 1 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total AFS debt securities | $ | 13,619,781 | $ | 13,212,220 | 100 | % | $ | 11,505,775 | $ | 10,846,811 | 100 | % | 95 | % | 3 | % | 2 | % | 0 | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| HTM debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 540,666 | $ | 524,887 | 21 | % | $ | 535,080 | $ | 499,858 | 21 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities | 1,007,055 | 860,134 | 35 | % | 1,004,479 | 804,220 | 34 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities (4) | 1,136,874 | 943,227 | 38 | % | 1,190,221 | 943,134 | 39 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal securities | 185,463 | 151,498 | 6 | % | 187,633 | 140,542 | 6 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total HTM debt securities | $ | 2,870,058 | $ | 2,479,746 | 100 | % | $ | 2,917,413 | $ | 2,387,754 | 100 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt securities | $ | 16,489,839 | $ | 15,691,966 | $ | 14,423,188 | $ | 13,234,565 |
(1)Credit ratings represent independent assessments of the credit quality of debt securities. The Company determines the credit rating of a debt security based on the lowest rating assigned by any of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSROs”) that have rated the security. Investment grade debt securities are those with ratings similar to BBB- or above (as defined by NRSROs) and are generally considered by the rating agencies and market participants to be low credit risk. Ratings percentages are allocated based on fair value.
(2)For debt securities not rated by NRSROs, factors such as the priority in collections within the securitization structure, and whether contractual payments have historically been on time are considered in determining the credit risk of such securities.
(3)Includes Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) AFS debt securities totaling $9.6 billion of both amortized cost and fair value as of December 31, 2025, and $7.3 billion of amortized cost and $7.2 billion of fair value as of December 31, 2024.
(4)Includes GNMA HTM debt securities totaling $79 million of amortized cost and $65 million of fair value as of December 31, 2025, and $86 million of amortized cost and $68 million of fair value as of December 31, 2024.
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As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s AFS and HTM debt securities portfolios had an effective duration (defined as the sensitivity of the value of the portfolio to interest rate changes) of 3.0 and 5.9, respectively, compared with 2.0 and 6.2, respectively, as of December 31, 2024. The effective duration of AFS debt securities increased primarily due to the longer maturities of newly purchased AFS securities, while the HTM debt securities’ effective duration declined slightly due to the general runoff of the portfolio.
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
AFS debt securities increased $2.4 billion or 22% to $13.2 billion in 2025 from December 31, 2024, primarily due to the purchases of GNMA securities. The Company’s AFS debt securities are carried at fair value with non-credit related unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in Other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Pre-tax net unrealized losses on AFS debt securities were $406 million as of December 31, 2025, compared with $659 million as of December 31, 2024.
Of the AFS debt securities with gross unrealized losses, substantially all were rated investment grade as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024. There was $2 million of allowance for credit losses against AFS debt securities as of December 31, 2025, which was recognized as Provision for credit losses on the Consolidated Statement of Income. In comparison, there was no allowance for credit losses against AFS debt securities as of December 31, 2024.
Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities
All HTM debt securities were issued, guaranteed, or supported by the U.S. government or government-sponsored enterprises. Accordingly, the Company applied a zero credit loss assumption for these securities and no allowance for credit loss was recorded as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024.
For additional information on AFS and HTM securities, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Note 4 — Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Loan Portfolio
The Company offers a broad range of financial products designed to meet the credit needs of its borrowers. The Company’s loan portfolio segments include commercial loans, which consist of C&I, CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans, as well as consumer loans, which consist of single-family residential, home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”) and other consumer loans. The composition of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2025 was similar to the composition as of December 31, 2024.
The following charts present the composition of the Company’s total loan portfolio by loan type as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
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Total loans held-for-investment of $56.9 billion as of December 31, 2025 increased $3.2 billion or 6% from December 31, 2024, reflecting well-balanced growth across major loan types. For additional information on the Company’s loans held-for-investment outstanding balances, see Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Commercial
The commercial loan portfolio, which includes C&I and total CRE loans, comprised 70% of total loans held-for-investment as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024. The Company actively monitors the commercial lending portfolio for credit risk and reviews credit exposures for sensitivity to changing economic conditions.
Commercial — Commercial and Industrial Loans. Total C&I loan commitments were $27.7 billion and $25.8 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, with a utilization rate of 67% as of both dates. As of December 31, 2025, total C&I loans were $18.7 billion, up $1.3 billion or 7% from December 31, 2024. The C&I loan portfolio includes loans and financing for businesses across a wide spectrum of industries. The Company offers a variety of C&I products, including but not limited to commercial business lending, working capital lines of credit, trade finance, letters of credit, asset-based lending, asset-backed finance, project finance and equipment financing. Additionally, the Company has a portfolio of broadly syndicated C&I loans, which represent revolving or term loan facilities that are marketed and sold primarily to institutional investors. This portfolio totaled $1.0 billion and $845 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company also has a portfolio of loans to non-depository financial institutions. This portfolio totaled $7.6 billion and $6.0 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, which primarily consisted of capital call lending and other credit facilities extended to these institutions. The majority of the C&I loans had variable interest rates as of both December 31, 2025, and 2024.
The C&I portfolio is well-diversified by industry. The Company monitors concentrations within the C&I loan portfolio by industry and customer exposure, and has exposure limits by industry and loan product. The following table presents the industry mix within the Company’s C&I loan portfolio as of December 31, 2025, and 2024:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||
| Industry: | ||||||||||||||
| Real estate investment & management | $ | 2,319,896 | 13 | % | $ | 2,381,186 | 14 | % | ||||||
| Capital call lending | 2,258,895 | 12 | % | 2,230,457 | 13 | % | ||||||||
| Media & entertainment | 2,227,571 | 12 | % | 2,031,242 | 12 | % | ||||||||
| Manufacturing & wholesale | 1,162,245 | 6 | % | 1,074,073 | 6 | % | ||||||||
| Financial services | 1,160,853 | 6 | % | 1,005,216 | 6 | % | ||||||||
| Infrastructure & clean energy | 1,113,387 | 6 | % | 963,165 | 5 | % | ||||||||
| Food production & distribution | 1,109,996 | 6 | % | 664,135 | 4 | % | ||||||||
| Healthcare | 703,769 | 4 | % | 685,550 | 4 | % | ||||||||
| Technology & telecommunications | 679,036 | 4 | % | 770,521 | 4 | % | ||||||||
| Hospitality & leisure | 646,926 | 3 | % | 575,815 | 3 | % | ||||||||
| Oil & gas | 595,102 | 3 | % | 576,605 | 3 | % | ||||||||
| Art finance | 503,326 | 3 | % | 548,065 | 3 | % | ||||||||
| Equipment finance | 447,117 | 2 | % | 470,132 | 3 | % | ||||||||
| General & Other | 3,722,636 | 20 | % | 3,420,996 | 20 | % | ||||||||
| Total C&I | $ | 18,650,755 | 100 | % | $ | 17,397,158 | 100 | % |
Commercial — Total Commercial Real Estate Loans. The total CRE portfolio consists of CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans. The Company’s underwriting parameters for CRE loans are established in compliance with supervisory guidance and include property type, geography and loan-to-value (“LTV”).
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The Company’s total CRE loan portfolio is well-diversified by property type with an average CRE loan size of $3 million as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024. The following table summarizes the Company’s total CRE loans by property type as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | Weighted-Avg. LTV (%) (1) | Amount | % | Weighted-Avg. LTV (%) (1) | ||||||||||||||
| Property types: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Multifamily | $ | 5,112,328 | 24 | % | 50 | % | $ | 4,953,442 | 24 | % | 51 | % | ||||||||
| Retail | 4,509,328 | 21 | % | 47 | % | 4,347,032 | 21 | % | 48 | % | ||||||||||
| Industrial | 4,213,307 | 20 | % | 46 | % | 3,972,389 | 20 | % | 46 | % | ||||||||||
| Hotel | 2,482,765 | 12 | % | 51 | % | 2,404,385 | 12 | % | 52 | % | ||||||||||
| Office | 2,233,910 | 11 | % | 52 | % | 2,125,210 | 11 | % | 54 | % | ||||||||||
| Healthcare | 858,653 | 4 | % | 51 | % | 788,806 | 4 | % | 52 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction and land | 742,357 | 3 | % | 51 | % | 666,162 | 3 | % | 49 | % | ||||||||||
| Other | 1,109,125 | 5 | % | 49 | % | 1,017,518 | 5 | % | 50 | % | ||||||||||
| Total CRE loans | $ | 21,261,773 | 100 | % | 49 | % | $ | 20,274,944 | 100 | % | 50 | % |
(1)Weighted-average LTV is based on most recent LTV, using the most recent available appraisal and current loan commitment.
The following tables provide a summary of the Company’s CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans by geography as of December 31, 2025 and 2024. The distribution of the total CRE loan portfolio largely reflects the Company’s geographical branch footprint, which is primarily concentrated in California:
| December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | CRE | % | Multifamily Residential | % | Construction and Land | % | Total CRE | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 7,908,374 | 51 | % | $ | 2,387,149 | 47 | % | $ | 252,265 | 34 | % | $ | 10,547,788 | 50 | % | ||||||||||||
| Northern California | 2,760,043 | 18 | % | 914,479 | 18 | % | 149,090 | 20 | % | 3,823,612 | 18 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| California | 10,668,417 | 69 | % | 3,301,628 | 65 | % | 401,355 | 54 | % | 14,371,400 | 68 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 1,129,088 | 7 | % | 488,276 | 10 | % | 154,241 | 21 | % | 1,771,605 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| New York | 831,276 | 6 | % | 349,909 | 7 | % | 35,397 | 5 | % | 1,216,582 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Washington | 504,643 | 3 | % | 158,186 | 3 | % | 14,036 | 2 | % | 676,865 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 339,272 | 2 | % | 205,264 | 4 | % | 38,192 | 5 | % | 582,728 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 321,332 | 2 | % | 160,103 | 3 | % | 883 | 0 | % | 482,318 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other markets | 1,613,060 | 11 | % | 448,962 | 8 | % | 98,253 | 13 | % | 2,160,275 | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 15,407,088 | 100 | % | $ | 5,112,328 | 100 | % | $ | 742,357 | 100 | % | $ | 21,261,773 | 100 | % |
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| December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | CRE | % | Multifamily Residential | % | Construction and Land | % | Total CRE | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 7,516,638 | 51 | % | $ | 2,316,404 | 47 | % | $ | 230,297 | 35 | % | $ | 10,063,339 | 50 | % | ||||||||||||
| Northern California | 2,693,768 | 19 | % | 992,406 | 20 | % | 163,633 | 24 | % | 3,849,807 | 19 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| California | 10,210,406 | 70 | % | 3,308,810 | 67 | % | 393,930 | 59 | % | 13,913,146 | 69 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 1,091,626 | 8 | % | 467,796 | 9 | % | 131,963 | 20 | % | 1,691,385 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| New York | 732,694 | 5 | % | 249,357 | 5 | % | 44,597 | 7 | % | 1,026,648 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Washington | 493,972 | 3 | % | 155,022 | 3 | % | 10,401 | 1 | % | 659,395 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 348,877 | 2 | % | 182,955 | 4 | % | 23,903 | 4 | % | 555,735 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 293,927 | 2 | % | 139,292 | 3 | % | — | — | % | 433,219 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other markets | 1,483,838 | 10 | % | 450,210 | 9 | % | 61,368 | 9 | % | 1,995,416 | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 14,655,340 | 100 | % | $ | 4,953,442 | 100 | % | $ | 666,162 | 100 | % | $ | 20,274,944 | 100 | % |
The percentage of total CRE loans located in California was 68% and 69% as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Changes in California’s economy and real estate values could have a significant impact on the collectability of these loans and the required level of allowance for loan losses. For additional information related to the higher degree of risk from a downturn in the California economic and real estate markets, see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Geographic and Political Uncertainties and Risks Related to Financial Matters in this Form 10-K.
Commercial — Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Company focuses on providing financing to experienced real estate investors and developers who have moderate levels of leverage, many of whom are long-time customers of the Bank. The Company seeks to underwrite loans with conservative standards for cash flows, debt service coverage and LTV. Owner-occupied properties comprised 20% of the CRE loans as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024. The remainder were non-owner-occupied properties, where 50% or more of the debt service for the loan is typically provided by rental income from an unaffiliated third party.
Interest rates on CRE loans may be fixed, variable or hybrid. The Company offers derivative hedging products to our customers to manage their interest rate risks. As of December 31, 2025, of the 58% of our CRE portfolio that had variable rates, 52% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place. In comparison, as of December 31, 2024, of the 57% of our CRE portfolio that had variable rates, 54% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place.
Commercial — Multifamily Residential Loans. The multifamily residential loan portfolio is largely comprised of loans secured by residential properties with five or more units. The Company offers a variety of first lien mortgages, including fixed- and variable-rate loans, as well as hybrid loans with interest rates that adjust annually after an initial fixed rate period of three to ten years. The Company also offers hedging products to our customers to manage their interest rate risks. As of December 31, 2025, of the 51% of our multifamily residential portfolio that had variable rates, 50% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place. In comparison, as of December 31, 2024, of the 50% of our multifamily residential loan portfolio that was variable rate, half had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place.
Commercial — Construction and Land Loans. Construction and land loans provide financing for a portfolio of projects diversified by real estate property type. Construction loan exposure was comprised of $544 million in loans outstanding, and $419 million in unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2025, compared with $506 million in loans outstanding, and $391 million in unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2024. Land loans totaled $198 million and $160 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
52
Consumer
Residential mortgage loans are primarily originated through the Bank’s branch network. The average residential mortgage loan size was $439 thousand and $437 thousand as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The following tables summarize the Company’s single-family residential and HELOC loan portfolios by geography and lien priority as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| December 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Single-Family Residential | % | HELOCs | % | Total Residential Mortgage | % | |||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 6,031,124 | 40 | % | $ | 914,803 | 48 | % | $ | 6,945,927 | 41 | % | |||||||||
| Northern California | 2,026,767 | 14 | % | 392,461 | 20 | % | 2,419,228 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||
| California | 8,057,891 | 54 | % | 1,307,264 | 68 | % | 9,365,155 | 55 | % | ||||||||||||
| New York | 4,067,708 | 27 | % | 286,995 | 15 | % | 4,354,703 | 26 | % | ||||||||||||
| Washington | 761,739 | 5 | % | 188,146 | 10 | % | 949,885 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Massachusetts | 566,462 | 4 | % | 68,375 | 4 | % | 634,837 | 4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Georgia | 520,039 | 3 | % | 21,500 | 1 | % | 541,539 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Nevada | 493,670 | 3 | % | 38,072 | 2 | % | 531,742 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Texas | 513,038 | 4 | % | — | — | % | 513,038 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Other markets | 22,002 | 0 | % | 1,545 | 0 | % | 23,547 | 0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 15,002,549 | 100 | % | $ | 1,911,897 | 100 | % | $ | 16,914,446 | 100 | % | |||||||||
| Lien priority: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| First mortgage | $ | 15,002,549 | 100 | % | $ | 1,337,066 | 70 | % | $ | 16,339,615 | 97 | % | |||||||||
| Junior lien mortgage | — | — | % | 574,831 | 30 | % | 574,831 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 15,002,549 | 100 | % | $ | 1,911,897 | 100 | % | $ | 16,914,446 | 100 | % |
| December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Single-Family Residential | % | HELOCs | % | Total Residential Mortgage | % | |||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 5,475,929 | 39 | % | $ | 853,858 | 47 | % | $ | 6,329,787 | 39 | % | |||||||||
| Northern California | 1,825,462 | 13 | % | 379,692 | 21 | % | 2,205,154 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||
| California | 7,301,391 | 52 | % | 1,233,550 | 68 | % | 8,534,941 | 53 | % | ||||||||||||
| New York | 4,303,815 | 31 | % | 266,529 | 15 | % | 4,570,344 | 29 | % | ||||||||||||
| Washington | 715,968 | 5 | % | 187,220 | 10 | % | 903,188 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Massachusetts | 457,147 | 3 | % | 66,181 | 4 | % | 523,328 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Georgia | 466,790 | 3 | % | 20,040 | 1 | % | 486,830 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Nevada | 447,097 | 3 | % | 32,578 | 2 | % | 479,675 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Texas | 468,461 | 3 | % | — | — | % | 468,461 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Other markets | 14,777 | 0 | % | 5,530 | 0 | % | 20,307 | 0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 14,175,446 | 100 | % | $ | 1,811,628 | 100 | % | $ | 15,987,074 | 100 | % | |||||||||
| Lien priority: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| First mortgage | $ | 14,175,446 | 100 | % | $ | 1,322,957 | 73 | % | $ | 15,498,403 | 97 | % | |||||||||
| Junior lien mortgage | — | — | % | 488,671 | 27 | % | 488,671 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 14,175,446 | 100 | % | $ | 1,811,628 | 100 | % | $ | 15,987,074 | 100 | % |
53
Consumer — Single-Family Residential Loans. The Company offers a variety of single-family residential mortgage loan programs, including fixed- and variable-rate loans, as well as hybrid loans with interest rates that adjust on a regular basis, typically annually, after an initial fixed rate period. The Company was in a first lien position in all of its single-family residential loans as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024. Many of these loans are reduced documentation loans, for which a substantial down payment is required, resulting in a low LTV ratio at origination, typically 65% or less. The weighted-average LTV ratio was 52% as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and loss rates.
Consumer — Home Equity Lines of Credit. Total HELOC commitments were $5.5 billion and $5.3 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, with a utilization rate of 35% as of December 31, 2025, compared with 34% as of December 31, 2024. Substantially all of the Company’s unfunded HELOC commitments are unconditionally cancellable. The Company was in a first lien position for 70% and 73% of total outstanding HELOCs as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Many of these loans are reduced documentation loans, which have a low LTV ratio at origination, typically 65% or less. The weighted-average LTV ratio was 46% as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024. As a result, these loans have historically experienced low delinquency and loss rates. Substantially all of the Company’s HELOCs were variable-rate loans as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024.
All originated commercial and consumer loans are subject to the Company’s conservative underwriting guidelines and loan origination standards. Management believes that the Company’s underwriting criteria and procedures adequately consider the unique risks associated with these products. The Company conducts quality control procedures and periodic audits, including the review of lending and legal requirements, to ensure that the Company is in compliance with these requirements.
The following table presents the contractual loan maturities by loan category and the contractual distribution of loans to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2025:
| ($ in thousands) | Due within one year | Due after one year through five years | Due after five years through fifteen years | Due after fifteen years | Total | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 7,205,052 | $ | 10,007,972 | $ | 1,271,071 | $ | 166,660 | $ | 18,650,755 | |||||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 1,617,809 | 8,270,872 | 5,305,762 | 212,645 | 15,407,088 | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 248,996 | 1,466,639 | 1,695,988 | 1,700,705 | 5,112,328 | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | 360,801 | 350,819 | 883 | 29,854 | 742,357 | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 2,227,606 | 10,088,330 | 7,002,633 | 1,943,204 | 21,261,773 | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 9,432,658 | 20,096,302 | 8,273,704 | 2,109,864 | 39,912,528 | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 1,706 | 4,662 | 1,225,792 | 13,770,389 | 15,002,549 | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | 18 | 2,086 | 69,382 | 1,840,411 | 1,911,897 | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 1,724 | 6,748 | 1,295,174 | 15,610,800 | 16,914,446 | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 16,894 | 30,335 | 3,969 | — | 51,198 | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 18,618 | 37,083 | 1,299,143 | 15,610,800 | 16,965,644 | ||||||||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment | $ | 9,451,276 | $ | 20,133,385 | $ | 9,572,847 | $ | 17,720,664 | $ | 56,878,172 | |||||||||
| Distribution of loans to changes in interest rates: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Variable-rate loans | $ | 7,576,769 | $ | 16,565,061 | $ | 4,484,401 | $ | 4,710,511 | $ | 33,336,742 | |||||||||
| Fixed-rate loans | 1,803,047 | 2,443,855 | 2,041,943 | 4,859,312 | 11,148,157 | ||||||||||||||
| Hybrid adjustable-rate loans | 71,460 | 1,124,469 | 3,046,503 | 8,150,841 | 12,393,273 | ||||||||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment | $ | 9,451,276 | $ | 20,133,385 | $ | 9,572,847 | $ | 17,720,664 | $ | 56,878,172 |
54
Foreign Outstandings
The Company’s international branches, which include the branch in Hong Kong and the subsidiary bank’s branches in China, are subject to the general risks inherent in conducting business in foreign countries, such as regulatory, economic and political uncertainties, and foreign currency exchange rate risks. The following table presents the major financial assets held in the Company’s international branches as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Assets | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Assets | ||||||||||
| Hong Kong branch: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 860,332 | 1 | % | $ | 730,227 | 1 | % | ||||||
| AFS debt securities (1) | $ | 684,513 | 1 | % | $ | 752,840 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Loans held-for-investment (2) | $ | 1,133,442 | 1 | % | $ | 968,973 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 2,692,309 | 3 | % | $ | 2,474,447 | 3 | % | ||||||
| China subsidiary bank branches: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 640,986 | 1 | % | $ | 656,971 | 1 | % | ||||||
| AFS debt securities (3) | $ | 128,600 | 0 | % | $ | 127,582 | 0 | % | ||||||
| Loans held-for-investment (2) | $ | 1,223,236 | 2 | % | $ | 1,141,444 | 2 | % | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 2,012,751 | 3 | % | $ | 1,971,922 | 3 | % |
(1)Comprised of U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury securities, and foreign government bonds as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024.
(2)Primarily comprised of C&I loans as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024.
(3)Comprised of foreign government bonds as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024.
The following table presents the total revenue generated by the Company’s international branches in 2025, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | |||||||||||||||
| Hong Kong branch: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 73,938 | 3 | % | $ | 69,809 | 3 | % | $ | 55,747 | 2 | % | |||||||||
| China subsidiary bank branches: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 29,351 | 1 | % | $ | 29,790 | 1 | % | $ | 32,569 | 1 | % |
55
Deposits
Deposits are the Company’s primary source of funding, the cost of which has a significant impact on the Company’s net interest income and net interest margin. Additional funding is provided by short- and long-term borrowings, and long-term debt. See Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Liquidity Risk Management in this Form 10-K for a discussion of the Company’s liquidity management. The following table summarizes the Company’s deposits by product type as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | Amount | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||
| Deposits by product: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand | $ | 16,697,099 | 25 | % | $ | 15,450,428 | 24 | % | $ | 1,246,671 | 8 | % | |||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | 7,989,255 | 12 | % | 7,940,692 | 13 | % | 48,563 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||
| Money market | 15,439,729 | 23 | % | 14,816,511 | 23 | % | 623,218 | 4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Savings | 1,671,804 | 2 | % | 1,751,620 | 3 | % | (79,816) | (5) | % | ||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 25,284,814 | 38 | % | 23,215,772 | 37 | % | 2,069,042 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total deposits | $ | 67,082,701 | 100 | % | $ | 63,175,023 | 100 | % | $ | 3,907,678 | 6 | % |
The Company’s strategy is to grow and retain relationship-based deposits to provide a stable and low-cost source of funding and liquidity. The Company offers a wide variety of deposit products to meet the needs of its consumer and commercial customers. As a result, we believe our deposit base is seasoned, stable and well-diversified. Total deposits of $67.1 billion as of December 31, 2025 increased $3.9 billion or 6%, compared with the prior year, primarily due to growth in time and noninterest-bearing demand deposits.
The following table provides a breakdown of the Company’s deposits by segment and region as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Change | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | $ | % | |||||||||||
| Deposits by segment/region: | |||||||||||||||
| Consumer and Business Banking - U.S. (1) | $ | 34,494,368 | $ | 32,832,926 | $ | 1,661,442 | 5 | % | |||||||
| Commercial Banking - U.S. (1) | 24,367,113 | 23,405,769 | 961,344 | 4 | % | ||||||||||
| International Branches (2) | 3,875,631 | 3,412,262 | 463,369 | 14 | % | ||||||||||
| Treasury and Other - U.S. (3) | 4,345,589 | 3,524,066 | 821,523 | 23 | % | ||||||||||
| Total deposits | $ | 67,082,701 | $ | 63,175,023 | $ | 3,907,678 | 6 | % |
(1)Excludes deposits presented under International Branches.
(2)Deposits of our Hong Kong branch and China subsidiary bank branches are a subset of Commercial Banking segment deposits.
(3)Treasury and Other segment deposits reflect wholesale, public funds, and brokered deposits, primarily managed by the Company’s Treasury department.
Customer deposit accounts in the U.S. offices are insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000. The deposits in the Company’s subsidiary bank in China and the branch in Hong Kong are insured by each jurisdiction’s deposit insurance authority for up to 500,000 RMB and 800,000 Hong Kong Dollars, respectively. Uninsured deposits represent the portion of deposit accounts that exceed the insurance limits of the FDIC and each foreign jurisdiction. The Company calculates its uninsured deposits based on the methodologies and assumptions used for regulatory reporting.
The following table presents total uninsured deposits by location as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| ($ in thousands) | Domestic | China | Hong Kong | Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uninsured deposits as of 12/31/2025 | $ | 33,431,037 | $ | 1,525,527 | $ | 2,230,760 | $ | 37,187,324 | |||||||
| Uninsured deposits as of 12/31/2024 | $ | 32,767,680 | $ | 1,453,223 | $ | 1,848,652 | $ | 36,069,555 |
56
Uninsured time deposits totaled $15.2 billion as of December 31, 2025. The following table presents the maturity distribution for uninsured customer time deposits by location as of December 31, 2025:
| ($ in thousands) | Domestic | China | Hong Kong | Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three months or less | $ | 5,675,930 | $ | 245,779 | $ | 1,390,501 | $ | 7,312,210 | |||||||
| Over three months through six months | 4,613,729 | 170,569 | 80,090 | 4,864,388 | |||||||||||
| Over six months through 12 months | 2,262,244 | 242,880 | 24,867 | 2,529,991 | |||||||||||
| Over 12 months | 46,229 | 402,128 | — | 448,357 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 12,598,132 | $ | 1,061,356 | $ | 1,495,458 | $ | 15,154,946 |
Uninsured deposits, per regulatory requirements, represent the portion of deposit accounts in U.S. offices that exceed the FDIC insurance limit as reported on Schedule RC-O Memo, Item 2 of the Bank’s Call Report. Management believes that presenting uninsured domestic deposits with an adjustment to exclude collateralized and affiliate deposits provides a more accurate view of the deposits at risk, given that collateralized deposits are secured, and affiliate deposits are not customer-facing and are eliminated in consolidation.
The following table summarizes the Company’s uninsured domestic deposit balances reported on Schedule RC-O Memo, Item 2 of the Bank’s Call Report as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, after certain adjustments:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uninsured deposits, per regulatory requirements (1) | $ | 33,431,037 | $ | 32,767,680 | ||||
| Less: Collateralized deposits | (4,464,567) | (4,781,377) | ||||||
| Affiliate deposits | (131,106) | (485,824) | ||||||
| Uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized and affiliate deposits | (a) | $ | 28,835,364 | $ | 27,500,479 | |||
| Total domestic deposits per Call Report | (b) | $ | 63,460,378 | $ | 60,326,394 | |||
| Uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized and affiliate deposits, ratio | (a) / (b) | 45 | % | 46 | % |
(1)Uninsured deposits, per regulatory requirements, represent the portion of deposit accounts in U.S. branches that exceed the FDIC insurance limit as reported on Schedule RC-O Memo, Item 2 of the Bank’s Call Report.
Additional information regarding the impact of deposits on net interest income, with a comparison of average deposit balances and rates, is provided in Item 7 — MD&A — Results of Operations — Net Interest Income in this Form 10-K. See also the discussion of the impact of deposits on liquidity in Item 7. MD&A — Liquidity Risk Management in this Form 10-K.
Capital
The Company maintains a strong capital base to support its anticipated asset growth, operating needs, and credit risk exposures, and to ensure that the Company and the Bank are in compliance with all regulatory capital guidelines. The Company engages in regular capital planning processes on at least an annual basis to optimize the use of available capital and to appropriately plan for future capital needs, allocating capital to existing and future business activities. Furthermore, the Company conducts capital stress tests as part of its capital planning process. The stress tests enable the Company to assess the impact of adverse changes in the economy and interest rates on its capital base.
The Company’s stockholders’ equity increased $1.2 billion or 15% from $7.7 billion as of December 31, 2024 to $8.9 billion as of December 31, 2025. This increase was primarily due to $1.3 billion of net income and $240 million of other comprehensive income, partially offset by $335 million of cash dividends declared and $134 million from open-market common stock repurchases and tax withheld in the form of stock repurchase on vested RSUs. For other factors that contributed to the changes in stockholders’ equity, refer to Item 8. Financial Statements — Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity in this Form 10-K.
On January 22, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $300 million of East West common stock, which will remain valid until December 31, 2026. The Company repurchased $115 million and $144 million of its common stock in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
57
The Company paid a cash dividend of $2.40 and $2.20 per share in 2025 and 2024, respectively. In January 2026, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2026 cash dividend of $0.80 per share, which represents a 33%, or 20 cents per common share, increase from the previous quarterly cash dividend of $0.60 per common share. The dividend was paid on February 17, 2026, to stockholders of record as of February 2, 2026.
Regulatory Capital and Ratios
The federal banking agencies have risk-based capital adequacy requirements intended to ensure that banking organizations maintain capital that is commensurate with the degree of risk associated with their operations. The Company and the Bank are each subject to these regulatory capital adequacy requirements. See Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Regulatory Capital Requirements and Regulatory Capital - Related Development in this Form 10-K for additional details.
The following table presents the Company’s and the Bank’s capital ratios as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 under the Basel III Capital Rules, and those required by regulatory agencies for capital adequacy and well-capitalized classification purposes:
| Basel III Capital Rules | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Company | Bank | Company | Bank | Minimum Regulatory Requirements | Minimum Regulatory Requirements including Capital Conservation Buffer | Well-Capitalized Requirements | |||||||||||||||
| Risk-based capital ratios: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CET1 capital (2) | 15.1 | % | 13.9 | % | 14.3 | % | 13.4 | % | 4.5 | % | 7.0 | % | 6.5 | % | |||||||
| Tier 1 capital (3) | 15.1 | % | 13.9 | % | 14.3 | % | 13.4 | % | 6.0 | % | 8.5 | % | 8.0 | % | |||||||
| Total capital | 16.4 | % | 15.1 | % | 15.6 | % | 14.7 | % | 8.0 | % | 10.5 | % | 10.0 | % | |||||||
| Tier 1 leverage (2) | 10.9 | % | 10.0 | % | 10.4 | % | 9.8 | % | 4.0 | % | 4.0 | % | 5.0 | % |
(1)The Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) transition provision permits certain banking organizations to exclude from regulatory capital the initial adoption impact of CECL, plus 25% of the cumulative changes in the allowance for credit losses under CECL for each period until December 31, 2021, followed by a three-year phase-out period in which the aggregate benefit is reduced by 25% in 2022, 50% in 2023 and 75% in 2024. Our capital ratios as of December 31, 2024 include a delay of 25% of the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital. The CECL transition was no longer in effect as of December 31, 2025.
(2)CET1 capital and Tier 1 leverage well-capitalized requirements apply to the Bank only. There are no well-capitalized requirements on CET1 capital ratio or Tier 1 leverage ratio for bank holding companies.
(3)Well-capitalized Tier 1 capital ratio requirements for the Company and the Bank are 6.0% and 8.0%, respectively.
The Company is committed to maintaining strong capital levels to assure its investors, customers and regulators that the Company and the Bank are financially sound. As of both December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company and the Bank continued to exceed all “well-capitalized” capital requirements and the required minimum capital requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules. Total risk-weighted assets increased $2.8 billion from December 31, 2024 to $57.8 billion as of December 31, 2025, primarily due to loan growth.
Risk Management
Overview
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent to the financial services industry and others which are more specific to the Company’s business. The Company operates under a Board-approved ERM program. The Company’s ERM program outlines the company-wide approach to risk management and oversight, and describes the structures and practices employed to manage current and emerging risks inherent to the Company. The Company’s ERM program incorporates risk management throughout the organization in identifying, managing, monitoring, and reporting risks. It identifies the Company’s major risk categories as: credit, liquidity, market, operational, reputational, legal, compliance, BSA/AML & OFAC, strategic, and technology risk.
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The ROC of the Board of Directors monitors the ERM program through such identified enterprise risk categories and provides oversight of the Company’s risk appetite and control environment. The ROC provides focused oversight of the Company’s identified enterprise risk categories on behalf of the full Board of Directors. Under the authority of the ROC, management committees apply targeted strategies to manage the risks to which the Company’s operations are exposed.
The Company’s ERM program is executed along the three lines of defense model, which provides for a consistent and standardized risk management control environment across the enterprise. The first line of defense is comprised of revenue generating, operational and support units. The second line of defense is comprised of risk management and control functions that provide independent risk oversight of first line activities and report to the Chief Risk Officer. The Chief Risk Officer reports to both the ROC and the Chief Executive Officer. The third line of defense is comprised of the Internal Audit and Independent Asset Review (“IAR”) functions. Internal Audit reports to the Chief Audit Executive (“CAE”) who reports to the Board’s Audit Committee. Internal Audit provides assurance and evaluates the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes as established by the Company. IAR serves as an internal loan review and independent credit risk monitoring function within the Bank that works under the direction of the CAE and reports to the Audit Committee. IAR provides management and the Audit Committee with an objective and independent assessment of the Bank’s credit profile and credit risk management processes. Further discussion and analysis of selected primary risk areas are discussed in the following subsections of Risk Management.
Credit Risk Management
Credit risk is the risk that a borrower or a counterparty will fail to perform according to the terms and conditions of a loan, investment or derivative and expose the Company to loss. Credit risk exists with many of the Company’s assets and exposures such as loans, debt securities and certain derivatives. The majority of the Company’s credit risk is associated with lending activities.
The ROC has primary oversight responsibility for the identified enterprise risk categories including credit risk. The ROC monitors management’s assessment of asset quality, credit risk trends, credit quality administration, underwriting standards, and portfolio credit risk management strategies and processes, such as diversification and liquidity, all of which enable management to control credit risk. At the management level, the Credit Risk Management Committee has primary oversight responsibility for credit risk. The Senior Credit Supervision function manages credit policy for the line of business transactional credit risk, assuring that all exposure is risk-rated according to the requirements of the credit risk rating policy. The Senior Credit Supervision function in connection with the ERM function, also evaluates and reports the overall credit risk exposure to senior management and the ROC including concentration limits and key risk indicators. Reporting directly to the Board’s Audit Committee, the IAR function provides additional validation support to the Company’s robust credit risk management culture by performing an independent and objective assessment of underwriting and documentation quality and serves as an assurance function for the risk rating of the Company’s loan portfolios. A key focus of our credit risk management is adherence to a well-controlled underwriting and loan monitoring process.
The Company assesses the overall performance and credit quality of the loans held-for-investment portfolio through an integrated analysis of specific performance ratios. This approach forms the basis of the discussion in the sections immediately following: Credit Quality, Nonperforming Assets, and Allowance for Credit Losses.
Credit Quality
The Company utilizes a credit risk rating system to assist in monitoring credit quality. Loans are evaluated using the Company’s internal credit risk rating of 1 through 10. For more information on the Company’s credit quality indicators and internal credit risk ratings, refer to Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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The following table presents the Company’s criticized loans as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Change | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | $ | % | |||||||||||
| Criticized loans: | |||||||||||||||
| Special mention loans | $ | 344,876 | $ | 447,290 | $ | (102,414) | (23) | % | |||||||
| Classified loans (1) | 796,273 | 725,863 | 70,410 | 10 | % | ||||||||||
| Total criticized loans (2) | $ | 1,141,149 | $ | 1,173,153 | $ | (32,004) | (3) | % | |||||||
| Special mention loans to loans held-for-investment | 0.61 | % | 0.83 | % | |||||||||||
| Classified loans to loans held-for-investment | 1.40 | % | 1.35 | % | |||||||||||
| Criticized loans to loans held-for-investment | 2.01 | % | 2.18 | % |
(1)Consists of substandard, doubtful and loss categories.
(2)Excludes loans HFS.
Criticized loans decreased by $32 million or 3%, to $1.1 billion from December 31, 2024, primarily driven by decreases in C&I and multifamily residential loans, partially offset by increases in CRE and construction and land loans.
Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming assets are comprised of nonaccrual loans, OREO and other nonperforming assets. Other nonperforming assets and OREO are repossessed assets and properties, respectively, acquired through foreclosure, or through full or partial satisfaction of loans held-for-investment. Nonperforming assets may also include nonperforming loans HFS.
The following table presents nonperforming assets information as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Change | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | $ | % | |||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 52,244 | $ | 86,165 | $ | (33,921) | (39) | % | |||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||
| CRE | 38,546 | 2,430 | 36,116 | NM | |||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 292 | 4,572 | (4,280) | (94) | % | ||||||||||
| Construction and land | 27,810 | 11,316 | 16,494 | 146 | % | ||||||||||
| Total CRE | 66,648 | 18,318 | 48,330 | 264 | % | ||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 29,641 | 32,423 | (2,782) | (9) | % | ||||||||||
| HELOCs | 17,167 | 22,046 | (4,879) | (22) | % | ||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 46,808 | 54,469 | (7,661) | (14) | % | ||||||||||
| Other consumer | 142 | 66 | 76 | 115 | % | ||||||||||
| Total nonaccrual loans | 165,842 | 159,018 | 6,824 | 4 | % | ||||||||||
| OREO, net | 21,183 | 35,077 | (13,894) | (40) | % | ||||||||||
| Nonperforming loans HFS | 20,976 | — | 20,976 | 100 | % | ||||||||||
| Total nonperforming assets | $ | 208,001 | $ | 194,095 | $ | 13,906 | 7 | % | |||||||
| Nonperforming assets to total assets | 0.26 | % | 0.26 | % | |||||||||||
| Nonaccrual loans to loans held-for-investment | 0.29 | % | 0.30 | % | |||||||||||
| ALLL to nonaccrual loans | 488.28 | % | 441.49 | % |
NM — Not meaningful.
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Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status at the earlier of when they become 90 days past due or when the full collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain regardless of the length of past due status. Collectability is generally assessed based on economic and business conditions, the borrower’s financial condition and the adequacy of collateral, if any. For additional details regarding the Company’s nonaccrual loan policy, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Loans Held-for-Investment to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Nonaccrual loans of $166 million as of December 31, 2025 increased $7 million or 4% from December 31, 2024, primarily driven by increases in CRE and construction and land due to additional loans being transferred to nonaccrual status, partially offset by a decrease in C&I nonaccrual loans due to charge offs and transfers to OREO. As of December 31, 2025, $27 million or 16% of nonaccrual loans were less than 90 days delinquent. In comparison, $49 million or 31% of nonaccrual loans were less than 90 days delinquent as of December 31, 2024.
The following table presents the accruing loans past due by portfolio segment as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Total Accruing Past Due Loans (1) | Change | Percentage of Total Loans Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | $ | % | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 26,044 | $ | 22,855 | $ | 3,189 | 14 | % | 0.14 | % | 0.13 | % | |||||||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 13,994 | 5,640 | 8,354 | 148 | % | 0.09 | % | 0.04 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 1,253 | 931 | 322 | 35 | % | 0.02 | % | 0.02 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | — | 927 | (927) | (100) | % | 0.00 | % | 0.14 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 15,247 | 7,498 | 7,749 | 103 | % | 0.07 | % | 0.04 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 41,291 | 30,353 | 10,938 | 36 | % | 0.10 | % | 0.08 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 73,684 | 54,937 | 18,747 | 34 | % | 0.49 | % | 0.39 | % | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | 34,650 | 19,364 | 15,286 | 79 | % | 1.81 | % | 1.07 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 108,334 | 74,301 | 34,033 | 46 | % | 0.64 | % | 0.46 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 77 | 107 | (30) | (28) | % | 0.15 | % | 0.16 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 108,411 | 74,408 | 34,003 | 46 | % | 0.64 | % | 0.46 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 149,702 | $ | 104,761 | $ | 44,941 | 43 | % | 0.26 | % | 0.19 | % |
(1)There were no accruing loans past due 90 days or more as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company maintains its allowance for credit losses at a level it believes is sufficient to provide appropriate reserves to absorb estimated future credit losses in accordance with GAAP. For additional information on the policies, methodologies and judgments used to determine the allowance for credit losses, see Item 7. MD&A — Critical Accounting Estimates, Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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The following table presents the allowance for credit losses allocated by loan portfolio segments, debt securities and unfunded credit commitments as of the periods indicated:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Allowance Allocation | % of Loan Type to Total Loans | Allowance Allocation | % of Loan Type to Total Loans | ||||||||||||
| ALLL | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 475,613 | 33 | % | $ | 384,319 | 32 | % | ||||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 221,494 | 27 | % | 218,677 | 28 | % | ||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 36,555 | 9 | % | 32,117 | 9 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction and land | 15,468 | 1 | % | 17,497 | 1 | % | ||||||||||
| Total CRE | 273,517 | 37 | % | 268,291 | 38 | % | ||||||||||
| Total commercial | 749,130 | 70 | % | 652,610 | 70 | % | ||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 53,463 | 27 | % | 44,816 | 27 | % | ||||||||||
| HELOCs | 5,804 | 3 | % | 3,132 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 59,267 | 30 | % | 47,948 | 30 | % | ||||||||||
| Other consumer | 1,376 | 0 | % | 1,494 | 0 | % | ||||||||||
| Total consumer | 60,643 | 30 | % | 49,442 | 30 | % | ||||||||||
| Total ALLL | $ | 809,773 | 100 | % | $ | 702,052 | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Allowance for debt securities | $ | 1,900 | $ | — | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for unfunded credit commitments | $ | 48,690 | $ | 39,526 | ||||||||||||
| Total allowance for credit losses | $ | 860,363 | $ | 741,578 | ||||||||||||
| Loans held-for-investment | $ | 56,878,172 | $ | 53,726,637 | ||||||||||||
| ALLL to loans held-for-investment | 1.42 | % | 1.31 | % |
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The following table presents net charge-offs and the net charge-offs to average loans ratios based on the loan categories as of the periods indicated:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) | Average Loans Held-for-Investment | % of Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans Held-for-Investment | Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) | Average Loans Held-for-Investment | % of Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans Held-for-Investment | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 34,275 | $ | 17,440,477 | 0.20 | % | $ | 118,908 | $ | 16,490,180 | 0.72 | % | ||||||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 24,008 | 15,003,349 | 0.16 | % | 13,823 | 14,587,444 | 0.09 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | (52) | 4,991,171 | 0.00 | % | (426) | 5,061,821 | (0.01) | % | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | 1,984 | 715,283 | 0.28 | % | 2,086 | 666,748 | 0.31 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 25,940 | 20,709,803 | 0.13 | % | 15,483 | 20,316,013 | 0.08 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 60,215 | 38,150,280 | 0.16 | % | 134,391 | 36,806,193 | 0.37 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | (249) | 14,571,485 | 0.00 | % | 26 | 13,753,247 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | (16) | 1,848,861 | 0.00 | % | (58) | 1,751,500 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | (265) | 16,420,346 | 0.00 | % | (32) | 15,504,747 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | (111) | 47,456 | (0.23) | % | 4,259 | 55,500 | 7.67 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | (376) | 16,467,802 | 0.00 | % | 4,227 | 15,560,247 | 0.03 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 59,839 | $ | 54,618,082 | 0.11 | % | $ | 138,618 | $ | 52,366,440 | 0.26 | % |
Liquidity Risk Management
Liquidity. Liquidity risk arises from the Company’s inability to meet its customer deposit withdrawals and obligations to other counterparties as they come due, or to obtain adequate funding at a reasonable cost to meet those obligations. Liquidity risk also considers the stability of deposits. The objective of liquidity management is to manage the potential mismatch of asset and liability cash flows. Maintaining an adequate level of liquidity depends on the institution’s ability to efficiently meet both expected and unexpected cash flow and collateral needs without adversely affecting daily operations or the financial condition of the institution. To achieve this objective, the Company analyzes its liquidity risk, maintains readily available liquid assets, and utilizes diverse funding sources including its stable core deposit base.
The ROC has primary oversight responsibility over liquidity risk management. At the management level, the Company’s Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) establishes the liquidity guidelines that govern the day-to-day active management of the Company’s liquidity position by requiring sufficient asset-based liquidity to cover potential funding requirements and avoid over-dependence on volatile, less reliable funding markets. These guidelines are established and monitored for both the Bank and East West on a stand-alone basis to ensure that East West can serve as a source of strength for its subsidiaries. The ALCO regularly monitors the Company’s liquidity status and related management processes, and provides regular reports on the Company’s liquidity position relative to policy limits and guidelines to the Board of Directors. The Company believes its liquidity management practices have been effective under normal operating and stressed market conditions.
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The Company also maintains a Contingency Funding Plan that utilizes early-warning indicators that are monitored to provide timely detection of adverse liquidity situations and enable management to promptly respond. The Contingency Funding Plan describes the procedures, roles and responsibilities, and communication protocols for managing any identified emerging liquidity problem. Management monitors the early-warning indicators defined in the Contingency Funding Plan, which include metrics for measuring the Company’s internal liquidity status as well as company-specific and market-wide external factors. When early warning indicators are triggered, management will evaluate the severity of the emerging liquidity problem and exercise appropriate management actions to address any liquidity and funding shortfalls.
Liquidity Sources — Deposits. The Company’s primary source of funding is from deposits, generated by its banking business, which we believe is a relatively stable and low-cost source of funding. Our loans are funded by deposits, which amounted to $67.1 billion as of December 31, 2025, compared with $63.2 billion as of December 31, 2024. The Company’s loan-to-deposit ratio was 85% as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024. See Item 7. — MD&A — Balance Sheet Analysis — Deposits in this Form 10-K for further details related to the Company’s deposits.
Other Liquidity Sources. In addition to deposits, the Company has access to various sources of wholesale financing, including borrowing capacity with the FHLB and FRB discount window, FRB Standing Repurchase Agreement Facility (“SRF”), and several master repurchase agreements with major brokerage companies to sustain an adequate liquid asset portfolio, meet daily cash demands and allow management flexibility to execute its business strategy. However, general financial market and economic conditions could impact our access and cost of external funding. Additionally, the Company’s access to capital markets is affected by the ratings received from various credit rating agencies.
Sources of funding included $3.0 billion and $3.5 billion of FHLB advances as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, the FHLB advances were comprised of an overnight advance of $250 million with an interest rate of 4.02% and $2.8 billion of term advances that had fixed and floating interest rates ranging from 3.87% to 4.01% and with remaining maturities of six days to one year. The Company also held long-term debt of $32 million in the form of junior subordinated debt as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024, which qualifies as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes. Refer to Note 10 — Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Long-Term Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information on the junior subordinated debt.
The Company has pledged loans and/or debt securities to the FHLB and the FRB discount window as collateral. Additionally, effective in the third quarter of 2025, the Company prepositioned unpledged debt securities as collateral for overnight repurchase agreements at the FRB SRF. The Company has established operational procedures to enable borrowing against these assets, including regular monitoring of the total pool of loans and debt securities eligible as collateral. Eligibility of collateral is defined in guidelines from the FHLB and FRB and is subject to change at their discretion. The Company operated below its established risk limits for liquidity measures as of December 31, 2025. Accordingly, the Company believes the cash and cash equivalents, and available collateralized borrowing capacity described below provide sufficient liquidity above its expected cash needs.
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The Company maintains its sources of liquidity in the form of cash and cash equivalents, unpledged and prepositioned debt securities, and secured borrowing capacity with eligible loans and debt securities pledged as collateral. The following table presents the Company’s total available liquidity as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Change | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | $ | % | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 4,188,139 | $ | 5,250,742 | $ | (1,062,603) | (20) | % | |||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits with banks | 16,189 | 48,198 | (32,009) | (66) | % | ||||||||||
| Unused secured borrowing capacity from: | |||||||||||||||
| FHLB | 11,849,692 | 9,928,152 | 1,921,540 | 19 | % | ||||||||||
| FRB (1) | 13,235,104 | 12,383,005 | 852,099 | 7 | % | ||||||||||
| Unpledged and prepositioned securities | |||||||||||||||
| Unpledged securities | 6,326,512 | 7,819,531 | (1,493,019) | (19) | % | ||||||||||
| Securities prepositioned for FRB SRF (2) | 4,581,604 | — | 4,581,604 | NM | |||||||||||
| Total available liquidity | $ | 40,197,240 | $ | 35,429,628 | $ | 4,767,612 | 13 | % |
NM — Not meaningful.
(1)The Company had no outstanding borrowings with the FRB as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.
(2)The Company enrolled as an eligible counterparty with the FRB SRF in the third quarter of 2025.
The Company’s total available liquidity increased to $40.2 billion as of December 31, 2025, compared with $35.4 billion as of December 31, 2024. The increase in borrowing capacity was primarily due to an increase in total securities available to be pledged or prepositioned and loans pledged, as well as a decrease in FHLB advances outstanding.
Cash Requirements. In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into contractual obligations that require future cash payments, including funding for customer deposit withdrawals, repayments for short- and long-term borrowings and other cash commitments. For additional information on these obligations, see the following Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K:
•Note 7 — Affordable Housing Partnership, Tax Credit and Community Reinvestment Act Investments, Net
•Note 9 — Deposits
•Note 10 — Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Long-Term Debt
The Company also has off-balance sheet arrangements which represent transactions that are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements include (1) commitments to extend credit, such as loan commitments, commercial letters of credit for foreign and domestic trade, standby letters of credit (“SBLCs”), and financial guarantees, to meet the financing needs of its customers, (2) future interest obligations related to customer deposits and the Company’s borrowings, and (3) transactions with unconsolidated entities that provide financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company, or engage in leasing, hedging or research and development services with the Company. A portion of these commitments are expected to expire unused or only partially used, therefore the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company does not expect the total commitment amounts as of December 31, 2025 to have a material current or future impact on the Company’s financial conditions or results of operations. Additional information about the Company’s loan commitments, commercial letters of credit and SBLCs is provided in Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows summarizes the Company’s sources and uses of cash by type of activity for 2025, 2024 and 2023. Excess cash generated by operating and investing activities may be used to repay outstanding debt or invest in liquid assets.
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Liquidity for East West. In addition to bank level liquidity management, the Company manages liquidity at the parent company level for various operating needs including payment of dividends, repurchases of common stock, principal and interest payments on its borrowings, acquisitions and additional investments in its subsidiaries. East West’s primary source of liquidity is from cash dividends distributed by its subsidiary, East West Bank. The Bank is subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends as discussed in Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds in this Form 10-K. East West held $664 million and $395 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Management believes that East West has sufficient sources of liquidity to meet the projected cash obligations for the coming year.
Liquidity Stress Testing. The Company utilizes liquidity stress analysis to determine the appropriate amounts of liquidity to maintain at the Company, foreign subsidiary and foreign branch to meet contractual and contingent cash outflows under a range of scenarios. Scenario analyses include assumptions about significant changes in key funding sources, market triggers, potential uses of funding and economic conditions in certain countries. In addition, Company specific events are incorporated into the stress testing. Liquidity stress tests are conducted to ascertain potential mismatches between liquidity sources and uses over various time horizons and under a variety of stressed conditions. Given the range of potential stresses, the Company maintains contingency funding plans on a consolidated basis and for individual entities.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company believes it has adequate liquidity resources to conduct operations and meet other needs in the ordinary course of business, and is not aware of any events that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on its liquidity, capital resources or operations. For more details on how economic conditions may impact our liquidity, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-K.
Market Risk Management
Market risk refers to the risk of potential loss due to adverse movements in market risk factors, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, and credit spreads. The Company is primarily exposed to interest rate risk through its core business activities of extending loans and acquiring deposits. The ROC of the Company’s Board of Directors has primary oversight responsibility and has given the ALCO the task of market risk management. The ALCO establishes guidelines, risk measures and limits, and monitors compliance with the policies and risk limits pertaining to market risk management activities.
Interest Rate Risk Management
Interest rate risk is the risk that market fluctuations in interest rates can have a negative impact on the Company’s earnings and capital stemming from mismatches in the Company’s asset and liability cash flows primarily arising from customer-related activities such as lending and deposit-taking. The Company is subject to interest rate risk because:
•Assets and liabilities may mature or reprice at different times. If assets reprice faster than liabilities and interest rates are generally rising, earnings will initially increase;
•Assets and liabilities may reprice at the same time but by different amounts;
•Short- and long-term market interest rates may change by different amounts. For example, the shape of the yield curve may affect the yield of new loans and funding costs differently;
•The remaining maturity of various assets or liabilities may shorten or lengthen as interest rates change. For example, if long-term mortgage interest rates increase sharply, mortgage-related products may pay down at a slower rate than anticipated, which could impact portfolio income and valuation; or
•Interest rates may have a direct or indirect effect on loan demand, collateral values, mortgage origination volume, and the fair value of other financial instruments.
The ALCO coordinates the overall management of the Company’s interest rate risk, meets regularly to review the Company’s open market positions and establishes policies to monitor and limit exposure to market risk. Interest rate risk management is carried out primarily through strategies involving the Company’s loan portfolio, debt securities portfolio, available funding channels and capital market activities. In addition, the Company’s policies permit the use of derivative instruments to assist in managing interest rate risk.
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The Company measures and monitors interest rate risk exposure through various risk management tools, which include a simulation model that performs monthly interest rate sensitivity analyses under multiple interest rate scenarios against a baseline. The simulation model incorporates the market’s forward rate expectations and the Company’s earning assets and liabilities. The Company uses a dynamic balance sheet, incorporating expected forward growth and/or deposit product mix shift to perform the interest rate sensitivity analyses. The simulated interest rate scenarios include an instantaneous parallel shift in the yield curve and a gradual parallel shift in the yield curve (“linear rate ramp”). In addition, the Company also performs simulations using other alternative interest rate scenarios, including various permutations of the yield curve flattening, steepening or inverting. The Company uses the results of these simulations to formulate and gauge strategies to achieve a desired risk profile within its capital and liquidity guidelines.
The Company’s net interest income volatility simulations are based on a dynamic balance sheet approach and market forward rates to better reflect the interest rate risk on the Company’s financial statements. The Company’s simulation scenarios use parallel shocks for both instantaneous and gradual net interest income simulations, as well as economic value of equity (“EVE”) simulations. These simulations conform with industry-standard scenario definitions and enhance interpretability and comparability.
The net interest income simulation model is based on the maturity and repricing characteristics of the Company’s interest rate sensitive assets, liabilities, and related derivative contracts. This model also incorporates various assumptions, which management believes to be reasonable but may have a significant impact on the results. These key assumptions include the timing and magnitude of changes in interest rates, the yield curve evolution and shape, the correlation between various interest rate indices, financial instruments’ future repricing characteristics and spread relative to benchmark rates, and the effect of interest rate floors and caps. The modeled results are highly sensitive to deposit mix and deposit beta assumptions, which are derived from a regression analysis of the Company’s historical deposit data.
Simulation results are highly dependent on modeled behaviors and input assumptions. To the extent that actual behaviors are different from the assumptions used in the models, there could be material changes to the interest rate sensitivity results. The key behavioral models impacting interest rate sensitivity simulations include deposit repricing, deposit balance forecasts, and mortgage prepayments. These models and assumptions are documented, supported, and periodically back-tested to assess the reasonableness and effectiveness. The Company also regularly monitors the sensitivity of the other important modeling assumptions, such as loan and security prepayments and early withdrawal on fixed-rate customer liabilities. The Company makes appropriate calibrations to the model as needed and continually validates the model, methodology and results. Changes to key model assumptions are reviewed by the Technical ALCO, a subcommittee of ALCO. Scenario results do not reflect strategies that the management could employ to limit the impact of changing interest rate expectations. The simulation does not represent a forecast of the Company’s net interest income but is a tool utilized to assess the risk of the impact of changing market interest rates across a range of interest rate environments.
The Company employs a variety of quantitative and qualitative approaches to capture historical deposit repricing and balance behaviors. These historical observations are performed at a granular level based on key product characteristics, including distinctions for brokered, public, and large commercial deposits, which are then combined with forward-looking market expectations and the competitive landscape to generate the deposit repricing and balance forecasting models. The Company uses these deposit repricing models to forecast deposit interest expense. The repricing models provide sufficient granularity to reflect key behavioral differences across product and customer types. The deposit beta, which defines the sensitivity of deposit rates to changes in the effective federal funds rate, is a key parameter of the deposit rate forecast. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company assumed a weighted-average beta of 56% for total deposits, an increase of approximately 1% from December 31, 2024. This increase was primarily due to deposit product mix changes.
As loan and debt security prepayment assumptions are key components of the Company’s model, the Company incorporates third-party vendor models to forecast prepayment behavior on mortgage loans and securities, which have mortgage loans as underlying collateral. These third-party vendor models have access to more comprehensive industry-level data that captures specific borrower and collateral characteristics over a variety of interest rate cycles. The Company will periodically assess and adjust the vendor models when appropriate to include its own available observations and expectations.
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Twelve-Month Net Interest Income Simulation
Net interest income simulation modeling measures interest rate risk through earnings volatility. The simulation projects the cash flow changes in interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities, expressed in terms of net interest income, over a specified time horizon for defined interest rate scenarios. Net interest income simulations provide insight into the impact of market rate changes on earnings, which help guide risk management decisions. The Company assesses interest rate risk by comparing the changes of net interest income in different interest rate scenarios.
The following table presents the Company’s net interest income sensitivity related to an instantaneous and sustained parallel shift in market interest rates by 100 and 200 bps as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, on a balance sheet assuming market implied forward rates and a dynamic balance sheet with forecasted loan and deposit growth on the date of analysis.
| Net Interest Income Volatility (1) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | % | % | ||||||||
| +200 | 5.6 | % | 4.7 | % | ||||||
| +100 | 3.2 | % | 3.5 | % | ||||||
| -100 | (3.2) | % | (4.0) | % | ||||||
| -200 | (5.9) | % | (7.4) | % |
(1)The percentage change represents net interest income change over a 12-month period under market forward rates and expected balance sheet growth as of the analysis date versus various interest rate scenarios.
The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio creates sensitivity to interest rate movements due to a mismatch of repricing behavior between the floating-rate loan portfolio and deposit products. In the table above, the net interest income volatility expressed in relation to base-case net interest income decreased under the falling rate scenarios as of December 31, 2025, reflecting updated assumptions on deposit mix and a shift in balance sheet composition toward a higher proportion of fixed-rate assets.
The Company also models scenarios based on gradual shifts in interest rates and assesses the corresponding impacts. These interest rate scenarios provide additional information to estimate the Company’s underlying interest rate risk. The rate ramp table below shows the net interest income volatility under a gradual parallel shift of the market implied forward rates, in even monthly increments over the first 12 months, with the full shift passed through to the forward rates thereafter. The results are based on a dynamic balance sheet with expected loan and deposit growth as of the date of the analysis.
| Net Interest Income Volatility | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | % | % | ||||||||
| +200 Rate ramp | 3.4 | % | 4.3 | % | ||||||
| +100 Rate ramp | 1.7 | % | 2.3 | % | ||||||
| -100 Rate ramp | (1.5) | % | (2.4) | % | ||||||
| -200 Rate ramp | (3.0) | % | (4.6) | % |
As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s net interest income profile remains asset-sensitive under both instantaneous parallel and gradual shifts in interest rates, with a higher proportion of interest-earning assets repricing in the near term, compared to interest-bearing liabilities. This position is primarily driven by a significant volume of variable-rate loans indexed to Prime and Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). A declining rate environment could negatively impact the net interest income. However, this potential impact could be partially mitigated by several structural factors, including balance sheet growth and mix evolution, ongoing reinvestment of cash flows into assets at rates above legacy lower yielding instruments, and prevailing yield‑curve conditions.
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To reduce volatility, the Company has designated $4.3 billion in notional value of interest rate contracts as cash flow hedges, which are estimated to mitigate net interest income variability by approximately 1.27% of base net interest income for every 100 basis point change in interest rates. A portion of the Company’s interest-bearing deposit portfolio consists of non-maturity deposits that are not directly indexed to short-term rates but remain sensitive to rate changes. The Company actively manages deposit pricing and employs quantitative models to evaluate and forecast deposit behavior under various interest rate scenarios.
Actual results may differ from modeled projections due to variations in earning asset growth and changes in deposit composition driven by customer preferences. Modeled outcomes are highly dependent on behavioral assumptions, including deposit mix shifts and customer rate sensitivity.
Economic Value of Equity at Risk
EVE is a cash flow calculation that takes the present value of all asset cash flows and subtracts the present value of all liability cash flows. This calculation is used for asset/liability management and measures changes in the present value of the bank’s assets and liabilities due to changes in interest rates.
The economic value approach provides a comparatively broader scope than the net interest income volatility approach since it represents the discounted present value of cash flows over the expected life of the instruments. Due to this longer horizon, EVE is useful to identify risks arising from repricing, prepayment and maturity gaps between assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, as well as from off-balance sheet derivative exposures, over their lifetime. This long-term economic perspective into the Company’s interest rate risk profile allows the Company to identify anticipated negative effects of interest rate fluctuations. However, the difference in time horizons can cause the EVE analysis to diverge from the shorter-term net interest income analysis presented above. Given the uncertainty of the magnitude, timing and direction of future interest rate movements, the shape of the yield curve, and potential changes to the balance sheet, actual results may vary from those predicted by the Company’s model.
The following table presents the Company’s EVE sensitivity related to an instantaneous parallel shift in market interest rates by 100 and 200 bps as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.
| Economic Value of Equity Volatility (1) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | % | % | ||||||||
| +200 | (14.1) | % | (12.5) | % | ||||||
| +100 | (6.6) | % | (5.2) | % | ||||||
| -100 | 5.2 | % | 4.6 | % | ||||||
| -200 | 9.5 | % | 9.5 | % |
(1)The percentage change represents net present value change of the balance sheet as of the analysis date versus the various interest rate scenarios.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s EVE is expected to decrease when interest rates rise. The EVE sensitivity represents a duration mismatch between fixed-rate assets versus fixed-rate liabilities where more fixed- rate assets are expected to produce more stable net interest income in the short term but may lead to decreases in net present value of future cash flows.
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Derivatives
It is the Company’s policy not to speculate on the future direction of interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. However, the Company periodically enters into derivative transactions in order to manage its exposure to market risk, primarily interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company believes these derivative transactions, when properly structured and managed, provide a hedge against inherent risk in certain assets and liabilities or against risk in specific transactions. Hedging transactions may be implemented using a variety of derivative instruments such as swaps, forwards, options and collars. The Company uses interest rate contracts to hedge the variability in interest received on certain floating-rate commercial loans. Foreign exchange derivatives are used in net investment hedging strategies to mitigate the risk of changes in the U.S. dollar equivalent value of a designated monetary amount of the Company’s net investment in EWCN. Prior to entering any hedge accounting activity, the Company analyzes the costs and benefits of the hedge in comparison to alternative strategies. The Company also repositions its hedging derivatives portfolio based on the current assessment of economic and financial conditions, including the interest rate and foreign currency environments, balance sheet composition and trends, and the relative mix of its cash and derivative positions.
In addition, the Company enters into derivative transactions in order to accommodate its customers with their business needs or to assist customers with their risk management objectives, such as managing exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currencies and commodity prices. To economically hedge against the derivative contracts entered into with the Company’s customers, the Company enters into offsetting derivative contracts with third-party financial institutions, some of which are cleared through central clearing organizations. The exposures from derivative transactions are collateralized by cash and/or eligible securities based on limits as set forth in the respective agreements between the Company and counterparty financial institutions. The fair value changes of the derivative contracts traded with third-party financial institutions are expected to be largely comparable to the fair value changes of the derivative transactions executed with customers throughout the terms of these contracts, except for the credit valuation adjustment component of the contracts and the spread variances between the customer derivatives and the offsetting financial counterparty positions. The Company also utilizes foreign exchange contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to mitigate the economic effect of fluctuations in certain foreign currency on-balance sheet assets and liabilities and to meet funding needs in certain foreign currencies.
The Company is subject to credit risk associated with the counterparties to the derivative contracts. This counterparty credit risk is a multi-dimensional form of risk, affected by both the exposure and credit quality of the counterparty, both of which are sensitive to market-induced changes. The Company’s Credit Risk Management Committee provides oversight of credit risk and the Company has guidelines in place to manage counterparty concentration, tenor limits, and collateral. The Company manages the credit risk of its derivative positions by diversifying its positions among various counterparties, by entering into legally enforceable master netting agreements, and by requiring collateral arrangements, where possible. The Company may also transfer counterparty credit risk related to interest rate swaps to third-party financial institutions through the use of credit risk participation agreements. Certain derivative contracts are required to be cleared through central clearing organizations, to further mitigate counterparty credit risk, where variation margin is applied daily as settlement to the fair value of the derivative contracts. In addition, the Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments and other market standard methodologies to appropriately reflect the counterparty’s and the Company’s own nonperformance risk in the fair value measurement of its derivatives. As of December 31, 2025, the Company anticipates performance by all of its counterparties and has not incurred any related credit losses.
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The following tables summarize certain information on derivative instruments designated as accounting hedges and utilized by the Company in its management of interest rate risk as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted-Average | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Notional Amount | Fair Value Assets | Fair Value Liabilities | Fixed Rate | Floating Rate (1) | Remaining Term (in months) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flow hedges | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative contracts hedging loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps - Receive fixed pay floating (2) | $ | 4,000,000 | $ | 39,997 | $ | 139 | 5.66 | % | 5.71 | % | 28.6 | |||||||||
| Interest rate collars - Buy floor sell cap | 250,000 | — | — | Cap: 4.58% Floor: 1.50% | 3.87 | % | 5.0 | |||||||||||||
| Total cash flow hedges | $ | 4,250,000 | $ | 39,997 | $ | 139 |
| December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted-Average | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Notional Amount | Fair Value Assets | Fair Value Liabilities | Fixed Rate | Floating Rate (1) | Remaining Term (in months) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flow hedges | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative contracts hedging loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps - Receive fixed pay floating | $ | 4,000,000 | $ | 1,808 | $ | 29,102 | 4.95 | % | 6.47 | % | 23.8 | |||||||||
| Interest rate swaps - Receive fixed pay floating - Forward starting (2) | 1,000,000 | 3,839 | 5,893 | 3.90 | % | N/A | 67.8 | |||||||||||||
| Interest rate collars - Buy floor sell cap | 250,000 | — | 216 | Cap: 4.58% Floor: 1.50% | 4.55 | % | 17.0 | |||||||||||||
| Total cash flow hedges | $ | 5,250,000 | $ | 5,647 | $ | 35,211 |
(1)Floating rates are indexed to SOFR or Prime.
(2)Forward starting swaps with a total notional value of $1 billion became effective during 2025.
Additional information on the Company’s derivatives is presented in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Derivatives, Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and Note 5 — Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K. Certain of these policies include critical accounting estimates, which are subject to valuation assumptions, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain, and it is likely that materially different amounts could be reported under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has procedures and processes in place to facilitate making these judgments. The following is a brief description of the Company’s critical accounting estimates involving significant judgments.
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Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company’s allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of expected credit losses over the remaining expected life of the Company’s financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans and certain lending-related commitments. The allowance for credit losses involves significant judgment on various matters including development and weighting of macroeconomic forecasts, incorporation of historical loss experience, assessment of key credit risk characteristics, assignment of risk ratings, valuation of collateral, and the determination of remaining expected life. For additional information on these judgments and the Company’s policies and methodologies used to determine the allowance for credit losses, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses and Unfunded Credit Commitments, and Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
A critical judgment in the process is estimating the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to macroeconomic forecasts that are incorporated into quantitative methods. As any one economic outlook is inherently uncertain, the Company utilizes a baseline as well as upside and downside scenarios that are applied based on a probability weighting, to better reflect management’s estimate of the expected credit losses given existing market conditions and the changes in the economic environment. Changes in the Company’s assumptions and economic forecasts could significantly affect its estimate of expected credit losses, which could potentially lead to significant changes in the estimate from one reporting period to the next. For further discussion on the economic forecast incorporated into the 2025 model, see Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The allowance for credit losses is sensitive to changes in macroeconomic forecast assumptions. Given the dynamic relationship between macroeconomic variables within the Company’s models, it is difficult to estimate the impact of a change in any one factor or input on the allowance. Changes in the factors and inputs considered may not occur at the same rate and may not be consistent across all geographies or product types, and changes in factors and input may be directionally inconsistent, such that improvement in one factor may offset deterioration in others. However, to provide additional context regarding the sensitivity of the allowance for credit losses to changes in key variables, the Company compared the quantitative modeled estimate when applying a 100% probability weighting to the downside scenario rather than the weighting of multiple scenarios used to estimate the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2025. Without considering model overlays and qualitative adjustments which could result in a materially different estimate, this sensitivity analysis would have been approximately $423 million higher.
This analysis demonstrates the sensitivity to the allowance for credit losses to key quantitative assumptions and is not intended to estimate changes in the overall allowance for credit losses as it does not capture all the potentially unknown variables that could arise in the forecast period, but it provides an approximation of a possible outcome under hypothetical severe conditions. Management believes that the estimate for the allowance for credit losses was reasonable and appropriate as of December 31, 2025.
Fair Value Estimates
Certain financial instruments are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet on a recurring basis, including AFS debt securities, certain equity securities and derivatives. Changes in fair value are recorded either through earnings or other comprehensive income (loss). Other financial instruments, such as certain individually evaluated loans held-for-investment, loans held-for-sale, affordable housing partnership, tax credit and CRA investments, OREO and other nonperforming assets, are not carried at fair value each period but may require nonrecurring fair value adjustments primarily due to application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets.
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In determining the fair value of financial instruments, the Company uses market prices of the same or similar instruments whenever such prices are available. Changes in market conditions, such as reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities, may increase variability or reduce the availability of market prices used to determine fair value. If observable market prices are unavailable or impracticable to obtain, then fair value is estimated using modeling techniques such as discounted cash flows analysis. These modeling techniques incorporate management’s assessments regarding the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or the liability, including the risks inherent in a particular valuation technique and the risk of nonperformance. The use of methodologies or assumptions different than those used by the Company could result in different estimates of fair value of financial instruments.
Significant judgment is also required to determine the fair value hierarchy for certain financial instruments. When fair values are based on valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, the financial assets and liabilities are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy established under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820-10, Fair Value Measurement.
The following table presents the Company’s assets recorded at fair value and the portion of such assets that are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
| December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Total Balance (1) | Level 3 | Total Balance (1) | Level 3 | |||||||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis | $ | 13,648,713 | $ | 522 | $ | 11,395,533 | $ | 239 | |||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis | 33,239 | 33,239 | 85,872 | 85,872 | |||||||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value | (a) | $ | 13,681,952 | (b) | $ | 33,761 | (d) | $ | 11,481,405 | (f) | $ | 86,111 | |||
| Total assets | (c) | $ | 80,434,997 | (e) | $ | 75,976,475 | |||||||||
| Level 3 assets at fair value as a percentage of total assets | (b)/(c) | 0.04 | % | (f)/(e) | 0.11 | % | |||||||||
| Level 3 assets at fair value as a percentage of total assets at fair value | (b)/(a) | 0.25 | % | (f)/(d) | 0.75 | % |
(1)Before derivative netting adjustments.
For a complete discussion on the Company’s fair value hierarchy of financial instruments, fair value measurement techniques and assumptions, and the impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Fair Value and Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Goodwill Impairment
The valuation and testing methodologies used in the Company’s analysis of goodwill impairment are discussed in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Goodwill, Note 8 — Goodwill, and Note 17 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test on all three reporting units using a qualitative assessment. The qualitative test indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair values of all the Company’s reporting units exceeded their carrying values. The Company concluded that the goodwill allocated to its reporting units was not impaired as of December 31, 2025.
In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company assesses relevant events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, financial performance, the Company’s stock price and other relevant entity- and reporting-unit specific considerations.
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Income Taxes
The Company files income tax returns in the jurisdictions in which it conducts business and evaluates income tax expense in two components: current and deferred income tax expense. Accrued taxes represent the net estimated amount due to or due from various tax jurisdictions in the current year and deferred tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable in future years. The Company’s interpretations of the tax laws, including the U.S., its states and the municipalities, and the tax jurisdictions in Hong Kong and China, are complex and subject to audit by taxing authorities that disputes may occur regarding its view on a tax position taken by the Company.
In estimating accrued taxes, the Company assesses the appropriate tax treatment of transactions and filing positions after considering statutes, regulations, judicial precedent, and other pertinent information. The income tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the Company and the relevant government taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining the tax accruals and in evaluating the tax positions, including evaluating uncertain tax positions. Changes in the estimate of accrued taxes occur periodically due to changes in tax rates, tax credits, interpretations of tax laws, the status of examinations by the tax authorities, and newly enacted statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance that could impact the relative merits and risks of tax positions. These changes, when they occur, impact tax expense and can materially affect our operating results and financial condition. The Company reviews its tax positions on a quarterly basis and adjusts to accrued taxes as new information becomes available. The Company believes that adequate provisions have been recorded for all income tax uncertainties consistent with ASC 740, Income Taxes as of December 31, 2025. For further information on the Company’s accounting for income taxes and significant tax attributes, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Income Taxes and Note 11 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
For detailed discussion and disclosure on new accounting pronouncements adopted, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company uses certain non-GAAP measures of financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with, or as an alternative to U.S. GAAP. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance that either excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have such an effect, that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable financial measure that is calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this Form 10-K include but are not limited to ROATCE, tangible book value per share, and adjusted loan yield. Certain additional non-GAAP financial measures that are components of the foregoing non-GAAP financial measures are also set forth and reconciled in the table below. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with the corresponding U.S. GAAP financial measures, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance, and allow comparability to prior periods. These non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes.
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The following tables present the reconciliations of U.S. GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures for 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||
| Net income | (a) | $ | 1,325,188 | $ | 1,165,586 | |||||||
| Add: Amortization of mortgage servicing assets | 1,124 | 1,322 | ||||||||||
| Tax effect of amortization adjustments (1) | (315) | (393) | ||||||||||
| Tangible net income (non-GAAP) | (b) | $ | 1,325,997 | $ | 1,166,515 | |||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | (c) | $ | 8,276,408 | $ | 7,315,174 | |||||||
| Less: Average goodwill | (465,697) | (465,697) | ||||||||||
| Average mortgage servicing assets | (4,684) | (5,953) | ||||||||||
| Average tangible book value (non-GAAP) | (d) | $ | 7,806,027 | $ | 6,843,524 | |||||||
| ROAE | (a)/(c) | 16.01 | % | 15.93 | % | |||||||
| ROATCE (non-GAAP) | (b)/(d) | 16.99 | % | 17.05 | % |
| December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ and shares in thousands, except per share data) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | (a) | $ | 8,899,202 | $ | 7,723,054 | ||||
| Less: Goodwill | (465,697) | (465,697) | |||||||
| Mortgage servicing assets | (4,119) | (5,234) | |||||||
| Tangible book value (non-GAAP) | (b) | $ | 8,429,386 | $ | 7,252,123 | ||||
| Number of common shares at period-end | (c) | 137,579 | 138,437 | ||||||
| Book value per share | (a)/(c) | $ | 64.68 | $ | 55.79 | ||||
| Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) | (b)/(c) | $ | 61.27 | $ | 52.39 |
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||
| Average loan yield | ||||||||||
| Interest income on loans | (d) | $ | 3,494,661 | $ | 3,490,979 | |||||
| Less: Loan payoff discount accretion and interest recoveries | (32,296) | — | ||||||||
| Adjusted interest income on loans | (e) | $ | 3,462,365 | $ | 3,490,979 | |||||
| Average loans | (f) | $ | 54,624,959 | $ | 52,368,780 | |||||
| Average loan yield | (d)/(f) | 6.40 | % | 6.67 | % | |||||
| Adjusted average loan yield | (e)/(f) | 6.34 | % | 6.67 | % |
(1)Applied blended statutory rate of 28.02% for 2025 and 29.73% for 2024.
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001069157-25-000025.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | 35 | ||
| Financial Review | 35 | ||
| Results of Operations | 37 | ||
| Net Interest Income | 37 | ||
| Noninterest Income | 42 | ||
| Noninterest Expense | 43 | ||
| Income Taxes | 43 | ||
| Operating Segment Results | 44 | ||
| Balance Sheet Analysis | 46 | ||
| Debt Securities | 46 | ||
| Loan Portfolio | 48 | ||
| Foreign Outstandings | 55 | ||
| Capital | 55 | ||
| Deposits and Other Sources of Funding | 56 | ||
| Regulatory Capital and Ratios | 58 | ||
| Risk Management | 59 | ||
| Credit Risk Management | 60 | ||
| Liquidity Risk Management | 64 | ||
| Market Risk Management | 67 | ||
| Critical Accounting Estimates | 72 | ||
| Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures | 74 |
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Overview
The following discussion provides information about the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources of the Company, including its subsidiary bank, East West Bank. This information is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K. For information on our business, see Item 1. Business in this Form 10-K.
Current Economic Developments
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) cut the Federal Funds Rate by a total of 100 bps through three consecutive cuts in September, November, and December of 2024 in response to the slower pace of inflation demonstrated by external data in the second half of 2024. The Federal Reserve indicated at its December 2024 meeting that the interest rate cuts in 2025 would likely continue at a slower pace than previously anticipated, which was in line with the January 2025 decision to hold rates steady. However, concerns over persistent inflation, labor market trends, and the potential impact of the Trump administration’s economic policies may influence the Federal Reserve’s response in 2025. Elevated interest rates created affordability challenges for many borrowers in 2024. The CRE market remained under pressure during 2024, primarily from decreased demand for office space, which affected the demand for CRE loans and loan performance. It is uncertain whether such trends will continue or whether potential U.S. economic growth in 2025 will include a moderate recovery in real estate investment activity. The Company monitors changes in economic and industry conditions and their impacts on the Company’s business, customers, employees, communities and markets.
Further discussion of the potential impacts on the Company’s business due to the economic environment has been provided in Item 1A. — Risk Factors — Risks Related to Financial Matters in this Form 10-K.
Financial Review
Our MD&A analyzes the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for 2024 and 2023. Some tables include additional periods to comply with disclosure requirements or to illustrate trends in greater depth. The page locations of specific sections that we refer to are presented in the table of contents. To review our financial condition and results of operations for 2023 and a comparison between 2023 and 2022 results, see Item 7. MD&A of our 2023 Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 29, 2024.
35
| ($ and shares in thousands, except per share, and ratio data) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary of operations: | |||||||
| Net interest income before provision for credit losses | $ | 2,278,716 | $ | 2,312,254 | |||
| Noninterest income | 335,218 | 295,264 | |||||
| Total revenue | 2,613,934 | 2,607,518 | |||||
| Provision for credit losses | 174,000 | 125,000 | |||||
| Noninterest expense | 958,073 | 1,022,748 | |||||
| Income before income taxes | 1,481,861 | 1,459,770 | |||||
| Income tax expense | 316,275 | 298,609 | |||||
| Net income | $ | 1,165,586 | $ | 1,161,161 | |||
| Per share: | |||||||
| Basic earnings | $ | 8.39 | $ | 8.23 | |||
| Diluted earnings | $ | 8.33 | $ | 8.18 | |||
| Dividends declared | $ | 2.20 | $ | 1.92 | |||
| Weighted-average number of shares outstanding: | |||||||
| Basic | 138,898 | 141,164 | |||||
| Diluted | 139,958 | 141,902 | |||||
| Performance metrics: | |||||||
| Return on average assets (“ROA”) | 1.60 | % | 1.71 | % | |||
| Return on average common equity (“ROE”) | 15.93 | % | 17.91 | % | |||
| Return on average tangible common equity (“TCE”) (1) | 17.05 | % | 19.35 | % | |||
| Common dividend payout ratio | 26.58 | % | 23.62 | % | |||
| Net interest margin | 3.27 | % | 3.61 | % | |||
| Efficiency ratio (2) | 36.65 | % | 39.22 | % | |||
| At year end: | |||||||
| Total assets | $ | 75,976,475 | $ | 69,612,884 | |||
| Total loans | $ | 53,726,637 | $ | 52,210,898 | |||
| Total deposits | $ | 63,175,023 | $ | 56,092,438 | |||
| Common shares outstanding at period-end | 138,437 | 140,027 | |||||
| Book value per share | $ | 55.79 | $ | 49.64 | |||
| Tangible book value per share (1) | $ | 52.39 | $ | 46.27 |
(1)For additional information regarding the reconciliation of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures, refer to Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
(2)Efficiency ratio is calculated as noninterest expense divided by total revenue.
The Company’s 2024 net income was $1.2 billion, a $4 million or 0.4% increase from 2023. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in noninterest expense and an increase in noninterest income, partially offset by higher provision for credit losses, lower net interest income before provision for credit losses, and higher income tax expense. Noteworthy items about the Company’s performance for 2024 included:
•Net interest income and net interest margin. Year-over-year net interest income before provision for credit losses decreased $34 million or 1% to $2.3 billion in 2024. Full year 2024 net interest margin was 3.27%, a 34 bp decrease year-over-year.
•Earnings per share growth. Full year 2024 basic and diluted EPS each expanded 2% to $8.39 and $8.33, respectively.
•Efficiency ratio improvement. The efficiency ratio was 36.65% in 2024, a 257 bp improvement compared with 2023. The improvement in the efficiency ratio primarily reflected a year-over-year decrease in the amortization of tax credit and CRA investments due to the expanded application of the proportional amortization method (“PAM”) since the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-02, Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures on January 1, 2024, and a decrease in the FDIC charge.
•Asset growth. Total assets reached $76.0 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $6.4 billion or 9% year-over-year, primarily driven by an increase in AFS debt securities of $4.7 billion or 75%, and loan growth of $1.5 billion or 3%.
36
•Deposit growth. Total deposits were $63.2 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $7.1 billion or 13% year-over-year, primarily reflecting growth across the Consumer and Business Banking, and Commercial Banking segments.
•Strong capital levels. Stockholders’ equity was $7.7 billion as of December 31, 2024, up from $7.0 billion as of December 31, 2023. Book value per share of $55.79 as of December 31, 2024, increased $6.15 or 12% from December 31, 2023. Tangible book value per share of $52.39 as of December 31, 2024, increased $6.12 or 13% from December 31, 2023. Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional details, see the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
Results of Operations
Net Interest Income
The Company’s primary source of revenue is net interest income, which is the interest income earned on interest-earning assets less interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is the ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. Net interest income and net interest margin are impacted by several factors, including changes in average balances and the composition of interest-earning assets and funding sources, market interest rate fluctuations and the slope of the yield curve, repricing characteristics and maturity of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the volume of noninterest-bearing sources of funds, and asset quality.
Net interest income and net interest margin for 2024 decreased year-over-year, which primarily reflected higher deposit funding costs and shifts in the deposit mix to higher cost time and money market deposits, partially offset by loan growth and higher loan yields, and increases in AFS debt securities’ volume and yield. Although the Federal Reserve cut interest rates three times since September 2024, the impacts of prior interest rate hikes spurred customers to seek high-yielding time deposits, which increased deposit costs at a faster rate than the increase in loan yields, and resulted in slight pressures on the Company’s net interest margin during 2024.
37
Average interest-earning assets increased $5.7 billion or 9% to $69.7 billion in 2024. The yield on average interest-earning assets was 6.01% in 2024, an increase of 24 bps from 2023. The increases in both the average balance and yield on interest-earning assets primarily reflected loan growth, an increase in AFS debt securities, and higher benchmark interest rates.
The average loan yield was 6.67% in 2024, an increase of 27 bps from 2023. The year-over-year change in the average loan yield primarily reflected loan growth and the loan portfolio’s sensitivity to higher benchmark interest rates. Approximately 58% of loans held-for-investment were variable-rate as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023.
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Deposits are an important source of funds and impact both net interest income and net interest margin. Average deposits of $59.7 billion in 2024, increased $4.7 billion or 9% from 2023. Average noninterest-bearing deposits of $14.8 billion in 2024, decreased $2.4 billion or 14% from 2023. Average noninterest-bearing deposits made up 25% and 31% of average deposits for 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The average cost of deposits was 2.88% in 2024, an increase of 69 bps from 2023. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits was 3.83% in 2024, an increase of 64 bps from 2023. These year-over-year increases primarily reflected shifts in the deposit mix to time and money market deposits, and higher deposit costs in response to the interest rate environment.
The average cost of funds calculation includes deposits, short-term borrowings, FHLB advances, assets sold under repurchase agreements (“repurchase agreements”) and long-term debt. In 2024, the average cost of funds was 3.02%, an increase of 67 bps from 2023. The year-over-year increase was mainly driven by the change in the average cost of deposits discussed above.
The Company utilizes various tools to manage interest rate risk. Refer to the Interest Rate Risk Management section of Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Market Risk Management for details.
39
The following table presents the interest spread, net interest margin, average balances, interest income and expense, and the average yield/rate by asset and liability component in 2024, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks | $ | 4,936,550 | $ | 231,794 | 4.70 | % | $ | 4,638,630 | $ | 220,643 | 4.76 | % | $ | 3,127,234 | $ | 41,113 | 1.31 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Assets purchased under resale agreements (1) | 519,263 | 11,254 | 2.17 | % | 691,223 | 20,164 | 2.92 | % | 1,398,080 | 29,767 | 2.13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AFS (2)(3) | 8,811,274 | 399,280 | 4.53 | % | 6,105,999 | 225,592 | 3.69 | % | 6,629,945 | 152,514 | 2.30 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-maturity (“HTM”) (2) | 2,935,937 | 49,785 | 1.70 | % | 2,976,237 | 50,598 | 1.70 | % | 2,756,382 | 46,392 | 1.68 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt securities (2) | 11,747,211 | 449,065 | 3.82 | % | 9,082,236 | 276,190 | 3.04 | % | 9,386,327 | 198,906 | 2.12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial (“C&I”) (2) | 16,492,472 | 1,294,451 | 7.85 | % | 15,499,899 | 1,190,940 | 7.68 | % | 15,013,560 | 715,778 | 4.77 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE (2) | 20,316,013 | 1,292,973 | 6.36 | % | 19,824,272 | 1,227,795 | 6.19 | % | 17,896,853 | 791,839 | 4.42 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 15,504,795 | 900,514 | 5.81 | % | 14,155,784 | 750,813 | 5.30 | % | 12,315,334 | 538,255 | 4.37 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 55,500 | 3,041 | 5.48 | % | 65,181 | 3,198 | 4.91 | % | 93,711 | 2,429 | 2.59 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans (2)(4)(5) | 52,368,780 | 3,490,979 | 6.67 | % | 49,545,136 | 3,172,746 | 6.40 | % | 45,319,458 | 2,048,301 | 4.52 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted equity securities | 147,080 | 10,104 | 6.87 | % | 82,177 | 4,062 | 4.94 | % | 77,963 | 3,144 | 4.03 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | $ | 69,718,884 | $ | 4,193,196 | 6.01 | % | $ | 64,039,402 | $ | 3,693,805 | 5.77 | % | $ | 59,309,062 | $ | 2,321,231 | 3.91 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | 345,056 | 555,689 | 652,673 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | (688,448) | (625,785) | (559,746) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | 3,446,350 | 3,788,199 | 3,436,293 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 72,821,842 | $ | 67,757,505 | $ | 62,838,282 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Checking deposits | $ | 7,731,828 | $ | 221,367 | 2.86 | % | $ | 7,658,414 | $ | 179,200 | 2.34 | % | $ | 6,696,200 | $ | 29,808 | 0.45 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Money market deposits | 13,970,375 | 525,870 | 3.76 | % | 11,680,540 | 399,482 | 3.42 | % | 12,443,437 | 107,442 | 0.86 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings deposits | 1,770,041 | 17,764 | 1.00 | % | 2,128,943 | 15,573 | 0.73 | % | 2,901,940 | 8,550 | 0.29 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 21,400,834 | 955,173 | 4.46 | % | 16,301,856 | 611,295 | 3.75 | % | 9,473,744 | 106,038 | 1.12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing deposits | 44,873,078 | 1,720,174 | 3.83 | % | 37,769,753 | 1,205,550 | 3.19 | % | 31,515,321 | 251,838 | 0.80 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”), short-term borrowings and federal funds purchased | 962,061 | 42,163 | 4.38 | % | 3,591,114 | 157,002 | 4.37 | % | 81,719 | 1,801 | 2.20 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| FHLB advances | 2,752,733 | 147,269 | 5.35 | % | 123,288 | 6,430 | 5.22 | % | 105,966 | 1,754 | 1.66 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | 3,613 | 197 | 5.45 | % | 34,443 | 1,497 | 4.35 | % | 467,413 | 14,362 | 3.07 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities | 58,467 | 4,677 | 8.00 | % | 152,790 | 11,072 | 7.25 | % | 152,325 | 5,595 | 3.67 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | $ | 48,649,952 | $ | 1,914,480 | 3.94 | % | $ | 41,671,388 | $ | 1,381,551 | 3.32 | % | $ | 32,322,744 | $ | 275,350 | 0.85 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing liabilities and stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Demand deposits | 14,799,961 | 17,192,978 | 22,784,258 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 2,056,755 | 2,410,154 | 1,948,255 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | 7,315,174 | 6,482,985 | 5,783,025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 72,821,842 | $ | 67,757,505 | $ | 62,838,282 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate spread | 2.07 | % | 2.45 | % | 3.06 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income and net interest margin | $ | 2,278,716 | 3.27 | % | $ | 2,312,254 | 3.61 | % | $ | 2,045,881 | 3.45 | % |
(1)Includes the average balances and interest income for securities and loans purchased under resale agreements for 2023. There were no loans purchased under resale agreements for 2024.
(2)Yields on tax-exempt debt securities and loans are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
(3)Includes the amortization of net premiums on AFS debt securities of $35 million, $31 million and $72 million for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(4)Average balances include nonperforming loans and loans held-for-sale.
(5)Includes the accretion of net deferred loan fees and amortization of net premiums, which totaled $53 million for each of 2024 and 2023, and $50 million for 2022.
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The following table summarizes the extent to which changes in (1) interest rates, and (2) volume of average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities affected the Company’s net interest income for the periods presented. The total change for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is segmented into changes attributable to variations in volume and yield/rate. Changes that are not solely due to either volume or yield/rate are allocated proportionally based on the absolute value of the change related to average volume and average yield/rate.
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 vs. 2023 | 2023 vs. 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Change | Changes Due to | Total Change | Changes Due to | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Volume | Yield/Rate | Volume | Yield/Rate | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks | $ | 11,151 | $ | 14,019 | $ | (2,868) | $ | 179,530 | $ | 27,977 | $ | 151,553 | |||||||||||
| Assets purchased under resale agreements (1) | (8,910) | (4,382) | (4,528) | (9,603) | (18,266) | 8,663 | |||||||||||||||||
| Debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| AFS | 173,688 | 114,930 | 58,758 | 73,078 | (12,895) | 85,973 | |||||||||||||||||
| HTM | (813) | (684) | (129) | 4,206 | 3,733 | 473 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total debt securities | 172,875 | 114,246 | 58,629 | 77,284 | (9,162) | 86,446 | |||||||||||||||||
| Loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | 103,511 | 77,492 | 26,019 | 475,162 | 23,900 | 451,262 | |||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 65,178 | 30,853 | 34,325 | 435,956 | 95,037 | 340,919 | |||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 149,701 | 74,955 | 74,746 | 212,558 | 87,511 | 125,047 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | (157) | (506) | 349 | 769 | (907) | 1,676 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | 318,233 | 182,794 | 135,439 | 1,124,445 | 205,541 | 918,904 | |||||||||||||||||
| Restricted equity securities | 6,042 | 4,045 | 1,997 | 918 | 177 | 741 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest and dividend income | $ | 499,391 | $ | 310,722 | $ | 188,669 | $ | 1,372,574 | $ | 206,267 | $ | 1,166,307 | |||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Checking deposits | $ | 42,167 | $ | 1,734 | $ | 40,433 | $ | 149,392 | $ | 4,879 | $ | 144,513 | |||||||||||
| Money market deposits | 126,388 | 83,521 | 42,867 | 292,040 | (6,983) | 299,023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Saving deposits | 2,191 | (2,930) | 5,121 | 7,023 | (2,792) | 9,815 | |||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 343,878 | 213,823 | 130,055 | 505,257 | 118,581 | 386,676 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing deposits | 514,624 | 296,148 | 218,476 | 953,712 | 113,685 | 840,027 | |||||||||||||||||
| BTFP, short-term borrowings and federal funds purchased | (114,839) | (115,219) | 380 | 155,201 | 151,725 | 3,476 | |||||||||||||||||
| FHLB advances | 140,839 | 140,669 | 170 | 4,676 | 330 | 4,346 | |||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | (1,300) | (1,606) | 306 | (12,865) | (17,113) | 4,248 | |||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities | (6,395) | (7,443) | 1,048 | 5,477 | 17 | 5,460 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest expense | $ | 532,929 | $ | 312,549 | $ | 220,380 | $ | 1,106,201 | $ | 248,644 | $ | 857,557 | |||||||||||
| Changes in net interest income | $ | (33,538) | $ | (1,827) | $ | (31,711) | $ | 266,373 | $ | (42,377) | $ | 308,750 |
(1)Includes the impact of securities purchased under resale agreements for 2024, and both securities and loans purchased under resale agreements for 2023 and 2022.
41
Noninterest Income
The following table presents the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change from 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Deposit account fees | $ | 103,880 | $ | 93,811 | 11 | % | $ | 95,177 | ||||||||
| Lending fees | 98,455 | 83,876 | 17 | % | 79,208 | |||||||||||
| Foreign exchange income | 54,605 | 48,276 | 13 | % | 41,416 | |||||||||||
| Wealth management fees | 38,627 | 26,994 | 43 | % | 27,738 | |||||||||||
| Customer derivative income | 16,401 | 20,200 | (19) | % | 29,057 | |||||||||||
| Net gains on sales of loans | 44 | 3,634 | (99) | % | 6,411 | |||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) on AFS debt securities | 2,069 | (6,862) | NM | 1,306 | ||||||||||||
| Other investment income | 5,611 | 9,348 | (40) | % | 7,037 | |||||||||||
| Other income | 15,526 | 15,987 | (3) | % | 11,316 | |||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | $ | 335,218 | $ | 295,264 | 14 | % | $ | 298,666 |
NM — Not meaningful.
Noninterest income comprised 13% and 11% of total revenue in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Noninterest income for 2024 was $335 million, an increase of $40 million compared with 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher lending, wealth management, and deposit account fees, net gains on AFS debt securities, and foreign exchange income, partially offset by lower customer derivative, other investment income and net gains on sales of loans.
Deposit account fees were $104 million in 2024, an increase of $10 million or 11%, compared with 2023. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to analysis service fees, which reflected fee increases and customer growth.
Lending fees were $98 million in 2024, an increase of $15 million or 17%, compared with 2023. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to higher trade finance and commitment fees driven by customer growth, and higher credit enhancement fee income.
Foreign exchange income was $55 million, an increase of $6 million or 13%, compared with 2023. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to the favorable valuation of certain foreign currency denominated balance sheet items.
Wealth management fees were $39 million in 2024, an increase of $12 million or 43%, compared with 2023. The year-over-year increase primarily reflected customer demand for higher-yielding products in response to the interest rate environment.
Customer derivative income was $16 million, a decrease of $4 million or 19% compared with 2023. The year-over-year decrease primarily reflected lower fee income due to decreased customer activity, partially offset by favorable credit valuation adjustments.
Net gains on sales of loans were $44 thousand, a decrease of $4 million, or 99%, compared with 2023. The 2023 net gain on sales of loans primarily reflected CRE loan sales.
Net gains on AFS debt securities of $2 million in 2024 were due to sales of U.S. government agency residential mortgage-backed securities. In comparison, net losses on AFS debt securities of $7 million in 2023, was due to a $10 million write-off of an impaired subordinated AFS debt security, partially offset by a $3 million gain when the security was subsequently sold.
Other investment income was $6 million in 2024, a decrease of $4 million or 40% compared with 2023. The year-over-year decrease primarily reflected lower earnings from the Company’s equity method CRA investments.
42
Noninterest Expense
The following table presents the components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change from 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Compensation and employee benefits | $ | 550,734 | $ | 508,538 | 8 | % | $ | 477,635 | ||||||||
| Occupancy and equipment expense | 64,399 | 62,763 | 3 | % | 62,501 | |||||||||||
| Deposit account expense | 47,390 | 43,143 | 10 | % | 25,508 | |||||||||||
| Computer and software related expenses | 47,271 | 44,475 | 6 | % | 42,776 | |||||||||||
| Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments | 45,736 | 103,308 | (56) | % | 19,449 | |||||||||||
| Other operating expense | 148,301 | 140,222 | 6 | % | 118,166 | |||||||||||
| Amortization of tax credit and CRA investments | 54,242 | 120,299 | (55) | % | 113,358 | |||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | $ | 958,073 | $ | 1,022,748 | (6) | % | $ | 859,393 |
Noninterest expense was $1.0 billion in 2024, a decrease of $65 million or 6%, compared with 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower amortization of tax credit and CRA investments, and deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments, partially offset by higher compensation and employee benefits, and other operating expense.
Compensation and employee benefits were $551 million in 2024, an increase of $42 million or 8%, compared with 2023. The year-over-year increase was primarily driven by annual merit increases and staffing growth.
Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments were $46 million in 2024, a decrease of $58 million or 56%, compared with 2023. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to a $9 million FDIC charge recorded in 2024, compared with the initial $70 million FDIC charge recorded in 2023. For additional information related to the FDIC charge, see Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — FDIC Deposit Insurance Assessments in this Form 10-K.
Other operating expense was $148 million in 2024, an increase of $8 million or 6%, compared with 2023. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to write-downs of other real estate owned (“OREO”).
Amortization of tax credit and CRA investments was $54 million in 2024, a decrease of $66 million or 55%, compared with 2023. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to the expanded application of the PAM since the adoption of ASU 2023-02, Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures on January 1, 2024, and the timing of tax credit investments that closed in a given period. For additional information on the PAM, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 7 — Affordable Housing Partnership, Tax Credit and Community Reinvestment Act Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Income Taxes
The following table presents the income before income taxes, income tax expense and effective tax rate for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 1,481,861 | $ | 1,459,770 | $ | 1,411,654 | |||||
| Income tax expense | $ | 316,275 | $ | 298,609 | $ | 283,571 | |||||
| Effective tax rate | 21.3 | % | 20.5 | % | 20.1 | % |
43
Income tax expense for 2024, compared with 2023, increased $18 million or 6%, primarily due to the impacts from the expanded application of PAM on the Company’s tax credit investments following the adoption of ASU 2023-02 on January 1, 2024, partially offset by an increase in tax credits and prior period adjustments in 2023. The differences between the 2024 and 2023 effective tax rates from the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to state taxes and tax credits associated with renewable energy, historic and new market tax credit related projects as described in Note 11 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Operating Segment Results
The Company organizes its operations into three reportable operating segments: (1) Consumer and Business Banking; (2) Commercial Banking; and (3) Treasury and Other. These segments are defined by the type of customers served, and the related products and services provided. For a description of the Company’s internal management reporting process, including the segment cost allocation methodology, see Note 17 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Segment net interest income represents the difference between actual interest earned on assets and interest incurred on liabilities of the segment, adjusted for funding charges or credits through the Company’s internal funds transfer pricing (“FTP”) process.
During 2024, the Company refined its segment allocation methodology and reclassified certain deposits and their related income or expenses from the “Consumer and Business Banking” segment to the “Commercial Banking” or “Treasury and Other” segments, and certain loan balances and their related income or expenses from the “Commercial Banking” segment to the “Treasury and Other” segment. Prior years’ balances have been reclassified for comparability.
Consumer and Business Banking
The Consumer and Business Banking segment primarily provides financial products and services to consumer and commercial customers through the Company’s domestic branch network and digital banking platforms. This segment offers consumer and commercial deposits, mortgage and home equity loans, and other products and services. It also originates commercial loans for small- and medium-sized enterprises through the Company’s branch network. Other products and services provided by this segment include wealth management, private banking, treasury management, interest rate risk hedging and foreign exchange services.
The following table presents financial information for the Consumer and Business Banking segment for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | $ | % | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Total revenue before provision for credit losses | $ | 1,260,806 | $ | 1,329,844 | $ | (69,038) | (5) | % | $ | 1,174,960 | ||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 8,691 | 21,454 | (12,763) | (59) | % | 25,983 | ||||||||||||
| Compensation and employee benefits | 217,612 | 203,387 | 14,225 | 7 | % | 195,394 | ||||||||||||
| Other noninterest expense | 234,494 | 262,086 | (27,592) | (11) | % | 196,581 | ||||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | 452,106 | 465,473 | (13,367) | (3) | % | 391,975 | ||||||||||||
| Segment income before income taxes | 800,009 | 842,917 | (42,908) | (5) | % | 757,002 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 236,791 | 247,952 | (11,161) | (5) | % | 219,248 | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income | $ | 563,218 | $ | 594,965 | $ | (31,747) | (5) | % | $ | 537,754 | ||||||||
| Average loans | $ | 18,966,662 | $ | 17,739,984 | $ | 1,226,678 | 7 | % | $ | 15,534,259 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 30,815,912 | $ | 28,174,781 | $ | 2,641,131 | 9 | % | $ | 27,276,151 |
44
Consumer and Business Banking segment net income decreased $32 million or 5% to $563 million in 2024, primarily due to a decrease in net interest income and higher compensation and employee benefits, partially offset by lower other noninterest expense and provision for credit losses. The decrease in net interest income before provision for credit losses was primarily driven by a higher cost of interest-bearing deposits and a continued shift to interest-bearing products in the deposit mix. The decrease in provision for credit losses was primarily driven by the improvement in the macroeconomic outlook in the residential mortgage loan sector. The increase in compensation and employee benefits was primarily driven by annual merit increases and staffing growth. The decrease in other noninterest expense was primarily driven by lower deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments compared with the higher FDIC special assessment charge recognized in 2023.
Commercial Banking
The Commercial Banking segment primarily generates domestic commercial loan and deposit products. Commercial loan products include CRE lending, construction finance, commercial business lending, working capital lines of credit, trade finance, letters of credit, affordable housing lending, asset-based lending, asset-backed finance, project finance and equipment financing. Commercial deposit products and other financial services include treasury management, foreign exchange services, and interest rate and commodity risk hedging.
The following table presents financial information for the Commercial Banking segment for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | $ | % | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Total revenue before provision for credit losses | $ | 1,323,711 | $ | 1,284,515 | $ | 39,196 | 3 | % | $ | 1,162,523 | ||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 166,953 | 100,391 | 66,562 | 66 | % | 48,248 | ||||||||||||
| Compensation and employee benefits | 234,240 | 217,663 | 16,577 | 8 | % | 211,355 | ||||||||||||
| Other noninterest expense | 161,969 | 158,949 | 3,020 | 2 | % | 102,018 | ||||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | 396,209 | 376,612 | 19,597 | 5 | % | 313,373 | ||||||||||||
| Segment income before income taxes | 760,549 | 807,512 | (46,963) | (6) | % | 800,902 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 224,897 | 237,359 | (12,462) | (5) | % | 230,920 | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income | $ | 535,652 | $ | 570,153 | $ | (34,501) | (6) | % | $ | 569,982 | ||||||||
| Average loans | $ | 32,996,221 | $ | 31,365,547 | $ | 1,630,674 | 5 | % | $ | 29,321,701 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 25,820,956 | $ | 23,304,066 | $ | 2,516,890 | 11 | % | $ | 23,252,073 |
Commercial Banking segment net income decreased $35 million or 6% to $536 million in 2024, primarily driven by increases in provision for credit losses and compensation and employee benefits, partially offset by higher noninterest income. The increase in noninterest income was primarily driven by higher lending and deposit account fees. The increase in provision for credit losses was primarily driven by higher net charge-offs in the C&I portfolio. The increase in compensation and employee benefits was primarily driven by annual merit increases and staffing growth.
Treasury and Other
Centralized functions, including the corporate treasury activities of the Company, eliminations of inter-segment amounts, and centrally managed departments, have been aggregated and included in the Treasury and Other segment. Tax credit investment amortization is recorded in the Treasury and Other segment.
45
The following table presents financial information for the Treasury and Other segment for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | $ | % | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Total revenue (loss) before (reversal of) provision for credit losses | $ | 29,417 | $ | (6,841) | $ | 36,258 | NM | $ | 7,064 | |||||||||
| (Reversal of) provision for credit losses | (1,644) | 3,155 | (4,799) | NM | (731) | |||||||||||||
| Compensation and employee benefits | 98,882 | 87,488 | 11,394 | 13 | % | 70,886 | ||||||||||||
| Other noninterest expense | 10,876 | 93,175 | (82,299) | (88) | % | 83,159 | ||||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | 109,758 | 180,663 | (70,905) | (39) | % | 154,045 | ||||||||||||
| Segment loss before income taxes | (78,697) | (190,659) | 111,962 | 59 | % | (146,250) | ||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit | (145,413) | (186,702) | 41,289 | 22 | % | (166,597) | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income (loss) | $ | 66,716 | $ | (3,957) | $ | 70,673 | NM | $ | 20,347 | |||||||||
| Average loans | $ | 405,897 | $ | 439,605 | $ | (33,708) | (8) | % | $ | 463,498 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 3,036,171 | $ | 3,483,884 | $ | (447,713) | (13) | % | $ | 3,771,355 |
NM — Not meaningful.
Treasury and Other segment loss before income taxes decreased $112 million in 2024, primarily driven by lower noninterest expense and higher net interest income. The increase in net interest income was primarily driven by higher interest income from AFS debt securities. The decrease in noninterest expense was primarily due to lower amortization of tax credit and CRA investments resulting from the expanded application of PAM since the adoption of ASU 2023-02 on January 1, 2024, where the amortization of tax credit and CRA investments were recorded as a component of income tax benefit in this segment.
Income tax expense is allocated to the Consumer and Business Banking and the Commercial Banking segments by applying statutory income tax rates to the respective segment income before income taxes. The income tax expense or benefit in the Treasury and Other segment consists of the remaining unallocated income tax expense or benefit after allocating income tax expense to the two core segments, and the impact of tax credit investment activity.
Balance Sheet Analysis
Debt Securities
The Company maintains a portfolio of high quality and liquid debt securities with a moderate duration profile. It closely manages the overall portfolio credit, interest rate and liquidity risks. The Company’s debt securities provide:
•interest income for earnings and yield enhancement;
•funding availability for needs arising during the normal course of business;
•the ability to execute interest rate risk management strategies in response to changes in economic or market conditions; and
•collateral to support pledging agreements as required and/or to enhance the Company’s borrowing capacity.
While the Company does not intend to sell its debt securities, it may sell AFS debt securities in response to changes in the balance sheet and related interest rate risk to meet liquidity, regulatory and strategic requirements.
46
The following table presents the distribution of the Company’s AFS and HTM debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and by credit ratings as of December 31, 2024:
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | Rating as of December 31, 2024 (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | % of Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | % of Fair Value | AAA/AA | A | BBB | BB and Lower | No Rating (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AFS debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 676,300 | $ | 638,265 | 6 | % | $ | 1,112,587 | $ | 1,060,375 | 17 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities | 308,220 | 262,587 | 3 | % | 412,086 | 364,446 | 6 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities (3) | 8,447,303 | 8,164,474 | 75 | % | 2,488,304 | 2,195,853 | 35 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal securities | 287,301 | 250,153 | 2 | % | 297,283 | 261,016 | 4 | % | 99 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | 1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-agency mortgage-backed securities | 808,762 | 692,078 | 6 | % | 1,052,913 | 921,187 | 15 | % | 91 | % | 1 | % | 1 | % | — | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate debt securities | 653,500 | 526,166 | 5 | % | 653,501 | 502,425 | 8 | % | — | % | 31 | % | 65 | % | 4 | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign government bonds | 244,803 | 233,880 | 2 | % | 239,333 | 227,874 | 4 | % | 45 | % | 55 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 35,086 | 34,715 | 0 | % | 43,234 | 42,300 | 1 | % | 29 | % | 71 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Collateralized loan obligations | 44,500 | 44,493 | 1 | % | 617,250 | 612,861 | 10 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total AFS debt securities | $ | 11,505,775 | $ | 10,846,811 | 100 | % | $ | 6,916,491 | $ | 6,188,337 | 100 | % | 93 | % | 3 | % | 3 | % | 0 | % | 1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| HTM debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 535,080 | $ | 499,858 | 21 | % | $ | 529,548 | $ | 488,551 | 20 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities | 1,004,479 | 804,220 | 34 | % | 1,001,836 | 814,932 | 33 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities (4) | 1,190,221 | 943,134 | 39 | % | 1,235,784 | 1,004,697 | 41 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal securities | 187,633 | 140,542 | 6 | % | 188,872 | 145,791 | 6 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total HTM debt securities | $ | 2,917,413 | $ | 2,387,754 | 100 | % | $ | 2,956,040 | $ | 2,453,971 | 100 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt securities | $ | 14,423,188 | $ | 13,234,565 | $ | 9,872,531 | $ | 8,642,308 |
(1)Credit ratings express opinions about the credit quality of a debt security. The Company determines the credit rating of a security according to the lowest credit rating made available by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSROs”). Investment grade debt securities are those with ratings similar to BBB- or above (as defined by NRSROs), and are generally considered by the rating agencies and market participants to be low credit risk. Ratings percentages are allocated based on fair values.
(2)For debt securities not rated by NRSROs, the Company uses other factors which include but are not limited to the priority in collections within the securitization structure, and whether the contractual payments have historically been on time.
(3)Includes Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) AFS debt securities totaling $7.3 billion of amortized cost and $7.2 billion of fair value as of December 31, 2024, and $1.3 billion of amortized cost and $1.2 billion of fair value as of December 31, 2023.
(4)Includes GNMA HTM debt securities totaling $86 million of amortized cost and $68 million of fair value as of December 31, 2024, and $92 million of amortized cost and $75 million of fair value of as of December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s AFS and HTM debt securities portfolios had an effective duration (defined as the sensitivity of the value of the portfolio to interest rate changes) of 2.4 and 7.0, respectively, compared with 3.6 and 7.5, respectively, as of December 31, 2023. The decrease in the AFS effective duration was primarily due to the purchases of floating rate GNMA securities during 2024. The decrease in the HTM effective duration was due to the portfolio seasoning. The Company estimated that the effective duration of its AFS debt securities was 3.1 for an instantaneous 100 bp parallel increase and 2.1 for an instantaneous 100 bp parallel decrease as of December 31, 2024.
47
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
The fair value of AFS debt securities increased $4.7 billion or 75% to $10.8 billion in 2024 from December 31, 2023, primarily due to the purchases of GNMA securities. The Company’s AFS debt securities are carried at fair value with non-credit related unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in Other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Pre-tax net unrealized losses on AFS debt securities were $659 million as of December 31, 2024, compared with $728 million as of December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, 99% and 97%, respectively, of the carrying value of the AFS debt securities portfolio was rated investment grade by NRSROs. Of the AFS debt securities with gross unrealized losses, substantially all were rated investment grade as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023. There was no allowance for credit losses provided against the AFS debt securities as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023. Additionally, there were no credit losses recognized in earnings for both 2024 and 2023.
Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities
All HTM debt securities were issued, guaranteed, or supported by the U.S. government or government-sponsored enterprises. Accordingly, the Company applied a zero credit loss assumption for these securities and no allowance for credit loss was recorded as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023.
For additional information on AFS and HTM securities, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Note 4 — Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Loan Portfolio
The Company offers a broad range of financial products designed to meet the credit needs of its borrowers. The Company’s loan portfolio segments include commercial loans, which consist of C&I, CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans, as well as consumer loans, which consist of single-family residential, home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”) and other consumer loans. The composition of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024 was similar to the composition as of December 31, 2023.
48
The following table presents the composition of the Company’s total loan portfolio by loan type as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 17,397,158 | 32 | % | $ | 16,581,079 | 32 | % | ||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||
| CRE | 14,655,340 | 28 | % | 14,777,081 | 28 | % | ||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 4,953,442 | 9 | % | 5,023,163 | 10 | % | ||||||||
| Construction and land | 666,162 | 1 | % | 663,868 | 1 | % | ||||||||
| Total CRE | 20,274,944 | 38 | % | 20,464,112 | 39 | % | ||||||||
| Total commercial | 37,672,102 | 70 | % | 37,045,191 | 71 | % | ||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 14,175,446 | 27 | % | 13,383,060 | 26 | % | ||||||||
| HELOCs | 1,811,628 | 3 | % | 1,722,204 | 3 | % | ||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 15,987,074 | 30 | % | 15,105,264 | 29 | % | ||||||||
| Other consumer | 67,461 | 0 | % | 60,327 | 0 | % | ||||||||
| Total consumer | 16,054,535 | 30 | % | 15,165,591 | 29 | % | ||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment (1) | 53,726,637 | 100 | % | 52,210,782 | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | (702,052) | (668,743) | ||||||||||||
| Loans held-for-sale | — | 116 | ||||||||||||
| Total loans, net | $ | 53,024,585 | $ | 51,542,155 |
(1)Includes $46 million and $71 million of net deferred loan fees and net unamortized premiums as of December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
Commercial
The Company actively monitors the commercial lending portfolio for credit risk and reviews credit exposures for sensitivity to changing economic conditions.
Commercial — Commercial and Industrial Loans. Total C&I loan commitments were $25.8 billion and $24.6 billion as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, with a utilization rate of 67% as of both dates. As of December 31, 2024, total C&I loans were $17.4 billion, up $816 million or 5% from December 31, 2023. The C&I loan portfolio includes loans and financing for businesses across a wide spectrum of industries. The Company offers a variety of C&I products, including commercial business lending, working capital lines of credit, trade finance, letters of credit, asset-based lending, asset-backed finance, project finance and equipment financing. Additionally, the Company has a portfolio of broadly syndicated C&I loans, which represent revolving or term loan facilities that are marketed and sold primarily to institutional investors. This portfolio totaled $845 million and $645 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The majority of the C&I loans had variable interest rates as of both December 31, 2024, and 2023.
49
The C&I portfolio is well-diversified by industry. The Company monitors concentrations within the C&I loan portfolio by industry and customer exposure, and has exposure limits by industry and loan product. The following table presents the industry mix within the Company’s C&I loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024, and 2023:
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 (1) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | |||||||||||
| Industry: | Industry: | |||||||||||||||
| Real estate investment & management | $ | 2,381,186 | 14 | % | Capital call lending | $ | 2,171,367 | 13 | % | |||||||
| Capital call lending | 2,230,457 | 13 | % | Real estate investment & management | 1,970,713 | 12 | % | |||||||||
| Media & entertainment | 2,031,242 | 12 | % | Media & entertainment | 1,891,199 | 11 | % | |||||||||
| Manufacturing & wholesale | 1,074,073 | 6 | % | Financial services | 1,136,731 | 7 | % | |||||||||
| Financial services | 1,005,216 | 6 | % | Manufacturing & wholesale | 1,110,544 | 7 | % | |||||||||
| Infrastructure & clean energy | 963,165 | 5 | % | Infrastructure & clean energy | 1,023,662 | 6 | % | |||||||||
| Tech & telecom | 770,521 | 4 | % | Tech & telecom | 729,922 | 4 | % | |||||||||
| Healthcare | 685,550 | 4 | % | Food production & distribution | 655,340 | 4 | % | |||||||||
| Food production & distribution | 664,135 | 4 | % | Consumer finance | 586,468 | 4 | % | |||||||||
| Oil & gas | 576,605 | 3 | % | Hospitality & leisure | 576,328 | 3 | % | |||||||||
| Other | 5,015,008 | 29 | % | Other | 4,728,805 | 29 | % | |||||||||
| Total C&I | $ | 17,397,158 | 100 | % | Total C&I | $ | 16,581,079 | 100 | % |
(1) Revised prior year’s segmentation to conform with the current year’s categories.
Commercial — Total Commercial Real Estate Loans. The total CRE portfolio consists of CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans, and affordable housing lending. The Company’s underwriting parameters for CRE loans are established in compliance with supervisory guidance, including: property type, geography and loan-to-value (“LTV”).
The Company’s total CRE loan portfolio is well-diversified by property type with an average CRE loan size of $3 million as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023. The following table summarizes the Company’s total CRE loans by property type as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||
| Property types: | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily | $ | 4,953,442 | 24 | % | $ | 5,023,164 | 25 | % | ||||||
| Retail | 4,347,032 | 21 | % | 4,297,569 | 21 | % | ||||||||
| Industrial | 3,972,389 | 20 | % | 3,997,764 | 20 | % | ||||||||
| Hotel | 2,404,385 | 12 | % | 2,446,504 | 12 | % | ||||||||
| Office | 2,125,210 | 11 | % | 2,271,508 | 11 | % | ||||||||
| Healthcare | 788,806 | 4 | % | 852,362 | 4 | % | ||||||||
| Construction and land | 666,162 | 3 | % | 663,868 | 3 | % | ||||||||
| Other | 1,017,518 | 5 | % | 911,373 | 4 | % | ||||||||
| Total CRE loans | $ | 20,274,944 | 100 | % | $ | 20,464,112 | 100 | % |
The weighted-average LTV ratio of the total CRE loan portfolio was 50% as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023. Weighted-average LTV is based on the most recent LTV, which considers the latest available appraisal and current loan commitment. Approximately 91% of total CRE loan commitments had an LTV ratio of 65% or lower as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023.
50
The following tables provide a summary of the Company’s CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans by geography as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The distribution of the total CRE loan portfolio largely reflects the Company’s geographical branch footprint, which is primarily concentrated in California:
| December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | CRE | % | Multifamily Residential | % | Construction and Land | % | Total CRE | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 7,516,638 | 51 | % | $ | 2,316,404 | 47 | % | $ | 230,297 | 35 | % | $ | 10,063,339 | 50 | % | ||||||||||||
| Northern California | 2,693,768 | 19 | % | 992,406 | 20 | % | 163,633 | 24 | % | 3,849,807 | 19 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| California | 10,210,406 | 70 | % | 3,308,810 | 67 | % | 393,930 | 59 | % | 13,913,146 | 69 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 1,091,626 | 8 | % | 467,796 | 9 | % | 131,963 | 20 | % | 1,691,385 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| New York | 732,694 | 5 | % | 249,357 | 5 | % | 44,597 | 7 | % | 1,026,648 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Washington | 493,972 | 3 | % | 155,022 | 3 | % | 10,401 | 1 | % | 659,395 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 348,877 | 2 | % | 182,955 | 4 | % | 23,903 | 4 | % | 555,735 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 293,927 | 2 | % | 139,292 | 3 | % | — | — | % | 433,219 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other markets | 1,483,838 | 10 | % | 450,210 | 9 | % | 61,368 | 9 | % | 1,995,416 | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 14,655,340 | 100 | % | $ | 4,953,442 | 100 | % | $ | 666,162 | 100 | % | $ | 20,274,944 | 100 | % |
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | CRE | % | Multifamily Residential | % | Construction and Land | % | Total CRE | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 7,604,053 | 51 | % | $ | 2,295,592 | 46 | % | $ | 294,879 | 44 | % | $ | 10,194,524 | 50 | % | ||||||||||||
| Northern California | 2,737,635 | 19 | % | 1,055,852 | 21 | % | 147,031 | 22 | % | 3,940,518 | 19 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| California | 10,341,688 | 70 | % | 3,351,444 | 67 | % | 441,910 | 66 | % | 14,135,042 | 69 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 1,122,428 | 8 | % | 445,391 | 9 | % | 41,768 | 6 | % | 1,609,587 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| New York | 696,950 | 5 | % | 287,961 | 6 | % | 43,227 | 7 | % | 1,028,138 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Washington | 495,577 | 3 | % | 173,367 | 3 | % | 10,375 | 2 | % | 679,319 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 355,047 | 2 | % | 148,970 | 3 | % | 38,897 | 6 | % | 542,914 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 257,105 | 2 | % | 142,133 | 3 | % | 6,325 | 1 | % | 405,563 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other markets | 1,508,286 | 10 | % | 473,897 | 9 | % | 81,366 | 12 | % | 2,063,549 | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 14,777,081 | 100 | % | $ | 5,023,163 | 100 | % | $ | 663,868 | 100 | % | $ | 20,464,112 | 100 | % |
As of both December 31, 2024 and 2023, 69% of total CRE loans were concentrated in California. Changes in California’s economy and real estate values could have a significant impact on the collectability of these loans and the required level of allowance for loan losses. For additional information related to the higher degree of risk from a downturn in the California economic and real estate markets, see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Geopolitical Uncertainties and Risks Related to Financial Matters in this Form 10-K.
Commercial — Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Company focuses on providing financing to experienced real estate investors and developers who have moderate levels of leverage, many of whom are long-time customers of the Bank. Interest rates on CRE loans may be fixed, variable or hybrid. As of December 31, 2024, 57% of our CRE portfolio had variable rates, of which 52% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place. These were hedging contracts offered by the Company to help our customers manage their interest rate risk while the Bank’s exposure remained variable rate. In comparison, as of December 31, 2023, 58% of our CRE portfolio had variable rates, of which 50% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place. The Company seeks to underwrite loans with conservative standards for cash flows, debt service coverage and LTV.
Owner-occupied properties comprised 20% of the CRE loans as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023. The remainder were non-owner-occupied properties, where 50% or more of the debt service for the loan is typically provided by rental income from an unaffiliated third party.
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Commercial — Multifamily Residential Loans. The multifamily residential loan portfolio is largely comprised of loans secured by residential properties with five or more units. The Company offers a variety of first lien mortgages, including fixed- and variable-rate loans, as well as hybrid loans with interest rates that adjust annually after an initial fixed rate period of three to ten years. As of December 31, 2024, 50% of our multifamily residential portfolio had variable rates, of which 45% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place. In comparison, as of December 31, 2023, 48% of our multifamily residential loan portfolio had variable rates, of which 40% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place. These were hedging contracts offered by the Company to help our customers manage their interest rate risk while the Bank’s exposure remained variable rate.
Commercial — Construction and Land Loans. Construction and land loans provide financing for a portfolio of projects diversified by real estate property type. Construction loan exposure was made up of $506 million in loans outstanding, plus $391 million in unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2024, compared with $526 million in loans outstanding, plus $672 million in unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2023. Land loans totaled $160 million as of December 31, 2024, compared with $138 million as of December 31, 2023.
Consumer
Residential mortgage loans are primarily originated through the Bank’s branch network. The average total residential loan size was $437 thousand and $436 thousand as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The following tables summarize the Company’s single-family residential and HELOC loan portfolios by geography as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Single-Family Residential | % | HELOCs | % | Total Residential Mortgage | % | |||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 5,475,929 | 39 | % | $ | 853,858 | 47 | % | $ | 6,329,787 | 39 | % | |||||||||
| Northern California | 1,825,462 | 13 | % | 379,692 | 21 | % | 2,205,154 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||
| California | 7,301,391 | 52 | % | 1,233,550 | 68 | % | 8,534,941 | 53 | % | ||||||||||||
| New York | 4,303,815 | 31 | % | 266,529 | 15 | % | 4,570,344 | 29 | % | ||||||||||||
| Washington | 715,968 | 5 | % | 187,220 | 10 | % | 903,188 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Massachusetts | 457,147 | 3 | % | 66,181 | 4 | % | 523,328 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Georgia | 466,790 | 3 | % | 20,040 | 1 | % | 486,830 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Nevada | 447,097 | 3 | % | 32,578 | 2 | % | 479,675 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Texas | 468,461 | 3 | % | — | — | % | 468,461 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Other markets | 14,777 | 0 | % | 5,530 | 0 | % | 20,307 | 0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 14,175,446 | 100 | % | $ | 1,811,628 | 100 | % | $ | 15,987,074 | 100 | % | |||||||||
| Lien priority: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| First mortgage | $ | 14,175,446 | 100 | % | $ | 1,322,957 | 73 | % | $ | 15,498,403 | 97 | % | |||||||||
| Junior lien mortgage | — | — | % | 488,671 | 27 | % | 488,671 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 14,175,446 | 100 | % | $ | 1,811,628 | 100 | % | $ | 15,987,074 | 100 | % |
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| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Single-Family Residential | % | HELOCs | % | Total Residential Mortgage | % | |||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 4,990,848 | 37 | % | $ | 799,571 | 46 | % | $ | 5,790,419 | 38 | % | |||||||||
| Northern California | 1,650,905 | 13 | % | 370,989 | 22 | % | 2,021,894 | 13 | % | ||||||||||||
| California | 6,641,753 | 50 | % | 1,170,560 | 68 | % | 7,812,313 | 51 | % | ||||||||||||
| New York | 4,376,416 | 33 | % | 247,202 | 14 | % | 4,623,618 | 31 | % | ||||||||||||
| Washington | 696,028 | 5 | % | 184,843 | 11 | % | 880,871 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Massachusetts | 391,666 | 3 | % | 67,016 | 4 | % | 458,682 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Georgia | 432,258 | 3 | % | 17,123 | 1 | % | 449,381 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Texas | 404,837 | 3 | % | 33,959 | 2 | % | 438,796 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Nevada | 423,972 | 3 | % | — | — | % | 423,972 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Other markets | 16,130 | 0 | % | 1,501 | 0 | % | 17,631 | 0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 13,383,060 | 100 | % | $ | 1,722,204 | 100 | % | $ | 15,105,264 | 100 | % | |||||||||
| Lien priority: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| First mortgage | $ | 13,383,060 | 100 | % | $ | 1,331,509 | 77 | % | $ | 14,714,569 | 97 | % | |||||||||
| Junior lien mortgage | — | — | % | 390,695 | 23 | % | 390,695 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 13,383,060 | 100 | % | $ | 1,722,204 | 100 | % | $ | 15,105,264 | 100 | % |
Consumer — Single-Family Residential Loans. The Company was in a first lien position for all of its single-family residential loans as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023. Many of these loans are reduced documentation loans, for which a substantial down payment is required, resulting in a low LTV ratio at origination, typically 65% or less. The weighted-average LTV ratio was 52% and 53% as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and loss rates. The Company offers a variety of single-family residential first lien mortgage loan programs, including fixed- and variable-rate loans, as well as hybrid loans with interest rates that adjust on a regular basis, typically annually, after an initial fixed-rate period.
Consumer — Home Equity Lines of Credit. Total HELOC commitments were $5.3 billion and $5.2 billion as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, with a utilization rate of 34% as of December 31, 2024, compared with 33% as of December 31, 2023. Substantially all of the Company’s unfunded HELOC commitments are unconditionally cancellable. The Company was in a first lien position for 73% and 77% of total outstanding HELOCs as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. First lien HELOC LTV ratios are obtained by dividing the first lien HELOC against the value of the property at origination. Junior lien HELOCs for which the Bank also holds the first lien loan, are evaluated using combined LTV. The combined LTV measures the carrying value of the Bank’s loan and available line of credit combined with any outstanding senior liens against the value of the property at origination. The weighted-average LTV ratio was 46% and 48% as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Many of these loans are reduced documentation loans, resulting in a low LTV ratio at origination, typically 65% or less. As a result, these loans have historically experienced low delinquency and loss rates. Substantially all of the Company’s HELOCs were variable-rate loans as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023.
All originated commercial and consumer loans are subject to the Company’s conservative underwriting guidelines and loan origination standards. Management believes that the Company’s underwriting criteria and procedures adequately consider the unique risks associated with these products. The Company conducts quality control procedures and periodic audits, including the review of lending and legal requirements, to ensure that the Company is in compliance with these requirements.
53
The following table presents the contractual loan maturities by loan category and the contractual distribution of loans to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2024:
| ($ in thousands) | Due within one year | Due after one year through five years | Due after five years through fifteen years | Due after fifteen years | Total | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 6,779,126 | $ | 9,429,395 | $ | 1,024,787 | $ | 163,850 | $ | 17,397,158 | |||||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 1,516,637 | 7,639,768 | 5,311,535 | 187,400 | 14,655,340 | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 476,808 | 1,193,385 | 1,491,592 | 1,791,657 | 4,953,442 | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | 379,697 | 262,342 | 10,770 | 13,353 | 666,162 | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 2,373,142 | 9,095,495 | 6,813,897 | 1,992,410 | 20,274,944 | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 9,152,268 | 18,524,890 | 7,838,684 | 2,156,260 | 37,672,102 | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 507 | 4,365 | 1,351,471 | 12,819,103 | 14,175,446 | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | 6 | 1,787 | 90,118 | 1,719,717 | 1,811,628 | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 513 | 6,152 | 1,441,589 | 14,538,820 | 15,987,074 | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 63,145 | 844 | 3,472 | — | 67,461 | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 63,658 | 6,996 | 1,445,061 | 14,538,820 | 16,054,535 | ||||||||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment | $ | 9,215,926 | $ | 18,531,886 | $ | 9,283,745 | $ | 16,695,080 | $ | 53,726,637 | |||||||||
| Distribution of loans to changes in interest rates: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Variable-rate loans | $ | 7,606,998 | $ | 14,737,750 | $ | 4,226,273 | $ | 4,754,561 | $ | 31,325,582 | |||||||||
| Fixed-rate loans | 1,549,561 | 2,796,586 | 2,311,797 | 4,456,284 | 11,114,228 | ||||||||||||||
| Hybrid adjustable-rate loans | 59,367 | 997,550 | 2,745,675 | 7,484,235 | 11,286,827 | ||||||||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment | $ | 9,215,926 | $ | 18,531,886 | $ | 9,283,745 | $ | 16,695,080 | $ | 53,726,637 |
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Foreign Outstandings
The Company’s overseas offices, which include the branch in Hong Kong and the subsidiary bank in China, are subject to the general risks inherent in conducting business in foreign countries, such as regulatory, economic and political uncertainties, and foreign exchange risks. The following table presents the major financial assets held in the Company’s overseas offices as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Assets | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Assets | ||||||||||
| Hong Kong branch: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 730,227 | 1 | % | $ | 631,487 | 1 | % | ||||||
| AFS debt securities (1) | $ | 752,840 | 1 | % | $ | 546,495 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Loans held-for-investment (2) | $ | 968,973 | 1 | % | $ | 934,734 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 2,474,447 | 3 | % | $ | 2,115,857 | 3 | % | ||||||
| Subsidiary bank in China: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 656,971 | 1 | % | $ | 719,058 | 1 | % | ||||||
| AFS debt securities (3) | $ | 127,582 | 0 | % | $ | 120,167 | 0 | % | ||||||
| Loans held-for-investment (2) | $ | 1,141,444 | 2 | % | $ | 1,328,383 | 2 | % | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,971,922 | 3 | % | $ | 2,156,548 | 3 | % |
(1)Comprised of U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury securities, and foreign government bonds as of December 31, 2024; comprised of U.S. Treasury securities and foreign government bonds as of December 31, 2023.
(2)Primarily comprised of C&I loans as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023.
(3)Comprised of foreign government bonds as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The following table presents the total revenue generated by the Company’s overseas offices in 2024, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | |||||||||||||||
| Hong Kong Branch: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 69,809 | 3 | % | $ | 55,747 | 2 | % | $ | 47,644 | 2 | % | |||||||||
| Subsidiary Bank in China: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 29,790 | 1 | % | $ | 32,569 | 1 | % | $ | 38,022 | 2 | % |
Capital
The Company maintains a strong capital base to support its anticipated asset growth, operating needs, and credit risks, and to ensure that the Company and the Bank are in compliance with all regulatory capital guidelines. The Company engages in regular capital planning processes on at least an annual basis to optimize the use of available capital and to appropriately plan for future capital needs, allocating capital to existing and future business activities. Furthermore, the Company conducts capital stress tests as part of its capital planning process. The stress tests enable the Company to assess the impact of adverse changes in the economy and interest rates on its capital base.
55
On March 3, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of $500 million of the Company’s common stock. The Company repurchased $144 million of common stock or 1,943,346 shares, at an average cost of $74.33 per share in 2024. In comparison, the Company repurchased $82 million of common stock or 1,506,091 shares, at an average cost of $54.56 per share in 2023. As of December 31, 2024, the total remaining amount under the repurchase authorization was $29 million, excluding excise taxes and commissions. In addition, on January 22, 2025, East West’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $300 million East West stock.
The Company’s stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2024 increased $772 million or 11% to $7.7 billion from December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to $1.2 billion of net income, partially offset by $310 million of cash dividends declared and $144 million of common stock repurchases. For other factors that contributed to the changes in stockholders’ equity, refer to Item 8. Financial Statements — Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity in this Form 10-K.
The Company paid a cash dividend of $2.20 per share in 2024, an increase of 15% from 2023. In January 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2025 cash dividend of $0.60 per share, which represents a 9% or five cents per share increase from the previous quarter. The dividend was paid on February 17, 2025, to stockholders of record as of February 3, 2025.
Deposits and Other Sources of Funding
Deposits are the Company’s primary source of funding, the cost of which has a significant impact on the Company’s net interest income and net interest margin. Additional funding is provided by short- and long-term borrowings, and long-term debt. See Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Liquidity Risk Management in this Form 10-K for a discussion of the Company’s liquidity management. The following table summarizes the Company’s sources of funds as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | Amount | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||
| Deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand | $ | 15,450,428 | 24 | % | $ | 15,539,872 | 28 | % | $ | (89,444) | (1) | % | |||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | 7,940,692 | 13 | % | 7,558,908 | 14 | % | 381,784 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||
| Money market | 14,816,511 | 23 | % | 13,108,727 | 23 | % | 1,707,784 | 13 | % | ||||||||||||
| Savings | 1,751,620 | 3 | % | 1,841,467 | 3 | % | (89,847) | (5) | % | ||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 23,215,772 | 37 | % | 18,043,464 | 32 | % | 5,172,308 | 29 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total deposits | $ | 63,175,023 | 100 | % | $ | 56,092,438 | 100 | % | $ | 7,082,585 | 13 | % | |||||||||
| Other Funds: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| BTFP borrowings | $ | — | — | % | $ | 4,500,000 | 97 | % | $ | (4,500,000) | (100) | % | |||||||||
| FHLB advances | 3,500,000 | 99 | % | — | — | % | 3,500,000 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | 32,001 | 1 | % | 148,249 | 3 | % | (116,248) | (78) | % | ||||||||||||
| Total other funds | $ | 3,532,001 | 100 | % | $ | 4,648,249 | 100 | % | $ | (1,116,248) | (24) | % | |||||||||
| Total sources of funds | $ | 66,707,024 | $ | 60,740,687 | $ | 5,966,337 | 10 | % |
Deposits
The Company’s strategy is to grow and retain relationship-based deposits to provide a stable and low-cost source of funding and liquidity. Accordingly, the Company offers a wide variety of deposit products to meet the needs of its consumer and commercial customers. As a result, we believe our deposit base is seasoned, stable and well-diversified. Total deposits of $63.2 billion as of December 31, 2024 increased $7.1 billion or 13%, compared with the prior year, primarily due to growth in time and money market deposits.
56
The following table provides a breakdown of the Company’s deposits by segment and region as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Change | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | $ | % | |||||||||||
| Deposits by segment/region: | |||||||||||||||
| Consumer and Business Banking - U.S. (1) | $ | 32,832,926 | $ | 28,571,255 | $ | 4,261,671 | 15 | % | |||||||
| Commercial Banking - U.S. (1) | 23,405,769 | 22,059,662 | 1,346,107 | 6 | % | ||||||||||
| International Branches (2) | 3,412,262 | 3,172,222 | 240,040 | 8 | % | ||||||||||
| Treasury and Other - U.S. (3) | 3,524,066 | 2,289,299 | 1,234,767 | 54 | % | ||||||||||
| Total deposits | $ | 63,175,023 | $ | 56,092,438 | $ | 7,082,585 | 13 | % |
(1)Excludes deposits presented under International Branches.
(2)Deposits of our Hong Kong branch and China subsidiary, primarily a subset of Commercial Banking segment deposits.
(3)Treasury and Other segment deposits reflect wholesale, public funds, and brokered deposits, primarily managed by the Company’s Treasury department.
Customer deposit accounts in the U.S. offices are insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000. The deposits in the Company’s subsidiary bank in China and the branch in Hong Kong are insured by each jurisdiction’s deposit insurance authority for up to 500,000 RMB and 800,000 HKD, respectively. Uninsured deposits represent the portion of deposit accounts that exceed the insurance limits of the FDIC and each foreign jurisdiction. The Company calculates its uninsured deposits based on the methodologies and assumptions used for regulatory reporting.
The following table presents total uninsured deposits by location as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| ($ in thousands) | Domestic | China | Hong Kong | Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uninsured deposits as of 12/31/2024 | $ | 32,767,680 | $ | 1,453,223 | $ | 1,848,652 | $ | 36,069,555 | |||||||
| Uninsured deposits as of 12/31/2023 | $ | 27,592,714 | $ | 1,572,592 | $ | 1,487,833 | $ | 30,653,139 |
Uninsured time deposits totaled $13.5 billion as of December 31, 2024. The following table presents the maturity distribution for uninsured customer time deposits by location as of December 31, 2024:
| ($ in thousands) | Domestic | China | Hong Kong | Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three months or less | $ | 5,483,018 | $ | 109,270 | $ | 959,464 | $ | 6,551,752 | |||||||
| Over three months through six months | 4,345,073 | 90,663 | 46,243 | 4,481,979 | |||||||||||
| Over six months through 12 months | 1,524,043 | 296,282 | 31,011 | 1,851,336 | |||||||||||
| Over 12 months | 68,414 | 506,734 | — | 575,148 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 11,420,548 | $ | 1,002,949 | $ | 1,036,718 | $ | 13,460,215 |
Uninsured deposits, per regulatory requirements represent the portion of deposit accounts in U.S. offices that exceed the FDIC insurance limit as reported on Schedule RC-OM item 2 of the Bank’s Call Report. Management believes that presenting uninsured domestic deposits with an adjustment to exclude collateralized and affiliate deposits provides a more accurate view of the deposits at risk, given that collateralized deposits are secured, and affiliate deposits are not customer-facing and are eliminated in consolidation.
57
The following table summarizes the Company’s uninsured domestic deposit balances reported on Schedule RC-OM item 2 of the Bank’s Call Report as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, after certain adjustments:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uninsured deposits, per regulatory reporting requirements | $ | 32,767,680 | $ | 27,592,714 | ||||
| Less: Collateralized deposits | (4,781,377) | (4,631,047) | ||||||
| Affiliate deposits | (485,824) | (491,992) | ||||||
| Uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized and affiliate deposits | (a) | $ | 27,500,479 | $ | 22,469,675 | |||
| Total domestic deposits per Call Report | (b) | $ | 60,326,394 | $ | 53,486,990 | |||
| Uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized and affiliate deposits, ratio | (a) / (b) | 46 | % | 42 | % |
Additional information regarding the impact of deposits on net interest income, with a comparison of average deposit balances and rates, is provided in Item 7 — MD&A — Results of Operations — Net Interest Income in this Form 10-K. See also the discussion of the impact of deposits on liquidity in Item 7. MD&A — Liquidity Risk Management in this Form 10-K.
Other Sources of Funding
The Company had $4.5 billion of BTFP borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2023. These borrowings were repaid upon maturity during the first quarter of 2024.
The Company had $3.5 billion of FHLB advances as of December 31, 2024, compared with no FHLB advances as of December 31, 2023. FHLB advances as of December 31, 2024 had fixed and floating interest rates ranging from 3.87% to 4.61% with remaining maturities between 2 months and 2.0 years.
The Company’s long-term debt consists of junior subordinated debt, which qualifies as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company redeemed approximately $117 million of junior subordinated debt. Refer to Note 10 — Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information on the junior subordinated debt.
Regulatory Capital and Ratios
The federal banking agencies have risk-based capital adequacy requirements intended to ensure that banking organizations maintain capital that is commensurate with the degree of risk associated with their operations. The Company and the Bank are each subject to these regulatory capital adequacy requirements. See Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Regulatory Capital Requirements and Regulatory Capital-Related Development in this Form 10-K for additional details.
The measurement of the allowance for credit losses is based on management’s best estimate of lifetime expected credit losses inherent in the Company’s relevant financial assets in accordance with ASU 2016-13. The Company has elected the phase-in option provided by a final rule that delays an estimate of the current expected credit losses (“CECL”) effect on regulatory capital for two years and phases in the impact over three years. The rule permits certain banking organizations to exclude from regulatory capital the initial adoption impact of CECL, plus 25% of the cumulative changes in the allowance for credit losses under CECL for each period until December 31, 2021, followed by a three-year phase-out period in which the aggregate benefit is reduced by 25% in 2022, 50% in 2023 and 75% in 2024. Accordingly, our capital ratios as of December 31, 2024 reflect a delay of 25% of the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital.
58
The following table presents the Company’s and the Bank’s capital ratios as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 under the Basel III Capital Rules, and those required by regulatory agencies for capital adequacy and well-capitalized classification purposes:
| Basel III Capital Rules | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Company | Bank | Company | Bank | Minimum Regulatory Requirements | Minimum Regulatory Requirements including Capital Conservation Buffer | Well-Capitalized Requirements | |||||||||||||||
| Risk-based capital ratios: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CET1 capital (1) | 14.3 | % | 13.4 | % | 13.3 | % | 12.6 | % | 4.5 | % | 7.0 | % | 6.5 | % | |||||||
| Tier 1 capital (2) | 14.3 | % | 13.4 | % | 13.3 | % | 12.6 | % | 6.0 | % | 8.5 | % | 8.0 | % | |||||||
| Total capital | 15.6 | % | 14.7 | % | 14.8 | % | 13.8 | % | 8.0 | % | 10.5 | % | 10.0 | % | |||||||
| Tier 1 leverage (1) | 10.4 | % | 9.8 | % | 10.2 | % | 9.6 | % | 4.0 | % | 4.0 | % | 5.0 | % |
(1)The CET1 capital and Tier 1 leverage well-capitalized requirements apply to the Bank only. There is no requirement on CET1 capital ratio or Tier 1 leverage ratio for a well-capitalized bank holding company.
(2)The well-capitalized Tier 1 capital ratio requirements for the Company and the Bank are 6.0% and 8.0%, respectively.
The Company is committed to maintaining strong capital levels to assure its investors, customers and regulators that the Company and the Bank are financially sound. As of both December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company and the Bank continued to exceed all “well-capitalized” capital requirements and the required minimum capital requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules. Total risk-weighted assets as of December 31, 2024 increased $1.3 billion to $54.9 billion from December 31, 2023, primarily due to growth across major loan portfolios.
Risk Management
Overview
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent to the financial services industry and others which are more specific to the Company’s business. The Company operates under a Board-approved ERM program. The Company’s ERM program outlines the company-wide approach to risk management and oversight, and describes the structures and practices employed to manage current and emerging risks inherent to the Company. The Company’s ERM program incorporates risk management throughout the organization in identifying, managing, monitoring, and reporting risks. It identifies the Company’s major risk categories as: credit, liquidity, market, operational, reputational, legal, compliance, BSA/AML & OFAC, strategic, and technology risk.
The ROC of the Board of Directors monitors the ERM program through such identified enterprise risk categories and provides oversight of the Company’s risk appetite and control environment. The ROC provides focused oversight of the Company’s identified enterprise risk categories on behalf of the full Board of Directors. Under the authority of the ROC, management committees apply targeted strategies to manage the risks to which the Company’s operations are exposed.
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The Company’s ERM program is executed along the three lines of defense model, which provides for a consistent and standardized risk management control environment across the enterprise. The first line of defense is comprised of revenue generating, operational and support units. The second line of defense is comprised of risk management and control functions that provide independent risk oversight of first line activities and report to the Chief Risk Officer. The Chief Risk Officer reports to both the ROC and the Chief Executive Officer. The third line of defense is comprised of the Internal Audit and Independent Asset Review (“IAR”) functions. Internal Audit reports to the Chief Audit Executive (“CAE”) who reports to the Board’s Audit Committee. Internal Audit provides assurance and evaluates the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes as established by the Company. IAR serves as an internal loan review and independent credit risk monitoring function within the Bank that works under the direction of the CAE and reports to the Audit Committee. IAR provides management and the Audit Committee with an objective and independent assessment of the Bank’s credit profile and credit risk management processes. Further discussion and analysis of selected primary risk areas are discussed in the following subsections of Risk Management.
Credit Risk Management
Credit risk is the risk that a borrower or a counterparty will fail to perform according to the terms and conditions of a loan, investment or derivative and expose the Company to loss. Credit risk exists with many of the Company’s assets and exposures such as loans, debt securities and certain derivatives. The majority of the Company’s credit risk is associated with lending activities.
The ROC has primary oversight responsibility for the identified enterprise risk categories including credit risk. The ROC monitors management’s assessment of asset quality, credit risk trends, credit quality administration, underwriting standards, and portfolio credit risk management strategies and processes, such as diversification and liquidity, all of which enable management to control credit risk. At the management level, the Credit Risk Management Committee has primary oversight responsibility for credit risk. The Senior Credit Supervision function manages credit policy for the line of business transactional credit risk, assuring that all exposure is risk-rated according to the requirements of the credit risk rating policy. The Senior Credit Supervision function also evaluates and reports the overall credit risk exposure to senior management and the ROC. Reporting directly to the Board’s Audit Committee, the IAR function provides additional validation of support to the Company’s robust credit risk management culture by performing an independent and objective assessment of underwriting and documentation quality. A key focus of our credit risk management is adherence to a well-controlled underwriting and loan monitoring process.
The Company assesses the overall performance and credit quality of the loans held-for-investment portfolio through an integrated analysis of specific performance ratios. This approach forms the basis of the discussion in the sections immediately following: Credit Quality, Nonperforming Assets, and Allowance for Credit Losses.
Credit Quality
The Company utilizes a credit risk rating system to assist in monitoring credit quality. Loans are evaluated using the Company’s internal credit risk rating of 1 through 10. For more information on the Company’s credit quality indicators and internal credit risk ratings, refer to Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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The following table presents the Company’s criticized loans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Change | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | $ | % | |||||||||||
| Criticized loans: | |||||||||||||||
| Special mention loans | $ | 447,290 | $ | 404,241 | $ | 43,049 | 11 | % | |||||||
| Classified loans (1) | 725,863 | 573,969 | 151,894 | 26 | % | ||||||||||
| Total criticized loans (2) | $ | 1,173,153 | $ | 978,210 | $ | 194,943 | 20 | % | |||||||
| Special mention loans to loans held-for-investment | 0.83 | % | 0.77 | % | |||||||||||
| Classified loans to loans held-for-investment | 1.35 | % | 1.10 | % | |||||||||||
| Criticized loans to loans held-for-investment | 2.18 | % | 1.87 | % |
(1)Consists of substandard, doubtful and loss categories.
(2)Excludes loans held-for-sale.
Criticized loans increased $195 million or 20%, to $1.2 billion from December 31, 2023, primarily driven by an increase in criticized CRE loans.
Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming assets are comprised of nonaccrual loans, OREO and other nonperforming assets. Other nonperforming assets and OREO are repossessed assets and properties, respectively, acquired through foreclosure, or through full or partial satisfaction of loans held-for-investment.
The following table presents nonperforming assets information as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Change | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | $ | % | |||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 86,165 | $ | 37,036 | $ | 49,129 | 133 | % | |||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||
| CRE | 2,430 | 23,249 | (20,819) | (90) | % | ||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 4,572 | 4,669 | (97) | (2) | % | ||||||||||
| Construction and land | 11,316 | — | 11,316 | 100 | % | ||||||||||
| Total CRE | 18,318 | 27,918 | (9,600) | (34) | % | ||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 32,423 | 24,377 | 8,046 | 33 | % | ||||||||||
| HELOCs | 22,046 | 13,411 | 8,635 | 64 | % | ||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 54,469 | 37,788 | 16,681 | 44 | % | ||||||||||
| Other consumer | 66 | 132 | (66) | (50) | % | ||||||||||
| Total nonaccrual loans | 159,018 | 102,874 | 56,144 | 55 | % | ||||||||||
| OREO, net | 35,077 | 11,141 | 23,936 | 215 | % | ||||||||||
| Total nonperforming assets | $ | 194,095 | $ | 114,015 | $ | 80,080 | 70 | % | |||||||
| Nonperforming assets to total assets | 0.26 | % | 0.16 | % | |||||||||||
| Nonaccrual loans to loans held-for-investment | 0.30 | % | 0.20 | % | |||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans | 441.49 | % | 650.06 | % |
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Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status at the earlier of when they become 90 days past due or when the full collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain regardless of the length of past due status. Collectability is generally assessed based on economic and business conditions, the borrower’s financial condition and the adequacy of collateral, if any. For additional details regarding the Company’s nonaccrual loan policy, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Loans Held-for-Investment to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Nonaccrual loans of $159 million as of December 31, 2024 increased $56 million or 55% from December 31, 2023, primarily driven by an increase in C&I nonaccrual loans. As of December 31, 2024, $49 million or 31% of nonaccrual loans were less than 90 days delinquent. In comparison, $40 million or 39% of nonaccrual loans were less than 90 days delinquent as of December 31, 2023.
The following table presents the accruing loans past due by portfolio segment as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Total Accruing Past Due Loans (1) | Change | Percentage of Total Loans Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | $ | % | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 22,855 | $ | 35,649 | $ | (12,794) | (36) | % | 0.13 | % | 0.21 | % | |||||||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 5,640 | 3,517 | 2,123 | 60 | % | 0.04 | % | 0.02 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 931 | 597 | 334 | 56 | % | 0.02 | % | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | 927 | 13,251 | (12,324) | (93) | % | 0.14 | % | 2.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 7,498 | 17,365 | (9,867) | (57) | % | 0.04 | % | 0.08 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 30,353 | 53,014 | (22,661) | (43) | % | 0.08 | % | 0.14 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 54,937 | 45,228 | 9,709 | 21 | % | 0.39 | % | 0.34 | % | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | 19,364 | 21,492 | (2,128) | (10) | % | 1.07 | % | 1.25 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 74,301 | 66,720 | 7,581 | 11 | % | 0.46 | % | 0.44 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 107 | 3,265 | (3,158) | (97) | % | 0.16 | % | 5.41 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 74,408 | 69,985 | 4,423 | 6 | % | 0.46 | % | 0.46 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 104,761 | $ | 122,999 | $ | (18,238) | (15) | % | 0.19 | % | 0.24 | % |
(1)There were no accruing loans past due 90 days or more as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company maintains its allowance for credit losses at a level it believes is sufficient to provide appropriate reserves to absorb estimated future credit losses in accordance with GAAP. For additional information on the policies, methodologies and judgments used to determine the allowance for credit losses, see Item 7. MD&A — Critical Accounting Estimates, Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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The following table presents an allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan portfolio segments and unfunded credit commitments as of the periods indicated:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Allowance Allocation | % of Loan Type to Total Loans | Allowance Allocation | % of Loan Type to Total Loans | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 384,319 | 32 | % | $ | 392,685 | 32 | % | ||||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 218,677 | 28 | % | 170,592 | 28 | % | ||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 32,117 | 9 | % | 34,375 | 10 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction and land | 17,497 | 1 | % | 10,469 | 1 | % | ||||||||||
| Total CRE | 268,291 | 38 | % | 215,436 | 39 | % | ||||||||||
| Total commercial | 652,610 | 70 | % | 608,121 | 71 | % | ||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 44,816 | 27 | % | 55,018 | 26 | % | ||||||||||
| HELOCs | 3,132 | 3 | % | 3,947 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 47,948 | 30 | % | 58,965 | 29 | % | ||||||||||
| Other consumer | 1,494 | 0 | % | 1,657 | 0 | % | ||||||||||
| Total consumer | 49,442 | 30 | % | 60,622 | 29 | % | ||||||||||
| Total allowance for loan losses | $ | 702,052 | 100 | % | $ | 668,743 | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Allowance for unfunded credit commitments | $ | 39,526 | $ | 37,699 | ||||||||||||
| Total allowance for credit losses | $ | 741,578 | $ | 706,442 | ||||||||||||
| Loans held-for-investment | $ | 53,726,637 | $ | 52,210,782 | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses to loans held-for-investment | 1.31 | % | 1.28 | % |
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The following table presents net charge-offs and the net charge-offs to average loans ratios based on the loan categories as of the periods indicated:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) | Average Loans Held-for-Investment | % of Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans Held-for-Investment | Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) | Average Loans Held-for-Investment | % of Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans Held-for-Investment | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 118,908 | $ | 16,490,180 | 0.72 | % | $ | 29,770 | $ | 15,497,693 | 0.19 | % | ||||||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 13,823 | 14,587,444 | 0.09 | % | 6,616 | 14,312,459 | 0.05 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | (426) | 5,061,821 | (0.01) | % | (542) | 4,756,885 | (0.01) | % | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | 2,086 | 666,748 | 0.31 | % | 10,177 | 754,928 | 1.35 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 15,483 | 20,316,013 | 0.08 | % | 16,251 | 19,824,272 | 0.08 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 134,391 | 36,806,193 | 0.37 | % | 46,021 | 35,321,965 | 0.13 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 26 | 13,753,247 | 0.00 | % | (69) | 12,274,773 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | (58) | 1,751,500 | 0.00 | % | 105 | 1,881,008 | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | (32) | 15,504,747 | 0.00 | % | 36 | 14,155,781 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 4,259 | 55,500 | 7.67 | % | 197 | 65,181 | 0.30 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 4,227 | 15,560,247 | 0.03 | % | 233 | 14,220,962 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 138,618 | $ | 52,366,440 | 0.26 | % | $ | 46,254 | $ | 49,542,927 | 0.09 | % |
Liquidity Risk Management
Liquidity. Liquidity risk arises from the Company’s inability to meet its customer deposit withdrawals and obligations to other counterparties as they come due, or to obtain adequate funding at a reasonable cost to meet those obligations. Liquidity risk also considers the stability of deposits. The objective of liquidity management is to manage the potential mismatch of asset and liability cash flows. Maintaining an adequate level of liquidity depends on the institution’s ability to efficiently meet both expected and unexpected cash flow and collateral needs without adversely affecting daily operations or the financial condition of the institution. To achieve this objective, the Company analyzes its liquidity risk, maintains readily available liquid assets, and utilizes diverse funding sources including its stable core deposit base.
The ROC has primary oversight responsibility over liquidity risk management. At the management level, the Company’s Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) establishes the liquidity guidelines that govern the day-to-day active management of the Company’s liquidity position by requiring sufficient asset-based liquidity to cover potential funding requirements and avoid over-dependence on volatile, less reliable funding markets. These guidelines are established and monitored for both the Bank and East West on a stand-alone basis to ensure that East West can serve as a source of strength for its subsidiaries. The ALCO regularly monitors the Company’s liquidity status and related management processes, and provides regular reports on the Company’s liquidity position relative to policy limits and guidelines to the Board of Directors. The Company believes its liquidity management practices have been effective under normal operating and stressed market conditions.
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The Company also maintains a Contingency Funding Plan that utilizes early-warning indicators that will be monitored to provide timely detection of adverse liquidity situations and enable management to promptly respond. The Contingency Funding Plan describes the procedures, roles and responsibilities, and communication protocols for managing any identified emerging liquidity problem. Management monitors the early-warning indicators defined in the Contingency Funding Plan, which include metrics for measuring the Company’s internal liquidity status as well as company-specific and market-wide external factors. When early warning indicators are triggered, management will evaluate the severity of the emerging liquidity problem and exercise appropriate management actions to address any liquidity and funding shortfalls.
Liquidity Sources. The Company’s primary source of funding is from deposits, generated by its banking business, which we believe is a relatively stable and low-cost source of funding. Our loans are funded by deposits, which amounted to $63.2 billion as of December 31, 2024, compared with $56.1 billion as of December 31, 2023. The Company’s loan-to-deposit ratio was 85% as of December 31, 2024, compared with 93% as of December 31, 2023.
In addition to deposits, the Company has access to various sources of wholesale financing, including borrowing capacity with the FHLB and FRB, and several master repurchase agreements with major brokerage companies to sustain an adequate liquid asset portfolio, meet daily cash demands and allow management flexibility to execute its business strategy. However, general financial market and economic conditions could impact our access and cost of external funding. Additionally, the Company’s access to capital markets is affected by the ratings received from various credit rating agencies.
Unencumbered loans and/or debt securities are pledged to the FHLB and the FRB discount window as collateral. The Company has established operational procedures to enable borrowing against these assets, including regular monitoring of the total pool of loans and debt securities eligible as collateral. Eligibility of collateral is defined in guidelines from the FHLB and FRB and is subject to change at their discretion. See Item 7. — MD&A — Balance Sheet Analysis — Deposits and Other Sources of Funding in this Form 10-K for further details related to the Company’s funding sources. The Company operated below its established risk limits for liquidity measures as of December 31, 2024. Accordingly, the Company believes the cash and cash equivalents, and available collateralized borrowing capacity described below provide sufficient liquidity above its expected cash needs.
The Company maintains its source of liquidity in the form of cash and cash equivalents and borrowing capacity with its eligible loans and debt securities as collateral. The following table presents the Company’s total cash and cash equivalents and collateralized borrowing capacity as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Change | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | $ | % | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 5,250,742 | $ | 4,614,984 | $ | 635,758 | 14 | % | |||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits with banks | 48,198 | 10,498 | 37,700 | 359 | % | ||||||||||
| Collateralized borrowing capacity: | |||||||||||||||
| FHLB | 9,928,152 | 12,373,002 | (2,444,850) | (20) | % | ||||||||||
| FRB | 12,383,005 | 9,830,769 | 2,552,236 | 26 | % | ||||||||||
| Unpledged available debt securities | 7,819,531 | 1,988,526 | 5,831,005 | 293 | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 35,429,628 | $ | 28,817,779 | $ | 6,611,849 | 23 | % |
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents and collateralized borrowing capacity increased to $35.4 billion as of December 31, 2024, compared with $28.8 billion as of December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily related to increases in unpledged available debt securities and available borrowing capacity at the FRB due to the repayment of BTFP borrowings. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in available borrowing capacity at the FHLB, primarily due to the increase in FHLB advances. Deposit growth during 2024 allowed the Company to grow its debt securities portfolio, which was a primary driver of the increase in unpledged available securities.
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Cash Requirements. In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters contractual obligations that require future cash payments, including funding for customer deposit withdrawals, repayments for short- and long-term borrowings and other cash commitments. For additional information on these obligations, see the following Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K:
•Note 7 — Affordable Housing Partnership, Tax Credit and Community Reinvestment Act Investments, Net
•Note 9 — Deposits
•Note 10 — Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
The Company also has off-balance sheet arrangements which represent transactions that are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements include (1) commitments to extend credit, such as loan commitments, commercial letters of credit for foreign and domestic trade, standby letters of credit (“SBLCs”), and financial guarantees, to meet the financing needs of its customers, (2) future interest obligations related to customer deposits and the Company’s borrowings, and (3) transactions with unconsolidated entities that provide financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company, or engage in leasing, hedging or research and development services with the Company. Because many of these commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements. The Company does not expect the total commitment amounts as of December 31, 2024 to have a material current or future impact on the Company’s financial conditions or results of operations. Additional information about the Company’s loan commitments, commercial letters of credit and SBLCs is provided in Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows summarizes the Company’s sources and uses of cash by type of activity for 2024, 2023 and 2022. Excess cash generated by operating and investing activities may be used to repay outstanding debt or invest in liquid assets.
Liquidity for East West. In addition to bank level liquidity management, the Company manages liquidity at the parent company level for various operating needs including payment of dividends, repurchases of common stock, principal and interest payments on its borrowings, acquisitions and additional investments in its subsidiaries. East West’s primary source of liquidity is from cash dividends distributed by its subsidiary, East West Bank. The Bank is subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends as discussed in Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds in this Form 10-K. East West held $395 million and $446 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Management believes that East West has sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet the projected cash obligations for the coming year.
Liquidity Stress Testing. The Company utilizes liquidity stress analysis to determine the appropriate amounts of liquidity to maintain at the Company, foreign subsidiary and foreign branch to meet contractual and contingent cash outflows under a range of scenarios. Scenario analyses include assumptions about significant changes in key funding sources, market triggers, potential uses of funding and economic conditions in certain countries. In addition, Company specific events are incorporated into the stress testing. Liquidity stress tests are conducted to ascertain potential mismatches between liquidity sources and uses over various time horizons and under a variety of stressed conditions. Given the range of potential stresses, the Company maintains contingency funding plans on a consolidated basis and for individual entities.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company believes it has adequate liquidity resources to conduct operations and meet other needs in the ordinary course of business, and is not aware of any events that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on its liquidity, capital resources or operations. Given the changing market and economic conditions, the Company will continue to actively evaluate the impact on its business and financial position. For more details on how economic conditions may impact our liquidity, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-K.
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Market Risk Management
Market risk refers to the risk of potential loss due to adverse movements in market risk factors, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, and credit spreads. The Company is primarily exposed to interest rate risk through its core business activities of extending loans and acquiring deposits. The ROC of the Company’s Board of Directors has primary oversight responsibility and has given the ALCO the task of market risk management. The ALCO establishes guidelines, risk measures and limits, and monitors compliance with the policies and risk limits pertaining to market risk management activities.
Interest Rate Risk Management
Interest rate risk is the risk that market fluctuations in interest rates can have a negative impact on the Company’s earnings and capital stemming from mismatches in the Company’s asset and liability cash flows primarily arising from customer-related activities such as lending and deposit-taking. The Company is subject to interest rate risk because:
•Assets and liabilities may mature or reprice at different times. If assets reprice faster than liabilities and interest rates are generally rising, earnings will initially increase;
•Assets and liabilities may reprice at the same time but by different amounts;
•Short- and long-term market interest rates may change by different amounts. For example, the shape of the yield curve may affect the yield of new loans and funding costs differently;
•The remaining maturity of various assets or liabilities may shorten or lengthen as interest rates change. For example, if long-term mortgage interest rates increase sharply, mortgage-related products may pay down at a slower rate than anticipated, which could impact portfolio income and valuation; or
•Interest rates may have a direct or indirect effect on loan demand, collateral values, mortgage origination volume, and the fair value of other financial instruments.
The ALCO coordinates the overall management of the Company’s interest rate risk, meets regularly to review the Company’s open market positions and establishes policies to monitor and limit exposure to market risk. Interest rate risk management is carried out primarily through strategies involving the Company’s loan portfolio, debt securities portfolio, available funding channels and capital market activities. In addition, the Company’s policies permit the use of derivative instruments to assist in managing interest rate risk.
We measure and monitor interest rate risk exposure through various risk management tools, which include a simulation model that performs interest rate sensitivity analyses under multiple interest rate scenarios against a baseline. The simulation model incorporates the market’s forward rate expectations and the Company’s earning assets and liabilities. The Company uses a dynamic balance sheet, incorporating expected forward growth and/or deposit product mix shift to perform the interest rate sensitivity analyses. The simulated interest rate scenarios include an instantaneous parallel shift in the yield curve and a gradual parallel shift in the yield curve (“linear rate ramp”). In addition, the Company also performs simulations using other alternative interest rate scenarios, including various permutations of the yield curve flattening, steepening or inverting. The Company uses the results of these simulations to formulate and gauge strategies to achieve a desired risk profile within its capital and liquidity guidelines.
In the third quarter of 2024, the Company transitioned its net interest income volatility simulations from a static to a dynamic balance sheet approach and adopted market forward rates instead of flat forward rates. This change better reflects the interest rate risk on the Company’s financial statements. Furthermore, the Company standardized its simulation scenarios by shifting from non-parallel to parallel shocks for both instantaneous and gradual net interest income simulations, as well as for economic value of equity (“EVE”) simulations. This alignment with industry-standard scenario definitions is intended to enhance interpretability and comparability.
The net interest income simulation model is based on the maturity and repricing characteristics of the Company’s interest rate sensitive assets, liabilities, and related derivative contracts. This model also incorporates various assumptions, which management believes to be reasonable but may have a significant impact on the results. These key assumptions include the timing and magnitude of changes in interest rates, the yield curve evolution and shape, the correlation between various interest rate indices, financial instruments’ future repricing characteristics and spread relative to benchmark rates, and the effect of interest rate floors and caps. The modeled results are highly sensitive to deposit mix and deposit beta assumptions, which are derived from a regression analysis of the Company’s historical deposit data.
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Simulation results are highly dependent on modeled behaviors and input assumptions. To the extent that actual behaviors are different from the assumptions used in the models, there could be material changes to the interest rate sensitivity results. The key behavioral models impacting interest rate sensitivity simulations include deposit repricing, deposit balance forecasts, and mortgage prepayments. These models and assumptions are documented, supported, and periodically back-tested to assess the reasonableness and effectiveness. The Company also regularly monitors the sensitivity of the other important modeling assumptions, such as loan and security prepayments and early withdrawal on fixed-rate customer liabilities. The Company makes appropriate calibrations to the model as needed and continually validates the model, methodology and results. Changes to key model assumptions are reviewed by the Technical ALCO, a subcommittee of ALCO. Scenario results do not reflect strategies that the management could employ to limit the impact of changing interest rate expectations. The simulation does not represent a forecast of the Company’s net interest income but is a tool utilized to assess the risk of the impact of changing market interest rates across a range of interest rate environments.
The Company employs a variety of quantitative and qualitative approaches to capture historical deposit repricing and balance behaviors. These historical observations are performed at a granular level based on key product characteristics, including distinctions for brokered, public, and large commercial deposits, which are then combined with forward-looking market expectations and the competitive landscape to generate the deposit repricing and balance forecasting models. The Company uses these deposit repricing models to forecast deposit interest expense. The repricing models provide sufficient granularity to reflect key behavioral differences across product and customer types. The deposit beta, which defines the sensitivity of deposit rates to changes in the effective federal funds rate, is a key parameter of the deposit rate forecast. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company assumed a weighted-average beta of 55% for total deposits, an increase of approximately 4% from December 31, 2023. This increase was primarily due to deposit beta assumption updates and deposit product mix changes.
As loan and debt security prepayment assumptions are key components of the Company’s model, the Company incorporates third-party vendor models to forecast prepayment behavior on mortgage loans and securities, which have mortgage loans as underlying collateral. These third-party vendor models have access to more comprehensive industry-level data that captures specific borrower and collateral characteristics over a variety of interest rate cycles. The Company will periodically assess and adjust the vendor models when appropriate to include its own available observations and expectations.
Twelve-Month Net Interest Income Simulation
Net interest income simulation modeling measures interest rate risk through earnings volatility. The simulation projects the cash flow changes in interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities, expressed in terms of net interest income, over a specified time horizon for defined interest rate scenarios. Net interest income simulations provide insight into the impact of market rate changes on earnings, which help guide risk management decisions. The Company assesses interest rate risk by comparing the changes of net interest income in different interest rate scenarios.
The following table presents the Company’s net interest income sensitivity related to an instantaneous and sustained parallel shift in market interest rates by 100 and 200 bps as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, on a balance sheet assuming market implied forward rates and a dynamic balance sheet with forecasted loan and deposit growth on the date of analysis.
| Net Interest Income Volatility (1) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | % | % | ||||||||
| +200 | 4.7 | % | 4.6 | % | ||||||
| +100 | 3.5 | % | 2.7 | % | ||||||
| -100 | (4.0) | % | (3.3) | % | ||||||
| -200 | (7.4) | % | (6.7) | % |
(1)The percentage change represents net interest income change over a 12-month period under market forward rates and expected balance sheet growth as of the analysis date versus various interest rate scenarios.
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The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio creates sensitivity to interest rate movements due to a mismatch of repricing behavior between the floating-rate loan portfolio and deposit products. In the table above, the net interest income volatility expressed in relation to base-case net interest income increased in both rising and decreasing rate scenarios as of December 31, 2024. This change reflects deposit product mix assumptions, which assume noninterest-bearing deposits decrease in higher interest rate environments and are replaced with term deposit products.
The Company also models scenarios based on gradual shifts in interest rates and assesses the corresponding impacts. These interest rate scenarios provide additional information to estimate the Company’s underlying interest rate risk. The rate ramp table below shows the net interest income volatility under a gradual parallel shift of the market implied forward rates, in even monthly increments over the first 12 months, with the full shift passed through to the forward rates thereafter. The results are based on a dynamic balance sheet with expected loan and deposit growth as of the date of the analysis.
| Net Interest Income Volatility | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | % | % | ||||||||
| +200 Rate ramp | 4.3 | % | 4.0 | % | ||||||
| +100 Rate ramp | 2.3 | % | 2.0 | % | ||||||
| -100 Rate ramp | (2.4) | % | (1.7) | % | ||||||
| -200 Rate ramp | (4.6) | % | (3.8) | % |
As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s net interest income profile reflects an asset sensitive position, where assets reprice faster or more significantly than liabilities. Net interest income is expected to increase when interest rates rise as the Company has a large population of variable rate loans, primarily tied to Prime and Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) indices. The Company’s interest income is sensitive to changes in short-term interest rates. As of December 31, 2024, the Company designated interest rate contracts with a notional amount of $5.3 billion as cash flow hedges, which reduced net interest income volatility by approximately 1.30% of the base net interest income for every 100 bp change in interest rate.
A majority of the Company’s deposit portfolio is composed of non-maturity deposits, which are not directly tied to short-term interest rate indices, but are, nevertheless, sensitive to changes in short-term interest rates. The modeled results are highly sensitive to modeled behavior and assumptions. Actual net interest income results may deviate from the model’s net interest income due to earning asset growth variation and deposit mix changes based on customer preferences relative to the interest rate environment. During a period of declining interest rates, balance sheet growth could offset headwinds to net interest income from yield compression.
Economic Value of Equity at Risk
EVE is a cash flow calculation that takes the present value of all asset cash flows and subtracts the present value of all liability cash flows. This calculation is used for asset/liability management and measures changes in the present value of the bank’s assets and liabilities due to changes in interest rates.
The economic value approach provides a comparatively broader scope than the net interest income volatility approach since it represents the discounted present value of cash flows over the expected life of the instruments. Due to this longer horizon, EVE is useful to identify risks arising from repricing, prepayment and maturity gaps between assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, as well as from off-balance sheet derivative exposures, over their lifetime. This long-term economic perspective into the Company’s interest rate risk profile allows the Company to identify anticipated negative effects of interest rate fluctuations. However, the difference in time horizons can cause the EVE analysis to diverge from the shorter-term net interest income analysis presented above. Given the uncertainty of the magnitude, timing and direction of future interest rate movements, the shape of the yield curve, and potential changes to the balance sheet, actual results may vary from those predicted by the Company’s model.
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The following table presents the Company’s EVE sensitivity related to an instantaneous parallel shift in market interest rates by 100 and 200 bps as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
| Economic Value of Equity Volatility (1) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | % | % | ||||||||
| +200 | (12.5) | % | (10.3) | % | ||||||
| +100 | (5.2) | % | (5.4) | % | ||||||
| -100 | 4.6 | % | 3.0 | % | ||||||
| -200 | 9.5 | % | 6.0 | % |
(1)The percentage change represents net present value change of the balance sheet as of the analysis date versus the various interest rate scenarios.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s EVE is expected to decrease when interest rates rise. The EVE sensitivity represents a duration mismatch between fixed-rate assets versus fixed-rate liabilities where more fixed- rate assets are expected to produce more stable net interest income in the short term but may lead to decreases in net present value of future cash flows.
Derivatives
It is the Company’s policy not to speculate on the future direction of interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. However, the Company periodically enters into derivative transactions in order to manage its exposure to market risk, primarily interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company believes these derivative transactions, when properly structured and managed, provide a hedge against inherent risk in certain assets and liabilities or against risk in specific transactions. Hedging transactions may be implemented using a variety of derivative instruments such as swaps, forwards, options and collars. The Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge the variability in interest received on certain floating-rate commercial loans and interest paid on certain floating-rate borrowings. Foreign exchange derivatives are used in net investment hedging strategies to mitigate the risk of changes in the U.S. dollar (“USD”) equivalent value of a designated monetary amount of the Company’s net investment in East West Bank (China) Limited. Prior to entering any accounting hedge activity, the Company analyzes the costs and benefits of the hedge in comparison to alternative strategies. The Company also repositions its hedging derivatives portfolio based on the current assessment of economic and financial conditions, including the interest rate and foreign currency environments, balance sheet composition and trends, and the relative mix of its cash and derivative positions.
In addition, the Company enters into derivative transactions in order to accommodate its customers with their business needs or to assist customers with their risk management objectives, such as managing exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currencies and commodity prices. To economically hedge against the derivative contracts entered into with the Company’s customers, the Company enters into offsetting derivative contracts with third-party financial institutions, some of which are cleared through central counterparty clearing houses. The exposures from derivative transactions are collateralized by cash and/or eligible securities based on limits as set forth in the respective agreements between the Company and counterparty financial institutions. The fair value changes of the derivative contracts traded with third-party financial institutions are expected to be largely comparable to the fair value changes of the derivative transactions executed with customers throughout the terms of these contracts, except for the credit valuation adjustment component in the contracts and the spread variances between the customer derivatives and the offsetting financial counterparty positions. The Company also utilizes foreign exchange contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to mitigate the economic effect of fluctuations in certain foreign currency on-balance sheet assets and liabilities, primarily foreign currency denominated deposits offered to its customers.
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The Company is subject to credit risk associated with the counterparties to derivative contracts. This counterparty credit risk is a multi-dimensional form of risk, affected by both the exposure and credit quality of the counterparty, both of which are sensitive to market-induced changes. The Company’s Credit Risk Management Committee provides oversight of credit risk and the Company has guidelines in place to manage counterparty concentration, tenor limits, and collateral. The Company manages the credit risk of its derivative positions by diversifying its positions among various counterparties, by entering into legally enforceable master netting agreements, and by requiring collateral arrangements, where possible. The Company may also transfer counterparty credit risk related to interest rate swaps to third-party financial institutions through the use of credit risk participation agreements (“RPAs”). Certain derivative contracts are required to be cleared through central counterparty clearing houses, to further mitigate counterparty credit risk, where variation margin is applied daily as settlement to the fair value of the derivative contracts. In addition, the Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments and other market standard methodologies to appropriately reflect the counterparty’s and the Company’s own nonperformance risk in the fair value measurement of its derivatives. As of December 31, 2024, the Company anticipates performance by all its counterparties and has not incurred any related credit losses.
The following table summarizes certain information on derivative instruments designated as accounting hedges and utilized by the Company in its management of interest rate and foreign currency risks as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The Company does not have active net investment hedges as of December 31, 2024:
| December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted Average | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Notional Amount | Fair Value Assets (Liabilities) | Fixed Rate | Floating Rate | (1) | Remaining Term (In months) | ||||||||||
| Cash flow hedges | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Contracts Hedging Loans: | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps - Receive fixed pay floating | $ | 4,000,000 | $ | (27,294) | 4.95 | % | 6.47 | % | 23.8 | |||||||
| Interest rate swaps - Receive fixed pay floating - Forward Starting | 1,000,000 | (2,054) | 3.90 | % | N/A | (2) | 67.8 | |||||||||
| Interest rate collars - Buy floor sell cap | 250,000 | (216) | Cap: 4.58% Floor: 1.50% | 4.55 | % | 17.0 | ||||||||||
| Total cash flow hedges | $ | 5,250,000 | $ | (29,564) | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted Average | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Notional Amount | Fair Value Assets (Liabilities) | Fixed Rate | Floating Rate | (1) | Remaining Term (In months) | ||||||||||
| Cash flow hedges | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Contracts Hedging Loans: | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps - Receive fixed pay floating | $ | 4,000,000 | $ | 6,489 | 4.95 | % | 7.32 | % | 35.8 | |||||||
| Interest rate swaps - Receive fixed pay floating - Forward Starting | 1,000,000 | 32,101 | 3.90 | % | N/A | (2) | 79.8 | |||||||||
| Interest rate collars - Buy floor sell cap | 250,000 | (1,293) | Cap: 4.58% Floor: 1.50% | 5.34 | % | 29.0 | ||||||||||
| Total cash flow hedges | $ | 5,250,000 | $ | 37,297 | ||||||||||||
| Net investment hedges | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Contracts Hedging Net Investment in East West Bank (China) Limited | ||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange forwards | $ | 81,480 | $ | 3,394 | 6.75 | (3) | 7.05 | (4) | 2.7 |
(1)Floating rates are indexed to SOFR or Prime.
(2)The swaps are forward starting and not effective as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023.
(3)Represents the weighted average strike foreign exchange rate between Chinese Yuan (“CNY”) and USD.
(4)Represents the weighted average market foreign exchange rate between CNY and USD as of December 31, 2023.
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Additional information on the Company’s derivatives is presented in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Derivatives, Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and Note 5 — Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K. Certain of these policies include critical accounting estimates, which are subject to valuation assumptions, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain, and it is likely that materially different amounts could be reported under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has procedures and processes in place to facilitate making these judgments. The following is a brief description of the Company’s critical accounting estimates involving significant judgments.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company’s allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of expected credit losses over the remaining expected life of the Company’s financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans and certain lending-related commitments. The allowance for credit losses involves significant judgment on a number of matters including development and weighting of macroeconomic forecasts, incorporation of historical loss experience, assessment of key credit risk characteristics, assignment of risk ratings, valuation of collateral, and the determination of remaining expected life. For additional information on these judgements and the Company’s policies and methodologies used to determine the allowance for credit losses, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Allowance for Loan Losses and Unfunded Credit Commitments, and Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
A critical judgement in the process is estimating the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to macroeconomic forecasts that are incorporated into quantitative methods. As any one economic outlook is inherently uncertain, the Company utilizes a baseline and upside or downside scenarios which are applied based on a probability weighting, to better reflect management’s estimate of the expected credit losses given existing market conditions and the changes in the economic environment. Changes in the Company’s assumptions and economic forecasts could significantly affect its estimate of expected credit losses, which could potentially lead to significant changes in the estimate from one reporting period to the next. For further discussion on the economic forecast incorporated into the 2024 model, see Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The allowance for credit losses is sensitive to changes in macroeconomic forecast assumptions. Given the dynamic relationship between macroeconomic variables within the Company’s models, it is difficult to estimate the impact of a change in any one factor or input on the allowance. Changes in the factors and inputs considered may not occur at the same rate and may not be consistent across all geographies or product types, and changes in factors and input may be directionally inconsistent, such that improvement in one factor may offset deterioration in others. However, to provide additional context regarding the sensitivity of the allowance for credit losses to changes in key variables, the Company compared the quantitative modeled estimate when applying a 100% probability weighting to the downside scenario rather than the weighting of multiple scenarios used to estimate the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2024. Without considering model overlays and qualitative adjustments which could result in a materially different estimate, this sensitivity analysis would have been approximately $483 million higher.
This analysis demonstrates the sensitivity to the allowance for credit losses to key quantitative assumptions and is not intended to estimate changes in the overall allowance for credit losses as it does not capture all the potentially unknown variables that could arise in the forecast period, but it provides an approximation of a possible outcome under hypothetical severe conditions. Management believes that the estimate for the allowance for credit losses was reasonable and appropriate as of December 31, 2024.
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Fair Value Estimates
Certain financial instruments are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet on a recurring basis, including AFS debt securities, certain equity securities and derivatives. Changes in fair value are recorded either through earnings or other comprehensive income (loss). Other financial instruments, such as certain individually evaluated loans held-for-investment, loans held-for-sale, affordable housing partnership, tax credit and CRA investments, OREO and other nonperforming assets, are not carried at fair value each period but may require nonrecurring fair value adjustments primarily due to application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets.
In determining the fair value of financial instruments, the Company uses market prices of the same or similar instruments whenever such prices are available. Changes in market conditions, such as reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities, may increase variability or reduce the availability of market prices used to determine fair value. If observable market prices are unavailable or impracticable to obtain, then fair value is estimated using modeling techniques such as discounted cash flows analysis. These modeling techniques incorporate management’s assessments regarding the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or the liability, including the risks inherent in a particular valuation technique and the risk of nonperformance. The use of methodologies or assumptions different than those used by the Company could result in different estimates of fair value of financial instruments.
Significant judgment is also required to determine the fair value hierarchy for certain financial instruments. When fair values are based on valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, the financial assets and liabilities are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy established under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820-10, Fair Value Measurement.
The following table presents the Company’s assets recorded at fair value and the portion of such assets that are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
| December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Total Balance (1) | Level 3 | Total Balance (1) | Level 3 | |||||||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis | $ | 11,395,533 | $ | 239 | $ | 6,823,916 | $ | 336 | |||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis | 85,872 | 85,872 | 46,760 | 46,760 | |||||||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value | (a) | $ | 11,481,405 | (b) | $ | 86,111 | (d) | $ | 6,870,676 | (f) | $ | 47,096 | |||
| Total assets | (c) | $ | 75,976,475 | (e) | $ | 69,612,884 | |||||||||
| Level 3 assets at fair value as a percentage of total assets | (b)/(c) | 0.11 | % | (f)/(e) | 0.07 | % | |||||||||
| Level 3 assets at fair value as a percentage of total assets at fair value | (b)/(a) | 0.75 | % | (f)/(d) | 0.69 | % |
(1)Before derivative netting adjustments.
For a complete discussion on the Company’s fair value hierarchy of financial instruments, fair value measurement techniques and assumptions, and the impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Fair Value and Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Goodwill Impairment
The valuation and testing methodologies used in the Company’s analysis of goodwill impairment are discussed in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Goodwill, Note 8 — Goodwill, and Note 17 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test on all three reporting units using a qualitative assessment. The qualitative test indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair values of all the Company’s reporting units exceeded their carrying values. The Company concluded that the goodwill allocated to its reporting units was not impaired as of December 31, 2024.
In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company assesses relevant events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, financial performance, the Company’s stock price and other relevant entity- and reporting-unit specific considerations.
Income Taxes
The Company files income tax returns in the jurisdictions in which it conducts business and evaluates income tax expense in two components: current and deferred income tax expense. Accrued taxes represent the net estimated amount due to or due from various tax jurisdictions in the current year and deferred tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable in future years. The Company’s interpretations of the tax laws, including the U.S., its states and the municipalities, and the tax jurisdictions in Hong Kong and China, are complex and subject to audit by taxing authorities that disputes may occur regarding its view on a tax position taken by the Company.
In estimating accrued taxes, the Company assesses the appropriate tax treatment of transactions and filing positions after considering statutes, regulations, judicial precedent, and other pertinent information. The income tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the Company and the relevant government taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining the tax accruals and in evaluating the tax positions, including evaluating uncertain tax positions. Changes in the estimate of accrued taxes occur periodically due to changes in tax rates, tax credits, interpretations of tax laws, the status of examinations by the tax authorities, and newly enacted statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance that could impact the relative merits and risks of tax positions. These changes, when they occur, impact tax expense and can materially affect our operating results and financial condition. The Company reviews its tax positions on a quarterly basis and adjusts to accrued taxes as new information becomes available. The Company believes that adequate provisions have been recorded for all income tax uncertainties consistent with ASC 740, Income Taxes as of December 31, 2024. For further information on the Company’s accounting for income taxes and significant tax attributes, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Income Taxes and Note 11 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
For detailed discussion and disclosure on new accounting pronouncements adopted, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company uses certain non-GAAP measures of financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with, or as an alternative to U.S. GAAP. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance that either excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have such an effect, that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable financial measure that is calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this Form 10-K are return on average TCE and tangible book value per share. Certain additional non-GAAP financial measures that are components of the foregoing non-GAAP financial measures are also set forth and reconciled in the table below. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with the corresponding U.S. GAAP financial measures, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance, and allow comparability to prior periods. These non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes.
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The following tables present the reconciliations of U.S. GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures for 2024 and 2023 :
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Net income | (a) | $ | 1,165,586 | $ | 1,161,161 | |||||||
| Add: Amortization of core deposit intangibles | — | 1,763 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of mortgage servicing assets | 1,322 | 1,328 | ||||||||||
| Tax effect of amortization adjustments (1) | (393) | (914) | ||||||||||
| Tangible net income (non-GAAP) | (b) | $ | 1,166,515 | $ | 1,163,338 | |||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | (c) | $ | 7,315,174 | $ | 6,482,985 | |||||||
| Less: Average goodwill | (465,697) | (465,697) | ||||||||||
| Average other intangible assets (2) | (5,953) | (6,542) | ||||||||||
| Average tangible book value (non-GAAP) | (d) | $ | 6,843,524 | $ | 6,010,746 | |||||||
| ROE | (a)/(c) | 15.93 | % | 17.91 | % | |||||||
| Return on average TCE (non-GAAP) | (b)/(d) | 17.05 | % | 19.35 | % |
| December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ and shares in thousands, except per share data) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | (a) | $ | 7,723,054 | $ | 6,950,834 | ||||
| Less: Goodwill | (465,697) | (465,697) | |||||||
| Other intangible assets (2) | (5,234) | (6,602) | |||||||
| Tangible book value (non-GAAP) | (b) | $ | 7,252,123 | $ | 6,478,535 | ||||
| Number of common shares at period-end | (c) | 138,437 | 140,027 | ||||||
| Book value per share | (a)/(c) | $ | 55.79 | $ | 49.64 | ||||
| Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) | (b)/(c) | $ | 52.39 | $ | 46.27 |
(1)Applied statutory rate of 29.73% for 2024 and 29.56% for 2023.
(2)Includes core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing assets. There were no core deposit intangibles in 2024.
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001069157-24-000020.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | 36 | ||
| Financial Review | 36 | ||
| Results of Operations | 38 | ||
| Net Interest Income | 38 | ||
| Noninterest Income | 43 | ||
| Noninterest Expense | 44 | ||
| Income Taxes | 44 | ||
| Operating Segment Results | 45 | ||
| Balance Sheet Analysis | 47 | ||
| Debt Securities | 47 | ||
| Loan Portfolio | 49 | ||
| Foreign Outstandings | 56 | ||
| Capital | 56 | ||
| Deposits and Other Sources of Funding | 57 | ||
| Regulatory Capital and Ratios | 60 | ||
| Risk Management | 60 | ||
| Credit Risk Management | 61 | ||
| Liquidity Risk Management | 65 | ||
| Market Risk Management | 67 | ||
| Critical Accounting Estimates | 72 | ||
| Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures | 75 |
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Overview
The following discussion provides information about the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources of the Company, including its subsidiary bank, East West Bank. This information is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K. For information on our business, see Item 1. Business in this Form 10-K.
Current Developments
Economic Developments
Although recent external data indicates that inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, the steadily slowing pace of inflation could point to receding fears of a recession in 2024. The likelihood of a “soft landing” scenario appears more likely given the Federal Reserve’s commitment to this outcome. The Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady over the latter half of 2023 and recently indicated the potential for rate cuts in 2024 and beyond. However, the higher interest rate environment continues to negatively impact the market value of bank-held securities, and the CRE industry has slowed due to tighter credit conditions and decreased demand. Other factors such as the economic impacts of unrest, wars, and acts of terrorism could lead to higher oil prices and increased inflationary pressures, along with the possibility that the Federal Reserve could maintain high interest rates longer than anticipated. While a U.S. government shutdown was averted in 2023, a future shutdown is possible and could negatively impact the economy. The Company monitors changes in economic and industry conditions and their impacts on the Company’s business, customers, employees, communities, and markets.
For additional discussion of the potential impacts on the Company’s business due to interest rate hikes, see Item 1A. — Risk Factors — Risks Related to Financial Matters in this Form 10-K.
Financial Review
Our MD&A analyzes the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for 2023 and 2022. Some tables include additional periods to comply with disclosure requirements or to illustrate trends in greater depth. The page locations of specific sections that we refer to are presented in the table of contents. To review our financial condition and results of operations for 2022 and a comparison between 2022 and 2021 results, see Item 7. MD&A of our 2022 Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 27, 2023.
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| ($ and shares in thousands, except per share, and ratio data) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary of operations: | |||||||
| Net interest income before provision for credit losses | $ | 2,312,254 | $ | 2,045,881 | |||
| Noninterest income | 295,264 | 298,666 | |||||
| Total revenue | 2,607,518 | 2,344,547 | |||||
| Provision for credit losses | 125,000 | 73,500 | |||||
| Noninterest expense | 1,022,748 | 859,393 | |||||
| Income before income taxes | 1,459,770 | 1,411,654 | |||||
| Income tax expense | 298,609 | 283,571 | |||||
| Net income | $ | 1,161,161 | $ | 1,128,083 | |||
| Per share: | |||||||
| Basic earnings | $ | 8.23 | $ | 7.98 | |||
| Diluted earnings | $ | 8.18 | $ | 7.92 | |||
| Adjusted diluted earnings (1) | $ | 8.56 | $ | 7.92 | |||
| Dividends declared | $ | 1.92 | $ | 1.60 | |||
| Weighted-average number of shares outstanding: | |||||||
| Basic | 141,164 | 141,326 | |||||
| Diluted | 141,902 | 142,492 | |||||
| Performance metrics: | |||||||
| Return on average assets (“ROA”) | 1.71 | % | 1.80 | % | |||
| Return on average common equity (“ROE”) | 17.91 | % | 19.51 | % | |||
| Return on average tangible common equity (“TCE”) (1) | 19.35 | % | 21.29 | % | |||
| Common dividend payout ratio | 23.62 | % | 20.32 | % | |||
| Net interest margin | 3.61 | % | 3.45 | % | |||
| Efficiency ratio (2) | 39.22 | % | 36.65 | % | |||
| Adjusted efficiency ratio (1) | 31.63 | % | 31.74 | % | |||
| At year end: | |||||||
| Total assets | $ | 69,612,884 | $ | 64,112,150 | |||
| Total loans | $ | 52,210,898 | $ | 48,228,074 | |||
| Total deposits | $ | 56,092,438 | $ | 55,967,849 | |||
| Common shares outstanding at period-end | 140,027 | 140,948 | |||||
| Book value per share | $ | 49.64 | $ | 42.46 | |||
| Tangible book value per share (1) | $ | 46.27 | $ | 39.10 |
(1)For additional information regarding the reconciliation of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures, refer to Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
(2)Efficiency ratio is calculated as noninterest expense divided by total revenue.
The Company’s 2023 net income was $1.2 billion, an increase of $33 million, or 3%, from 2022 net income of $1.1 billion. The increase was primarily due to higher net interest income before provision for credit losses, partially offset by increases in the noninterest expense, provision for credit losses and income tax expense. Noteworthy items about the Company’s performance for 2023 included:
•Net interest income growth and net interest margin expansion. Year-over-year net interest income before provision for credit losses grew by $266 million or 13% to $2.3 billion in 2023, from $2.0 billion in 2022. Full year 2023 net interest margin was 3.61%, up 16 bps year-over-year.
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•Earnings Per Share growth. Basic, diluted and adjusted diluted EPS for 2023 increased to $8.23, $8.18 and $8.56, respectively, compared with $7.98, $7.92 and $7.92, respectively, in 2022. The adjusted diluted EPS for 2023 excluded the $70 million pre-tax FDIC special assessment-related charge (the “FDIC charge”) incurred as a result of the final rule implemented by the FDIC to recover losses in the DIF, and a net loss of $7 million pre-tax on an AFS debt security. Adjusted diluted EPS is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional details, see the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
•Efficiency ratios. The efficiency ratio was 39.22% in 2023, or 257 bps higher compared with 2022, while the adjusted efficiency ratio was 31.63% in 2023, an improvement of 11 bps from 2022. The higher efficiency ratio in 2023 was due to the FDIC charge discussed above. Adjusted efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional details, see the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
•Asset growth. Total assets reached $69.6 billion, an increase of $5.5 billion or 9% year-over-year, primarily driven by loan growth of $4.0 billion or 8%, and an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $1.1 billion or 33%. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was primarily funded with borrowings from the Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”).
•Loan growth. Total loans were $52.2 billion as of December 31, 2023, a year-over-year increase of $4.0 billion or 8% from $48.2 billion. This was primarily driven by growth in the residential mortgage, CRE, and commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loan segments.
•Strong capital levels. Stockholders’ equity was $7.0 billion or $49.64 per share as of December 31, 2023, up from $6.0 billion or $42.46 per share as of December 31, 2022. Tangible book value per share of $46.27 as of December 31, 2023, increased $7.17 or 18% from $39.10 as of December 31, 2022. Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional details, see the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
Results of Operations
Net Interest Income
The Company’s primary source of revenue is net interest income, which is the interest income earned on interest-earning assets less interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is the ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. Net interest income and net interest margin are impacted by several factors, including changes in average balances and the composition of interest-earning assets and funding sources, market interest rate fluctuations and the slope of the yield curve, repricing characteristics and maturity of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the volume of noninterest-bearing sources of funds, and asset quality.
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Net interest income and net interest margin for 2023 increased year-over-year, which primarily reflected higher loan yields, increased loan volume, and higher yields on interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks, and AFS debt securities, partially offset by a higher cost of interest-bearing deposits and higher short-term borrowings. The changes in yields and rates reflected higher benchmark interest rates.
Average interest-earning assets were $64.0 billion in 2023, an increase of $4.7 billion or 8% from $59.3 billion in 2022. The increase in average interest-earning assets primarily reflected loan growth, and higher interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks, partially offset by decreases in assets purchased under resale agreements (“resale agreements”) and AFS debt securities.
The yield on average interest-earning assets was 5.77% in 2023, an increase of 186 bps from 3.91% in 2022. The year-over-year increase in the yield on average interest-earning assets primarily resulted from higher benchmark interest rates.
The average loan yield was 6.40% in 2023, an increase of 188 bps from 4.52% in 2022. The year-over-year change in the average loan yield reflected the loan portfolio’s sensitivity to higher benchmark interest rates. Approximately 58% and 62% of loans held-for-investment were variable-rate as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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Deposits are an important source of funds and impact both net interest income and net interest margin. Average deposits were $55.0 billion in 2023, an increase of $663 million or 1% from $54.3 billion in 2022. Average noninterest-bearing deposits were $17.2 billion in 2023, a decrease of $5.6 billion or 25% from $22.8 billion in 2022. Average noninterest-bearing deposits made up 31% and 42% of average deposits for 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The average cost of deposits was 2.19% in 2023, an increase of 173 bps from 0.46% in 2022. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits was 3.19% in 2023, an increase of 239 bps from 0.80% in 2022. The year-over-year increases reflected higher rates paid on time deposits, money market and checking deposits, and the customer migration to higher yielding deposit products in response to the higher interest rate environment.
The average cost of funds calculation includes deposits, short-term borrowings, FHLB advances, assets sold under repurchase agreements (“repurchase agreements”) and long-term debt. In 2023, the average cost of funds was 2.35%, an increase of 185 bps from 0.50% in 2022. The year-over-year increase was mainly driven by the change in the average cost of deposits discussed above.
The Company utilizes various tools to manage interest rate risk. Refer to the Interest Rate Risk Management section of Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Market Risk Management for details.
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The following table presents the interest spread, net interest margin, average balances, interest income and expense, and the average yield/rate by asset and liability component in 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks | $ | 4,638,630 | $ | 220,643 | 4.76 | % | $ | 3,127,234 | $ | 41,113 | 1.31 | % | $ | 6,071,896 | $ | 15,531 | 0.26 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Resale agreements | 691,223 | 20,164 | 2.92 | % | 1,398,080 | 29,767 | 2.13 | % | 2,107,157 | 32,239 | 1.53 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| AFS debt securities (1)(2) | 6,105,999 | 225,592 | 3.69 | % | 6,629,945 | 152,514 | 2.30 | % | 8,281,234 | 143,983 | 1.74 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-maturity (“HTM”) debt securities (1) | 2,976,237 | 50,598 | 1.70 | % | 2,756,382 | 46,392 | 1.68 | % | — | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | 15,499,899 | 1,190,940 | 7.68 | % | 15,013,560 | 715,778 | 4.77 | % | 13,656,720 | 472,260 | 3.46 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 19,824,272 | 1,227,795 | 6.19 | % | 17,896,853 | 791,839 | 4.42 | % | 15,322,059 | 514,921 | 3.36 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 14,155,784 | 750,813 | 5.30 | % | 12,315,334 | 538,255 | 4.37 | % | 10,601,638 | 435,264 | 4.11 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 65,181 | 3,198 | 4.91 | % | 93,711 | 2,429 | 2.59 | % | 136,280 | 2,455 | 1.80 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans (3)(4) | 49,545,136 | 3,172,746 | 6.40 | % | 45,319,458 | 2,048,301 | 4.52 | % | 39,716,697 | 1,424,900 | 3.59 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted equity securities | 82,177 | 4,062 | 4.94 | % | 77,963 | 3,144 | 4.03 | % | 79,404 | 2,081 | 2.62 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | $ | 64,039,402 | $ | 3,693,805 | 5.77 | % | $ | 59,309,062 | $ | 2,321,231 | 3.91 | % | $ | 56,256,388 | $ | 1,618,734 | 2.88 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | 555,689 | 652,673 | 615,255 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | (625,785) | (559,746) | (592,211) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | 3,788,199 | 3,436,293 | 2,971,659 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 67,757,505 | $ | 62,838,282 | $ | 59,251,091 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Checking deposits | $ | 7,658,414 | $ | 179,200 | 2.34 | % | $ | 6,696,200 | $ | 29,808 | 0.45 | % | $ | 6,543,817 | $ | 13,023 | 0.20 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Money market deposits | 11,680,540 | 399,482 | 3.42 | % | 12,443,437 | 107,442 | 0.86 | % | 12,428,025 | 15,041 | 0.12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Saving deposits | 2,128,943 | 15,573 | 0.73 | % | 2,901,940 | 8,550 | 0.29 | % | 2,746,933 | 7,496 | 0.27 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 16,301,856 | 611,295 | 3.75 | % | 9,473,744 | 106,038 | 1.12 | % | 8,493,511 | 33,599 | 0.40 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings | 3,591,114 | 157,002 | 4.37 | % | 81,719 | 1,801 | 2.20 | % | 1,584 | 42 | 2.65 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| FHLB advances | 123,288 | 6,430 | 5.22 | % | 105,966 | 1,754 | 1.66 | % | 404,789 | 6,881 | 1.70 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | 34,443 | 1,497 | 4.35 | % | 467,413 | 14,362 | 3.07 | % | 306,845 | 7,999 | 2.61 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities | 152,790 | 11,072 | 7.25 | % | 152,325 | 5,595 | 3.67 | % | 151,955 | 3,082 | 2.03 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | $ | 41,671,388 | $ | 1,381,551 | 3.32 | % | $ | 32,322,744 | $ | 275,350 | 0.85 | % | $ | 31,077,459 | $ | 87,163 | 0.28 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing liabilities and stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Demand deposits | 17,192,978 | 22,784,258 | 21,271,410 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 2,410,154 | 1,948,255 | 1,343,010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | 6,482,985 | 5,783,025 | 5,559,212 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 67,757,505 | $ | 62,838,282 | $ | 59,251,091 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate spread | 2.45 | % | 3.06 | % | 2.60 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income and net interest margin | $ | 2,312,254 | 3.61 | % | $ | 2,045,881 | 3.45 | % | $ | 1,531,571 | 2.72 | % |
(1)Yields on tax-exempt debt securities are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
(2)Includes the amortization of net premiums on AFS debt securities of $31 million, $72 million and $93 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(3)Average balances include nonperforming loans and loans held-for-sale.
(4)Loans include the accretion of net deferred loan fees and amortization of net premiums, which totaled $53 million, $50 million and $62 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
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The following table summarizes the extent to which changes in (1) interest rates, and (2) volume of average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities affected the Company’s net interest income for the periods presented. The total change for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is segmented into changes attributable to variations in volume and yield/rate. Changes that are not solely due to either volume or yield/rate are allocated proportionally based on the absolute value of the change related to average volume and average yield/rate.
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Change | Changes Due to | Total Change | Changes Due to | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Volume | Yield/Rate | Volume | Yield/Rate | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks | $ | 179,530 | $ | 27,977 | $ | 151,553 | $ | 25,582 | $ | (10,802) | $ | 36,384 | |||||||||||
| Resale agreements | (9,603) | (18,266) | 8,663 | (2,472) | (12,812) | 10,340 | |||||||||||||||||
| AFS debt securities | 73,078 | (12,895) | 85,973 | 8,531 | (32,250) | 40,781 | |||||||||||||||||
| HTM debt securities | 4,206 | 3,733 | 473 | 46,392 | 46,392 | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | 475,162 | 23,900 | 451,262 | 243,518 | 50,613 | 192,905 | |||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 435,956 | 95,037 | 340,919 | 276,918 | 96,028 | 180,890 | |||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 212,558 | 87,511 | 125,047 | 102,991 | 73,603 | 29,388 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 769 | (907) | 1,676 | (26) | (859) | 833 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | 1,124,445 | 205,541 | 918,904 | 623,401 | 219,385 | 404,016 | |||||||||||||||||
| Restricted equity securities | 918 | 177 | 741 | 1,063 | (38) | 1,101 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest and dividend income | $ | 1,372,574 | $ | 206,267 | $ | 1,166,307 | $ | 702,497 | $ | 209,875 | $ | 492,622 | |||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Checking deposits | $ | 149,392 | $ | 4,879 | $ | 144,513 | $ | 16,785 | $ | 310 | $ | 16,475 | |||||||||||
| Money market deposits | 292,040 | (6,983) | 299,023 | 92,401 | 19 | 92,382 | |||||||||||||||||
| Saving deposits | 7,023 | (2,792) | 9,815 | 1,054 | 437 | 617 | |||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 505,257 | 118,581 | 386,676 | 72,439 | 4,299 | 68,140 | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal funds purchased and short-term borrowings | 155,201 | 151,725 | 3,476 | 1,759 | 1,767 | (8) | |||||||||||||||||
| FHLB advances | 4,676 | 330 | 4,346 | (5,127) | (4,951) | (176) | |||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | (12,865) | (17,113) | 4,248 | 6,363 | 4,743 | 1,620 | |||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities | 5,477 | 17 | 5,460 | 2,513 | 8 | 2,505 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest expense | $ | 1,106,201 | $ | 248,644 | $ | 857,557 | $ | 188,187 | $ | 6,632 | $ | 181,555 | |||||||||||
| Change in net interest income | $ | 266,373 | $ | (42,377) | $ | 308,750 | $ | 514,310 | $ | 203,243 | $ | 311,067 |
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Noninterest Income
The following table presents the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | % Change from 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Lending fees | $ | 83,876 | $ | 79,208 | 6 | % | $ | 77,704 | ||||||||
| Deposit account fees | 89,606 | 88,435 | 1 | % | 71,261 | |||||||||||
| Customer derivative income | 20,200 | 29,057 | (30) | % | 22,913 | |||||||||||
| Foreign exchange income | 52,481 | 48,158 | 9 | % | 48,977 | |||||||||||
| Wealth management fees | 26,805 | 27,565 | (3) | % | 25,751 | |||||||||||
| Net gains on sales of loans | 3,634 | 6,411 | (43) | % | 8,909 | |||||||||||
| Net (losses) gains on AFS debt securities | (6,862) | 1,306 | NM | 1,568 | ||||||||||||
| Other investment income | 9,348 | 7,037 | 33 | % | 16,852 | |||||||||||
| Other income | 16,176 | 11,489 | 41 | % | 11,960 | |||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | $ | 295,264 | $ | 298,666 | (1) | % | $ | 285,895 |
NM - Not meaningful
Noninterest income comprised 11% and 13% of total revenue in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Noninterest income for 2023 was $295 million, compared with $299 million in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to lower customer derivative income and net losses on AFS debt securities, partially offset by increases in other income, lending fees, and foreign exchange income.
Lending fees were $84 million in 2023, an increase of $5 million or 6%, compared with $79 million in 2022. The year-over-year increase was driven by higher unused commitment and letter of credit facility fees.
Customer derivative income was $20 million in 2023, a decrease of $9 million or 30%, compared with $29 million in 2022. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to unfavorable credit valuation adjustments, partially offset by higher transaction volume, interest received on derivative collateral posted and energy contract income.
Foreign exchange income was $52 million, an increase of $4 million or 9%, compared with $48 million in 2022. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to higher gains on foreign exchange trades, partially offset by the unfavorable valuation of certain foreign currency denominated balance sheet items.
Net losses on AFS debt securities of $7 million in 2023 were due to a $10 million write-off of an impaired subordinated AFS debt security during the first quarter of 2023, partially offset by a $3 million gain when the security was sold in the fourth quarter of 2023. In comparison, net gains on AFS debt securities were $1 million in 2022.
Other income was $16 million in 2023, an increase of $5 million or 41%, compared with $11 million in 2022. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to higher income from bank-owned life insurance policies.
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Noninterest Expense
The following table presents the components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | % Change from 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Compensation and employee benefits | $ | 508,538 | $ | 477,635 | 6 | % | $ | 433,728 | ||||||||
| Occupancy and equipment expense | 62,763 | 62,501 | 0 | % | 62,996 | |||||||||||
| Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments | 103,308 | 19,449 | 431 | % | 17,563 | |||||||||||
| Deposit account expense | 43,143 | 25,508 | 69 | % | 16,152 | |||||||||||
| Computer software and data processing expenses | 44,475 | 42,776 | 4 | % | 46,863 | |||||||||||
| Other operating expense | 140,222 | 118,166 | 19 | % | 96,330 | |||||||||||
| Amortization of tax credit and other investments | 120,299 | 113,358 | 6 | % | 122,457 | |||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | $ | 1,022,748 | $ | 859,393 | 19 | % | $ | 796,089 |
Noninterest expense was $1.0 billion in 2023, an increase of $163 million or 19%, compared with $859 million in 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments, compensation and employee benefits, other operating expense, and deposit account expense.
Compensation and employee benefits were $509 million in 2023, an increase of $31 million or 6%, compared with $478 million in 2022. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to wage increases and staffing growth.
Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments were $103 million in 2023, an increase of $84 million or 431%, compared with $19 million in 2022. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to a $70 million FDIC charge incurred as a result of the final rule implemented to recover losses in the DIF following the failures of financial institutions in the first quarter of 2023, and a two bps increase in the base deposit insurance assessment rate under the FDIC’s Amended Restoration Plan.
Deposit account expense was $43 million in 2023, an increase of $18 million or 69%, compared with $26 million in 2022. The year-over-year increase primarily reflected an increase in deposit referral fees which were driven by higher interest rates and an increase in insured cash sweep product fees due to higher deposit balances. Such deposit referral fees are variable fees, sensitive to market rates and paid in lieu of interest on a small portion of the Bank’s deposit balances.
Other operating expense was $140 million in 2023, an increase of $22 million or 19%, compared with $118 million in 2022. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to higher corporate expenses and an increase in interest expense paid on cash collateral, partially offset by a reduction in foreclosure expenses.
Income Taxes
The following table presents the income before income taxes, income tax expense and effective tax rate for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 1,459,770 | $ | 1,411,654 | $ | 1,056,377 | |||||
| Income tax expense | $ | 298,609 | $ | 283,571 | $ | 183,396 | |||||
| Effective tax rate | 20.5 | % | 20.1 | % | 17.4 | % |
Income tax expense was $299 million in 2023, compared with $284 million in 2022, resulting in an effective tax rate of 20.5% and 20.1%, respectively. The increase in the income tax expense was primarily related to an increase in pre-tax net income, which was partially offset by an increase in tax credits. The differences between the 2023 and 2022 effective tax rates from the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to tax credits associated with renewable energy, historic and new market tax credit related projects and state taxes as described in Note 11 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
44
Operating Segment Results
The Company organizes its operations into three reportable operating segments: (1) Consumer and Business Banking; (2) Commercial Banking; and (3) Other. These segments are defined by the type of customers served, and the related products and services provided. For a description of the Company’s internal management reporting process, including the segment cost allocation methodology, see Note 17 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Segment net interest income represents the difference between actual interest earned on assets and interest incurred on liabilities of the segment, adjusted for funding charges or credits through the Company’s internal funds transfer pricing (“FTP”) process.
The following table presents the results by operating segment for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer and Business Banking | Commercial Banking | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue (loss) | $ | 1,340,938 | $ | 1,280,989 | $ | 791,226 | $ | 1,166,984 | $ | 1,071,634 | $ | 929,970 | $ | 99,596 | $ | (8,076) | $ | 96,270 | |||||||||||||||||
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | 18,422 | 27,197 | (4,998) | 106,578 | 46,303 | (30,002) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | 477,622 | 397,882 | 364,635 | 382,865 | 314,185 | 275,649 | 162,261 | 147,326 | 155,805 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment income (loss) before income taxes | 844,894 | 855,910 | 431,589 | 677,541 | 711,146 | 684,323 | (62,665) | (155,402) | (59,535) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment net income | $ | 596,366 | $ | 608,120 | $ | 308,630 | $ | 478,418 | $ | 507,467 | $ | 489,233 | $ | 86,377 | $ | 12,496 | $ | 75,118 |
Consumer and Business Banking
The Consumer and Business Banking segment primarily provides financial products and services to consumer and commercial customers through the Company’s domestic branch network and digital banking platform. This segment offers consumer and commercial deposits, mortgage and home equity loans, and other products and services. It also originates commercial loans for small- and medium-sized enterprises through the Company’s branch network. Other products and services provided by this segment include wealth management, treasury management, interest rate risk hedging and foreign exchange services.
The following table presents additional financial information for the Consumer and Business Banking segment for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | $ | % | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| Net interest income before provision for (reversal of) credit losses | $ | 1,238,829 | $ | 1,170,850 | $ | 67,979 | 6 | % | $ | 697,101 | ||||||||
| Noninterest income | 102,109 | 110,139 | (8,030) | (7) | % | 94,125 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 1,340,938 | 1,280,989 | 59,949 | 5 | % | 791,226 | ||||||||||||
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | 18,422 | 27,197 | (8,775) | (32) | % | (4,998) | ||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | 477,622 | 397,882 | 79,740 | 20 | % | 364,635 | ||||||||||||
| Segment income before income taxes | 844,894 | 855,910 | (11,016) | (1) | % | 431,589 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 248,528 | 247,790 | 738 | 0 | % | 122,959 | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income | $ | 596,366 | $ | 608,120 | $ | (11,754) | (2) | % | $ | 308,630 | ||||||||
| Average loans | $ | 17,931,327 | $ | 15,769,072 | $ | 2,162,255 | 14 | % | $ | 13,922,693 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 33,668,913 | $ | 33,278,330 | $ | 390,583 | 1 | % | $ | 31,679,856 |
45
Consumer and Business Banking segment net income decreased by $12 million or 2% year-over-year to $596 million in 2023, due to an increase in noninterest expense, partially offset by an increase in net interest income. Net interest income before provision for credit losses increased $68 million or 6% year-over-year to $1.2 billion. This increase was primarily driven by higher deposit FTP credits due to the year-over-year increase in market rates. Noninterest expense increased by $80 million or 20%, to $478 million, primarily due to higher deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments from the FDIC charge in the fourth quarter of 2023 and allocated corporate overhead expenses.
Commercial Banking
The Commercial Banking segment primarily generates commercial loan and deposit products. Commercial loan products include CRE lending, construction finance, commercial business lending, working capital lines of credit, trade finance, letters of credit, affordable housing lending, asset-based lending, asset-backed finance, project finance and equipment financing. Commercial deposit products and other financial services include treasury management, foreign exchange services, and interest rate and commodity risk hedging.
The following table presents additional financial information for the Commercial Banking segment for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | $ | % | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| Net interest income before provision for (reversal of) credit losses | $ | 992,519 | $ | 892,386 | $ | 100,133 | 11 | % | $ | 766,202 | ||||||||
| Noninterest income | 174,465 | 179,248 | (4,783) | (3) | % | 163,768 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 1,166,984 | 1,071,634 | 95,350 | 9 | % | 929,970 | ||||||||||||
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | 106,578 | 46,303 | 60,275 | 130 | % | (30,002) | ||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | 382,865 | 314,185 | 68,680 | 22 | % | 275,649 | ||||||||||||
| Segment income before income taxes | 677,541 | 711,146 | (33,605) | (5) | % | 684,323 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 199,123 | 203,679 | (4,556) | (2) | % | 195,090 | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income | $ | 478,418 | $ | 507,467 | $ | (29,049) | (6) | % | $ | 489,233 | ||||||||
| Average loans | $ | 31,613,809 | $ | 29,550,386 | $ | 2,063,423 | 7 | % | $ | 25,794,004 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 17,825,312 | $ | 17,276,427 | $ | 548,885 | 3 | % | $ | 17,122,743 |
Commercial Banking segment net income decreased by $29 million or 6% year-over-year to $478 million in 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by higher noninterest expense and provision for credit losses, partially offset by higher net interest income. Net interest income before provision for credit losses increased by $100 million or 11% to $993 million, driven by higher loan interest income from commercial loan growth. Provision for credit losses increased by $60 million or 130% year-over-year to $107 million, primarily driven by loan growth and changes to the macroeconomic outlook. Noninterest expense increased by $69 million or 22% to $383 million, primarily due to higher deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments from the FDIC charge in the fourth quarter of 2023, deposit account expense, and allocated corporate overhead expenses.
Other
Centralized functions, including the corporate treasury activities of the Company and eliminations of inter-segment amounts, have been aggregated and included in the Other segment, which provides broad administrative support to the two core segments, namely the Consumer and Business Banking and the Commercial Banking segments.
46
The following table presents additional financial information for the Other segment for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | $ | % | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| Net interest income (loss) | $ | 80,906 | $ | (17,355) | $ | 98,261 | NM | $ | 68,268 | |||||||||
| Noninterest income | 18,690 | 9,279 | 9,411 | 101 | % | 28,002 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue (loss) | 99,596 | (8,076) | 107,672 | NM | 96,270 | |||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | 162,261 | 147,326 | 14,935 | 10 | % | 155,805 | ||||||||||||
| Segment loss before income taxes | (62,665) | (155,402) | 92,737 | 60 | % | (59,535) | ||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit | (149,042) | (167,898) | 18,856 | 11 | % | (134,653) | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income | $ | 86,377 | $ | 12,496 | $ | 73,881 | NM | $ | 75,118 | |||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 3,468,506 | $ | 3,744,822 | $ | (276,316) | (7) | % | $ | 2,681,097 |
NM - Not meaningful
The Other segment reported segment loss before income taxes of $63 million and segment net income of $86 million, reflecting an income tax benefit of $149 million in 2023. The decrease in segment loss before income taxes was primarily driven by higher net interest income. The $98 million year-over-year increase in net interest income was primarily driven by a higher yield on interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks and debt securities in 2023, partially offset by higher costs of borrowings.
The income tax expense or benefit in the Other segment consists of the remaining unallocated income tax expense or benefit after allocating income tax expense to the two core segments, and reflects the impact of tax credit investment activity. Income tax expense is allocated to the Consumer and Business Banking and the Commercial Banking segments by applying statutory income tax rates to the segment income before income taxes. Tax credit investment amortization is allocated to the Other segment.
Balance Sheet Analysis
Debt Securities
The Company maintains a portfolio of high quality and liquid debt securities with a moderate duration profile. It closely manages the overall portfolio credit, interest rate and liquidity risks. The Company’s debt securities provide:
•interest income for earnings and yield enhancement;
•funding availability for needs arising during the normal course of business;
•the ability to execute interest rate risk management strategies in response to changes in economic or market conditions; and
•collateral to support pledging agreements as required and/or to enhance the Company’s borrowing capacity.
While the Company does not intend to sell its debt securities, it may sell AFS debt securities in response to changes in the balance sheet and related interest rate risk to meet liquidity, regulatory and strategic requirements.
47
The following table presents the distribution of the Company’s AFS and HTM debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and by credit ratings as of December 31, 2023:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | Rating as of December 31, 2023 (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | % of Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | % of Fair Value | AAA/AA | A | BBB | BB and Lower | No Rating (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AFS debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 1,112,587 | $ | 1,060,375 | 17 | % | $ | 676,306 | $ | 606,203 | 10 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities | 412,086 | 364,446 | 6 | % | 517,806 | 461,607 | 8 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities | 2,488,304 | 2,195,853 | 35 | % | 2,588,446 | 2,262,464 | 37 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal securities | 297,283 | 261,016 | 4 | % | 303,884 | 257,099 | 4 | % | 98 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-agency mortgage-backed securities | 1,052,913 | 921,187 | 15 | % | 1,209,714 | 1,047,553 | 17 | % | 82 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | 18 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate debt securities | 653,501 | 502,425 | 8 | % | 673,502 | 526,274 | 9 | % | — | % | 32 | % | 66 | % | 2 | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign government bonds | 239,333 | 227,874 | 4 | % | 241,165 | 227,053 | 4 | % | 47 | % | 53 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 43,234 | 42,300 | 1 | % | 51,152 | 49,076 | 1 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Collateralized loan obligations | 617,250 | 612,861 | 10 | % | 617,250 | 597,664 | 10 | % | 96 | % | 4 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total AFS debt securities | $ | 6,916,491 | $ | 6,188,337 | 100 | % | $ | 6,879,225 | $ | 6,034,993 | 100 | % | 87 | % | 5 | % | 5 | % | 0 | % | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| HTM debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 529,548 | $ | 488,551 | 20 | % | $ | 524,081 | $ | 471,469 | 19 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities | 1,001,836 | 814,932 | 33 | % | 998,972 | 789,412 | 32 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities | 1,235,784 | 1,004,697 | 41 | % | 1,289,106 | 1,042,310 | 43 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal securities | 188,872 | 145,791 | 6 | % | 189,709 | 151,980 | 6 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total HTM debt securities | $ | 2,956,040 | $ | 2,453,971 | 100 | % | $ | 3,001,868 | $ | 2,455,171 | 100 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt securities | $ | 9,872,531 | $ | 8,642,308 | $ | 9,881,093 | $ | 8,490,164 |
(1)Credit ratings express opinions about the credit quality of a debt security. The Company determines the credit rating of a security according to the lowest credit rating made available by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSROs”). Debt securities rated investment grade, which are those with ratings similar to BBB- or above (as defined by NRSROs), are generally considered by the rating agencies and market participants to be low credit risk. Ratings percentages are allocated based on fair value.
(2)For debt securities not rated by NRSROs, the Company uses other factors which include but are not limited to the priority in collections within the securitization structure, and whether the contractual payments have historically been on time.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s AFS and HTM debt securities portfolios had an effective duration (defined as the sensitivity of the value of the portfolio to interest rate changes) of 3.6 and 7.5, respectively, compared with 4.1 and 8.0, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. The modest decreases in both the AFS and HTM effective durations were due to the portfolio seasoning.
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
The fair value of AFS debt securities totaled $6.2 billion as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $153 million or 3% from $6.0 billion as of December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to yield curve movement. The Company’s AFS debt securities are carried at fair value with non-credit related unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in Other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Pre-tax net unrealized losses on AFS debt securities were $728 million as of December 31, 2023, compared with $844 million as of December 31, 2022.
48
As of both December 31, 2023 and 2022, 97% of the carrying value of the AFS debt securities portfolio was rated investment grade by NRSROs. Of the AFS debt securities with gross unrealized losses, substantially all were rated investment grade as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022. There was no allowance for credit losses provided against the AFS debt securities as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022. During 2023, the Company recognized $7 million in net losses on AFS debt securities, consisting of a $10 million impairment write-off on a subordinated debt security, partially offset by a $3 million gain on the sale of the same security. There were no credit losses recognized in earnings for 2022.
Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities
All HTM debt securities were issued, guaranteed, or supported by the U.S. government or government-sponsored enterprises. Accordingly, the Company applied a zero credit loss assumption for these securities and no allowance for credit loss was recorded as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022.
For additional information on AFS and HTM securities, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Note 4 — Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Loan Portfolio
The Company offers a broad range of financial products designed to meet the credit needs of its borrowers. The Company’s loan portfolio segments include commercial loans, which consist of C&I, CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans, as well as consumer loans, which consist of single-family residential, home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”) and other consumer loans. Loans held-for-investment totaled $52.2 billion as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $4.0 billion, or 8%, from $48.2 billion as of December 31, 2022. This increase was primarily driven by increases of $1.8 billion or 13% in total residential mortgage loans, $1.4 billion or 7% in total CRE loans, and $870 million or 6% in C&I loans. The composition of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023 was similar to the composition as of December 31, 2022.
The following table presents the composition of the Company’s total loan portfolio by loan type as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 16,581,079 | 32 | % | $ | 15,711,095 | 33 | % | ||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||
| CRE | 14,777,081 | 28 | % | 13,857,870 | 29 | % | ||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 5,023,163 | 10 | % | 4,573,068 | 9 | % | ||||||||
| Construction and land | 663,868 | 1 | % | 638,420 | 1 | % | ||||||||
| Total CRE | 20,464,112 | 39 | % | 19,069,358 | 39 | % | ||||||||
| Total commercial | 37,045,191 | 71 | % | 34,780,453 | 72 | % | ||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 13,383,060 | 26 | % | 11,223,027 | 23 | % | ||||||||
| HELOCs | 1,722,204 | 3 | % | 2,122,655 | 5 | % | ||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 15,105,264 | 29 | % | 13,345,682 | 28 | % | ||||||||
| Other consumer | 60,327 | 0 | % | 76,295 | 0 | % | ||||||||
| Total consumer | 15,165,591 | 29 | % | 13,421,977 | 28 | % | ||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment (1) | 52,210,782 | 100 | % | 48,202,430 | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | (668,743) | (595,645) | ||||||||||||
| Loans held-for-sale (2) | 116 | 25,644 | ||||||||||||
| Total loans, net | $ | 51,542,155 | $ | 47,632,429 |
(1)Includes $71 million and $70 million of net deferred loan fees and net unamortized premiums as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
(2)Consists of a single-family residential loan as of December 31, 2023 and C&I loans as of December 31, 2022.
49
Commercial
The commercial loan portfolio comprised 71% and 72% of total loans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company actively monitors the commercial lending portfolio for credit risk and reviews credit exposures for sensitivity to changing economic conditions.
Commercial — Commercial and Industrial Loans. Total C&I loan commitments were $24.6 billion as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $1.8 billion or 8% from $22.8 billion as of December 31, 2022, with a utilization rate of 67% as of December 31, 2023, compared with 69% as of December 31, 2022. Total C&I loans were $16.6 billion as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $870 million or 6% from $15.7 billion as of December 31, 2022. Total C&I loans made up 32% and 33% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The C&I loan portfolio includes loans and financing for businesses across a wide spectrum of industries. The Company offers a variety of C&I products, including commercial business lending, working capital lines of credit, trade finance, letters of credit, asset-based lending, asset-backed finance, project finance and equipment financing. Additionally, the Company has a portfolio of broadly syndicated C&I loans, which represent revolving or term loan facilities that are marketed and sold primarily to institutional investors. This portfolio totaled $645 million and $856 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The majority of the C&I loans had variable interest rates as of both December 31, 2023, and 2022.
The C&I portfolio is well-diversified by industry. The Company monitors concentrations within the C&I loan portfolio by industry and customer exposure, and has exposure limits by industry and loan product. The following table presents the industry mix within the Company’s C&I loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023, and 2022:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | |||||||||||
| Industry: | Industry: | |||||||||||||||
| Private equity | $ | 2,553,718 | 16 | % | Private equity | $ | 2,238,723 | 14 | % | |||||||
| Media & entertainment | 1,891,199 | 12 | % | Media & entertainment | 1,841,719 | 12 | % | |||||||||
| Real estate investment & management | 1,540,516 | 9 | % | Real estate investment & management | 1,272,169 | 8 | % | |||||||||
| Infrastructure & clean energy | 890,307 | 5 | % | Manufacturing & wholesale | 1,091,933 | 7 | % | |||||||||
| Manufacturing & wholesale | 803,606 | 5 | % | Infrastructure & clean energy | 820,095 | 5 | % | |||||||||
| Tech & telecom | 729,922 | 4 | % | Food production & distribution | 738,636 | 5 | % | |||||||||
| Food production & distribution | 655,340 | 4 | % | Tech & telecom | 618,719 | 4 | % | |||||||||
| Hospitality & leisure | 576,328 | 4 | % | Hospitality & leisure | 562,234 | 4 | % | |||||||||
| Oil & gas | 563,350 | 3 | % | Oil & gas | 519,784 | 3 | % | |||||||||
| Consumer nondurable goods | 378,583 | 2 | % | Consumer nondurable goods | 425,214 | 3 | % | |||||||||
| All other C&I | 5,998,210 | 36 | % | All other C&I | 5,581,869 | 35 | % | |||||||||
| Total C&I | $ | 16,581,079 | 100 | % | Total C&I | $ | 15,711,095 | 100 | % |
Commercial — Total Commercial Real Estate Loans. Total CRE loans totaled $20.5 billion as of December 31, 2023, which grew by $1.4 billion, or 7%, from $19.1 billion as of December 31, 2022, and accounted for 39% of total loans held-for-investment as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022. The total CRE portfolio consists of CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans, and affordable housing lending. The increase in total CRE loans was driven by well-diversified growth across our major property types, partially offset by a decrease in office CRE loans. The Company’s underwriting parameters for CRE loans are established in compliance with supervisory guidance, including: property type, geography and loan-to-value (“LTV”). The consistency of the Company’s low LTV underwriting standards has historically resulted in lower credit losses.
50
The Company’s total CRE loan portfolio is well-diversified by property type with an average CRE loan size of $3 million as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022. The following table summarizes the Company’s total CRE loans by property type as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||
| Property type: | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily | $ | 5,023,164 | 25 | % | $ | 4,573,068 | 24 | % | ||||||
| Retail (1) | 4,297,569 | 21 | % | 4,075,768 | 22 | % | ||||||||
| Industrial (1) | 3,997,764 | 20 | % | 3,617,086 | 19 | % | ||||||||
| Hotel (1) | 2,446,504 | 12 | % | 2,085,910 | 11 | % | ||||||||
| Office (1) | 2,271,508 | 11 | % | 2,522,554 | 13 | % | ||||||||
| Healthcare (1) | 852,362 | 4 | % | 796,577 | 4 | % | ||||||||
| Construction and land | 663,868 | 3 | % | 638,420 | 3 | % | ||||||||
| Other (1) | 911,373 | 4 | % | 759,975 | 4 | % | ||||||||
| Total CRE loans | $ | 20,464,112 | 100 | % | $ | 19,069,358 | 100 | % |
(1)Included in CRE loans, which are a subset of Total CRE loans.
The weighted-average LTV ratio of the total CRE loan portfolio was 50% as of December 31, 2023, compared with 51% as of December 31, 2022. Weighted average LTV is based on the most recent LTV, which is based on the latest available appraisal and current loan commitment. Approximately 91% and 90% of total CRE loans had an LTV ratio of 65% or lower as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The following tables provide a summary of the Company’s CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans by geography as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The distribution of the total CRE loan portfolio largely reflects the Company’s geographical branch footprint, which is primarily concentrated in California:
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | CRE | % | Multifamily Residential | % | Construction and Land | % | Total | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 7,604,053 | 51 | % | $ | 2,295,592 | 46 | % | $ | 294,879 | 44 | % | $ | 10,194,524 | 50 | % | ||||||||||||
| Northern California | 2,737,635 | 19 | % | 1,055,852 | 21 | % | 147,031 | 22 | % | 3,940,518 | 19 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| California | 10,341,688 | 70 | % | 3,351,444 | 67 | % | 441,910 | 66 | % | 14,135,042 | 69 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 1,122,428 | 8 | % | 445,391 | 9 | % | 41,768 | 6 | % | 1,609,587 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| New York | 696,950 | 5 | % | 287,961 | 6 | % | 43,227 | 7 | % | 1,028,138 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Washington | 495,577 | 3 | % | 173,367 | 3 | % | 10,375 | 2 | % | 679,319 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 355,047 | 2 | % | 148,970 | 3 | % | 38,897 | 6 | % | 542,914 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 257,105 | 2 | % | 142,133 | 3 | % | 6,325 | 1 | % | 405,563 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other markets | 1,508,286 | 10 | % | 473,897 | 9 | % | 81,366 | 12 | % | 2,063,549 | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 14,777,081 | 100 | % | $ | 5,023,163 | 100 | % | $ | 663,868 | 100 | % | $ | 20,464,112 | 100 | % |
51
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | CRE | % | Multifamily Residential | % | Construction and Land | % | Total | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 7,233,902 | 52 | % | $ | 2,215,632 | 48 | % | $ | 222,425 | 35 | % | $ | 9,671,959 | 51 | % | ||||||||||||
| Northern California | 2,798,840 | 20 | % | 890,002 | 20 | % | 235,732 | 37 | % | 3,924,574 | 20 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| California | 10,032,742 | 72 | % | 3,105,634 | 68 | % | 458,157 | 72 | % | 13,596,533 | 71 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 1,150,401 | 8 | % | 410,872 | 9 | % | 2,153 | 0 | % | 1,563,426 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| New York | 682,096 | 5 | % | 221,253 | 5 | % | 99,595 | 16 | % | 1,002,944 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Washington | 449,423 | 3 | % | 173,611 | 4 | % | 15,557 | 2 | % | 638,591 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 291,114 | 2 | % | 95,460 | 2 | % | 297 | 0 | % | 386,871 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 159,092 | 1 | % | 108,060 | 2 | % | 30,673 | 5 | % | 297,825 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other markets | 1,093,002 | 9 | % | 458,178 | 10 | % | 31,988 | 5 | % | 1,583,168 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 13,857,870 | 100 | % | $ | 4,573,068 | 100 | % | $ | 638,420 | 100 | % | $ | 19,069,358 | 100 | % |
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, 69% and 71%, respectively, of total CRE loans were concentrated in California. Changes in California’s economy and real estate values could have a significant impact on the collectability of these loans and the required level of allowance for loan losses. For additional information related to the higher degree of risk from a downturn in the California real estate markets, see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Geopolitical Uncertainties in this Form 10-K.
Commercial — Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Company focuses on providing financing to experienced real estate investors and developers who have moderate levels of leverage, many of whom are long-time customers of the Bank. CRE loans totaled $14.8 billion as of December 31, 2023, compared with $13.9 billion as of December 31, 2022, and accounted for 28% and 29% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Interest rates on CRE loans may be fixed, variable or hybrid. As of December 31, 2023, 58% of our CRE portfolio was variable rate, of which 50% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place. These were hedging contracts offered by the Company to help our customers manage their interest rate risk while the Bank’s own exposure remained variable rate. In comparison, as of December 31, 2022, 65% of our CRE portfolio was variable rate, of which 47% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place. Loans are underwritten with conservative standards for cash flows, debt service coverage and LTV.
Owner-occupied properties comprised 20% of the CRE loans as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022. The remainder were non-owner-occupied properties, where 50% or more of the debt service for the loan is typically provided by rental income from an unaffiliated third party.
Commercial — Multifamily Residential Loans. The multifamily residential loan portfolio is largely comprised of loans secured by residential properties with five or more units. Multifamily residential loans totaled $5.0 billion as of December 31, 2023, compared with $4.6 billion as of December 31, 2022, and accounted for 10% and 9% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company offers a variety of first lien mortgages, including fixed- and variable-rate loans, as well as hybrid loans with interest rates that adjust annually after an initial fixed rate period of three to ten years. As of December 31, 2023, 48% of our multifamily residential portfolio was variable rate, of which 40% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place. These were hedging contracts offered by the Company to help our customers manage their interest rate risk while the Bank’s own exposure remained variable rate. In comparison, as of December 31, 2022, 57% of our multifamily residential loan portfolio was variable rate, of which 34% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place.
Commercial — Construction and Land Loans. Construction and land loans provide financing for a portfolio of projects diversified by real estate property type. Construction and land loans totaled $664 million as of December 31, 2023, compared with $638 million as of December 31, 2022, and accounted for 1% of total loans held-for-investment as of both dates. Construction loan exposure was made up of $526 million in loans outstanding and $672 million in unfunded commitments, as of December 31, 2023, compared with $537 million in loans outstanding and $611 million in unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2022. Land loans totaled $138 million as of December 31, 2023, compared with $102 million as of December 31, 2022.
52
Consumer
Residential mortgage loans are primarily originated through the Bank’s branch network. The average total residential loan size was $436 thousand and $434 thousand as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The following tables summarize the Company’s single-family residential and HELOC loan portfolios by geography as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Single-Family Residential | % | HELOCs | % | Total Residential Mortgage | % | |||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 4,990,848 | 37 | % | $ | 799,571 | 46 | % | $ | 5,790,419 | 38 | % | |||||||||
| Northern California | 1,650,905 | 13 | % | 370,989 | 22 | % | 2,021,894 | 13 | % | ||||||||||||
| California | 6,641,753 | 50 | % | 1,170,560 | 68 | % | 7,812,313 | 51 | % | ||||||||||||
| New York | 4,376,416 | 33 | % | 247,202 | 14 | % | 4,623,618 | 31 | % | ||||||||||||
| Washington | 696,028 | 5 | % | 184,843 | 11 | % | 880,871 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Massachusetts | 391,666 | 3 | % | 67,016 | 4 | % | 458,682 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Georgia | 432,258 | 3 | % | 17,123 | 1 | % | 449,381 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Nevada | 404,837 | 3 | % | 33,959 | 2 | % | 438,796 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Texas | 423,972 | 3 | % | — | — | % | 423,972 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Other markets | 16,130 | 0 | % | 1,501 | 0 | % | 17,631 | 0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 13,383,060 | 100 | % | $ | 1,722,204 | 100 | % | $ | 15,105,264 | 100 | % | |||||||||
| Lien priority: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| First mortgage | $ | 13,383,060 | 100 | % | $ | 1,331,509 | 77 | % | $ | 14,714,569 | 97 | % | |||||||||
| Junior lien mortgage | — | — | % | 390,695 | 23 | % | 390,695 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 13,383,060 | 100 | % | $ | 1,722,204 | 100 | % | $ | 15,105,264 | 100 | % |
| December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Single-Family Residential | % | HELOCs | % | Total Residential Mortgage | % | |||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 4,142,623 | 37 | % | $ | 959,632 | 45 | % | $ | 5,102,255 | 38 | % | |||||||||
| Northern California | 1,294,721 | 11 | % | 492,921 | 23 | % | 1,787,642 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||
| California | 5,437,344 | 48 | % | 1,452,553 | 68 | % | 6,889,897 | 52 | % | ||||||||||||
| New York | 3,964,779 | 35 | % | 286,285 | 14 | % | 4,251,064 | 32 | % | ||||||||||||
| Washington | 632,892 | 6 | % | 236,434 | 11 | % | 869,326 | 7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Massachusetts | 299,051 | 3 | % | 85,590 | 4 | % | 384,641 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Georgia | 303,615 | 3 | % | 21,493 | 1 | % | 325,108 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Texas | 316,771 | 3 | % | — | — | % | 316,771 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Nevada | 253,702 | 2 | % | 40,300 | 2 | % | 294,002 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Other markets | 14,873 | 0 | % | — | — | % | 14,873 | 0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 11,223,027 | 100 | % | $ | 2,122,655 | 100 | % | $ | 13,345,682 | 100 | % | |||||||||
| Lien priority: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| First mortgage | $ | 11,223,027 | 100 | % | $ | 1,770,741 | 83 | % | $ | 12,993,768 | 97 | % | |||||||||
| Junior lien mortgage | — | — | % | 351,914 | 17 | % | 351,914 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 11,223,027 | 100 | % | $ | 2,122,655 | 100 | % | $ | 13,345,682 | 100 | % |
53
Consumer — Single-Family Residential Loans. Single-family residential loans totaled $13.4 billion or 26% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2023, compared with $11.2 billion or 23% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2022. Year-over-year, single-family residential loans increased $2.2 billion or 19%, primarily driven by organic growth in mortgages and residential properties in California and New York. The Company was in a first lien position for all of its single-family residential loans as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022. Many of these loans are reduced documentation loans, for which a substantial down payment is required, resulting in a low LTV ratio at origination, typically 65% or less. The weighted-average LTV ratio was 53% as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and loss rates. The Company offers a variety of single-family residential first lien mortgage loan programs, including fixed- and variable-rate loans, as well as hybrid loans with interest rates that adjust on a regular basis, typically annually, after an initial fixed-rate period.
Consumer — Home Equity Lines of Credit. Total HELOC commitments were $5.2 billion as of December 31, 2023, which decreased by $274 million or 5% from $5.5 billion as of December 31, 2022, with a utilization rate of 33% as of December 31, 2023, compared with 39% as of December 31, 2022. Substantially all of the Company’s unfunded HELOC commitments are unconditionally cancellable. HELOCs outstanding totaled $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2023, compared with $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2022, and accounted for 3% and 5% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Year-over-year, HELOCs outstanding decreased $400 million, or 19%. The Company was in a first lien position for 77% and 83% of total outstanding HELOCs as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The weighted-average LTV ratio was 48% on HELOC commitments as of December 31, 2023, compared with 49% as of December 31, 2022. Weighted-average LTV ratio represents the loan’s balance divided by the estimated current property value. Combined LTV ratios are used for junior lien home equity loans. Many of these loans are reduced documentation loans, for which a substantial down payment is required, resulting in a low LTV ratio at origination, typically 65% or less. As a result, these loans have historically experienced low delinquency and loss rates. Substantially all of the Company’s HELOCs were variable-rate loans as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022.
All originated commercial and consumer loans are subject to the Company’s conservative underwriting guidelines and loan origination standards. Management believes that the Company’s underwriting criteria and procedures adequately consider the unique risks associated with these products. The Company conducts a variety of quality control procedures and periodic audits, including the review of lending and legal requirements, to ensure that the Company is in compliance with these requirements.
54
The following table presents the contractual loan maturities by loan category and the contractual distribution of loans to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2023:
| ($ in thousands) | Due within one year | Due after one year through five years | Due after five years through fifteen years | Due after fifteen years | Total | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 6,377,460 | $ | 9,423,384 | $ | 615,317 | $ | 164,918 | $ | 16,581,079 | |||||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 1,335,154 | 6,980,010 | 6,324,116 | 137,801 | 14,777,081 | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 215,519 | 1,352,396 | 1,604,163 | 1,851,085 | 5,023,163 | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | 298,450 | 334,460 | 30,734 | 224 | 663,868 | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 1,849,123 | 8,666,866 | 7,959,013 | 1,989,110 | 20,464,112 | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 8,226,583 | 18,090,250 | 8,574,330 | 2,154,028 | 37,045,191 | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 638 | 6,423 | 1,453,334 | 11,922,665 | 13,383,060 | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | — | 1,557 | 126,301 | 1,594,346 | 1,722,204 | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 638 | 7,980 | 1,579,635 | 13,517,011 | 15,105,264 | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 33,234 | 24,744 | 2,349 | — | 60,327 | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 33,872 | 32,724 | 1,581,984 | 13,517,011 | 15,165,591 | ||||||||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment | $ | 8,260,455 | $ | 18,122,974 | $ | 10,156,314 | $ | 15,671,039 | $ | 52,210,782 | |||||||||
| Distribution of loans to changes in interest rates: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Variable-rate loans | $ | 6,769,986 | $ | 14,464,347 | $ | 4,439,201 | $ | 4,513,263 | $ | 30,186,797 | |||||||||
| Fixed-rate loans | 1,445,872 | 3,050,536 | 2,677,252 | 4,166,473 | 11,340,133 | ||||||||||||||
| Hybrid adjustable-rate loans | 44,597 | 608,091 | 3,039,861 | 6,991,303 | 10,683,852 | ||||||||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment | $ | 8,260,455 | $ | 18,122,974 | $ | 10,156,314 | $ | 15,671,039 | $ | 52,210,782 |
55
Foreign Outstandings
The Company’s overseas offices, which include the branch in Hong Kong and the subsidiary bank in China, are subject to the general risks inherent in conducting business in foreign countries, such as regulatory, economic and political uncertainties. As such, the Company’s international operation risk exposure is largely concentrated in China and Hong Kong. In addition, the Company’s financial assets held in the Hong Kong branch and the subsidiary bank in China may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates or other factors. The following table presents the major financial assets held in the Company’s overseas offices as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Assets | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Assets | ||||||||||
| Hong Kong branch: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 631,487 | 1 | % | $ | 911,784 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits with banks | $ | — | — | % | $ | 28,772 | 0 | % | ||||||
| AFS debt securities (1) | $ | 546,495 | 1 | % | $ | 281,804 | 0 | % | ||||||
| Loans held-for-investment (2) | $ | 934,734 | 1 | % | $ | 968,450 | 2 | % | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 2,115,857 | 3 | % | $ | 2,212,606 | 3 | % | ||||||
| Subsidiary bank in China: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 719,058 | 1 | % | $ | 556,656 | 1 | % | ||||||
| AFS debt securities (3) | $ | 120,167 | 0 | % | $ | 122,053 | 0 | % | ||||||
| Loans held-for-investment (2) | $ | 1,328,383 | 2 | % | $ | 1,170,437 | 2 | % | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 2,156,548 | 3 | % | $ | 1,836,811 | 3 | % |
(1)Comprised of U.S. Treasury securities and foreign government bonds as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(2)Primarily comprised of C&I loans as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(3)Comprised of foreign government bonds as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The following table presents the total revenue generated by the Company’s overseas offices in 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | |||||||||||||||
| Hong Kong Branch: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 55,747 | 2 | % | $ | 47,644 | 2 | % | $ | 25,221 | 1 | % | |||||||||
| Subsidiary Bank in China: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 32,569 | 1 | % | $ | 38,022 | 2 | % | $ | 27,252 | 1 | % |
Capital
The Company maintains a strong capital base to support its anticipated asset growth, operating needs, and credit risks, and to ensure that the Company and the Bank are in compliance with all regulatory capital guidelines. The Company engages in regular capital planning processes on at least an annual basis to optimize the use of available capital and to appropriately plan for future capital needs, allocating capital to existing and future business activities. Furthermore, the Company conducts capital stress tests as part of its capital planning process. The stress tests enable the Company to assess the impact of adverse changes in the economy and interest rates on its capital base.
On March 3, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of $500 million of the Company’s common stock. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased $82 million of common stock or 1,506,091 shares, at an average price of $54.56 per share. In comparison, the Company repurchased $100 million of common stock or 1,385,517 shares, at an average price of $72.17 per share in 2022. The total remaining available capital authorized for repurchase as of December 31, 2023 was $172 million.
56
The Company’s stockholders’ equity was $7.0 billion as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $966 million or 16% from $6.0 billion as of December 31, 2022. The increase in the Company’s stockholders’ equity was primarily due to 2023 net income of $1.2 billion, partially offset by cash dividends declared of $274 million. For other factors that contributed to the changes in stockholders’ equity, refer to Item 8. Financial Statements — Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity in this Form 10-K.
Book value was $49.64 per common share as of December 31, 2023, an increase of 17% from $42.46 per common share as of December 31, 2022, primarily due to the factors described above. Tangible book value per share was $46.27 as of December 31, 2023, compared with $39.10 as of December 31, 2022. For additional details, see the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
The Company paid a cash dividend of $1.92 per share in 2023, compared with $1.60 per share in 2022, an increase of 20%. In January 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2024 cash dividend of $0.55 per share, which represents a 15% increase or seven cents per share, from the previous quarterly cash dividend of $0.48 per share. The dividend was paid on February 15, 2024, to stockholders of record as of February 2, 2024.
Deposits and Other Sources of Funding
Deposits are the Company’s primary source of funding, the cost of which has a significant impact on the Company’s net interest income and net interest margin. Additional funding is provided by short- and long-term borrowings, and long-term debt. See Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Liquidity Risk Management — Liquidity in this Form 10-K for a discussion of the Company’s liquidity management. The following table summarizes the Company’s sources of funds as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | Amount | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||
| Deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand | $ | 15,539,872 | 28 | % | $ | 21,051,090 | 38 | % | $ | (5,511,218) | (26) | % | |||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | 7,558,908 | 14 | % | 6,672,165 | 12 | % | 886,743 | 13 | % | ||||||||||||
| Money market | 13,108,727 | 23 | % | 12,265,024 | 22 | % | 843,703 | 7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Savings | 1,841,467 | 3 | % | 2,649,037 | 4 | % | (807,570) | (30) | % | ||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 18,043,464 | 32 | % | 13,330,533 | 24 | % | 4,712,931 | 35 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total deposits | $ | 56,092,438 | 100 | % | $ | 55,967,849 | 100 | % | $ | 124,589 | 0 | % | |||||||||
| Other Funds: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | $ | 4,500,000 | 97 | % | $ | — | — | % | $ | 4,500,000 | 100 | % | |||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | — | — | % | 300,000 | 67 | % | (300,000) | (100) | % | ||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | 148,249 | 3 | % | 147,950 | 33 | % | 299 | 0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total other funds | $ | 4,648,249 | 100 | % | $ | 447,950 | 100 | % | $ | 4,200,299 | NM | ||||||||||
| Total sources of funds | $ | 60,740,687 | $ | 56,415,799 | $ | 4,324,888 | 8 | % |
NM — Not meaningful.
Deposits
The Company’s strategy is to grow and retain relationship-based deposits to provide a stable and low-cost source of funding and liquidity. Accordingly, the Company offers a wide variety of deposit products to meet the needs of its consumer and commercial customers. As a result, we believe our deposit base is seasoned, stable and well-diversified. The following chart presents the Company’s deposits by customer segment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
57
Total deposits were $56.1 billion as of December 31, 2023, a slight increase of $125 million from $56.0 billion as of December 31, 2022. The increase in deposits was primarily driven by an increase in customer deposits, partially offset by a decrease in brokered deposits. The Company paid down a portion of its brokered deposits, which decreased the percentage of brokered deposits to 3% of total deposits as of December 31, 2023, compared with 6% as of December 31, 2022. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits decreased $5.5 billion year-over-year and comprised 28% and 38% of total deposits as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Time deposits increased $4.7 billion year-over-year and comprised 32% and 24% of total deposits as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The shift in deposit mix is primarily due to customer migration to higher yielding deposit products in response to the higher interest rate environment.
As of December 31, 2023, customer deposits of $52.9 billion were held in the Company’s domestic offices and $1.6 billion were held in each of the subsidiary bank in China and the branch in Hong Kong. Customer deposit accounts in the U.S. offices are insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000. The deposits in the Company’s subsidiary bank in China and the branch in Hong Kong are insured by each jurisdiction’s deposit insurance authority for up to 500,000 RMB and 500,000 HKD, respectively. Uninsured deposits represent the portion of deposit accounts that exceed the insurance limits of the FDIC and each foreign jurisdiction. The Company calculates its uninsured deposits based on the methodologies and assumptions used for regulatory reporting.
The following table presents total uninsured deposits by location as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| ($ in thousands) | Domestic | China | Hong Kong | Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uninsured deposits as of 12/31/2023 | $ | 27,592,714 | $ | 1,572,592 | $ | 1,487,833 | $ | 30,653,139 | |||||||
| Uninsured deposits as of 12/31/2022 | $ | 31,036,308 | $ | 1,569,671 | $ | 1,520,686 | $ | 34,126,665 |
58
Uninsured time deposits totaled $10.4 billion as of December 31, 2023. The following table presents the maturity distribution for uninsured customer time deposits by location as of December 31, 2023:
| ($ in thousands) | Domestic | China | Hong Kong | Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three months or less | $ | 3,821,200 | $ | 73,432 | $ | 888,336 | $ | 4,782,968 | |||||||
| Over three months through six months | 2,335,839 | 185,106 | 88,831 | 2,609,776 | |||||||||||
| Over six months through 12 months | 2,202,842 | 328,482 | 32,509 | 2,563,833 | |||||||||||
| Over 12 months | 15,660 | 388,752 | 6 | 404,418 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 8,375,541 | $ | 975,772 | $ | 1,009,682 | $ | 10,360,995 |
Management believes that presenting uninsured domestic deposits as reported on Schedule RC-OM item 2 of the Bank’s Call Report, with an adjustment to exclude collateralized and affiliate deposits provides a more accurate view of the deposits at risk, given that collateralized deposits are secured, and affiliate deposits are not customer-facing and are eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s domestic uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized and affiliate deposits, ratio improved to 42% as of December 31, 2023, compared with 51% as of December 31, 2022. The Company is a participant in the IntraFi Network, a network that offers deposit placement services such as CDARS and ICS, that qualify large deposits for FDIC insurance. These reciprocal deposit structures provide protection to depositors by fully insuring deposits with other network banks and give the Company additional funding stability. The increasing use of these products during 2023 contributed to the improvement in the uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized and affiliate deposits ratio.
The following table summarizes the Company’s uninsured domestic deposit balances reported on Schedule RC-OM item 2 of the Bank’s Call Report as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, after certain adjustments:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uninsured deposits, per regulatory reporting requirements | $ | 27,592,714 | $ | 31,036,308 | ||||
| Less: Collateralized deposits | (4,631,047) | (3,780,329) | ||||||
| Affiliate deposits | (491,992) | (352,977) | ||||||
| Uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized and affiliate deposits | (a) | $ | 22,469,675 | $ | 26,903,002 | |||
| Total domestic deposits per the Call Report | (b) | $ | 53,486,990 | $ | 53,225,764 | |||
| Uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized and affiliate deposits, ratio | (a) / (b) | 42 | % | 51 | % |
Additional information regarding the impact of deposits on net interest income, with a comparison of average deposit balances and rates, is provided in Item 7 — MD&A — Results of Operations — Net Interest Income in this Form 10-K.
Other Sources of Funding
The Company had $4.5 billion of short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2023, consisting of funds borrowed from the BTFP in March 2023. These borrowings were more cost effective than other borrowing sources and have a positive carry as cash placed at the Federal Reserve Bank. There were no short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2022. Refer to Note 10 — Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information on the BTFP and the Company’s related borrowings.
Repurchase agreements were $300 million as of December 31, 2022. The Company extinguished $300 million of repurchase agreements during the first quarter of 2023, and recorded $4 million of charges related to the extinguishment of repurchase agreements. For additional details, see Note 3 — Assets Purchased under Resale Agreements and Sold under Repurchase Agreements to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The Company uses long-term debt to provide funding to acquire interest-earning assets, and to enhance liquidity and regulatory capital adequacy. Long-term debt consists of junior subordinated debt, which qualifies as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes. Refer to Note 10 — Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt and Note 19 — Subsequent Events to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information on the junior subordinated debt.
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Regulatory Capital and Ratios
The federal banking agencies have risk-based capital adequacy requirements intended to ensure that banking organizations maintain capital that is commensurate with the degree of risk associated with their operations. The Company and the Bank are each subject to these regulatory capital adequacy requirements. See Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Regulatory Capital Requirements and Regulatory Capital-Related Development in this Form 10-K for additional details.
The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, which requires the measurement of the allowance for credit losses to be based on management’s best estimate of lifetime expected credit losses inherent in the Company’s relevant financial assets. The Company has elected the phase-in option provided by a rule that permits certain banking organizations to exclude from regulatory capital the initial adoption impact of CECL, plus 25% of the cumulative changes in the allowance for credit losses under CECL for each period until December 31, 2021, followed by a three-year phase-out period in which the aggregate benefit is reduced by 25% in 2022, 50% in 2023 and 75% in 2024. Accordingly, our capital ratios as of December 31, 2023 reflect a delay of 50% of the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital.
The following table presents the Company’s and the Bank’s capital ratios as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 under the Basel III Capital Rules, and those required by regulatory agencies for capital adequacy and well-capitalized classification purposes:
| Basel III Capital Rules | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Company | East West Bank | Company | East West Bank | Minimum Regulatory Requirements | Minimum Regulatory Requirements including Capital Conservation Buffer | Well-Capitalized Requirements | |||||||||||||||
| Risk-based capital ratios: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CET 1 capital (1) | 13.3 | % | 12.6 | % | 12.7 | % | 12.5 | % | 4.5 | % | 7.0 | % | 6.5 | % | |||||||
| Tier 1 capital (1) | 13.3 | % | 12.6 | % | 12.7 | % | 12.5 | % | 6.0 | % | 8.5 | % | 8.0 | % | |||||||
| Total capital | 14.8 | % | 13.8 | % | 14.0 | % | 13.5 | % | 8.0 | % | 10.5 | % | 10.0 | % | |||||||
| Tier 1 leverage (1) | 10.2 | % | 9.6 | % | 9.8 | % | 9.7 | % | 4.0 | % | 4.0 | % | 5.0 | % |
(1)The CET1 capital and Tier 1 leverage well-capitalized requirements apply only to the Bank since there is no CET1 capital component or Tier 1 leverage ratio component in the definition of a well-capitalized bank holding company. The well-capitalized Tier 1 capital ratio requirements for the Company and the Bank are 6.0% and 8.0%, respectively.
The Company is committed to maintaining strong capital levels to assure its investors, customers and regulators that the Company and the Bank are financially sound. As of both December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company and the Bank continued to exceed all “well-capitalized” capital requirements and the required minimum capital requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules. Total risk-weighted assets were $53.7 billion as of December 31, 2023, compared with $50.0 billion as of December 31, 2022. The increase in risk-weighted assets was primarily due to growth across all major loan portfolios.
Risk Management
Overview
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent to the financial services industry and others of which are more specific to the Company’s business. The Company operates under a Board-approved ERM framework, which outlines the company-wide approach to risk management and oversight, and describes the structures and practices employed to manage the current and emerging risks inherent to the Company. The Company’s ERM program incorporates risk management throughout the organization in identifying, managing, monitoring and reporting risks. It identifies the Company’s major risk categories as: credit, liquidity, capital, market, operational, compliance, legal, strategic, technology and reputational.
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The Risk Oversight Committee of the Board of Directors monitors the ERM program through such identified risk categories and provides oversight of the Company’s risk appetite and control environment. The Risk Oversight Committee provides focused oversight of the Company’s identified enterprise risk categories on behalf of the full Board of Directors. Under the direction of the Risk Oversight Committee, management committees apply targeted strategies to manage the risks to which the Company’s operations are exposed.
The Company’s ERM program is executed along the three lines of defense model, which provides for a consistent and standardized risk management control environment across the enterprise. The first line of defense is comprised of production, operational, and support units. The second line of defense is comprised of various risk management and control functions charged with monitoring and managing specific major risk categories and/or risk subcategories. The third line of defense is comprised of the Internal Audit and Independent Asset Review (“IAR”) functions. Internal Audit reports to the Chief Audit Executive (“CAE”) who reports to the Board’s Audit Committee. Internal Audit provides assurance and evaluates the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes as established by the Company. IAR serves as an internal loan review and independent credit risk monitoring function within the Bank that works under the direction of the CAE and reports to the Board’s Risk Oversight Committee (“ROC”). IAR provides management and the ROC with an objective and independent assessment of the Bank’s credit profile and credit risk management process. Further discussion and analysis of selected primary risk areas are discussed in the following subsections of Risk Management.
Credit Risk Management
Credit risk is the risk that a borrower or a counterparty will fail to perform according to the terms and conditions of a loan or investment and expose the Company to loss. Credit risk exists with many of the Company’s assets and exposures such as loans, debt securities and certain derivatives. The majority of the Company’s credit risk is associated with lending activities.
The ROC has primary oversight responsibility for identified enterprise risk categories including credit risk. The ROC monitors management’s assessment of asset quality, credit risk trends, credit quality administration, underwriting standards, and portfolio credit risk management strategies and processes, such as diversification and liquidity, all of which enable management to control credit risk. At the management level, the Credit Risk Management Committee has primary oversight responsibility for credit risk. The Senior Credit Supervision function manages credit policy for the line of business transactional credit risk, assuring that all exposure is risk-rated according to the requirements of the credit risk rating policy. The Senior Credit Supervision function evaluates and reports the overall credit risk exposure to senior management and the ROC. Reporting directly to the Board’s ROC, the IAR function provides additional support to the Company’s strong credit risk management culture by performing an independent and objective assessment of underwriting and documentation quality. A key focus of our credit risk management is adherence to a well-controlled underwriting and loan monitoring process.
The Company assesses the overall credit quality performance of the loans held-for-investment portfolio through an integrated analysis of specific performance ratios. This approach forms the basis of the discussion in the sections immediately following: Credit Quality, Nonperforming Assets, and Allowance for Credit Losses.
Credit Quality
The Company utilizes a credit risk rating system to assist in monitoring credit quality. Loans are evaluated using the Company’s internal credit risk rating of 1 through 10. For more information on the Company’s credit quality indicators and internal credit risk ratings, refer to Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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The following table presents the Company’s criticized loans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Change | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | $ | % | |||||||||||
| Criticized loans: | |||||||||||||||
| Special mention loans | $ | 404,241 | $ | 468,471 | $ | (64,230) | (14) | % | |||||||
| Classified loans (1) | 573,969 | 427,509 | 146,460 | 34 | % | ||||||||||
| Total criticized loans (2) | $ | 978,210 | $ | 895,980 | $ | 82,230 | 9 | % | |||||||
| Special mention loans to loans held-for-investment | 0.77 | % | 0.97 | % | |||||||||||
| Classified loans to loans held-for-investment | 1.10 | % | 0.89 | % | |||||||||||
| Criticized loans to loans held-for-investment | 1.87 | % | 1.86 | % |
(1)Consists of substandard, doubtful and loss categories.
(2)Excludes loans held-for-sale.
Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming assets are comprised of nonaccrual loans, other real estate owned (“OREO”) and other nonperforming assets. Other nonperforming assets and OREO are repossessed assets and properties, respectively, acquired through foreclosure, or through full or partial satisfaction of loans held-for-investment. Nonperforming assets were $114 million or 0.16% of total assets as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $14 million or 14%, compared with $100 million or 0.16% of total assets as of December 31, 2022.
The following table presents nonperforming assets information as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Change | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | $ | % | |||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 37,036 | $ | 50,428 | $ | (13,392) | (27) | % | |||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||
| CRE | 23,249 | 23,244 | 5 | 0 | % | ||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 4,669 | 169 | 4,500 | NM | |||||||||||
| Total CRE | 27,918 | 23,413 | 4,505 | 19 | % | ||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 24,377 | 14,240 | 10,137 | 71 | % | ||||||||||
| HELOCs | 13,411 | 11,346 | 2,065 | 18 | % | ||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 37,788 | 25,586 | 12,202 | 48 | % | ||||||||||
| Other consumer | 132 | 99 | 33 | 33 | % | ||||||||||
| Total nonaccrual loans | 102,874 | 99,526 | 3,348 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
| OREO, net | 11,141 | 270 | 10,871 | NM | |||||||||||
| Total nonperforming assets | $ | 114,015 | $ | 99,796 | $ | 14,219 | 14 | % | |||||||
| Nonperforming assets to total assets | 0.16 | % | 0.16 | % | |||||||||||
| Nonaccrual loans to loans held-for-investment | 0.20 | % | 0.21 | % | |||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans | 650.06 | % | 598.48 | % |
NM — Not meaningful.
Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due or when the full collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain regardless of the length of past due status. Collectability is generally assessed based on economic and business conditions, the borrower’s financial condition and the adequacy of collateral, if any. For additional details regarding the Company’s nonaccrual loan policy, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Loans Held-for-Investment to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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Nonaccrual loans were $103 million and $100 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Increases in single-family, multifamily residential and HELOC nonaccrual loans were predominantly offset by higher charge-offs of C&I loans. As of December 31, 2023, $40 million or 39% of nonaccrual loans were less than 90 days delinquent. In comparison, $68 million or 69% of nonaccrual loans were less than 90 days delinquent as of December 31, 2022.
The following table presents the accruing loans past due by portfolio segment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Total Accruing Past Due Loans (1) | Change | Percentage of Total Loans Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | $ | % | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 35,649 | $ | 9,355 | $ | 26,294 | 281 | % | 0.21 | % | 0.06 | % | |||||||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 3,517 | 14,185 | (10,668) | (75) | % | 0.02 | % | 0.10 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 597 | 1,000 | (403) | (40) | % | 0.01 | % | 0.02 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | 13,251 | — | 13,251 | 100 | % | 2.00 | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 17,365 | 15,185 | 2,180 | 14 | % | 0.08 | % | 0.08 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 53,014 | 24,540 | 28,474 | 116 | % | 0.14 | % | 0.07 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 45,228 | 25,653 | 19,575 | 76 | % | 0.34 | % | 0.23 | % | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | 21,492 | 8,786 | 12,706 | 145 | % | 1.25 | % | 0.41 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 66,720 | 34,439 | 32,281 | 94 | % | 0.44 | % | 0.26 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 3,265 | 3,192 | 73 | 2 | % | 5.41 | % | 4.18 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 69,985 | 37,631 | 32,354 | 86 | % | 0.46 | % | 0.28 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 122,999 | $ | 62,171 | $ | 60,828 | 98 | % | 0.24 | % | 0.13 | % |
(1)There were no accruing loans past due 90 days or more as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company maintains its allowance for credit losses at a level sufficient to provide appropriate reserves to absorb estimated future credit losses in accordance with GAAP. For additional information on the policies, methodologies and judgements used to determine the allowance for credit losses, see Item 7. MD&A — Critical Accounting Estimates, Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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The following table presents an allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan portfolio segments as of the periods indicated:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Allowance Allocation | % of Loan Type to Total Loans | Allowance Allocation | % of Loan Type to Total Loans | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 392,685 | 32 | % | $ | 371,700 | 33 | % | ||||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 170,592 | 28 | % | 149,864 | 29 | % | ||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 34,375 | 10 | % | 23,373 | 10 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction and land | 10,469 | 1 | % | 9,109 | 1 | % | ||||||||||
| Total CRE | 215,436 | 39 | % | 182,346 | 40 | % | ||||||||||
| Total commercial | 608,121 | 71 | % | 554,046 | 73 | % | ||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 55,018 | 26 | % | 35,564 | 23 | % | ||||||||||
| HELOCs | 3,947 | 3 | % | 4,475 | 4 | % | ||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 58,965 | 29 | % | 40,039 | 27 | % | ||||||||||
| Other consumer | 1,657 | 0 | % | 1,560 | 0 | % | ||||||||||
| Total consumer | 60,622 | 29 | % | 41,599 | 27 | % | ||||||||||
| Total allowance for loan losses | $ | 668,743 | 100 | % | $ | 595,645 | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Allowance for unfunded credit commitments | $ | 37,699 | $ | 26,264 | ||||||||||||
| Total allowance for credit losses | $ | 706,442 | $ | 621,909 | ||||||||||||
| Loans held-for-investment | $ | 52,210,782 | $ | 48,202,430 | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses to loans held-for-investment | 1.28 | % | 1.24 | % |
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The following table presents net charge-offs and the net charge-offs to average loans ratios based on the loan categories as of the periods indicated:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) | Average Loans Held-for-Investment | % of Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans Held-for-Investment | Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) | Average Loans Held-for-Investment | % of Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans Held-for-Investment | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 29,770 | $ | 15,497,693 | 0.19 | % | $ | 1,914 | $ | 15,010,984 | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 6,616 | 14,312,459 | 0.05 | % | 9,288 | 13,145,204 | 0.07 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | (542) | 4,756,885 | (0.01) | % | 6,678 | 4,249,600 | 0.16 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | 10,177 | 754,928 | 1.35 | % | (74) | 499,044 | (0.01) | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 16,251 | 19,824,272 | 0.08 | % | 15,892 | 17,893,848 | 0.09 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 46,021 | 35,321,965 | 0.13 | % | 17,806 | 32,904,832 | 0.05 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | (69) | 12,274,773 | 0.00 | % | 463 | 10,106,349 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | 105 | 1,881,008 | 0.01 | % | 84 | 2,208,725 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 36 | 14,155,781 | 0.00 | % | 547 | 12,315,074 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 197 | 65,181 | 0.30 | % | 106 | 93,711 | 0.11 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 233 | 14,220,962 | 0.00 | % | 653 | 12,408,785 | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 46,254 | $ | 49,542,927 | 0.09 | % | $ | 18,459 | $ | 45,313,617 | 0.04 | % |
2023 net charge-offs were $46 million, or 0.09% of average loans held-for-investment, compared with $18 million, or 0.04% of average loans held-for-investment in 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher losses in the C&I and construction and land portfolios, as well as lower recoveries in the C&I portfolio. These increases were partially offset by lower charge-offs in the multifamily residential and CRE portfolios.
Liquidity Risk Management
Liquidity
Liquidity risk arises from the Company’s inability to meet its customer deposit withdrawals and obligations to other counterparties as they come due, or to obtain adequate funding at a reasonable cost to meet those obligations. Liquidity risk also considers the stability of deposits. The objective of liquidity management is to manage the potential mismatch of asset and liability cash flows. Maintaining an adequate level of liquidity depends on the institution’s ability to efficiently meet both expected and unexpected cash flow and collateral needs without adversely affecting daily operations or the financial condition of the institution. To achieve this objective, the Company analyzes its liquidity risk, maintains readily available liquid assets and utilizes diverse funding sources including its stable core deposit base.
The ROC has primary oversight responsibility over liquidity risk management. At the management level, the Company’s Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) establishes the liquidity guidelines that govern the day-to-day active management of the Company’s liquidity position by requiring sufficient asset-based liquidity to cover potential funding requirements and avoid over-dependence on volatile, less reliable funding markets. These guidelines are established and monitored for both the Bank and East West, on a stand-alone basis to ensure that the Company can serve as a source of strength for its subsidiaries. The ALCO regularly monitors the Company’s liquidity status and related management processes, and provides regular reports on the Company’s liquidity position relative to policy limits and guidelines to the Board of Directors. The liquidity management practices have been effective under normal operating and stressed market conditions.
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The Company also maintains a Liquidity Contingency Plan that provides an early-warning methodology to detect liquidity problems and provide a timely response. The Liquidity Contingency Plan describes the procedures, roles and responsibilities, and communication protocols for managing any identified liquidity problem. Management monitors the early-warning indicators defined in the Liquidity Contingency Plan, which include metrics for measuring the Company’s internal liquidity status as well as company-specific and market-wide external factors. When early-warning signals are detected, the ALCO is informed, and the problem is evaluated for severity. The ALCO will determine the course of action and appropriate contingency funding sources, if any, that are needed.
Liquidity Risk — Liquidity Sources. The Company’s primary source of funding is from deposits, generated by its banking business, which we believe is a relatively stable and low-cost source of funding. Our loans are funded by deposits, which amounted to $56.1 billion as of December 31, 2023, compared with $56.0 billion as of December 31, 2022. The Company’s loan-to-deposit ratio was 93% as of December 31, 2023, compared with 86% as of December 31, 2022.
In addition to deposits, the Company has access to various sources of wholesale financing, including borrowing capacity with the FHLB and FRBSF, such as under the BTFP, unsecured federal funds lines of credit with various correspondent banks, and several master repurchase agreements with major brokerage companies to sustain an adequate liquid asset portfolio, meet daily cash demands and allow management flexibility to execute its business strategy. However, general financial market and economic conditions could impact our access and cost of external funding. Additionally, the Company’s access to capital markets is affected by the ratings received from various credit rating agencies.
Unencumbered loans and/or debt securities were pledged to the FHLB, the FRBSF discount window, and the FRBSF BTFP as collateral. The Company has established operational procedures to enable borrowing against these assets, including regular monitoring of the total pool of loans and debt securities eligible as collateral. Eligibility of collateral is defined in guidelines from the FHLB and FRBSF and is subject to change at their discretion. See Item 7. — MD&A — Balance Sheet Analysis — Deposits and Other Sources of Funding in this Form 10-K for further details related to the Company’s funding sources. The Company believes its cash and cash equivalents and available borrowing capacity described below provide sufficient liquidity above its expected cash needs.
The Company maintains its source of liquidity in the form of cash and cash equivalents and borrowing capacity with its eligible loans and debt securities as collateral. The following table presents the Company’s total cash and cash equivalents and borrowing capacity as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Change | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | $ | % | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 4,614,984 | $ | 3,481,784 | $ | 1,133,200 | 33 | % | |||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits with banks | 10,498 | 139,021 | (128,523) | (92) | % | ||||||||||
| Borrowing capacity: | |||||||||||||||
| FHLB | 12,373,002 | 12,773,996 | (400,994) | (3) | % | ||||||||||
| FRBSF | 9,830,769 | 2,049,048 | 7,781,721 | 380 | % | ||||||||||
| Unpledged available securities | 1,988,526 | 6,939,591 | (4,951,065) | (71) | % | ||||||||||
| Federal funds facility | 946,000 | 1,136,000 | (190,000) | (17) | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 29,763,779 | $ | 26,519,440 | $ | 3,244,339 | 12 | % |
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents and borrowing capacity totaled $29.8 billion as of December 31, 2023, compared with $26.5 billion as of December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily related to an increase in collateral available at the FRBSF and an increase in cash and cash equivalents, which was funded by borrowings from the BTFP in the first quarter of 2023. The BTFP borrowings were secured by pledged securities and reflected the Company’s conservative liquidity management practices in response to the volatility in the banking industry earlier in the year.
Liquidity Risk — Cash Requirements. In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters contractual obligations that require future cash payments, including funding for customer deposit withdrawals, repayments for short- and long-term borrowings and other cash commitments. For additional information on these obligations, see the following Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K:
•Note 3 — Assets Purchased under Resale Agreements and Sold under Repurchase Agreements
•Note 7 — Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net and Variable Interest Entities
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•Note 9 — Deposits
•Note 10 — Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
In January 2024, the Company provided notice that it would redeem $113 million of the principal face value of junior subordinated debt and $4 million of the principal face value of trust preferred securities issued by the East West Capital Trusts. Of these amounts, $16 million was redeemed in February 2024 and the remaining $101 million is scheduled to be redeemed in March 2024.
The Company also has off-balance sheet arrangements which represent transactions that are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements include (1) commitments to extend credit, such as loan commitments, commercial letters of credit for foreign and domestic trade, standby letters of credit (“SBLCs”), and financial guarantees, to meet the financing needs of its customers, (2) future interest obligations related to customer deposits and the Company’s borrowings, and (3) transactions with unconsolidated entities that provide financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company, or engage in leasing, hedging or research and development services with the Company. Because many of these commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements. The Company does not expect the total commitment amounts as of December 31, 2023 to have a material current or future impact on the Company’s financial conditions or results of operations. Information about the Company’s loan commitments, commercial letters of credit and SBLCs is provided in Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows summarizes the Company’s sources and uses of cash by type of activity for 2023, 2022 and 2021. Excess cash generated by operating and investing activities may be used to repay outstanding debt or invest in liquid assets.
Liquidity Risk — Liquidity for East West. In addition to bank level liquidity management, the Company manages liquidity at the parent company level for various operating needs including payment of dividends, repurchases of common stock, principal and interest payments on its borrowings, acquisitions and additional investments in its subsidiaries. East West’s primary source of liquidity is from cash dividends distributed by its subsidiary, East West Bank. The Bank is subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends as discussed in Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds in this Form 10-K. East West held $446 million and $229 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Management believes that East West has sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet the projected cash obligations for the coming year.
Liquidity Risk — Liquidity Stress Testing. The Company utilizes liquidity stress analysis to determine the appropriate amounts of liquidity to maintain at the Company, foreign subsidiary and foreign branch to meet contractual and contingent cash outflows under a range of scenarios. Scenario analyses include assumptions about significant changes in key funding sources, market triggers, potential uses of funding and economic conditions in certain countries. In addition, Company specific events are incorporated into the stress testing. For example, based on the Company’s analysis of the banking industry disruption earlier in 2023, deposit runoffs were assumed to be more front-loaded to trigger earlier remediation actions. Liquidity stress tests are conducted to ascertain potential mismatches between liquidity sources and uses over a variety of time horizons, both immediate and longer term, and over a variety of stressed conditions. Given the range of potential stresses, the Company maintains contingency funding plans on a consolidated basis and for individual entities.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company believes it has adequate liquidity resources to conduct operations and meet other needs in the ordinary course of business, and is not aware of any events that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on its liquidity, capital resources or operations. Given the uncertain and rapidly changing market and economic conditions, the Company will continue to actively evaluate the impact on its business and financial position. For more details on how economic conditions may impact our liquidity, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-K.
Market Risk Management
Market risk refers to the risk of potential loss due to adverse movements in market risk factors, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, and credit spreads. The Company is primarily exposed to interest rate risk through its core business activities of extending loans and acquiring deposits. The Risk Oversight Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has primary oversight responsibility and has given the ALCO the task of market risk management. The ALCO establishes guidelines, risk measures and limits, and monitors compliance with the policies and risk limits pertaining to market risk management activities.
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Interest Rate Risk Management
Interest rate risk is the risk that market fluctuations in interest rates can have a negative impact on the Company’s earnings and capital stemming from mismatches in the Company’s asset and liability cash flows primarily arising from customer-related activities such as lending and deposit-taking. The Company is subject to interest rate risk because:
•Assets and liabilities may mature or reprice at different times. If assets reprice faster than liabilities and interest rates are generally rising, earnings will initially increase;
•Assets and liabilities may reprice at the same time but by different amounts;
•Short- and long-term market interest rates may change by different amounts. For example, the shape of the yield curve may affect the yield of new loans and funding costs differently;
•The remaining maturity of various assets or liabilities may shorten or lengthen as interest rates change. For example, if long-term mortgage interest rates increase sharply, mortgage-related products may pay down at a slower rate than anticipated, which could impact portfolio income and valuation; or
•Interest rates may have a direct or indirect effect on loan demand, collateral values, mortgage origination volume, and the fair value of other financial instruments.
The ALCO coordinates the overall management of the Company’s interest rate risk, meets regularly to review the Company’s open market positions and establishes policies to monitor and limit exposure to market risk. Interest rate risk management is carried out primarily through strategies involving the Company’s loan portfolio, debt securities portfolio, available funding channels and capital market activities. In addition, the Company’s policies permit the use of derivative instruments to assist in managing interest rate risk.
We measure and monitor interest rate risk exposure through various risk management tools, which include a simulation model that performs interest rate sensitivity analyses under multiple interest rate scenarios against a baseline. The simulation model incorporates the market’s forward rate expectations and the Company’s earning assets and liabilities. The Company uses both a static balance sheet and a forward growth balance sheet to perform the interest rate sensitivity analyses. The simulated interest rate scenarios include an instantaneous non-parallel shift in the yield curve and a gradual non-parallel shift in the yield curve (“rate ramp”). In addition, the Company also performs simulations using other alternative interest rate scenarios, including various permutations of the yield curve flattening, steepening or inverting. The Company uses the results of these simulations to formulate and gauge strategies to achieve a desired risk profile within its capital and liquidity guidelines.
The net interest income simulation model is based on the maturity and repricing characteristics of the Company’s interest rate sensitive assets, liabilities, and related derivative contracts. This model also incorporates various assumptions, which management believes to be reasonable but that may have a significant impact on the results. These key assumptions include the timing and magnitude of changes in interest rates, the yield curve evolution and shape, the correlation between various interest rate indices, financial instruments’ future repricing characteristics and spread relative to benchmark rates, and the effect of interest rate floors and caps. The modeled results are highly sensitive to deposit decay and deposit beta assumptions, which we derive from a regression analysis of the Company’s historical deposit data.
Simulation results are highly dependent on modeled behaviors and input assumptions. To the extent that actual behaviors are different from the assumptions used in the models, there could be material changes to the interest rate sensitivity results. The key behavioral models impacting interest rate sensitivity simulations include deposit repricing, deposit balance forecasts, and mortgage prepayments. These models and assumptions are documented, supported, and periodically back-tested to assess the reasonableness and effectiveness. The Company also regularly monitors the sensitivity of the other important modeling assumptions, such as loan and security prepayments and early withdrawal on fixed-rate customer liabilities. The Company makes appropriate calibrations to the model as needed and continually validates the model, methodology and results. Changes to key model assumptions are reviewed by the ALCO. Scenario results do not reflect strategies that the management could employ to limit the impact of changing interest rate expectations. The simulation does not represent a forecast of the Company’s net interest income but is a tool utilized to assess the risk of the impact of changing market interest rates across a range of interest rate environments.
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The Company employs a variety of quantitative and qualitative approaches to capture historical deposit repricing and balance behaviors. These historical observations are performed at a granular level based on key product characteristics, including distinctions for brokered, public, and large commercial deposits, which are then combined with forward-looking market expectations and the competitive landscape to generate the deposit repricing and balance forecasting models. The Company uses these deposit repricing models to forecast deposit interest expense. The repricing models provide sufficient granularity to reflect key behavioral differences across product and customer types. The deposit beta is a key parameter of the deposit rate forecast. The deposit beta defines the sensitivity of deposit rates to changes in the Effective Fed Funds Rate (“EFFR”).
The Company recalibrated its deposit repricing models and betas in December 2022, and qualitatively increased the long run (through the cycle) betas during 2023 to better reflect increased competition and higher terminal fed funds rates than previously observed in the historical data. Overall, the Company observed a weighted-average increase of approximately 17% during the year to total deposit beta of 51% as of December 31, 2023. These increases reflected the Company’s forward-looking views of deposit rates given the expected EFFR at the time. The Company also modified deposit balance runoff models in December 2022, to better capture behavioral differences across product and customer types and carved out stable and non-stable balances to reflect the volatility and interest rate sensitivity of such deposit balances. The assumptions used for the identification of stable balances were updated in June and September 2023 to reflect a larger portion of potential non-stable balances. The assumptions for the identification of stable balances had no significant updates in December 2023.
Additionally, to reflect changes in interest expense due to the shift from noninterest-bearing to interest-bearing accounts in the deposit mix, the Company utilized a qualitative assumption in March 2023. This assumption considered the amount of surplus noninterest-bearing deposits assumed to be rate sensitive and migrated them to interest-bearing deposits. This assumption was included in the net interest income volatility simulations to reflect more realistic net interest income volatility in rising rate scenarios. The qualitative assumption was enhanced in June 2023 with a more robust quantitative approach. This updated approach incorporated internally observed historical data reflecting the evolution of noninterest-bearing deposits as a percent of total deposits, based on the historical behavior observed during the prior rising interest rate cycle. The assumption forecasts that a portion of noninterest-bearing deposits would migrate to interest-bearing certificates of deposits as the 12-month moving average of the overnight indexed swap rate increases. No further enhancements to the deposit mix assumption were made in December 2023.
In the net interest income simulations, the Company also makes assumptions on the yield related to the re-investment of investment securities and the yields on new loan originations. These assumptions are updated quarterly to reflect recent market conditions as well as forward-looking expectations but generally do not have significant impact to NII sensitivity. During 2023, loans and deposits with cash flows indexed to China related benchmark interest rates were removed from the interest rate scenario shocks. The associated change to the net interest income sensitivity was insignificant.
As loan and security prepayment assumptions are key components of the Company’s model, the Company incorporates third-party vendor models to forecast prepayment behavior on mortgage loans and securities which have mortgage loans as underlying collateral. These third-party vendor models have access to more comprehensive industry-level data which can capture specific borrower and collateral characteristics over a variety of interest rate cycles. The Company will periodically assess and adjust the vendor models when appropriate to include its own available observations and expectations. During 2023, the Company updated its version of the asset liability management simulation tool and vendor prepayment model. This change updated the calibration of the vendor model to better fit recent data and better supported the transition from London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) to Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) indexed loans. Overall, the update had minimal impact on forecasted prepayments. During 2023, the Company updated the vendor prepayment model tuning factors to slow down prepayment speeds on single-family residential mortgages so that it better aligned with actual and expected prepayments.
During the third quarter of 2023, the Company replaced the U.S. dollar (“USD”) LIBOR Swap curve and rates with the respective SOFR Swap and SOFR reference rates. This change had a minimal impact on the overall results of net interest income and economic value of equity (“EVE”) simulations as the overall yields and discount rates were not impacted.
Twelve-Month Net Interest Income Simulation
Net interest income simulation modeling measures interest rate risk through earnings volatility. The simulation projects the cash flow changes in interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities, expressed in terms of net interest income, over a specified time horizon for defined interest rate scenarios. Net interest income simulations provide insight into the impact of market rate changes on earnings, which help guide risk management decisions. The Company assesses interest rate risk by comparing the changes of net interest income in different interest rate scenarios.
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The following table presents the Company’s net interest income sensitivity related to an instantaneous and sustained non-parallel shift in market interest rates by 100 and 200 bps as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, on a balance sheet assuming flat forward rates and flat loan and deposit growth on the date of analysis. The non-parallel shift scenarios were calibrated internally based on historical analysis.
| Net Interest Income Volatility (1) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | % | % | ||||||||
| +200 | 1.3 | % | 11.6 | % | ||||||
| +100 | 1.2 | % | 5.9 | % | ||||||
| -100 | (1.8) | % | (5.3) | % | ||||||
| -200 | (4.1) | % | (8.6) | % |
(1)The percentage change represents net interest income change over a 12-month period in a stable interest rate environment versus in the various interest rate scenarios.
The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio creates sensitivity to interest rate movements due to a mismatch of repricing behavior between the floating-rate loan portfolio and deposit products. In the table above, net interest income volatility expressed in relation to base-case net interest income decreased as of December 31, 2023. This decrease reflected updates to the deposit repricing assumptions and deposit product mix. Noninterest-bearing deposit account balances are assumed to be sensitive to interest rate levels and migrate to interest-bearing deposit accounts.
The Company also models scenarios based on gradual shifts in interest rates and assesses the corresponding impacts. These interest rate scenarios provide additional information to estimate the Company’s underlying interest rate risk. The rate ramp table below shows the net interest income volatility under a gradual non-parallel shift of the yield curve, in even monthly increments over the first 12 months, followed by rates held constant thereafter based on a flat balance sheet as of the date of the analysis.
| Net Interest Income Volatility | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | % | % | ||||||||
| +200 Rate ramp | 0.8 | % | 6.3 | % | ||||||
| +100 Rate ramp | 0.5 | % | 3.4 | % | ||||||
| -100 Rate ramp | (0.6) | % | (2.4) | % | ||||||
| -200 Rate ramp | (1.3) | % | (4.9) | % |
As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s net interest income profile reflects a modestly asset sensitive position, where assets reprice faster or more significantly than liabilities. Net interest income is expected to increase when interest rates rise as the Company has a large population of variable rate loans, primarily tied to Prime and Term SOFR indices. The Company’s interest income is sensitive to changes in short-term interest rates. As of December 31, 2023, the Company designated interest rate contracts with a notional amount of $5.3 billion as cash flow hedges, which reduced net interest income volatility by approximately 1.6% of the base net interest income for every 100 bps change in interest rate.
The Company’s deposit portfolio is primarily composed of non-maturity deposits, which are not directly tied to short-term interest rate indices, but are, nevertheless, sensitive to changes in short-term interest rates. The modeled results are highly sensitive to modeled behavior and assumptions. Actual net interest income results may deviate from the model’s net interest income due to earning asset growth variation and deposit mix changes based on customer preferences relative to the interest rate environment. During a period of declining interest rates, balance sheet growth could offset headwinds to net interest income from yield compression.
Economic Value of Equity at Risk
EVE is a cash flow calculation that takes the present value of all asset cash flows and subtracts the present value of all liability cash flows. This calculation is used for asset/liability management and measures changes in the economic value of the bank’s assets and liabilities due to changes in interest rates.
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The economic value approach provides a comparatively broader scope than the net interest income volatility approach since it represents the discounted present value of cash flows over the expected life of the instruments. Due to this longer horizon, EVE is useful to identify risks arising from repricing, prepayment and maturity gaps between assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, as well as from off-balance sheet derivative exposures, over their lifetime. This long-term economic perspective into the Company’s interest rate risk profile allows the Company to identify anticipated negative effects of interest rate fluctuations. However, the difference in time horizons can cause the EVE analysis to diverge from the shorter-term net interest income analysis presented above. Given the uncertainty of the magnitude, timing and direction of future interest rate movements, the shape of the yield curve, and potential changes to the balance sheet, actual results may vary from those predicted by the Company’s model.
The following table presents the Company’s EVE sensitivity related to an instantaneous non-parallel shift in market interest rates by 100 and 200 bps as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The non-parallel shift scenarios were calibrated internally based on historical analysis.
| Economic Value of Equity Volatility (1) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | % | % | ||||||||
| +200 | (10.3) | % | (6.0) | % | ||||||
| +100 | (5.4) | % | (2.9) | % | ||||||
| -100 | 3.0 | % | 1.1 | % | ||||||
| -200 | 6.0 | % | 2.3 | % |
(1)The percentage change represents net portfolio value change of the Company in a stable interest rate environment versus in the various interest rate scenarios.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s EVE is expected to decrease when interest rates rise. The change in EVE sensitivity was due to shorter deposit durations as a result of deposit modeling assumptions, slower prepayments on fixed-rate mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, and additional cash flow hedges to reduce net interest income volatility.
Derivatives
It is the Company’s policy not to speculate on the future direction of interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. However, the Company periodically enters into derivative transactions in order to manage its exposure to market risk, primarily interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company believes these derivative transactions, when properly structured and managed, provide a hedge against inherent risk in certain assets and liabilities or against risk in specific transactions. Hedging transactions may be implemented using a variety of derivative instruments such as swaps, forwards, options and collars. The Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge the variability in interest received on certain floating-rate commercial loans and interest paid on certain floating-rate borrowings. Foreign exchange derivatives are used in net investment hedging strategies to mitigate the risk of changes in the USD equivalent value of a designated monetary amount of the Company’s net investment in East West Bank (China) Limited. Prior to entering into any accounting hedge activities, the Company analyzes the costs and benefits of the hedge in comparison to alternative strategies. The Company also repositions its hedging derivatives portfolio based on the current assessment of economic and financial conditions, including the interest rate and foreign currency environments, balance sheet composition and trends, and the relative mix of its cash and derivative positions.
In addition, the Company enters into derivative transactions in order to accommodate its customers with their business needs or to assist customers with their risk management objectives, such as managing exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currencies, and commodity prices. To economically hedge against the derivative contracts entered into with the Company’s customers, the Company enters into offsetting derivative contracts with third-party financial institutions, some of which are cleared through central clearing organizations. The exposures from derivative transactions are collateralized by cash and/or eligible securities based on limits as set forth in the respective agreements between the Company and counterparty financial institutions. The fair value changes of the derivative contracts traded with third-party financial institutions are expected to be largely comparable to the fair value changes of the derivative transactions executed with customers throughout the terms of these contracts, except for the credit valuation adjustment component in the contracts and the spread variances between the customer derivatives and the offsetting financial counterparty positions. The Company also utilizes foreign exchange contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to mitigate the economic effect of fluctuations in certain foreign currency on-balance sheet assets and liabilities, primarily foreign currency denominated deposits offered to its customers.
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The Company is subject to credit risk associated with the counterparties to the derivative contracts. This counterparty credit risk is a multi-dimensional form of risk, affected by both the exposure and credit quality of the counterparty, both of which are sensitive to market-induced changes. The Company’s Credit Risk Management Committee provides oversight of credit risk and the Company has guidelines in place to manage counterparty concentration, tenor limits, and collateral. The Company manages the credit risk of its derivative positions by diversifying its positions among various counterparties, by entering into legally enforceable master netting agreements and by requiring collateral arrangements, where possible. The Company may also transfer counterparty credit risk related to interest rate swaps to third-party financial institutions through the use of credit risk participation agreements. Certain derivative contracts are required to be cleared through central clearinghouses, to further mitigate counterparty credit risk, where variation margin is applied daily as settlement to the fair value of the derivative contracts. In addition, the Company incorporates credit value adjustments and other market standard methodologies to appropriately reflect the counterparty’s and the Company’s own nonperformance risk in the fair value measurement of its derivatives. As of December 31, 2023, the Company anticipates performance by all its counterparties and has not incurred any related credit losses.
The following table summarizes certain information on derivative instruments designated as accounting hedges and utilized by the Company in its management of interest rate and foreign currency risks as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Interest Rate Contracts Hedging Loans (1) | Interest Rate Contracts Hedging Borrowings (2) | Interest Rate Contracts Hedging Loans (1) | Interest Rate Contracts Hedging Borrowings (2) | |||||||||||
| Cash flow hedges | |||||||||||||||
| Notional amount | $ | 4,000,000 | (3)(4) | $ | — | $ | 3,000,000 | (3) | $ | 200,000 | |||||
| Weighted average: | |||||||||||||||
| Receive rate | 4.95 | % | NA | 4.91 | % | 3.83 | % | ||||||||
| Pay rate | 7.32 | % | NA | 6.23 | % | 0.48 | % | ||||||||
| Remaining term (in months) | 35.8 | NA | 46.6 | 3.2 | |||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Foreign Exchange Contracts | |||||||||||||
| Net investment hedges | |||||||||||||||
| Notional amount | $ | 81,480 | $ | 84,832 | |||||||||||
| Hedged percentage (5) | 44 | % | 44 | % | |||||||||||
| Remaining term (in months) | 2.7 | 2.6 |
NA — Not applicable.
(1)Represents receive-fixed/pay-floating interest rate swaps and excludes interest rate collars. Floating rates paid are based on SOFR, or Prime.
(2)Represents receive-floating/pay-fixed interest rate swaps. Floating rate received was based on three-month LIBOR. The hedge was terminated during the first quarter of 2023.
(3)Excludes interest rate collars in total notional amount of $250 million as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(4)Excludes forward-starting swaps in total notional amount of $1.0 billion, which were not effective as of December 31, 2023.
(5)Represents percentage between the notional of outstanding foreign exchange contracts and the net RMB exposure from East West Bank (China) Limited.
Additional information on the Company’s derivatives is presented in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Derivatives, Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and Note 5 — Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K. Certain of these policies include critical accounting estimates, which are subject to valuation assumptions, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain, and it is likely that materially different amounts could be reported under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has procedures and processes in place to facilitate making these judgments. The following is a brief description of the Company’s critical accounting estimates involving significant judgments.
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Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company’s allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of expected credit losses over the remaining expected life of the Company’s financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans and certain lending-related commitments. The allowance for credit losses involves significant judgment on a number of matters including development and weighting of macroeconomic forecasts, incorporation of historical loss experience, assessment of key credit risk characteristics, assignment of risk ratings, valuation of collateral, and the determination of remaining expected life. For additional information on these judgements and the Company’s policies and methodologies used to determine the allowance for credit losses, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Allowance for Loan Losses and Unfunded Credit Commitments, and Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
A critical judgement in the process is estimating the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to macroeconomic forecasts that are incorporated into quantitative methods. As any one economic outlook is inherently uncertain, the Company utilizes a baseline and upside or downside scenarios which are applied based on a probability weighting, to better reflect management’s estimate of the expected credit losses given existing market conditions and the changes in the economic environment. Changes in the Company’s assumptions and economic forecasts could significantly affect its estimate of expected credit losses, which could potentially lead to significant changes in the estimate from one reporting period to the next. For further discussion on the economic forecast incorporated into the 2023 model, see Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Credit Risk Management — Allowance for Credit Losses.
The allowance for credit losses is sensitive to changes in macroeconomic forecast assumptions. Given the dynamic relationship between macroeconomic variables within the Company’s models, it is difficult to estimate the impact of a change in any one factor or input on the allowance. Changes in the factors and inputs considered may not occur at the same rate and may not be consistent across all geographies or product types, and changes in factors and input may be directionally inconsistent, such that improvement in one factor may offset deterioration in others. However, to provide additional context regarding the sensitivity of the allowance for credit losses to changes in key variables, the Company compared the quantitative modeled estimate when applying a 100% probability weighting to the downside scenario rather than the weighting of multiple scenarios used to estimate the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2023. Without considering model overlays and qualitative adjustments which could result in a materially different estimate, this sensitivity analysis would have been approximately $343 million higher.
This analysis demonstrates the sensitivity to the allowance for credit losses to key quantitative assumptions and is not intended to estimate changes in the overall allowance for credit losses as it does not capture all the potential unknown variables that could arise in the forecast period, but it provides an approximation of a possible outcome under hypothetical severe conditions. Management believes that the estimate for the allowance for credit losses was reasonable and appropriate as of December 31, 2023.
Fair Value Estimates
Certain financial instruments are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet on a recurring basis, including AFS debt securities, certain equity securities and derivatives. Changes in fair value are recorded either through earnings or other comprehensive income (loss). Other financial instruments, such as certain individually evaluated loans held-for-investment, loans held-for-sale, investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments, OREO and other nonperforming assets, are not carried at fair value each period but may require nonrecurring fair value adjustments primarily due to application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets.
In determining the fair value of financial instruments, the Company uses market prices of the same or similar instruments whenever such prices are available. Changes in the market conditions such as reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities, may increase variability or reduce the availability of market prices used to determine fair value. If observable market prices are unavailable or impracticable to obtain, then fair value is estimated using modeling techniques such as discounted cash flows analysis. These modeling techniques incorporate management’s assessments regarding assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or the liability, including the risks inherent in a particular valuation technique and the risk of nonperformance. The use of methodologies or assumptions different than those used by the Company could result in different estimates of fair value of financial instruments.
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Significant judgment is also required to determine the fair value hierarchy for certain financial instruments. When fair values are based on valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, the financial assets and liabilities are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy established under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820-10, Fair Value Measurement.
The following table presents the Company’s assets recorded at fair value and the portion of such assets that are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
| December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Total Balance (1) | Level 3 | Total Balance (1) | Level 3 | |||||||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis | $ | 6,823,916 | $ | 336 | $ | 6,814,275 | $ | 323 | |||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis | 46,760 | 46,760 | 72,614 | 72,614 | |||||||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value | (a) | $ | 6,870,676 | (b) | $ | 47,096 | (d) | $ | 6,886,889 | (f) | $ | 72,937 | |||
| Total assets | (c) | $ | 69,612,884 | (e) | $ | 64,112,150 | |||||||||
| Level 3 assets at fair value as a percentage of total assets | (b)/(c) | 0.1 | % | (f)/(e) | 0.1 | % | |||||||||
| Level 3 assets at fair value as a percentage of total assets at fair value | (b)/(a) | 0.7 | % | (f)/(d) | 1.1 | % |
(1)Before derivative netting adjustments.
For a complete discussion on the Company’s fair value hierarchy of financial instruments, fair value measurement techniques and assumptions, and the impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Fair Value and Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Goodwill Impairment
The valuation and testing methodologies used in the Company’s analysis of goodwill impairment are discussed in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Goodwill, Note 8 — Goodwill, and Note 17 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test on all three reporting units using a combination of income and market approaches to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. The Company concluded that the goodwill allocated to its reporting units was not impaired as of December 31, 2023. The fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount and there was no indication of a significant risk of goodwill impairment based on current projections.
Analyzing goodwill includes consideration of various factors that continue to evolve and for which significant uncertainty remains, including estimates of the profitability of the Company’s reporting units, long term growth rates and the estimated market cost of equity, such as the discount rate and price multiples of comparable companies. Imprecision in estimating these factors can affect the estimated fair value of the reporting units. Certain events or circumstances could have a negative effect on the estimated fair value of the reporting units, including declines in business performance, increases in credit losses, as well as deterioration in economic or market conditions and adverse regulatory or legislative changes, which could result in a material impairment charge to earnings in a future period.
Income Taxes
The Company files income tax returns in the jurisdictions in which it conducts business and evaluates income tax expense in two components: current and deferred income tax expense. Accrued taxes represent the net estimated amount due to or due from various tax jurisdictions in the current year and deferred tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable in future years. The Company’s interpretations of the tax laws, including the U.S., its states and the municipalities, and the tax jurisdictions in Hong Kong and China, are complex and subject to audit by taxing authorities that disputes may occur regarding its view on a tax position taken by the Company.
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In estimating accrued taxes, the Company assesses the appropriate tax treatment of transactions and filing positions after considering statutes, regulations, judicial precedent, and other pertinent information. The income tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the Company and the relevant government taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining the tax accruals and in evaluating the tax positions, including evaluating uncertain tax positions. Changes in the estimate of accrued taxes occur periodically due to changes in tax rates, tax credits, interpretations of tax laws, the status of examinations by the tax authorities, and newly enacted statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance that could impact the relative merits and risks of tax positions. These changes, when they occur, impact tax expense and can materially affect our operating results and financial condition. The Company reviews its tax positions on a quarterly basis and makes adjustments to accrued taxes as new information becomes available. The Company believes that adequate provisions have been recorded for all income tax uncertainties consistent with ASC 740, Income Taxes as of December 31, 2023. For further information on the Company’s accounting for income taxes and significant tax attributes, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Income Taxes and Note 11 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
For detailed discussion and disclosure on new accounting pronouncements adopted, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company uses certain non-GAAP measures of financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with, or as an alternative to U.S. GAAP. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance that either excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have such an effect, that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable financial measure that is calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this Form 10-K are return on average TCE, adjusted efficiency ratio, adjusted diluted EPS, and tangible book value per share. Certain additional non-GAAP financial measures that are components of the foregoing non-GAAP financial measures are also set forth and reconciled in the table below. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with the corresponding U.S. GAAP financial measures, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance, and allow comparability to prior periods. These non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes.
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The following tables present the reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures for 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| Net income | (a) | $ | 1,161,161 | $ | 1,128,083 | $ | 872,981 | |||||||||
| Add: Amortization of core deposit intangibles | 1,763 | 1,865 | 2,749 | |||||||||||||
| Amortization of mortgage servicing assets | 1,328 | 1,425 | 1,679 | |||||||||||||
| Tax effect of amortization adjustments (1) | (914) | (966) | (1,274) | |||||||||||||
| Tangible net income (non-GAAP) | (b) | $ | 1,163,338 | $ | 1,130,407 | $ | 876,135 | |||||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | (c) | $ | 6,482,985 | $ | 5,783,025 | $ | 5,559,212 | |||||||||
| Less: Average goodwill | (465,697) | (465,697) | (465,697) | |||||||||||||
| Average other intangible assets (2) | (6,542) | (8,695) | (10,535) | |||||||||||||
| Average tangible book value (non-GAAP) | (d) | $ | 6,010,746 | $ | 5,308,633 | $ | 5,082,980 | |||||||||
| ROE | (a)/(c) | 17.91 | % | 19.51 | % | 15.70 | % | |||||||||
| Return on average TCE (non-GAAP) | (b)/(d) | 19.35 | % | 21.29 | % | 17.24 | % |
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Net interest income before provision for (reversal of) credit losses | (a) | $ | 2,312,254 | $ | 2,045,881 | $ | 1,531,571 | ||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | 295,264 | 298,666 | 285,895 | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | (b) | $ | 2,607,518 | $ | 2,344,547 | $ | 1,817,466 | ||||||||||
| Noninterest income | $ | 295,264 | $ | 298,666 | $ | 285,895 | |||||||||||
| Add: Net loss on AFS debt security (3) | 6,862 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted noninterest income (non-GAAP) | (c) | 302,126 | 298,666 | 285,895 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted revenue (non-GAAP) | (a)+(c)=(d) | $ | 2,614,380 | $ | 2,344,547 | $ | 1,817,466 | ||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | (e) | $ | 1,022,748 | $ | 859,393 | $ | 796,089 | ||||||||||
| Less: Amortization of tax credit and other investments | (120,299) | (113,358) | (122,457) | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of core deposit intangibles | (1,763) | (1,865) | (2,749) | ||||||||||||||
| FDIC charge (4) | (69,986) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment cost (5) | (3,872) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted noninterest expense (non-GAAP) | (f) | $ | 826,828 | $ | 744,170 | $ | 670,883 | ||||||||||
| Efficiency ratio | (e)/(b) | 39.22 | % | 36.65 | % | 43.80 | % | ||||||||||
| Adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) | (f)/(d) | 31.63 | % | 31.74 | % | 36.91 | % |
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ and shares in thousands, except per share data) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| Net income | (a) | $ | 1,161,161 | $ | 1,128,083 | $ | 872,981 | |||||||||
| Add: FDIC charge (4) | 69,986 | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Net loss on AFS debt security (3) | 6,862 | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Tax effect of adjustment (1) | (22,716) | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) | (b) | $ | 1,215,293 | $ | 1,128,083 | $ | 872,981 | |||||||||
| Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding | (c) | $ | 141,902 | $ | 142,492 | $ | 143,140 | |||||||||
| Diluted EPS | (a)/(c) | 8.18 | 7.92 | 6.10 | ||||||||||||
| Add: FDIC charge (4) | 0.35 | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Net loss on AFS debt security (3) | 0.03 | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted diluted EPS (non-GAAP) | (b)/(c) | $ | 8.56 | $ | 7.92 | $ | 6.10 |
(1)Applied statutory rate of 29.56% for 2023, 29.37% for 2022, and 28.77% for 2021.
(2)Includes core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing assets.
(3)Represents the net loss related to an AFS debt security that was written-off in the first quarter of 2023 and subsequently sold during the fourth quarter of 2023.
(4)During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recorded $70 million pre-tax FDIC charge (included in Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments on the Consolidated Statement of Income).
(5)In 2023, the Company prepaid $300 million of repurchase agreements and incurred a debt extinguishment cost of $4 million.
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| December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ and shares in thousands, except per share data) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | (a) | $ | 6,950,834 | $ | 5,984,612 | $ | 5,837,218 | ||||||
| Less: Goodwill | (465,697) | (465,697) | (465,697) | ||||||||||
| Other intangible assets (1) | (6,602) | (7,998) | (9,334) | ||||||||||
| Tangible book value (non-GAAP) | (b) | $ | 6,478,535 | $ | 5,510,917 | $ | 5,362,187 | ||||||
| Number of common shares at period-end | (c) | 140,027 | 140,948 | 141,908 | |||||||||
| Book value per share | (a)/(c) | $ | 49.64 | $ | 42.46 | $ | 41.13 | ||||||
| Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) | (b)/(c) | $ | 46.27 | $ | 39.10 | $ | 37.79 |
(1)Includes core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing assets.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001069157-23-000016.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | 34 | ||
| Financial Review | 35 | ||
| Results of Operations | 37 | ||
| Net Interest Income | 37 | ||
| Noninterest Income | 41 | ||
| Noninterest Expense | 42 | ||
| Income Taxes | 43 | ||
| Operating Segment Results | 43 | ||
| Balance Sheet Analysis | 45 | ||
| Debt Securities | 45 | ||
| Loan Portfolio | 47 | ||
| Foreign Outstandings | 54 | ||
| Capital | 54 | ||
| Deposits and Other Sources of Funding | 55 | ||
| Regulatory Capital and Ratios | 57 | ||
| Risk Management | 57 | ||
| Credit Risk Management | 58 | ||
| Liquidity Risk Management | 63 | ||
| Market Risk Management | 65 | ||
| Critical Accounting Estimates | 70 | ||
| Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures | 73 |
33
Overview
The following discussion provides information about the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources of the Company, and its subsidiaries, including its subsidiary bank, East West Bank. This information is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
The Bank is an independent commercial bank headquartered in California that focuses on the financial service needs of individuals and businesses that operate in both the U.S. and Asia. Through over 120 locations in the U.S. and Asia, including the Singapore representative office, that was opened in January 2023, the Company provides a full range of consumer and commercial products and services through the following three business segments: (1) Consumer and Business Banking, and (2) Commercial Banking, with the remaining operations recorded in (3) Other. The Company’s principal activity is lending to and accepting deposits from businesses and individuals. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $64.11 billion in assets and 3,155 full-time equivalent employees. For additional information on our strategy, and the products and services provided by the Bank, see Item 1. Business — Strategy and Banking Services in this Form 10-K.
Current Developments
Economic Developments
Heightened inflationary concerns continue to weigh on the economy. The Federal Reserve’s tight monetary policy has included multiple interest rate hikes to slow the pace of inflation, which boosted the value of the USD. Meanwhile, global supply chain disruptions persist due to a variety of factors, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The combination of higher interest rates, depressed global equity prices, elevated market volatility and a slowdown in global economies have led to concerns of a potential recession. The Company continues to closely monitor the economy and its effects on its business, customers, employees, communities and markets.
Further discussion of the potential impacts on the Company’s business due to interest rate hikes have been provided in Item 1A. — Risk Factors — Risks Related to Financial Matters in this Form 10-K.
LIBOR Transition
LIBOR was a widely referenced benchmark rate intended to reflect the rate at which banks could borrow wholesale funds from other banks on an unsecured and short-term basis. In March 2021, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority and Intercontinental Exchange Benchmark Administration announced that the one-week and two-month USD LIBOR settings and non-USD LIBOR settings would cease to be published after December 31, 2021. The publication of the overnight, one-, three-, six- and 12-month USD LIBOR settings has been extended through June 30, 2023.
In March 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act (the “LIBOR Act”) was signed into law. The LIBOR Act provides a uniform, nationwide solution for so-called tough legacy contracts that do not have clear and practicable provisions for replacing LIBOR after June 30, 2023. The LIBOR Act also establishes a litigation safe harbor for lenders that have the discretion to select a LIBOR replacement under certain situations, including the use of a Federal Reserve-selected replacement rate based on SOFR. On December 16, 2022, the Federal Reserve adopted a final rule that implements the LIBOR Act by identifying benchmark rates based on SOFR that will replace LIBOR in certain financial contracts after June 30, 2023.
The Company holds a significant volume of LIBOR-based products that are indexed to tenors that will cease to be published after June 30, 2023. The volume of these products continues to decrease as the Company works through the transition. A cross-functional team was created to manage this transition and communicate with both internal and external stakeholders. The Company developed and updated business and legal processes, contract language, and models, as well as invested in analytical tools and information and operational systems to facilitate the transition of legacy LIBOR products to ARRs.
34
The Company offers loans based on ARRs, such as SOFR and the Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index. The Company ceased offering new loans or loan renewals based on LIBOR on January 1, 2022. The Company continues to engage with customers to proactively modify the remaining LIBOR-based product contracts and transition to a benchmark replacement prior to June 30, 2023. The Company will leverage relevant contractual and statutory solutions, if necessary, including the LIBOR Act and other relevant legislation, to transition any residual LIBOR-based product exposures maturing after June 2023 to appropriate benchmark replacements. The Company’s LIBOR transition is anticipated to continue through June 30, 2023.
The Company will continue to monitor the risks and impacts of this transition. For additional information related to the potential impact surrounding the transition from LIBOR on the Company’s business, see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Financial Matters in this Form 10-K.
Our MD&A analyzes the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for 2022 and 2021. Some tables include additional periods to comply with disclosure requirements or to illustrate trends in greater depth. When reading the discussion in the MD&A, readers should also refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes in this Form 10-K. The page locations of specific sections that we refer to are presented in the table of contents. To review our financial condition and results of operations for 2021 and a comparison between 2021 and 2020 results, see Item 7. MD&A of our 2021 Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2022.
35
Financial Review
| ($ and shares in thousands, except per share, and ratio data) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary of operations: | |||||||
| Net interest income before provision for (reversal of) credit losses | $ | 2,045,881 | $ | 1,531,571 | |||
| Noninterest income | 298,666 | 285,895 | |||||
| Total revenue | 2,344,547 | 1,817,466 | |||||
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | 73,500 | (35,000) | |||||
| Noninterest expense | 859,393 | 796,089 | |||||
| Income before income taxes | 1,411,654 | 1,056,377 | |||||
| Income tax expense | 283,571 | 183,396 | |||||
| Net income | $ | 1,128,083 | $ | 872,981 | |||
| Per common share: | |||||||
| Basic earnings | $ | 7.98 | $ | 6.16 | |||
| Diluted earnings | $ | 7.92 | $ | 6.10 | |||
| Dividends declared | $ | 1.60 | $ | 1.32 | |||
| Weighted-average number of shares outstanding: | |||||||
| Basic | 141,326 | 141,826 | |||||
| Diluted | 142,492 | 143,140 | |||||
| Performance metrics: | |||||||
| Return on average assets (“ROA”) | 1.80 | % | 1.47 | % | |||
| Return on average equity (“ROE”) | 19.51 | % | 15.70 | % | |||
| Tangible return on average tangible equity (1) | 21.29 | % | 17.24 | % | |||
| Common dividend payout ratio | 20.32 | % | 21.73 | % | |||
| Net interest margin | 3.45 | % | 2.72 | % | |||
| Efficiency ratio (2) | 36.65 | % | 43.80 | % | |||
| Adjusted efficiency ratio (1) | 31.74 | % | 36.91 | % | |||
| At year end: | |||||||
| Total assets | $ | 64,112,150 | $ | 60,870,701 | |||
| Total loans | $ | 48,228,074 | $ | 41,694,416 | |||
| Total deposits | $ | 55,967,849 | $ | 53,350,532 | |||
| Common shares outstanding at period-end | 140,948 | 141,908 | |||||
| Book value per common share | $ | 42.46 | $ | 41.13 | |||
| Tangible equity per common share (1) | $ | 39.10 | $ | 37.79 |
(1)For additional information regarding the reconciliation of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures, refer to Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
(2)Efficiency ratio is calculated as noninterest expense divided by total revenue.
The Company’s 2022 net income was $1.13 billion, an increase of $255.1 million, or 29%, from 2021 net income of $873.0 million. The increase was primarily due to higher net interest income, partially offset by increases in the provision for credit losses and income tax expense. Noteworthy items about the Company’s performance for 2022 included:
•Net interest income growth and net interest margin expansion. Year-over-year net interest income before provision for (reversal of) credit losses grew by $514.3 million or 34% to $2.05 billion in 2022, from $1.53 billion in 2021. Full year 2022 net interest margin was 3.45%, up 73 bps year-over-year.
•Expanding profitability. The Company’s 2022 ROA, ROE and tangible return on average tangible equity of 1.80%, 19.51% and 21.29%, respectively, all expanded year-over-year by 33 bps, 381 bps and 405 bps, respectively. Tangible return on average tangible equity is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional details, see the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
36
•Improved efficiency. Efficiency ratio of 36.65% and adjusted efficiency ratio of 31.74% in 2022 both improved year-over-year. Adjusted efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional details, see the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
•Asset growth. Total assets reached $64.11 billion, growing $3.24 billion or 5% year-over-year, primarily driven by loan growth.
•Loan growth. Total loans were $48.23 billion as of December 31, 2022, a year-over-year increase of $6.53 billion or 16% from $41.69 billion. This was primarily driven by well-balanced growth in the CRE, residential mortgage and commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loan segments.
•Deposit growth. Total deposits were $55.97 billion as of December 31, 2022, a year-over-year increase of $2.62 billion or 5% from $53.35 billion, primarily driven by growth in time deposits, partially offset by decreases in noninterest-bearing demand and money market deposits.
•Equity growth. Book value per common share was $42.46 as of December 31, 2022, a year-over-year increase of $1.33 or 3%. Tangible equity per common share of $39.10 as of December 31, 2022, increased by $1.31 or 3% year-over-year. Tangible equity per common share is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional details, see the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
Results of Operations
Net Interest Income
The Company’s primary source of revenue is net interest income, which is the interest income earned on interest-earning assets less interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is the ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. Net interest income and net interest margin are impacted by several factors, including changes in average balances and the composition of interest-earning assets and funding sources, market interest rate fluctuations and the slope of the yield curve, repricing characteristics and maturity of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the volume of noninterest-bearing sources of funds and asset quality.
Net interest income before provision for (reversal of) credit losses in 2022 was $2.05 billion, an increase of $514.3 million or 34%, compared with $1.53 billion in 2021. Net interest margin was 3.45% in 2022, an increase of 73 bps from 2.72% in 2021. The year-over-year changes in net interest income and net interest margin primarily reflected higher interest-earning asset yields and strong loan growth, partially offset by a higher average cost of deposits. The changes in yields and rates reflected rising benchmark interest rates.
37
Average interest-earning assets were $59.31 billion in 2022, an increase of $3.05 billion or 5% from $56.26 billion in 2021. The increase in average interest-earning assets primarily reflected growth in loans and debt securities, partially offset by a decrease in interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks.
The yield on average interest-earning assets was 3.91% in 2022, an increase of 103 bps from 2.88% in 2021. The year-over-year increase in the yield on average interest-earning assets primarily resulted from rising benchmark interest rates.
The average loan yield was 4.52% in 2022, an increase of 93 bps from 3.59% in 2021. The year-over-year change in the average loan yield reflected the loan portfolio’s sensitivity to rising benchmark interest rates. Approximately 62% and 66% of loans held-for-investment were variable-rate or hybrid loans in their adjustable-rate period as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
38
Deposits are an important source of funds and impact both net interest income and net interest margin. Average deposits were $54.30 billion in 2022, an increase of $2.82 billion or 5% from $51.48 billion in 2021. Average noninterest-bearing deposits were $22.78 billion, an increase of $1.51 billion or 7% from $21.27 billion in 2021. Average noninterest-bearing deposits made up 42% and 41% of average deposits for 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The average cost of deposits was 0.46% in 2022, an increase of 33 bps from 0.13% in 2021. The year-over-year increase reflected higher rates paid on money market and time deposits in response to the rising interest rate environment.
The average cost of funds calculation includes deposits, FHLB advances, repurchase agreements, long-term debt and short-term borrowings. In 2022, the average cost of funds was 0.50%, an increase of 33 bps from 0.17% in 2021. The year-over-year increase was mainly driven by the change in the average cost of deposits discussed above.
The Company utilizes various tools to manage interest rate risk. Refer to the Interest Rate Risk Management section of Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Market Risk Management for details.
39
The following table presents the interest spread, net interest margin, average balances, interest income and expense, and the average yield/rate by asset and liability component in 2022, 2021 and 2020:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/ Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/ Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/ Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks | $ | 3,127,234 | $ | 41,113 | 1.31 | % | $ | 6,071,896 | $ | 15,531 | 0.26 | % | $ | 4,236,430 | $ | 25,175 | 0.59 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Resale agreements (1) | 1,398,080 | 29,767 | 2.13 | % | 2,107,157 | 32,239 | 1.53 | % | 1,101,434 | 21,389 | 1.94 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities (2)(3) | 6,629,945 | 152,514 | 2.30 | % | 8,281,234 | 143,983 | 1.74 | % | 4,023,668 | 82,553 | 2.05 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-maturity (“HTM”) debt securities (2)(4) | 2,756,382 | 46,392 | 1.68 | % | — | — | — | % | — | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans (5)(6) | 45,319,458 | 2,048,301 | 4.52 | % | 39,716,697 | 1,424,900 | 3.59 | % | 36,799,017 | 1,464,382 | 3.98 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted equity securities | 77,963 | 3,144 | 4.03 | % | 79,404 | 2,081 | 2.62 | % | 79,160 | 1,543 | 1.95 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | $ | 59,309,062 | $ | 2,321,231 | 3.91 | % | $ | 56,256,388 | $ | 1,618,734 | 2.88 | % | $ | 46,239,709 | $ | 1,595,042 | 3.45 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | 652,673 | 615,255 | 528,406 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | (559,746) | (592,211) | (577,560) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | 3,436,293 | 2,971,659 | 2,747,238 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 62,838,282 | $ | 59,251,091 | $ | 48,937,793 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Checking deposits | $ | 6,696,200 | $ | 29,808 | 0.45 | % | $ | 6,543,817 | $ | 13,023 | 0.20 | % | $ | 5,357,934 | $ | 24,213 | 0.45 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Money market deposits | 12,443,437 | 107,442 | 0.86 | % | 12,428,025 | 15,041 | 0.12 | % | 9,881,284 | 42,720 | 0.43 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Saving deposits | 2,901,940 | 8,550 | 0.29 | % | 2,746,933 | 7,496 | 0.27 | % | 2,234,913 | 6,398 | 0.29 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 9,473,744 | 106,038 | 1.12 | % | 8,493,511 | 33,599 | 0.40 | % | 9,465,608 | 111,411 | 1.18 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings | 81,719 | 1,801 | 2.20 | % | 1,584 | 42 | 2.65 | % | 108,398 | 1,504 | 1.39 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| FHLB advances | 105,966 | 1,754 | 1.66 | % | 404,789 | 6,881 | 1.70 | % | 664,370 | 13,792 | 2.08 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements (1) | 467,413 | 14,362 | 3.07 | % | 306,845 | 7,999 | 2.61 | % | 350,849 | 11,766 | 3.35 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities | 152,325 | 5,595 | 3.67 | % | 151,955 | 3,082 | 2.03 | % | 734,921 | (7) | 6,045 | 0.82 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | $ | 32,322,744 | $ | 275,350 | 0.85 | % | $ | 31,077,459 | $ | 87,163 | 0.28 | % | $ | 28,798,277 | $ | 217,849 | 0.76 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing liabilities and stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Demand deposits | 22,784,258 | 21,271,410 | 13,823,152 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 1,948,255 | 1,343,010 | 1,234,178 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | 5,783,025 | 5,559,212 | 5,082,186 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 62,838,282 | $ | 59,251,091 | $ | 48,937,793 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate spread | 3.06 | % | 2.60 | % | 2.69 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income and net interest margin | $ | 2,045,881 | 3.45 | % | $ | 1,531,571 | 2.72 | % | $ | 1,377,193 | 2.98 | % |
(1)Average balances of resale and repurchase agreements for the year ended December 31, 2020 have been reported net, pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The weighted-average yield/rate of gross resale and gross repurchase agreements for the year ended December 31, 2020 were 1.94% and 3.25%, respectively.
(2)Yields on tax-exempt debt securities are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
(3)Includes the amortization of net premiums on AFS debt securities of $71.8 million, $92.8 million and $33.9 million for 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(4)Includes the amortization of net premiums on HTM debt securities of $499 thousand in 2022.
(5)Average balances include nonperforming loans and loans held-for-sale.
(6)Loans include the accretion of net deferred loan fees and amortization of net premiums, which totaled $49.6 million, $61.7 million and $52.4 million for 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(7)Primarily includes average balances of the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility, which was repaid in full during the fourth quarter of 2020.
40
The following table summarizes the extent to which changes in (1) interest rates, and (2) volume of average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities affected the Company’s net interest income for the periods presented. The total change for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is segmented into changes attributable to variations in volume and yield/rate. Changes that are not solely due to either volume or yield/rate are allocated proportionally based on the absolute value of the change related to average volume and average yield/rate.
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 vs. 2021 | 2021 vs. 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Change | Changes Due to | Total Change | Changes Due to | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Volume | Yield/Rate | Volume | Yield/Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks | $ | 25,582 | $ | (10,802) | $ | 36,384 | $ | (9,644) | $ | 8,223 | $ | (17,867) | |||||||||||
| Resale agreements | (2,472) | (12,812) | 10,340 | 10,850 | 16,168 | (5,318) | |||||||||||||||||
| AFS debt securities | 8,531 | (32,250) | 40,781 | 61,430 | 75,704 | (14,274) | |||||||||||||||||
| HTM debt securities | 46,392 | 46,392 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Loans | 623,401 | 219,385 | 404,016 | (39,482) | 111,007 | (150,489) | |||||||||||||||||
| Restricted equity securities | 1,063 | (38) | 1,101 | 538 | 5 | 533 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest and dividend income | $ | 702,497 | $ | 209,875 | $ | 492,622 | $ | 23,692 | $ | 211,107 | $ | (187,415) | |||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Checking deposits | $ | 16,785 | $ | 310 | $ | 16,475 | $ | (11,190) | $ | 4,509 | $ | (15,699) | |||||||||||
| Money market deposits | 92,401 | 19 | 92,382 | (27,679) | 8,921 | (36,600) | |||||||||||||||||
| Saving deposits | 1,054 | 437 | 617 | 1,098 | 1,409 | (311) | |||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 72,439 | 4,299 | 68,140 | (77,812) | (10,424) | (67,388) | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal funds purchased and short-term borrowings | 1,759 | 1,767 | (8) | (1,462) | (2,184) | 722 | |||||||||||||||||
| FHLB advances | (5,127) | (4,951) | (176) | (6,911) | (4,722) | (2,189) | |||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | 6,363 | 4,743 | 1,620 | (3,767) | (1,357) | (2,410) | |||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities | 2,513 | 8 | 2,505 | (2,963) | (7,263) | 4,300 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest expense | $ | 188,187 | $ | 6,632 | $ | 181,555 | $ | (130,686) | $ | (11,111) | $ | (119,575) | |||||||||||
| Change in net interest income | $ | 514,310 | $ | 203,243 | $ | 311,067 | $ | 154,378 | $ | 222,218 | $ | (67,840) |
Noninterest Income
The following table presents the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | % Change from 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Lending fees | $ | 79,208 | $ | 77,704 | 2 | % | $ | 74,842 | ||||||||
| Deposit account fees | 88,435 | 71,261 | 24 | % | 48,148 | |||||||||||
| Interest rate contracts and other derivative income | 29,057 | 22,913 | 27 | % | 31,685 | |||||||||||
| Foreign exchange income | 48,158 | 48,977 | (2) | % | 22,370 | |||||||||||
| Wealth management fees | 27,565 | 25,751 | 7 | % | 17,494 | |||||||||||
| Net gains on sales of loans | 6,411 | 8,909 | (28) | % | 4,501 | |||||||||||
| Gains on sales of AFS debt securities | 1,306 | 1,568 | (17) | % | 12,299 | |||||||||||
| Other investment income | 7,037 | 16,852 | (58) | % | 10,641 | |||||||||||
| Other income | 11,489 | 11,960 | (4) | % | 13,567 | |||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | $ | 298,666 | $ | 285,895 | 4 | % | $ | 235,547 |
Noninterest income comprised 13% and 16% of total revenue in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Noninterest income for 2022 was $298.7 million, an increase of $12.8 million or 4%, compared with $285.9 million in 2021. The increase was primarily due to growth in deposit account fees, and interest rate contracts and other derivative income, partially offset by a decrease in other investment income.
41
Deposit account fees were $88.4 million in 2022, an increase of $17.2 million or 24%, compared with $71.3 million in 2021. This growth was primarily driven by higher treasury management and deposit-related fees from commercial deposits.
Interest rate contracts and other derivative income was $29.1 million in 2022, an increase of $6.1 million or 27%, compared with $22.9 million in 2021. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to favorable credit valuation adjustments and higher transaction volume, which drove growth in interest rate contract premiums.
Other investment income was $7.0 million in 2022, a decrease of $9.8 million or 58%, compared with $16.9 million in 2021. The decrease primarily reflected unfavorable equity valuation adjustments in the Company’s CRA investments in 2022, compared with the prior year.
Noninterest Expense
The following table presents the components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | % Change from 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Compensation and employee benefits | $ | 477,635 | $ | 433,728 | 10 | % | $ | 404,071 | ||||||||
| Occupancy and equipment expense | 62,501 | 62,996 | (1) | % | 66,489 | |||||||||||
| Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments | 19,449 | 17,563 | 11 | % | 15,128 | |||||||||||
| Deposit account expense | 25,508 | 16,152 | 58 | % | 13,530 | |||||||||||
| Data processing | 14,517 | 16,263 | (11) | % | 16,603 | |||||||||||
| Computer software expense | 28,259 | 30,600 | (8) | % | 29,033 | |||||||||||
| Other operating expense | 118,166 | 96,330 | 23 | % | 92,646 | |||||||||||
| Amortization of tax credit and other investments | 113,358 | 122,457 | (7) | % | 70,082 | |||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment cost | — | — | — | % | 8,740 | |||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | $ | 859,393 | $ | 796,089 | 8 | % | $ | 716,322 |
Noninterest expense was $859.4 million in 2022, an increase of $63.3 million or 8%, compared with $796.1 million in 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher compensation and employee benefits, other operating expense, and deposit account expense, partially offset by a decrease in the amortization of tax credit and other investments.
Compensation and employee benefits were $477.6 million in 2022, an increase of $43.9 million or 10%, compared with $433.7 million in 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher average compensation.
Other operating expense was $118.2 million in 2022, an increase of $21.8 million or 23%, compared with $96.3 million in 2021. This increase was primarily due to higher interest expense on cash collateral, foreclosure and travel-related expenses, and miscellaneous operating losses, partially offset by lower legal expenses.
Deposit account expense was $25.5 million in 2022, an increase of $9.4 million or 58%, compared with $16.2 million in 2021. The increase primarily reflected higher deposit referral fees and commercial customer account expenses.
Amortization of tax credit and other investments was $113.4 million in 2022, a decrease of $9.1 million or 7%, compared with $122.5 million in 2021. The year-over-year change largely reflected investments that close in a given period and the mix of tax credits being recognized, all of which have differing amortization periods.
42
Income Taxes
The following table presents the income before income taxes, income tax expense and effective tax rate for the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 1,411,654 | $ | 1,056,377 | $ | 685,765 | |||||
| Income tax expense | $ | 283,571 | $ | 183,396 | $ | 117,968 | |||||
| Effective tax rate | 20.1 | % | 17.4 | % | 17.2 | % |
Income tax expense was $283.6 million in 2022, compared with $183.4 million in 2021, resulting in an effective tax rate of 20.1% and 17.4%, respectively. The increase in the income tax expense was primarily related to an increase in pre-tax net income and a decrease in tax credits. The differences between the 2022 and 2021 effective tax rates from the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to tax credits associated with renewable energy, historic and new market tax credit related projects and state taxes as described in Note 11 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Operating Segment Results
The Company organizes its operations into three reportable operating segments: (1) Consumer and Business Banking; (2) Commercial Banking; and (3) Other. These segments are defined by the type of customers served, and the related products and services provided. The segments reflect how financial information is currently evaluated by management. For a description of the Company’s internal management reporting process, including the segment cost allocation methodology, see Note 17 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Segment net interest income represents the difference between actual interest earned on assets and interest incurred on liabilities of the segment, adjusted for funding charges or credits through the Company’s internal funds transfer pricing (“FTP”) process.
The following table presents the results by operating segment for the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer and Business Banking | Commercial Banking | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue (loss) | $ | 1,280,989 | $ | 791,226 | $ | 594,944 | $ | 1,071,634 | $ | 929,970 | $ | 848,623 | $ | (8,076) | $ | 96,270 | $ | 169,173 | |||||||||||||||||
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | 27,197 | (4,998) | 3,885 | 46,303 | (30,002) | 206,768 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | 397,882 | 364,635 | 331,750 | 314,185 | 275,649 | 266,923 | 147,326 | 155,805 | 117,649 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment income (loss) before income taxes | 855,910 | 431,589 | 259,309 | 711,146 | 684,323 | 374,932 | (155,402) | (59,535) | 51,524 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment net income | $ | 608,120 | $ | 308,630 | $ | 185,782 | $ | 507,467 | $ | 489,233 | $ | 268,476 | $ | 12,496 | $ | 75,118 | $ | 113,539 |
Consumer and Business Banking
The Consumer and Business Banking segment primarily provides financial products and services to consumer and commercial customers through the Company’s domestic branch network and digital banking platform. This segment offers consumer and commercial deposits, mortgage and home equity loans, and other products and services. It also originates commercial loans for small- and medium-sized enterprises through the Company’s branch network. Other products and services provided by this segment include wealth management, treasury management, interest rate risk hedging and foreign exchange services.
43
The following table presents additional financial information for the Consumer and Business Banking segment for the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| Net interest income before provision for (reversal of) credit losses | $ | 1,170,850 | $ | 697,101 | $ | 473,749 | 68 | % | $ | 530,829 | ||||||||
| Noninterest income | 110,139 | 94,125 | 16,014 | 17 | % | 64,115 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 1,280,989 | 791,226 | 489,763 | 62 | % | 594,944 | ||||||||||||
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | 27,197 | (4,998) | 32,195 | 644 | % | 3,885 | ||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | 397,882 | 364,635 | 33,247 | 9 | % | 331,750 | ||||||||||||
| Segment income before income taxes | 855,910 | 431,589 | 424,321 | 98 | % | 259,309 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 247,790 | 122,959 | 124,831 | 102 | % | 73,527 | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income | $ | 608,120 | $ | 308,630 | $ | 299,490 | 97 | % | $ | 185,782 | ||||||||
| Average loans | $ | 15,769,072 | $ | 13,922,693 | $ | 1,846,379 | 13 | % | $ | 12,056,987 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 33,278,330 | $ | 31,679,856 | $ | 1,598,474 | 5 | % | $ | 27,201,737 |
Consumer and Business Banking segment net income increased $299.5 million or 97% year-over-year to $608.1 million in 2022, due to revenue growth, partially offset by higher income tax expense, noninterest expense and provision for credit losses. Net interest income before provision for credit losses increased $473.7 million or 68% year-over-year to $1.17 billion. The increase was primarily driven by higher deposit fund transfer pricing credits due to noninterest-bearing deposit growth, and higher loan interest income, mainly from growth in residential mortgage loans. Noninterest income increased $16.0 million or 17% to $110.1 million, primarily driven by higher deposit account fees and foreign exchange income. Provision for credit losses increased $32.2 million, or 644%, year-over-year to $27.2 million, primarily driven by changes to the macroeconomic outlook and mortgage loan growth. Noninterest expense increased $33.2 million, or 9%, to $397.9 million, primarily due to higher compensation and employee benefits and allocated corporate overhead expenses.
Commercial Banking
The Commercial Banking segment primarily generates commercial loan and deposit products. Commercial loan products include CRE lending, construction finance, commercial business lending, working capital lines of credit, trade finance, letters of credit, affordable housing lending, asset-based lending, asset-backed finance, project finance and equipment financing. Commercial deposit products and other financial services include treasury management, foreign exchange services and interest rate and commodity risk hedging.
The following table presents additional financial information for the Commercial Banking segment for the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| Net interest income before provision for (reversal of) credit losses | $ | 892,386 | $ | 766,202 | $ | 126,184 | 16 | % | $ | 706,286 | ||||||||
| Noninterest income | 179,248 | 163,768 | 15,480 | 9 | % | 142,337 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 1,071,634 | 929,970 | 141,664 | 15 | % | 848,623 | ||||||||||||
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | 46,303 | (30,002) | 76,305 | 254 | % | 206,768 | ||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | 314,185 | 275,649 | 38,536 | 14 | % | 266,923 | ||||||||||||
| Segment income before income taxes | 711,146 | 684,323 | 26,823 | 4 | % | 374,932 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 203,679 | 195,090 | 8,589 | 4 | % | 106,456 | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income | $ | 507,467 | $ | 489,233 | $ | 18,234 | 4 | % | $ | 268,476 | ||||||||
| Average loans | $ | 29,550,386 | $ | 25,794,004 | $ | 3,756,382 | 15 | % | $ | 24,742,030 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 17,276,427 | $ | 17,122,743 | $ | 153,684 | 1 | % | $ | 10,811,020 |
44
Commercial Banking segment net income increased $18.2 million, or 4%, year-over-year to $507.5 million in 2022. This increase reflected revenue growth, partially offset by higher provision for credit losses and noninterest expense. Net interest income before provision for credit losses increased $126.2 million, or 16%, to $892.4 million, driven by higher loan interest income from commercial loan growth. Noninterest income increased $15.5 million, or 9%, to $179.2 million, primarily driven by higher interest rate contracts and other derivative income, deposit account fees and foreign exchange income. Provision for credit losses increased $76.3 million, or 254%, year-over-year to $46.3 million, primarily driven by changes to the macroeconomic outlook and commercial loan growth. Noninterest expense increased $38.5 million, or 14%, to $314.2 million, primarily due to higher compensation and employee benefits, other operating expenses and allocated corporate overhead expenses.
Other
Centralized functions, including the corporate treasury activities of the Company and eliminations of inter-segment amounts, have been aggregated and included in the Other segment, which provides broad administrative support to the two core segments, namely the Consumer and Business Banking and the Commercial Banking segments.
The following table presents additional financial information for the Other segment for the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| Net interest (loss) income | $ | (17,355) | $ | 68,268 | $ | (85,623) | (125) | % | $ | 140,078 | ||||||||
| Noninterest income | 9,279 | 28,002 | (18,723) | (67) | % | 29,095 | ||||||||||||
| Total (loss) revenue | (8,076) | 96,270 | (104,346) | (108) | % | 169,173 | ||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | 147,326 | 155,805 | (8,479) | (5) | % | 117,649 | ||||||||||||
| Segment loss before income taxes | (155,402) | (59,535) | (95,867) | 161 | % | 51,524 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit | (167,898) | (134,653) | (33,245) | 25 | % | (62,015) | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income | $ | 12,496 | $ | 75,118 | $ | (62,622) | (83) | % | $ | 113,539 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 3,744,822 | $ | 2,681,097 | $ | 1,063,725 | 40 | % | $ | 2,750,134 |
The Other segment reported segment loss before income taxes of $155.4 million and segment net income of $12.5 million, reflecting an income tax benefit of $167.9 million in 2022. The increase in segment loss before income taxes was primarily driven by lower revenue. The $85.6 million year-over-year decrease in net interest income was primarily driven by lower FTP spread income absorbed by the Other segment, partially offset by an increase in interest income from investments due to a higher debt securities yield in 2022.
The income tax expense or benefit in the Other segment consists of the remaining unallocated income tax expense or benefit after allocating income tax expense to the two core segments, and reflects the impact of tax credit investment activity. Income tax expense is allocated to the Consumer and Business Banking and the Commercial Banking segments by applying statutory income tax rates to the segment income before income taxes. Tax credit investment amortization is allocated to the Other segment.
Balance Sheet Analysis
Debt Securities
The Company maintains a portfolio of high quality and liquid debt securities with a moderate duration profile. It closely manages the overall portfolio interest rate and liquidity risks. The Company’s debt securities provide:
•interest income for earnings and yield enhancement;
•availability for funding needs arising during the normal course of business;
•the ability to execute interest rate risk management strategies in response to changes in economic or market conditions; and
•collateral to support pledging agreements as required and/or to enhance the Company’s borrowing capacity.
While the Company does not intend to sell its debt securities, it may sell AFS securities in response to changes in the balance sheet and related interest rate risk to meet liquidity, regulatory and strategic requirements.
45
The following table presents the distribution of the Company’s AFS and HTM debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and by credit rating as of December 31, 2022:
| December 31, | Ratings (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | As of December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | % of Total | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | % of Total | AAA/AA | A | BBB | BB and Lower | No Rating(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AFS debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 676,306 | $ | 606,203 | 10 | % | $ | 1,049,238 | $ | 1,032,681 | 10 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities | 517,806 | 461,607 | 8 | % | 1,333,984 | 1,301,971 | 13 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities | 2,588,446 | 2,262,464 | 37 | % | 4,210,832 | 4,157,263 | 42 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal securities | 303,884 | 257,099 | 4 | % | 519,381 | 523,158 | 5 | % | 93 | % | 4 | % | — | % | — | % | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-agency mortgage-backed securities | 1,209,714 | 1,047,553 | 17 | % | 1,388,857 | 1,378,374 | 14 | % | 81 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | 19 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate debt securities | 673,502 | 526,274 | 9 | % | 657,516 | 649,665 | 6 | % | — | % | 31 | % | 67 | % | 2 | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign government bonds | 241,165 | 227,053 | 4 | % | 260,447 | 257,733 | 3 | % | 46 | % | 54 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 51,152 | 49,076 | 1 | % | 74,674 | 74,558 | 1 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CLOs | 617,250 | 597,664 | 10 | % | 592,250 | 589,950 | 6 | % | 96 | % | 4 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total AFS debt securities | $ | 6,879,225 | $ | 6,034,993 | 100 | % | $ | 10,087,179 | $ | 9,965,353 | 100 | % | 86 | % | 5 | % | 6 | % | 0 | % | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| HTM debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 524,081 | $ | 471,469 | 19 | % | $ | — | $ | — | — | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities | 998,972 | 789,412 | 32 | % | — | — | — | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities | 1,289,106 | 1,042,310 | 43 | % | — | — | — | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal securities | 189,709 | 151,980 | 6 | % | — | — | — | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total HTM debt securities | $ | 3,001,868 | $ | 2,455,171 | 100 | % | $ | — | $ | — | — | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt securities | $ | 9,881,093 | $ | 8,490,164 | $ | 10,087,179 | $ | 9,965,353 |
(1)Credit ratings express opinions about the credit quality of a debt security. The Company determines the credit rating of a security according to the lowest credit rating made available by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSROs”). Debt securities rated investment grade, which are those with ratings similar to BBB- or above (as defined by NRSROs), are generally considered by the rating agencies and market participants to be low credit risk. Ratings percentages are allocated based on fair value.
(2)For debt securities not rated by NRSROs, the Company uses other factors which include but are not limited to the priority in collections within the securitization structure, and whether the contractual payments have historically been on time.
As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, 98% of the carrying value of the Company’s debt securities portfolio was rated investment grade by NRSROs.
The Company’s AFS and HTM debt securities portfolio had an effective duration, defined as the sensitivity of the value of the portfolio to interest rate changes, of 5.2 as of December 31, 2022. This increased from 5.0 as of December 31, 2021, primarily due to the upshifting of the yield curve while the portfolio has seasoned.
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
The fair value of AFS debt securities totaled $6.03 billion as of December 31, 2022, a decrease of $3.93 billion or 39% from $9.97 billion as of December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the Company’s transfer of $3.01 billion of AFS securities to HTM securities during the first quarter of 2022, and a decline in the portfolio valuation within the rising interest rate environment. For further discussion regarding the transfer, refer to the Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities section below. The Company’s AFS debt securities are carried at fair value with non-credit related unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in Other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Pre-tax net unrealized losses on AFS debt securities were $844.2 million as of December 31, 2022, compared with $121.8 million as of December 31, 2021.
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As of December 31, 2022, 97% of the carrying value of the AFS debt securities portfolio was rated investment grade by NRSROs, compared with 98% as of December 31, 2021. Of the AFS debt securities with gross unrealized losses, substantially all were rated investment grade as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021. There was no allowance for credit losses provided against the AFS debt securities as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021. Additionally, there were no credit losses recognized in earnings for both 2022 and 2021.
Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities
During the first quarter of 2022, the Company transferred $3.01 billion in aggregate fair value of U.S. Treasury, government agency and government-sponsored enterprise debt and mortgage-backed securities, and municipal securities from AFS to HTM. In comparison, there were no HTM debt securities as of December 31, 2021. The Company’s HTM debt securities are carried at amortized cost. The unrealized gains or losses at the date of transfer of these securities continue to be reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”), net of tax on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and are amortized over the remaining life of the securities.
All HTM debt securities were issued, guaranteed, or supported by the U.S. government or government-sponsored enterprises. Accordingly, the Company applied a zero credit loss assumption for these securities and no allowance for credit loss was recorded as of December 31, 2022. For additional discussion on the allowance for credit losses, see Note 4 — Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
For additional information on AFS and HTM securities, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Note 4 — Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Loan Portfolio
The Company offers a broad range of financial products designed to meet the credit needs of its borrowers. The Company’s loan portfolio segments include commercial loans, which consist of C&I, CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans, as well as consumer loans, which consist of single-family residential, home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”) and other consumer loans. Total loans held-for-investment were $48.20 billion as of December 31, 2022, an increase of $6.51 billion, or 16%, from $41.69 billion as of December 31, 2021. This increase was primarily driven by well-balanced growth across all our major loan categories including increases of $2.89 billion or 18% in total CRE loans, $2.11 billion, or 19%, in total residential mortgage loans, and $1.56 billion, or 11%, in C&I loans. The composition of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2022 was similar to the composition as of December 31, 2021.
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The following table presents the composition of the Company’s total loan portfolio by loan type as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||
| C&I (1) | $ | 15,711,095 | 33 | % | $ | 14,150,608 | 34 | % | ||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||
| CRE | 13,857,870 | 29 | % | 12,155,047 | 29 | % | ||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 4,573,068 | 9 | % | 3,675,605 | 9 | % | ||||||||
| Construction and land | 638,420 | 1 | % | 346,486 | 1 | % | ||||||||
| Total CRE | 19,069,358 | 39 | % | 16,177,138 | 39 | % | ||||||||
| Total commercial | 34,780,453 | 72 | % | 30,327,746 | 73 | % | ||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 11,223,027 | 23 | % | 9,093,702 | 22 | % | ||||||||
| HELOCs | 2,122,655 | 5 | % | 2,144,821 | 5 | % | ||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 13,345,682 | 28 | % | 11,238,523 | 27 | % | ||||||||
| Other consumer | 76,295 | 0 | % | 127,512 | 0 | % | ||||||||
| Total consumer | 13,421,977 | 28 | % | 11,366,035 | 27 | % | ||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment (2) | 48,202,430 | 100 | % | 41,693,781 | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | (595,645) | (541,579) | ||||||||||||
| Loans held-for-sale (3) | 25,644 | 635 | ||||||||||||
| Total loans, net | $ | 47,632,429 | $ | 41,152,837 |
(1)Includes $99.0 million and $534.2 million of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(2)Includes $(70.4) million and $(50.7) million of net deferred loan fees and net unamortized premiums as of December 31, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
(3)Consists of C&I loans as of December 31, 2022 and single-family residential loans as of December 31, 2021.
Commercial
The commercial loan portfolio comprised 72% and 73% of total loans as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company actively monitors the commercial lending portfolio for elevated levels of credit risk and reviews credit exposures for sensitivity to changing economic conditions.
Commercial — Commercial and Industrial Loans. Total C&I loan commitments were $22.78 billion as of December 31, 2022, an increase of $2.49 billion or 12% from $20.29 billion as of December 31, 2021, with a utilization rate of 69% as of both dates. Total C&I loans were $15.71 billion as of December 31, 2022, an increase of $1.56 billion or 11% from $14.15 billion as of December 31, 2021. Total C&I loans made up 33% and 34% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The C&I loan portfolio includes loans and financing for businesses in a wide spectrum of industries, comprised of commercial business lending, working capital lines of credit, trade finance, letters of credit, asset-based lending, asset-backed finance, project finance and equipment financing. The C&I loan portfolio also includes PPP loans. Additionally, the Company has a portfolio of broadly syndicated C&I loans, which represent revolving or term loan facilities that are marketed and sold primarily to institutional investors. This portfolio totaled $855.9 million and $939.4 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The majority of the C&I loans had variable interest rates as of both December 31, 2022, and 2021.
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The C&I portfolio is well-diversified by industry. The Company monitors concentrations within the C&I loan portfolio by industry and customer exposure, and has exposure limits by industry and loan product. The following charts illustrate the industry mix within the Company’s C&I loan portfolio as of December 31, 2022, and 2021:
(1) Includes loans held-for-sale.
(2) Revised segmentation to conform with the current presentation.
Commercial — Commercial Real Estate Loans. Total CRE loans totaled $19.07 billion as of December 31, 2022, which grew by $2.89 billion or 18% from $16.18 billion as of December 31, 2021, and accounted for 39% of total loans held-for-investment as of both dates. The total CRE portfolio consists of CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans, and affordable housing lending. Year-over-year growth in 2022 was primarily driven by multifamily and industrial CRE loans.
The Company’s total CRE loan portfolio is diversified by property type with an average CRE loan size of $2.8 million and $2.5 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The following table summarizes the Company’s total CRE loans by property type as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||
| Property type: | ||||||||||||||
| Retail (1) | $ | 4,075,769 | 22 | % | $ | 3,685,900 | 23 | % | ||||||
| Multifamily | 4,573,067 | 24 | % | 3,675,605 | 23 | % | ||||||||
| Office (1) | 2,522,554 | 13 | % | 2,416,274 | 15 | % | ||||||||
| Industrial (1) | 3,617,086 | 19 | % | 2,817,781 | 17 | % | ||||||||
| Hospitality (1) | 2,085,910 | 11 | % | 1,993,995 | 12 | % | ||||||||
| Healthcare (1) (2) | 796,577 | 4 | % | 644,052 | 4 | % | ||||||||
| Construction and land | 638,420 | 3 | % | 346,486 | 2 | % | ||||||||
| Other (1) | 759,975 | 4 | % | 597,045 | 4 | % | ||||||||
| Total CRE loans | $ | 19,069,358 | 100 | % | $ | 16,177,138 | 100 | % |
(1)Included in CRE loans, which are a subset of Total CRE loans.
(2)In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company updated its presentation in the table to include a healthcare property type. The prior-period was revised to conform with the current presentation.
The weighted-average loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio of the total CRE loan portfolio was 51% as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021. All our CRE loan property types had a low weighted-average LTV ratio. Approximately 90% and 89% of total CRE loans had an LTV ratio of 65% or lower as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The consistency of the Company’s low LTV underwriting standards has historically resulted in lower credit losses for CRE and multifamily residential loans.
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The following tables provide a summary of the Company’s CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans by geography as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The distribution of the total CRE loan portfolio reflects the Company’s geographical footprint, which is primarily concentrated in California:
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | CRE | % | Multifamily Residential | % | Construction and Land | % | Total | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 7,233,902 | $ | 2,215,632 | $ | 222,425 | $ | 9,671,959 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Northern California | 2,798,840 | 890,002 | 235,732 | 3,924,574 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| California | 10,032,742 | 72 | % | 3,105,634 | 68 | % | 458,157 | 72 | % | 13,596,533 | 71 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 1,150,401 | 8 | % | 410,872 | 9 | % | 2,153 | 0 | % | 1,563,426 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| New York | 682,096 | 5 | % | 221,253 | 5 | % | 99,595 | 16 | % | 1,002,944 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Washington | 449,423 | 3 | % | 173,611 | 4 | % | 15,557 | 2 | % | 638,591 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 291,114 | 2 | % | 95,460 | 2 | % | 297 | 0 | % | 386,871 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 159,092 | 1 | % | 108,060 | 2 | % | 30,673 | 5 | % | 297,825 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other markets | 1,093,002 | 9 | % | 458,178 | 10 | % | 31,988 | 5 | % | 1,583,168 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 13,857,870 | 100 | % | $ | 4,573,068 | 100 | % | $ | 638,420 | 100 | % | $ | 19,069,358 | 100 | % |
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | CRE | % | Multifamily Residential | % | Construction and Land | % | Total | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 6,406,609 | $ | 2,030,938 | $ | 138,953 | $ | 8,576,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Northern California | 2,622,398 | 748,631 | 109,483 | 3,480,512 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| California | 9,029,007 | 75 | % | 2,779,569 | 77 | % | 248,436 | 70 | % | 12,057,012 | 75 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 1,005,455 | 8 | % | 308,652 | 8 | % | 1,896 | 1 | % | 1,316,003 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| New York | 630,442 | 5 | % | 157,099 | 4 | % | 78,368 | 23 | % | 865,909 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Washington | 408,913 | 3 | % | 116,047 | 3 | % | 9,865 | 3 | % | 534,825 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 122,822 | 1 | % | 51,730 | 1 | % | — | — | % | 174,552 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 128,395 | 1 | % | 115,163 | 3 | % | 5,775 | 2 | % | 249,333 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other markets | 830,013 | 7 | % | 147,345 | 4 | % | 2,146 | 1 | % | 979,504 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 12,155,047 | 100 | % | $ | 3,675,605 | 100 | % | $ | 346,486 | 100 | % | $ | 16,177,138 | 100 | % |
Because 71% and 75% of total CRE loans were concentrated in California as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, changes in California’s economy and real estate values could have a significant impact on the collectability of these loans and the required level of allowance for loan losses. For additional information related to the higher degree of risk from a downturn in the California real estate markets, see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Geopolitical Uncertainties in this Form 10-K.
Commercial — Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Company focuses on providing financing to experienced real estate investors and developers who have moderate levels of leverage, many of whom are long-time customers of the Bank. CRE loans totaled $13.86 billion as of December 31, 2022, compared with $12.16 billion as of December 31, 2021, and accounted for 29% of total loans held-for-investment as of both dates. Interest rates on CRE loans may be fixed, variable or hybrid. As of December 31, 2022, 65% of our CRE portfolio was variable rate, of which 47% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place. These are hedging contracts offered by the Company to help our customers manage their interest rate risk while the Bank’s own exposure remained variable rate. In comparison, as of December 31, 2021, 75% of our CRE portfolio was variable rate, of which 52% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place. Loans are underwritten with conservative standards for cash flows, debt service coverage and LTV.
Owner-occupied properties comprised 20% of the CRE loans as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021. The remainder were non-owner-occupied properties, where 50% or more of the debt service for the loan is typically provided by rental income from an unaffiliated third party.
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Commercial — Multifamily Residential Loans. The multifamily residential loan portfolio is largely comprised of loans secured by residential properties with five or more units. Multifamily residential loans totaled $4.57 billion as of December 31, 2022, compared with $3.68 billion as of December 31, 2021, and accounted for 9% of total loans held-for-investment as of both dates. The Company offers a variety of first lien mortgages, including fixed- and variable-rate loans, as well as hybrid loans with interest rates that adjust annually after an initial fixed rate period of three to ten years. As of December 31, 2022, 57% of our multifamily residential portfolio was variable rate, of which 34% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place. These are hedging contracts offered by the Company to help our customers manage their interest rate risk while the Bank’s own exposure remained variable rate. In comparison, as of December 31, 2021, 66% of our multifamily residential portfolio was variable rate, of which 39% had customer-level interest rate derivative contracts in place.
Commercial — Construction and Land Loans. Construction and land loans provide financing for a portfolio of projects diversified by real estate property type. Construction and land loans totaled $638.4 million as of December 31, 2022, compared with $346.5 million as of December 31, 2021, and accounted for 1% of total loans held-for-investment as of both dates. Construction loan exposure was made up of $536.8 million in loans outstanding, plus $611.4 million in unfunded commitments, as of December 31, 2022, compared with $297.9 million in loans outstanding, plus $361.2 million in unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2021. Land loans totaled $101.7 million as of December 31, 2022, compared with $48.6 million as of December 31, 2021.
Consumer
The following tables summarize the Company’s single-family residential and HELOC loan portfolios by geography as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Single-Family Residential | % | HELOCs | % | Total Residential Mortgage | % | |||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 4,142,623 | $ | 959,632 | $ | 5,102,255 | |||||||||||||||
| Northern California | 1,294,721 | 492,921 | 1,787,642 | ||||||||||||||||||
| California | 5,437,344 | 48 | % | 1,452,553 | 68 | % | 6,889,897 | 52 | % | ||||||||||||
| New York | 3,964,779 | 35 | % | 286,285 | 14 | % | 4,251,064 | 32 | % | ||||||||||||
| Washington | 632,892 | 6 | % | 236,434 | 11 | % | 869,326 | 7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Massachusetts | 299,051 | 3 | % | 85,590 | 4 | % | 384,641 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Georgia | 303,615 | 3 | % | 21,493 | 1 | % | 325,108 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Texas | 316,771 | 3 | % | — | — | % | 316,771 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Nevada | 253,702 | 2 | % | 40,300 | 2 | % | 294,002 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Other markets | 14,873 | 0 | % | — | — | % | 14,873 | 0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 11,223,027 | 100 | % | $ | 2,122,655 | 100 | % | $ | 13,345,682 | 100 | % | |||||||||
| Lien priority: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| First mortgage | $ | 11,223,027 | 100 | % | $ | 1,770,741 | 83 | % | $ | 12,993,768 | 97 | % | |||||||||
| Junior lien mortgage | — | — | % | 351,914 | 17 | % | 351,914 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 11,223,027 | 100 | % | $ | 2,122,655 | 100 | % | $ | 13,345,682 | 100 | % |
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| December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Single-Family Residential | % | HELOCs | % | Total Residential Mortgage | % | |||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 3,520,010 | $ | 971,731 | $ | 4,491,741 | |||||||||||||||
| Northern California | 1,024,564 | 506,310 | 1,530,874 | ||||||||||||||||||
| California | 4,544,574 | 49 | % | 1,478,041 | 68 | % | 6,022,615 | 54 | % | ||||||||||||
| New York | 3,102,129 | 34 | % | 292,540 | 14 | % | 3,394,669 | 30 | % | ||||||||||||
| Washington | 526,721 | 6 | % | 230,294 | 11 | % | 757,015 | 7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Massachusetts | 258,372 | 3 | % | 75,815 | 4 | % | 334,187 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Georgia | 279,328 | 3 | % | 25,208 | 1 | % | 304,536 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Texas | 230,402 | 3 | % | — | — | % | 230,402 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Nevada | 145,336 | 2 | % | 42,923 | 2 | % | 188,259 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Other markets | 6,840 | — | % | — | — | % | 6,840 | (1 | %) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 9,093,702 | 100 | % | $ | 2,144,821 | 100 | % | $ | 11,238,523 | 100 | % | |||||||||
| Lien priority: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| First mortgage | $ | 9,093,702 | 100 | % | $ | 1,872,440 | 87 | % | $ | 10,966,142 | 98 | % | |||||||||
| Junior lien mortgage | — | — | % | 272,381 | 13 | % | 272,381 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 9,093,702 | 100 | % | $ | 2,144,821 | 100 | % | $ | 11,238,523 | 100 | % |
Consumer — Single-Family Residential Loans. Single-family residential loans totaled $11.22 billion or 23% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2022, compared with $9.09 billion or 22% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2021. Year-over-year, single-family residential loans increased $2.13 billion or 23%, primarily driven by growth in mortgages on residential properties in California and New York. The Company was in a first lien position for all of its single-family residential loans as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021. Many of these loans are reduced documentation loans, for which a substantial down payment is required, resulting in a low LTV ratio at origination, typically 65% or less. The weighted-average LTV ratio was 53% and 52% as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and loss rates. The Company offers a variety of single-family residential first lien mortgage loan programs, including fixed- and variable-rate loans, as well as hybrid loans with interest rates that adjust on a regular basis, typically annually, after an initial fixed rate period.
Consumer — Home Equity Lines of Credit. Total HELOC commitments were $3.38 billion as of December 31, 2022, which grew by $883.8 million or 35% from $2.49 billion as of December 31, 2021. Unfunded HELOC commitments are unconditionally cancellable. HELOCs outstanding totaled $2.12 billion as of December 31, 2022, compared with $2.14 billion as of December 31, 2021, and accounted for 5% of total loans held-for-investment as of both dates. Year-over-year, HELOCs outstanding decreased $22.2 million, or 1%. The Company was in a first lien position for 83% and 87% of total outstanding HELOCs as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Many of these loans are reduced documentation loans, for which a substantial down payment is required, resulting in a low LTV ratio at origination, typically 65% or less. The weighted-average LTV ratio was 49% on HELOC commitments as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and loss rates. Substantially all of the Company’s HELOCs were variable-rate loans as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021.
All originated commercial and consumer loans are subject to the Company’s conservative underwriting guidelines and loan origination standards. Management believes that the Company’s underwriting criteria and procedures adequately consider the unique risks associated with these products. The Company conducts a variety of quality control procedures and periodic audits, including the review of lending and legal requirements, to ensure that the Company is in compliance with these requirements.
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The following table presents the contractual loan maturities by loan category and the contractual distribution of loans to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2022:
| ($ in thousands) | Due within one year | Due after one year through five years | Due after five years through fifteen years | Due after fifteen years | Total | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 5,889,346 | $ | 8,825,958 | $ | 828,352 | $ | 167,439 | $ | 15,711,095 | |||||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 1,022,939 | 6,128,850 | 6,557,379 | 148,702 | 13,857,870 | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 82,080 | 1,157,918 | 1,509,452 | 1,823,618 | 4,573,068 | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | 336,858 | 256,747 | 34,258 | 10,557 | 638,420 | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 1,441,877 | 7,543,515 | 8,101,089 | 1,982,877 | 19,069,358 | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 7,331,223 | 16,369,473 | 8,929,441 | 2,150,316 | 34,780,453 | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 2,675 | 10,325 | 1,457,034 | 9,752,993 | 11,223,027 | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | 1 | 1,228 | 126,014 | 1,995,412 | 2,122,655 | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 2,676 | 11,553 | 1,583,048 | 11,748,405 | 13,345,682 | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 44,506 | 23,569 | 8,220 | — | 76,295 | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 47,182 | 35,122 | 1,591,268 | 11,748,405 | 13,421,977 | ||||||||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment | $ | 7,378,405 | $ | 16,404,595 | $ | 10,520,709 | $ | 13,898,721 | $ | 48,202,430 | |||||||||
| Distribution of loans to changes in interest rates: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Variable-rate loans | $ | 5,708,559 | $ | 13,841,207 | $ | 5,314,139 | $ | 4,806,258 | $ | 29,670,163 | |||||||||
| Fixed-rate loans | 1,665,224 | 2,325,090 | 2,745,467 | 3,312,974 | 10,048,755 | ||||||||||||||
| Hybrid adjustable-rate loans | 4,622 | 238,298 | 2,461,103 | 5,779,489 | 8,483,512 | ||||||||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment | $ | 7,378,405 | $ | 16,404,595 | $ | 10,520,709 | $ | 13,898,721 | $ | 48,202,430 |
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Foreign Outstandings
The Company’s overseas offices, which include the branch in Hong Kong and the subsidiary bank in China, are subject to the general risks inherent in conducting business in foreign countries, such as regulatory, economic and political uncertainties. As such, the Company’s international operation risk exposure is largely concentrated in China and Hong Kong. In addition, the Company’s financial assets held in the Hong Kong branch and the subsidiary bank in China may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates or other factors. The following table presents the major financial assets held in the Company’s overseas offices as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Assets | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Assets | ||||||||||
| Hong Kong branch: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 911,784 | 1 | % | $ | 831,283 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits with banks | $ | 28,772 | 0 | % | $ | — | — | % | ||||||
| AFS debt securities (1) | $ | 281,804 | 0 | % | $ | 242,926 | 0 | % | ||||||
| Loans held-for-investment (2) | $ | 968,450 | 2 | % | $ | 849,573 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 2,212,606 | 3 | % | $ | 1,933,164 | 3 | % | ||||||
| Subsidiary bank in China: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 556,656 | 1 | % | $ | 543,134 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits with banks | $ | — | — | % | $ | 51,243 | 0 | % | ||||||
| AFS debt securities (3) | $ | 122,053 | 0 | % | $ | 141,404 | 0 | % | ||||||
| Loans held-for-investment (2) | $ | 1,170,437 | 2 | % | $ | 984,591 | 2 | % | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,836,811 | 3 | % | $ | 1,709,640 | 3 | % |
(1)Comprised of U.S. Treasury securities and foreign government bonds as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021.
(2)Primarily comprised of C&I loans as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021.
(3)Comprised of foreign government bonds as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021.
The following table presents the total revenue generated by the Company’s overseas offices in 2022, 2021 and 2020:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | |||||||||||||||
| Hong Kong Branch: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 47,644 | 2 | % | $ | 25,221 | 1 | % | $ | 22,947 | 1 | % | |||||||||
| Subsidiary Bank in China: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 38,022 | 2 | % | $ | 27,252 | 1 | % | $ | 20,178 | 1 | % |
Capital
The Company maintains a strong capital base to support its anticipated asset growth, operating needs, and credit risks, and to ensure that the Company and the Bank are in compliance with all regulatory capital guidelines. The Company engages in regular capital planning processes on at least an annual basis to optimize the use of available capital and to appropriately plan for future capital needs, allocating capital to existing and future business activities. Furthermore, the Company conducts capital stress tests as part of its capital planning process. The stress tests enable the Company to assess the impact of adverse changes in the economy and interest rates on its capital base.
On March 3, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of $500.0 million of the Company’s common stock. During the second quarter of 2022, the Company repurchased $100.0 million of common stock or 1,385,517 shares, at an average price of $72.17 per share. The Company did not repurchase any shares during 2021. The total remaining available capital authorized for repurchase as of December 31, 2022 was $254.0 million.
54
The Company’s stockholders’ equity was $5.98 billion as of December 31, 2022, an increase of $147.4 million or 3% from $5.84 billion as of December 31, 2021. The increase in the Company’s stockholders’ equity was primarily due to 2022 net income of $1.13 billion, partially offset by a negative change in AOCI of $675.2 million, cash dividends declared of $229.2 million, and common stock repurchases of $100.0 million. The negative change in AOCI was primarily due to increased unrealized losses in AFS debt securities. For other factors that contributed to the changes in stockholders’ equity, refer to Item 8. Financial Statements — Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity in this Form 10-K.
Book value was $42.46 per common share as of December 31, 2022, an increase of 3% from $41.13 per common share as of December 31, 2021, primarily due to the factors described above. Tangible equity per common share was $39.10 as of December 31, 2022, compared with $37.79 as of December 31, 2021. For additional details, see the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
The Company paid a cash dividend of $1.60 per common share in 2022, compared with $1.32 per common share in 2021, an increase of 21%. In January 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2023 cash dividend of $0.48 per common share, which represents a 20% increase or eight cents per common share, from the previous quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per common share. The dividend was paid on February 21, 2023, to stockholders of record as of February 6, 2023.
Deposits and Other Sources of Funding
Deposits are the Company’s primary source of funding, the cost of which has a significant impact on the Company’s net interest income and net interest margin. Additional funding may be provided by short- and long-term borrowings, and long-term debt. See Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Liquidity Risk Management — Liquidity in this Form 10-K for a discussion of the Company’s liquidity management. The following table summarizes the Company’s sources of funds as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | % | Amount | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||
| Deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand | $ | 21,051,090 | 38 | % | $ | 22,845,464 | 43 | % | $ | (1,794,374) | (8) | % | |||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | 6,672,165 | 12 | % | 6,524,721 | 12 | % | 147,444 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Money market | 12,265,024 | 22 | % | 13,130,300 | 25 | % | (865,276) | (7) | % | ||||||||||||
| Savings | 2,649,037 | 4 | % | 2,888,065 | 5 | % | (239,028) | (8) | % | ||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 13,330,533 | 24 | % | 7,961,982 | 15 | % | 5,368,551 | 67 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total deposits | $ | 55,967,849 | 100 | % | $ | 53,350,532 | 100 | % | $ | 2,617,317 | 5 | % | |||||||||
| Other Funds: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| FHLB advances | $ | — | — | % | $ | 249,331 | 36 | % | $ | (249,331) | (100) | % | |||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | 300,000 | 67 | % | 300,000 | 43 | % | — | — | % | ||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | 147,950 | 33 | % | 147,658 | 21 | % | 292 | 0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total other funds | $ | 447,950 | 100 | % | $ | 696,989 | 100 | % | $ | (249,039) | (36) | % | |||||||||
| Total sources of funds | $ | 56,415,799 | $ | 54,047,521 | $ | 2,368,278 | 4 | % |
Deposits
The Company offers a wide variety of deposit products to consumer and commercial customers. To provide a stable and low-cost source of funding and liquidity, the Company’s strategy is to grow and retain relationship-based deposits. Total deposits reached $55.97 billion as of December 31, 2022, an increase of $2.62 billion or 5% from $53.35 billion as of December 31, 2021. Deposit growth was driven by time deposits, which increased $5.37 billion or 67% year-over-year, partially offset by decreases in noninterest-bearing demand and money market deposits. The balance shift to time deposits was largely driven by continued increases in benchmark interest rates and a successful branch-based CD campaign. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits comprised 38% and 43% of total deposits as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The year-over-year decrease in noninterest-bearing demand deposits reflects customer utilization of excess balances and a shift to interest-earning options, in response to higher interest rates. Additional information regarding the impact of deposits on net interest income, with a comparison of average deposit balances and rates, is provided in Item 7 — MD&A — Results of Operations — Net Interest Income in this Form 10-K.
55
As of December 31, 2022, customer deposits of $52.92 billion, $1.47 billion, and $1.58 billion were held in the Company’s domestic offices, the subsidiary bank in China and the branch in Hong Kong, respectively. Depositors domiciled in non-U.S. countries and territories made up $11.79 billion or 22% of the deposits held in domestic offices as of December 31, 2022. Additionally, $6.26 billion or 30% of total noninterest-bearing demand deposits as of December 31, 2022, were from depositors domiciled in non-U.S. countries and territories.
Customer deposit accounts in the domestic offices are insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000. The deposits in the Company’s subsidiary bank in China and the branch in Hong Kong are insured by each jurisdiction’s deposit insurance authority for up to 500,000 RMB and 500,000 HKD, respectively. The amounts disclosed below are derived using the same methodologies and assumptions used for regulatory reporting requirements. The following table presents total uninsured deposits by location as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| ($ in thousands) | Domestic | China | Hong Kong | Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uninsured deposits as of 12/31/2022 | $ | 34,406,992 | $ | 1,424,147 | $ | 1,498,562 | $ | 37,329,701 | |||||||
| Uninsured deposits as of 12/31/2021 | $ | 33,768,332 | $ | 1,334,116 | $ | 1,365,753 | $ | 36,468,201 |
Uninsured time deposits totaled $8.80 billion as of December 31, 2022. The following table presents the maturity distribution for uninsured customer time deposits by location as of December 31, 2022:
| ($ in thousands) | Domestic | China | Hong Kong | Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three months or less | $ | 2,958,797 | $ | 189,164 | $ | 592,837 | $ | 3,740,798 | |||||||
| Over three months through six months | 2,770,889 | 176,099 | 82,252 | 3,029,240 | |||||||||||
| Over six months through 12 months | 1,640,035 | 217,507 | 14,698 | 1,872,240 | |||||||||||
| Over 12 months | 10,210 | 148,583 | — | 158,793 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7,379,931 | $ | 731,353 | $ | 689,787 | $ | 8,801,071 |
Other Sources of Funding
As of December 31, 2022, all previously outstanding FHLB advances had matured, compared with $249.3 million of FHLB advances outstanding as of December 31, 2021.
Gross repurchase agreements were $300.0 million as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021. As of December 31, 2022, the interest rates ranged from 6.63% to 6.95%. Repurchase agreements of $200.0 million have an original maturity of 10.0 years, whereas repurchase agreements of $100.0 million have an original maturity of 8.5 years. All repurchase agreements will mature in 2023.
Repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded as liabilities based on the values at which the assets are sold. To ensure the market value of the underlying collateral remains sufficient, the Company monitors the fair value of collateral pledged relative to the principal amounts borrowed under the repurchase agreements. The Company manages liquidity risks related to the repurchase agreements by sourcing funds from a diverse group of counterparties, and entering into repurchase agreements with longer durations, when appropriate. For additional details, see Note 3 — Assets Purchased under Resale Agreements and Sold under Repurchase Agreements to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The Company uses long-term debt to provide funding to acquire interest-earning assets, and to enhance liquidity and regulatory capital adequacy. Long-term debt totaled $148.0 million and $147.7 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, the remaining maturities ranged between 11.9 years and 14.7 years. Long-term debt consists of junior subordinated debt, which qualifies as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes. For additional details, see Note 10 — Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Long-Term Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
56
Regulatory Capital and Ratios
The federal banking agencies have risk-based capital adequacy requirements intended to ensure that banking organizations maintain capital that is commensurate with the degree of risk associated with their operations. The Company and the Bank are each subject to these regulatory capital adequacy requirements. See Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Regulatory Capital Requirements and Regulatory Capital-Related Development in this Form 10-K for additional details.
The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, which requires the measurement of the allowance for credit losses to be based on management’s best estimate of lifetime expected credit losses inherent in the Company’s relevant financial assets. The Company has elected the phase-in option provided by a final rule that delays an estimate of the CECL effect on regulatory capital for two years and phases in the impact over three years. The rule permits certain banking organizations to exclude from regulatory capital the initial adoption impact of CECL, plus 25% of the cumulative changes in the allowance for credit losses under CECL for each period until December 31, 2021, followed by a three-year phase-out period in which the aggregate benefit is reduced by 25% in 2022, 50% in 2023 and 75% in 2024. Accordingly, our capital ratios as of December 31, 2022 reflect a delay of 75% of the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital.
The following table presents the Company’s and the Bank’s capital ratios as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 under the Basel III Capital Rules, and those required by regulatory agencies for capital adequacy and well-capitalized classification purposes:
| Basel III Capital Rules | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Company | East West Bank | Company | East West Bank | Minimum Regulatory Requirements | Minimum Regulatory Requirements including Capital Conservation Buffer | Well- Capitalized Requirements | |||||||||||||||
| Risk-based capital ratios: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CET 1 capital | 12.7 | % | 12.5 | % | 12.8 | % | 12.3 | % | 4.5 | % | 7.0 | % | 6.5 | % | |||||||
| Tier 1 capital (1) | 12.7 | % | 12.5 | % | 12.8 | % | 12.3 | % | 6.0 | % | 8.5 | % | 8.0 | % | |||||||
| Total capital | 14.0 | % | 13.5 | % | 14.1 | % | 13.2 | % | 8.0 | % | 10.5 | % | 10.0 | % | |||||||
| Tier 1 leverage (1) | 9.8 | % | 9.7 | % | 9.0 | % | 8.6 | % | 4.0 | % | 4.0 | % | 5.0 | % |
(1)The Tier 1 leverage well-capitalized requirement applies only to the Bank since there is no Tier 1 leverage ratio component in the definition of a well-capitalized bank holding company. The minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio requirement for the Company to be considered well-capitalized is 6%.
The Company is committed to maintaining strong capital levels to assure the Company’s investors, customers and regulators that the Company and the Bank are financially sound. As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company and the Bank continued to exceed all “well-capitalized” capital requirements and the required minimum capital requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules. Total risk-weighted assets were $50.04 billion as of December 31, 2022, an increase of $6.45 billion or 15% from $43.59 billion as of December 31, 2021. The increase in risk-weighted assets was primarily due to loan growth.
Risk Management
Overview
In the normal course of conducting its business, the Company is exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent to the financial services industry and others of which are more specific to the Company’s business. The Company operates under a Board-approved ERM framework, which outlines the company-wide approach to risk management and oversight, and describes the structures and practices employed to manage the current and emerging risks inherent to the Company. The Company’s ERM program incorporates risk management throughout the organization in identifying, managing, monitoring and reporting risks. It identifies the Company’s major risk categories as: credit, liquidity, capital, market, operational, compliance, legal, strategic and reputational.
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The Risk Oversight Committee of the Board of Directors monitors the ERM program through established risk categories and provides oversight of the Company’s risk appetite and control environment. The Risk Oversight Committee provides focused oversight of the Company’s identified enterprise risk categories on behalf of the full Board of Directors. Under the direction of the Risk Oversight Committee, management committees apply targeted strategies to reduce the risks to which the Company’s operations are exposed.
The Company’s ERM program is executed along the three lines of defense model, which provides for a consistent and standardized risk management control environment across the enterprise. The first line of defense is comprised of production, operational, and support units. The second line of defense is comprised of various risk management and control functions charged with monitoring and managing specific major risk categories and/or risk subcategories. The third line of defense is comprised of the Internal Audit function and Independent Asset Review (“IAR”). Internal Audit and IAR provide assurance and evaluate the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes as established by the Company. Reporting directly to the Board’s Audit Committee, Internal Audit maintains organizational independence and objectivity. Further discussion and analysis of the primary risk areas are detailed in the following subsections of Risk Management.
Credit Risk Management
Credit risk is the risk that a borrower or a counterparty will fail to perform according to the terms and conditions of a loan or investment and expose the Company to loss. Credit risk exists with many of the Company’s assets and exposures such as loans, debt securities and certain derivatives. The majority of the Company’s credit risk is associated with lending activities.
The Risk Oversight Committee has primary oversight responsibility for identified enterprise risk categories including credit risk. The Risk Oversight Committee monitors management’s assessment of asset quality, credit risk trends, credit quality administration, underwriting standards, and portfolio credit risk management strategies and processes, such as diversification and concentration limits, all of which enable management to control credit risk. At the management level, the Credit Risk Management Committee has primary oversight responsibility for credit risk. The Senior Credit Supervision function manages credit policy for the line of business transactional credit risk, assuring that all exposure is risk-rated according to the requirements of the credit risk rating policy. The Senior Credit Supervision function evaluates and reports the overall credit risk exposure to senior management and the Risk Oversight Committee. Reporting directly to the Board’s Risk Oversight Committee, the IAR function provides additional support to the Company’s strong credit risk management culture by providing an independent and objective assessment of underwriting and documentation quality. A key focus of our credit risk management is adherence to a well-controlled underwriting process.
The Company assesses the overall credit quality performance of the loans held-for-investment portfolio through an integrated analysis of specific performance ratios. This approach forms the basis of the discussion in the sections immediately following: Nonperforming Assets, Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”) and Allowance for Credit Losses.
Credit Quality
The Company utilizes a credit risk rating system to assist in monitoring credit quality. Loans are evaluated using the Company’s internal credit risk rating of 1 through 10. For more information on the Company’s credit quality indicators and internal credit risk ratings, refer to Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The following table presents the Company’s criticized loans as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| December 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | |||||||||||
| Criticized loans: | |||||||||||||||
| Special mention loans | $ | 468,471 | $ | 384,694 | $ | 83,777 | 22 | % | |||||||
| Classified loans | 427,509 | 448,362 | (20,853) | (5) | % | ||||||||||
| Total criticized loans | $ | 895,980 | $ | 833,056 | $ | 62,924 | 8 | % | |||||||
| Special mention loans to loans held-for-investment | 0.97 | % | 0.92 | % | |||||||||||
| Classified loans to loans held-for-investment | 0.89 | % | 1.08 | % | |||||||||||
| Criticized loans to loans held-for-investment | 1.86 | % | 2.00 | % |
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Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming assets are comprised of nonaccrual loans, other real estate owned (“OREO”), and other nonperforming assets. Other nonperforming assets and OREO are repossessed assets and properties, respectively, acquired through foreclosure, or through full or partial satisfaction of loans held-for-investment. Nonperforming assets were $99.8 million or 0.16% of total assets as of December 31, 2022, a decrease of $3.7 million or 4%, compared with $103.5 million or 0.17% of total assets as of December 31, 2021.
The following table presents nonperforming assets information as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| December 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | |||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 50,428 | $ | 59,023 | $ | (8,595) | (15) | % | |||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||
| CRE | 23,244 | 9,498 | 13,746 | 145 | % | ||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 169 | 444 | (275) | (62) | % | ||||||||||
| Total CRE | 23,413 | 9,942 | 13,471 | 135 | % | ||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 14,240 | 15,720 | (1,480) | (9) | % | ||||||||||
| HELOCs | 11,346 | 8,444 | 2,902 | 34 | % | ||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 25,586 | 24,164 | 1,422 | 6 | % | ||||||||||
| Other consumer | 99 | 52 | 47 | 90 | % | ||||||||||
| Total nonaccrual loans | 99,526 | 93,181 | 6,345 | 7 | % | ||||||||||
| OREO, net | 270 | 363 | (93) | (26) | % | ||||||||||
| Other nonperforming assets | — | 9,938 | (9,938) | (100) | % | ||||||||||
| Total nonperforming assets | $ | 99,796 | $ | 103,482 | $ | (3,686) | (4) | % | |||||||
| Nonperforming assets to total assets | 0.16 | % | 0.17 | % | |||||||||||
| Nonaccrual loans to loans held-for-investment | 0.21 | % | 0.22 | % | |||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans | 598.48 | % | 581.21 | % | |||||||||||
| TDRs included in nonperforming loans | $ | 43,805 | $ | 30,383 |
Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due or when the full collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain regardless of the length of past due status. Collectability is generally assessed based on economic and business conditions, the borrower’s financial condition and the adequacy of collateral, if any. For additional details regarding the Company’s nonaccrual loan policy, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Loans Held-for-Investment to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Nonaccrual loans were $99.5 million as of December 31, 2022, an increase of $6.3 million or 7% from $93.2 million as of December 31, 2021. This increase was predominantly due to an increase in CRE nonaccrual loans, partially offset by charge-offs and paydowns of commercial loans. As of December 31, 2022, $68.3 million or 69% of nonaccrual loans were less than 90 days delinquent. In comparison, $54.2 million or 58% of nonaccrual loans were less than 90 days delinquent as of December 31, 2021.
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The following table presents the accruing loans past due by portfolio segment as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Total Accruing Past Due Loans (1) | Change | Percentage of Total Loans Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 9,355 | $ | 11,069 | $ | (1,714) | (15) | % | 0.06 | % | 0.08 | % | |||||||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 14,185 | 3,722 | 10,463 | 281 | % | 0.10 | % | 0.03 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 1,000 | 5,342 | (4,342) | (81) | % | 0.02 | % | 0.15 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 15,185 | 9,064 | 6,121 | 68 | % | 0.08 | % | 0.06 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 24,540 | 20,133 | 4,407 | 22 | % | 0.07 | % | 0.07 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 25,653 | 18,760 | 6,893 | 37 | % | 0.23 | % | 0.21 | % | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | 8,786 | 5,854 | 2,932 | 50 | % | 0.41 | % | 0.27 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 34,439 | 24,614 | 9,825 | 40 | % | 0.26 | % | 0.22 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 3,192 | 108 | 3,084 | NM | 4.18 | % | 0.08 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 37,631 | 24,722 | 12,909 | 52 | % | 0.28 | % | 0.22 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 62,171 | $ | 44,855 | $ | 17,316 | 39 | % | 0.13 | % | 0.11 | % |
NM — Not meaningful.
(1)There were no accruing loans past due 90 days or more as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
TDRs are loans for which contractual terms have been modified by the Company for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, and for which a concession to the borrower was granted that the Company would not otherwise consider. The Company’s loan modifications are handled on a case-by-case basis and are negotiated to achieve mutually agreeable terms that maximize loan collectability and meet the borrower’s financial needs. A modification typically may include rate reduction, principal forgiveness, extension of loan terms, and delay of payment, and is intended to minimize economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral. At the time of restructuring, if a portion of the loan is deemed to be uncollectible, a charge-off may be recorded. Alternatively, if a charge-off has already been recorded in a previous period then no charge-off is required at the time of modification.
The following table presents the performing and nonperforming TDRs by loan portfolio segments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The allowance for loan losses for total TDRs was $17.7 million as of December 31, 2022, and $4.8 million as of December 31, 2021.
| December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Performing TDRs | Nonperforming TDRs | Total | Performing TDRs | Nonperforming TDRs | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 43,453 | $ | 42,683 | $ | 86,136 | $ | 77,256 | $ | 28,239 | $ | 105,495 | |||||||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 22,596 | — | 22,596 | 23,379 | — | 23,379 | |||||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 2,834 | 169 | 3,003 | 4,042 | 197 | 4,239 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 25,430 | 169 | 25,599 | 27,421 | 197 | 27,618 | |||||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 4,805 | — | 4,805 | 6,585 | 1,102 | 7,687 | |||||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | 2,222 | 953 | 3,175 | 2,553 | 845 | 3,398 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 7,027 | 953 | 7,980 | 9,138 | 1,947 | 11,085 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total TDRs | $ | 75,910 | $ | 43,805 | $ | 119,715 | $ | 113,815 | $ | 30,383 | $ | 144,198 |
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Performing TDRs were $75.9 million as of December 31, 2022, a decrease of $37.9 million or 33% from $113.8 million as of December 31, 2021. This decrease reflected payoffs and paydowns of performing C&I, single-family residential and multifamily residential TDR loans, partially offset by one newly designated performing C&I TDR loan. Over 93% and 94% of the performing TDR loans were current as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Nonperforming TDRs were $43.8 million as of December 31, 2022, an increase of $13.4 million or 44% from $30.4 million as of December 31, 2021. This increase primarily reflected newly designated nonperforming C&I TDR loans, partially offset by payoffs and paydowns of nonperforming C&I TDR loans.
Existing TDRs that were subsequently modified in response to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be classified as TDRs. Customers who require further assistance upon exiting from the COVID-19 deferral programs may receive further modifications which may be classified as TDRs. As of December 31, 2022, there were no TDRs that were modified in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the amount of TDRs that were modified in response to the COVID-19 pandemic were insignificant as of December 31, 2021.
Loan Modifications Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
The Company granted a range of commercial and consumer loan accommodations to borrowers experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 related loan modifications, which occurred between March 1, 2020 through January 1, 2022, that met the loan modification criteria under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or under the Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus (Revised), were generally not categorized as TDRs during the relief period which expired on January 1, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had no loans under payment deferral and forbearance programs, compared with $363.1 million of loans under payment deferral and forbearance programs as of December 31, 2021. Loans that exited the modification program were substantially all current as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses represents management’s best estimate of lifetime expected credit losses inherent in the Company’s relevant financial assets. The allowance for credit losses estimate uses various models and estimation techniques based on historical loss experience, current borrower characteristics, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts, and other relevant factors.
In addition to the allowance for loan losses, the Company maintains an allowance for unfunded credit commitments. The Company has three general areas for which it provides the allowance for unfunded credit commitments: (1) recourse obligations for loans sold, (2) letters of credit, and (3) unfunded lending commitments. The Company’s methodology for determining the allowance calculation for unfunded lending commitments uses the lifetime loss rates of the on-balance sheet commitment. Recourse obligations for loans sold and letters of credit use the weighted loss rates for the applicable segment of the individual credit.
For loans and securities, allowance for credit losses are contra-asset valuation accounts that are deducted from the amortized cost basis of these assets to present the net amount expected to be collected. For unfunded credit commitments, the allowance for credit losses is a liability account that is reported as a component of Accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The Company is committed to maintaining the allowance for credit losses at a level that is commensurate with the estimated inherent losses in the loan portfolio, including unfunded credit facilities. While the Company believes that the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2022 was appropriate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio and in unfunded credit commitments based on the information available, future allowance levels may increase or decrease based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, accounting standard and regulatory changes, loan growth, portfolio performance and general economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires numerous estimates and judgements. For a description of the policies, methodologies and judgments used to determine the allowance for credit losses, see Item 7. MD&A — Critical Accounting Estimates, Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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The following table presents an allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan portfolio segments as of the periods indicated:
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Allowance Allocation | % of Loan Type to Total Loans | Allowance Allocation | % of Loan Type to Total Loans | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 371,700 | 33 | % | $ | 338,252 | 34 | % | ||||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 149,864 | 29 | % | 150,940 | 29 | % | ||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 23,373 | 10 | % | 14,400 | 9 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction and land | 9,109 | 1 | % | 15,468 | 1 | % | ||||||||||
| Total CRE | 182,346 | 40 | % | 180,808 | 39 | % | ||||||||||
| Total commercial | 554,046 | 73 | % | 519,060 | 73 | % | ||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 35,564 | 23 | % | 17,160 | 22 | % | ||||||||||
| HELOCs | 4,475 | 4 | % | 3,435 | 5 | % | ||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 40,039 | 27 | % | 20,595 | 27 | % | ||||||||||
| Other consumer | 1,560 | 0 | % | 1,924 | 0 | % | ||||||||||
| Total consumer | 41,599 | 27 | % | 22,519 | 27 | % | ||||||||||
| Total allowance for loan losses | $ | 595,645 | 100 | % | $ | 541,579 | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Allowance for unfunded credit commitments | $ | 26,264 | $ | 27,514 | ||||||||||||
| Total allowance for credit losses | $ | 621,909 | $ | 569,093 | ||||||||||||
| Loans held-for-investment | $ | 48,202,430 | $ | 41,693,781 | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses to loans held-for-investment | 1.24 | % | 1.30 | % |
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The following table presents net charge-offs and the net charge-offs to average loans ratios based on the loan categories as of the periods indicated:
| December 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) | Average Loans Held-for-Investment | % of Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans Held-for-Investment | Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) | Average Loans Held-for-Investment | % of Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans Held-for-Investment | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 1,914 | $ | 15,013,560 | 0.01 | % | $ | 20,584 | $ | 13,656,720 | 0.15 | % | ||||||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 9,288 | 13,145,204 | 0.07 | % | 27,133 | 11,663,144 | 0.23 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 6,678 | 4,252,605 | 0.16 | % | (1,903) | 3,213,582 | (0.06) | % | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | (74) | 499,044 | (0.01) | % | 2,347 | 445,333 | 0.53 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 15,892 | 17,896,853 | 0.09 | % | 27,577 | 15,322,059 | 0.18 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 17,806 | 32,910,413 | 0.05 | % | 48,161 | 28,978,779 | 0.17 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 463 | 10,106,609 | 0.00 | % | 325 | 8,742,565 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | 84 | 2,208,725 | 0.00 | % | — | 1,859,073 | — | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 547 | 12,315,334 | 0.00 | % | 325 | 10,601,638 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 106 | 93,711 | 0.11 | % | 1,492 | 136,280 | 1.09 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 653 | 12,409,045 | 0.01 | % | 1,817 | 10,737,918 | 0.02 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 18,459 | $ | 45,319,458 | 0.04 | % | $ | 49,978 | $ | 39,716,697 | 0.13 | % |
2022 net charge-offs were $18.5 million or 0.04% of average loans held-for-investment, compared with $50.0 million, or 0.13% of average loans held-for-investment in 2021. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in C&I and CRE charge-offs.
Liquidity Risk Management
Liquidity
Liquidity is a financial institution’s capacity to meet its deposit and obligations to other counterparties as they come due, or to obtain adequate funding at a reasonable cost to meet those obligations. The objective of liquidity management is to manage the potential mismatch of asset and liability cash flows. Maintaining an adequate level of liquidity depends on the institution’s ability to efficiently meet both expected and unexpected cash flows, and collateral needs without adversely affecting daily operations or the financial condition of the institution. To achieve this objective, the Company analyzes its liquidity risk, maintains readily available liquid assets and utilizes diverse funding sources including its stable core deposit base.
The Board of Directors’ Risk Oversight Committee has primary oversight responsibility over liquidity risk management. At the management level, the Company’s Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) establishes the liquidity guidelines that govern the day-to-day active management of the Company’s liquidity position by requiring sufficient asset-based liquidity to cover potential funding requirements and avoid over-dependence on volatile, less reliable funding markets. These guidelines are established and monitored for both the Bank and East West, on a stand-alone basis to ensure that the Company can serve as a source of strength for its subsidiaries. The ALCO regularly monitors the Company’s liquidity status and related management processes, providing regular reports to the Board of Directors. The Company’s liquidity management practices have been effective under normal operating and stressed market conditions.
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Liquidity Risk — Liquidity Sources. The Company’s primary source of funding is from deposits, generated by its banking business, which we believe is a relatively stable and low-cost source of funding. A substantial portion of our loans were funded by our deposits, which amounted to $55.97 billion and $53.35 billion as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company’s loan-to-deposit ratio was 86% as of December 31, 2022, compared with 78% as of December 31, 2021.
In addition to deposits, the Company has access to various sources of wholesale financing, including borrowing capacity with the FHLB and FRBSF, unsecured federal funds lines of credit with various correspondent banks, and several master repurchase agreements with major brokerage companies to sustain an adequate liquid asset portfolio, meet daily cash demands and allow management flexibility to execute its business strategy. Economic conditions and the stability of capital markets impact the Company’s access to and the cost of wholesale financing. The Company’s access to capital markets is also affected by the ratings received from various credit rating agencies. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had available borrowing capacity of $22.90 billion. The available borrowing capacity included secured borrowing lines of $12.77 billion with the FHLB and $2.05 billion with the FRBSF, unsecured federal funds lines of credit with correspondent banks of $1.14 billion, and borrowing capacity from unpledged debt securities of $6.94 billion. Unencumbered loans and/or debt securities were pledged to the FHLB and the FRBSF discount window as collateral. The Company has established operational procedures to enable borrowing against these assets, including regular monitoring of the total pool of loans and debt securities eligible as collateral. Eligibility of collateral is defined in guidelines from the FHLB and FRBSF and is subject to change at their discretion. See Item 7. — MD&A — Balance Sheet Analysis — Deposits and Other Sources of Funding in this Form 10-K for further detail related to the Company’s funding sources. The Company believes its available borrowing capacity and liquid asset pool described below provide sufficient liquidity above its expected cash needs.
The Company maintains a certain level of liquid assets in the form of cash and cash equivalents, interest-bearing deposits with banks, short-term resale agreements, and unencumbered high-quality and liquid AFS debt securities. The following table presents the Company’s liquid assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,481,784 | $ | 3,912,935 | |||
| Interest-bearing deposits with banks | 139,021 | 736,492 | |||||
| Resale agreements due to mature in one year | 307,192 | 1,818,503 | |||||
| AFS debt securities: | |||||||
| U.S. Treasury, and U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities | 1,067,810 | 2,334,652 | |||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities | 2,262,464 | 4,157,263 | |||||
| Foreign government bonds | 227,053 | 257,733 | |||||
| Municipal securities | 257,099 | 523,158 | |||||
| Non-agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and CLOs | 1,694,293 | 2,042,882 | |||||
| Corporate debt securities | 526,274 | 649,665 | |||||
| Less: pledged securities | (531,233) | (803,896) | |||||
| Total | $ | 9,431,757 | $ | 15,629,387 |
Unencumbered liquid assets totaled $9.43 billion as of December 31, 2022, compared with $15.63 billion as of December 31, 2021. The decrease in liquid assets was primarily related to the transfer of $3.01 billion of debt securities from the AFS portfolio to the HTM portfolio during the first quarter of 2022, a decrease in the fair value of AFS debt securities primarily due to interest rate increases and net cash usage due to higher net growth in loans than deposits.
AFS debt securities, included as part of liquidity sources, consist of high quality and liquid securities with moderate durations to minimize overall interest rate and liquidity risks. The Company believes these AFS debt securities provide quick sources of liquidity to obtain financing, regardless of market conditions, through sale or pledging. We also hold additional debt securities within our HTM portfolio, which are not intended for sale but may be pledged to obtain additional liquidity. In addition, the Company may use debt and equity issuances when costs are deemed attractive, should longer term needs arise.
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Liquidity Risk — Cash Requirements. In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters contractual obligations that require future cash payments, including funding for customer deposit withdrawals, repayments for short- and long-term borrowings and other cash commitments. For additional information on these obligations, see the following Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K:
•Note 3 — Assets Purchased under Resale Agreements and Sold under Repurchase Agreements
•Note 7 — Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net and Variable Interest Entities
•Note 9 — Deposits
•Note 10 — Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Long-Term Debt
The Company also has off-balance sheet arrangements, which represent transactions that are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements include (1) commitments to extend credit, such as loan commitments, commercial letters of credit for foreign and domestic trade, standby letters of credit (“SBLCs”), and financial guarantees, to meet the financing needs of its customers, (2) future interest obligations related to customer deposits and the Company’s borrowings, and (3) transactions with unconsolidated entities that provide financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company, or engage in leasing, hedging or research and development services with the Company. Because many of these commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements. Information about the Company’s loan commitments, commercial letters of credit and SBLCs is provided in Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows summarizes the Company’s sources and uses of cash by type of activities in 2022, 2021 and 2020. Excess cash generated by operating and investing activities may be used to repay outstanding debt or invest in liquid assets.
Liquidity Risk — Liquidity for East West. In addition to bank level liquidity management, the Company manages liquidity at the parent company level for various operating needs including payment of dividends, repurchases of common stock, principal and interest payments on its borrowings, acquisitions, and additional investments in its subsidiaries. East West’s primary source of liquidity is from cash dividends distributed by its subsidiary, East West Bank. The Bank is subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends as discussed in Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds in this Form 10-K. East West held $228.5 million and $345.0 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Management believes that East West has sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet the projected cash obligations for the coming year.
Liquidity Risk — Liquidity Stress Testing. The Company utilizes liquidity stress analysis to determine the appropriate amounts of liquidity to maintain at the Company, foreign subsidiary and foreign branch to meet contractual and contingent cash outflows under a range of scenarios. Scenario analyses include assumptions about significant changes in key funding sources, market triggers, potential uses of funding and economic conditions in certain countries. In addition, Company specific events are incorporated into the stress testing. Liquidity stress tests are conducted to ascertain potential mismatches between liquidity sources and uses over a variety of time horizons, both immediate and longer term, and over a variety of stressed conditions. Given the range of potential stresses, the Company maintains contingency funding plans on a consolidated basis and for individual entities.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company believes it has adequate liquidity resources to conduct operations and meet other needs in the ordinary course of business, and is not aware of any events that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, capital resources or operations. Given the uncertain and rapidly changing market and economic conditions, the Company will continue to actively evaluate the impact on its business and financial position. For more information on how economic conditions may impact our liquidity, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-K.
Market Risk Management
Market risk refers to the risk of potential loss due to adverse movements in market risk factors, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, and credit spreads. The Company is primarily exposed to interest rate risk through its core business activities of extending loans and acquiring deposits. The Risk Oversight Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has primary oversight responsibility and has given the ALCO the task of market risk management. The ALCO establishes guidelines, risk measures and limits, and monitors compliance with the policies and risk limits pertaining to market risk management activities.
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Interest Rate Risk Management
Interest rate risk results primarily from the Company’s traditional banking activities of gathering deposits and extending loans, which are the primary areas of market risk for the Company. Interest rate risk is comprised of repricing risk, basis risk, yield curve risk and options risk. Repricing risk arises from differences in the cash flow or repricing between asset and liability portfolios. Basis risk arises when asset and liability portfolios are related to different market rate indices, which do not always change by the same amount. Yield curve risk arises when asset and liability portfolios are related to different maturities on a given yield curve; when the yield curve changes shape, the risk position is altered. Options risk arises from “embedded options” within asset and liability products. For example, loan prepayments and early withdrawals of certificates of deposits could increase or decrease in response to interest rate fluctuation.
The ALCO coordinates the overall management of the Company’s interest rate risk, meets regularly to review the Company’s open market positions and establishes policies to monitor and limit exposure to market risk. Interest rate risk management is carried out primarily through strategies involving the Company’s debt securities portfolio, loan portfolio, available funding channels and capital market activities. In addition, the Company’s policies permit the use of derivative instruments to assist in managing interest rate risk.
The interest rate risk exposure is measured and monitored through various risk management tools, which include a simulation model that performs interest rate sensitivity analyses under multiple interest rate scenarios against a baseline. The simulation model incorporates the market’s forward rate expectations and the Company’s earning assets and liabilities. The Company uses both a static balance sheet and a forward growth balance sheet to perform the interest rate sensitivity analyses. The simulated interest rate scenarios include an instantaneous non-parallel shift in the yield curve and a gradual non-parallel shift in the yield curve (“rate ramp”) over a static balance sheet. In addition, the Company also performs simulations using other alternative interest rate scenarios, including various permutations of the yield curve flattening, steepening or inverting. Results of these various simulations are used to formulate and gauge strategies to achieve a desired risk profile within the Company’s capital and liquidity guidelines.
The net interest income simulation model is based on the actual maturity and repricing characteristics of the Company’s interest rate sensitive assets, liabilities and related derivative contracts. It also incorporates various assumptions, which management believes to be reasonable but may have a significant impact on the results. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the timing and magnitude of changes in interest rates, the yield curve evolution and shape, the correlation between various interest rate indices, financial instruments’ future repricing characteristics and spread relative to benchmark rates, and the effect of interest rate floors and caps. The modeled results are highly sensitive to deposit decay and deposit beta assumptions, which are derived from a regression analysis of the Company’s historical deposit data. Deposit beta commonly refers to the correlation of the changes in interest rates paid on deposits to changes in the benchmark interest rates. The Company used full-through-the-cycle betas with each incremental rate increase in the rate ramp scenarios, and did not assume lags in repricing. The model is also sensitive to the loan and investment prepayment assumptions that are based on an independent model and the Company’s historical prepayment data, which consider anticipated prepayments under different interest rate environments.
Simulation results are highly dependent on input assumptions. To the extent the actual behavior is different from the assumptions used in the models, there could be material changes in interest rate sensitivity results. The assumptions applied in the model are documented, supported, and periodically back-tested to assess the reasonableness and effectiveness. The Company also regularly monitors the sensitivity of the other important modeling assumptions, such as loan and security prepayments and early withdrawal on fixed-rate customer liabilities. The Company makes appropriate calibrations to the model as needed and continually validates the model, methodology and results. Changes to key model assumptions are reviewed by the ALCO. Scenario results do not reflect strategies that the management could employ to limit the impact of changing interest rate expectations. The simulation does not represent a forecast of the Company’s net interest income but is a tool utilized to assess the risk of the impact of changing market interest rate across a range of interest rate environments.
In March 2022, the Federal Reserve raised the target range for the fed funds rate to 0.25% to 0.50% to address concerns about inflation, which reflected supply and demand imbalances due to the pandemic, higher energy prices, and broader price pressures. The Federal Reserve continued its aggressive approach in responding to inflation throughout 2022 by incrementally raising the target range for the fed funds rate, which by year-end had increased to a range of 4.25% to 4.50%, and which was subsequently increased to a range of 4.50% to 4.75% in February 2023. The market estimates that interest rates are likely to continue rising, potentially reaching 5.00% or higher by March 2023. However, increased uncertainty regarding a potential recession has also led to the expectation of rate cuts potentially occurring by the end of 2023.
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Twelve-Month Net Interest Income Simulation
Net interest income simulation modeling measures interest rate risk through earnings volatility. The simulation projects the cash flow changes in interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities, expressed in terms of net interest income, over a specified time horizon for defined interest rate scenarios. Net interest income simulations provide insight into the impact of market rate changes on earnings, which help guide risk management decisions. The Company assesses interest rate risk by comparing the changes of net interest income in different interest rate scenarios.
The following table presents the Company’s net interest income sensitivity related to an instantaneous and sustained non-parallel shift in market interest rates by 100 and 200 bps as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 based on a static balance sheet as of the date of the analysis.
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | Net Interest Income Volatility (1) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| % | % | |||||||||
| +200 | 11.6 | % | 19.5 | % | ||||||
| +100 | 5.9 | % | 9.4 | % | ||||||
| -100 | (5.3) | % | NM | |||||||
| -200 | (8.6) | % | NM |
NM — Not meaningful.
(1)The percentage change represents net interest income change over a 12-month period in a stable interest rate environment versus in the various interest rate scenarios.
The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio creates sensitivity to interest rate movement due to the imbalance between the faster repricing of the floating-rate loan portfolio versus deposit products. In the table above, net interest income volatility is expressed in relation to base-case net interest income, which decreased year-over year as a result of interest rate hedging activities, changes in the funding mix, decreases in cash and cash equivalents, resale agreements, short-term investments, and growth in fixed-rate loans.
While an instantaneous and sustained non-parallel shift in market interest rates was used in the simulation model described in the preceding paragraph, the Company also models scenarios based on gradual shifts in interest rates and assesses the corresponding impacts. These interest rate scenarios provide additional information to estimate the Company’s underlying interest rate risk. The rate ramp table below shows the net interest income volatility under a gradual non-parallel shift of the yield curve, in even monthly increments over the first 12 months, followed by rates held constant thereafter based on a static balance sheet as of the date of the analysis. Actual results will vary based on the timing and pace of interest rate changes, as well as changes in the balance sheet.
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | Net Interest Income Volatility | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| % | % | |||||||||
| +200 Rate ramp | 6.3 | % | 9.2 | % | ||||||
| +100 Rate ramp | 3.4 | % | 4.1 | % | ||||||
| -100 Rate ramp | (2.4) | % | NM | |||||||
| -200 Rate ramp | (4.9) | % | NM |
NM — Not meaningful.
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As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s net interest income profile reflects an asset sensitive position. Net interest income is expected to increase when interest rates rise as the Company has a large share of variable rate loans, primarily linked to Prime, LIBOR, and Term SOFR indices. The Company’s interest income is sensitive to changes in short-term interest rates. The Company added $3.25 billion of interest rate hedges during 2022, which reduced the net interest income volatility by approximately 1% of the base net interest income for every 100 bps change in interest rates. The Company’s deposit portfolio is primarily composed of non-maturity deposits, which are not directly tied to short-term interest rate indices, but are, nevertheless, sensitive to changes in short-term interest rates. The modeled results are highly sensitive to reinvestment yield and deposit beta assumptions. Actual results in terms of net interest income growth during a period of rising interest rates will also reflect earning asset growth and deposit mix changes based on customer preferences relative to the interest rate environment. During a period of declining interest rates, balance sheet growth could offset headwinds to net interest income from yield compression.
Economic Value of Equity at Risk
Economic value of equity (“EVE”) is a cash flow calculation that takes the present value of all asset cash flows and subtracts the present value of all liability cash flows. This calculation is used for asset/liability management and measures changes in the economic value of the bank. The economic value approach provides a comparatively broader scope than the net interest income volatility approach since it captures all anticipated cash flows.
The EVE simulation reflects the sensitivity of the EVE to interest rate changes across the full maturity spectrum of the Company’s assets and liabilities. It identifies risks arising from repricing, prepayment and maturity gaps between assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, as well as from off-balance sheet derivative exposure. The simulation provides long-term economic perspective into the Company’s interest rate risk profile, which allows the Company to manage anticipated negative effects of interest rate fluctuations.
The following table presents the Company’s EVE sensitivity related to an instantaneous and sustained non-parallel shift in market interest rates by 100 and 200 bps as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | EVE Volatility (1) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| % | % | |||||||||
| +200 | (6.0 | %) | 7.1 | % | ||||||
| +100 | (2.9 | %) | 3.5 | % | ||||||
| -100 | 1.1 | % | NM | |||||||
| -200 | 2.3 | % | NM |
NM — Not meaningful.
(1)The percentage change represents net portfolio value change of the Company in a stable interest rate environment versus in the various interest rate scenarios.
The Company’s EVE sensitivity for the upward interest rate scenarios shifted from a positive to a negative change as of December 31, 2022, compared with the results as of December 31, 2021. The change in EVE sensitivity was primarily due to updates to non-maturity deposit behavior, which were assumed to run-off faster in the higher interest rate environment, as well as interest rate hedging activities that were executed during the year.
The Company’s EVE profile as of December 31, 2022, reflects a liability sensitive EVE position. Since the EVE profile represents the discounted present value of cash flows over the expected life of the instruments, the change in EVE does not reflect the degree of earnings that would be impacted over a short time horizon. Additionally, EVE does not account for factors such as balance sheet growth, changes in product mix, product spreads, and yield curve relationships that could reduce or increase the impact of changes in interest rates. Given the uncertainty of the magnitude, timing and direction of future interest rate movements, and the shape of the yield curve, actual results may vary from those predicted by the Company’s model.
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Derivatives
It is the Company’s policy not to speculate on the future direction of interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. However, the Company periodically enters into derivative transactions in order to manage its exposure to market risk, primarily interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company believes these derivative transactions, when properly structured and managed, provides a hedge against inherent risk in certain assets and liabilities or against risk in specific transactions. Hedging transactions may be implemented using a variety of derivative instruments such as swaps, forwards, options and collars. The Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge the variability in interest payments received on certain floating-rate commercial loans and interest payments paid on certain floating-rate borrowings. Foreign exchange derivatives are used in net investment hedging strategies to mitigate the risk of changes in the USD equivalent value of a designated monetary amount of the Company’s net investment in East West Bank (China) Limited. Prior to entering into any accounting hedge activities, the Company analyzes the costs and benefits of the hedge in comparison to alternative strategies. The Company also repositions its hedging derivatives portfolio based on the current assessment of economic and financial conditions, including the interest rate and foreign currency environments, balance sheet composition and trends, and the relative mix of its cash and derivative positions.
In addition, the Company enters into derivative transactions in order to accommodate its customers with their business needs or to assist customers with their risk management objectives, such as managing exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currencies and commodity prices. To economically hedge against the derivative contracts entered into with the Company’s customers, the Company enters into offsetting derivative contracts with third-party financial institutions, some of which are cleared through central clearing organizations. The exposures from derivative transactions are collateralized by cash and/or eligible securities based on limits as set forth in the respective agreements between the Company and counterparty financial institutions. The changes in fair values of the derivative contracts traded with third-party financial institutions are expected to be largely comparable to the changes in fair values of the derivative transactions executed with customers throughout the terms of these contracts, except for the credit valuation adjustment component in the contracts and the spread variances between the customer derivatives and the offsetting financial counterparty positions. The Company also utilizes foreign exchange contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to mitigate the economic effect of fluctuations in certain foreign currency on-balance sheet assets and liabilities, primarily foreign currency denominated deposits offered to its customers.
The Company is subject to credit risk associated with the counterparties to the derivative contracts. This counterparty credit risk is a multi-dimensional form of risk, affected by both the exposure and credit quality of the counterparty, both of which are sensitive to market-induced changes. The Company’s Credit Risk Management Committee provides oversight of credit risk and the Company has guidelines in place to manage counterparty concentration, tenor limits and collateral. The Company manages the credit risk of its derivative positions by diversifying its positions among various counterparties, by entering into legally enforceable master netting agreements and by requiring collateral arrangements, where possible. The Company may also transfer counterparty credit risk related to interest rate swaps to institutional third parties through the use of credit risk participation agreements. Certain derivative contracts are required to be cleared through central clearinghouses to further mitigate counterparty credit risk, where variation margin is applied daily as settlement to the fair value of the derivative contracts. Additionally, the Company incorporates credit value adjustments and other market standard methodologies to appropriately reflect the counterparty’s and its own nonperformance risk in the fair value measurement of its derivatives. As of December 31, 2022, the Company anticipates performance by its counterparties and has not incurred any related credit losses.
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The following table summarizes certain information on derivative instruments designated as accounting hedges and utilized by the Company in its management of interest rate risk and foreign currency risk as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Interest Rate Contracts Hedging Loans (1) | Interest Rate Contracts Hedging Borrowings (2) | Interest Rate Contracts Hedging Loans | Interest Rate Contracts Hedging Borrowings (2) | |||||||||
| Cash flow hedges | |||||||||||||
| Notional amount | $ | 3,000,000 | (3) | $ | 200,000 | N/A | $ | 275,000 | |||||
| Weighted average: | |||||||||||||
| Receive rate | 4.91 | % | 3.83 | % | N/A | 0.13 | % | ||||||
| Pay rate | 6.23 | % | 0.48 | % | N/A | 0.48 | % | ||||||
| Remaining term (in months) | 46.6 | 3.2 | N/A | 13.9 | |||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Foreign Exchange Contracts | |||||||||||
| Net investment hedges | |||||||||||||
| Notional amount | $ | 84,832 | $ | 86,531 | |||||||||
| Hedged percentage (4) | 44 | % | 50 | % | |||||||||
| Remaining term (in months) | 2.6 | 2.7 |
N/A — Not applicable
(1)Represents receive-fixed/pay-floating interest rate swaps and excludes interest rate collars. Floating rates paid are based on one-month LIBOR and Prime.
(2)Represents receive-floating/pay-fixed interest rate swaps. Floating rate received is based on three-month LIBOR.
(3)Interest rate collars with notional amount of $250.0 million designated to hedge loans not included.
(4)Represents percentage between the notional of outstanding foreign exchange contracts and the net RMB exposure from East West Bank (China) Limited.
Additional information on the Company’s derivatives is presented in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Derivatives, Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and Note 5 — Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K. Certain of these policies include critical accounting estimates, which are subject to valuation assumptions, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain, and it is likely that materially different amounts could be reported under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has procedures and processes in place to facilitate making these judgments. The following is a brief description of the Company’s critical accounting estimates involving significant judgments.
Allowance for Loan Losses and Unfunded Credit Commitments
The Company’s allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of expected credit losses over the remaining expected life of the Company’s financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans and certain lending-related commitments. The allowance for credit losses involves significant judgment on a number of matters including development and weighting of macroeconomic forecasts, incorporation of historical loss experience, assessment of key credit risk characteristics, assignment of risk ratings, valuation of collateral, and the determination of remaining expected life. For additional information on these judgements and the Company’s policies and methodologies used to determine the allowance for credit losses, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Allowance for Loan Losses and Unfunded Credit Commitments, and Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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A critical judgement in the process is estimating the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to macroeconomic forecasts that are incorporated into quantitative methods. As any one economic outlook is inherently uncertain, the Company utilizes a baseline and upside or downside scenarios which are applied based on a probability weighting, to better reflect management’s expectation of expected credit losses given existing market conditions and the changes in the economic environment. Changes in the Company’s assumptions and economic forecasts could significantly affect its estimate of expected credit losses, which could potentially lead to significant changes in the estimate from one reporting period to the next. For further discussion on the economic forecast incorporated into the 2022 model, see Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Credit Risk Management — Allowance for Credit Losses.
The allowance for credit losses is sensitive to changes in macroeconomic forecast assumptions. Given the dynamic relationship between macroeconomic variables within the Company’s models, it is difficult to estimate the impact of a change in any one factor or input on the allowance. Changes in the factors and inputs considered may not occur at the same rate and may not be consistent across all geographies or product types, and changes in factors and input may be directionally inconsistent, such that improvement in one factor may offset deterioration in others. However, to provide additional context regarding the sensitivity of the allowance for credit losses to changes in key variables, the Company compared the quantitative modeled estimate when applying a 100% probability weighting to the downside scenario rather than the weighting of multiple scenarios used to estimate the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2022. Without considering model overlays and qualitative adjustments which could result in a materially different estimate, this sensitivity analysis would have been approximately $292.9 million higher.
This analysis demonstrates the sensitivity to the allowance for credit losses to key quantitative assumptions and is not intended to estimate changes in the overall allowance for credit losses as it does not capture all the potential unknown variables that could arise in the forecast period, but it provides an approximation of a possible outcome under hypothetical severe conditions. Management believes that the estimate for the allowance for credit losses was reasonable and appropriate as of December 31, 2022.
Fair Value Estimates
Certain financial instruments are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet on a recurring basis, including AFS debt securities, certain equity securities and derivatives. Changes in fair value are recorded either through earnings or other comprehensive income (loss). Other financial instruments, such as certain individually evaluated loans held-for-investment, loans held-for-sale, investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments, OREO and other nonperforming assets, are not carried at fair value each period but may require nonrecurring fair value adjustments primarily due to application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets.
In determining the fair value of financial instruments, the Company uses market prices of the same or similar instruments whenever such prices are available. The Company does not use prices involving distressed sellers in determining fair value. Changes in the market conditions such as reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities, may increase variability or reduce the availability of market prices used to determine fair value. If observable market prices are unavailable or impracticable to obtain, then fair value is estimated using modeling techniques such as discounted cash flows analysis. These modeling techniques incorporate management’s assessments regarding assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or the liability, including the risks inherent in a particular valuation technique and the risk of nonperformance. The use of methodologies or assumptions different than those used by the Company could result in different estimates of fair value of financial instruments.
Significant judgment is also required to determine the fair value hierarchy for certain financial instruments. When fair values are based on valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, the financial assets and liabilities are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy established under ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurement.
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The following table presents the Company’s assets recorded at fair value and the portion of such assets that are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Balance (1) | Level 3 | Total Balance (1) | Level 3 | ||||||||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis | $ | 6,814,275 | $ | 323 | $ | 10,476,141 | $ | 215 | |||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis | 72,614 | 72,614 | 127,375 | 126,984 | |||||||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value | (a) | $ | 6,886,889 | (b) | $ | 72,937 | (d) | $ | 10,603,516 | (f) | $ | 127,199 | |||
| Total assets | (c) | $ | 64,112,150 | (e) | $ | 60,870,701 | |||||||||
| Level 3 assets at fair value as a percentage of total assets | (b)/(c) | 0.1 | % | (f)/(e) | 0.2 | % | |||||||||
| Level 3 assets at fair value as a percentage of total assets at fair value | (b)/(a) | 1.1 | % | (f)/(d) | 1.2 | % |
(1)Before derivative netting adjustments.
For a complete discussion on the Company’s fair value hierarchy of financial instruments, fair value measurement techniques and assumptions, and the impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Fair Value and Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Goodwill Impairment
The valuation and testing methodologies used in the Company’s analysis of goodwill impairment are discussed in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Goodwill, Note 8 — Goodwill, and Note 17 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test on all three reporting units using a combination of income and market approaches to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. The Company concluded that the goodwill allocated to its reporting units was not impaired as of December 31, 2022. The fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount by a substantial amount and there was no indication of a significant risk of goodwill impairment based on current projections.
Analyzing goodwill includes consideration of various factors that continue to evolve and for which significant uncertainty remains, including estimates of the profitability of the Company’s reporting units, long term growth rates and the estimated market cost of equity, such as the discount rate and price multiples of comparable companies. Imprecision in estimating these factors can affect the estimated fair value of the reporting units. Certain events or circumstances could have a negative effect on the estimated fair value of the reporting units, including declines in business performance, increases in credit losses, as well as deterioration in economic or market conditions and adverse regulatory or legislative changes, which could result in a material impairment charge to earnings in a future period.
Income Taxes
The Company files income tax returns in the jurisdictions in which it conducts business and evaluates income tax expense in two components: current and deferred income tax expense. Accrued taxes represent the net estimated amount due to or due from various tax jurisdictions in the current year and deferred tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable in future years. The Company’s interpretations of the tax laws, including the U.S., its states and the municipalities, and the tax jurisdictions in Hong Kong and China, are complex and subject to audit by taxing authorities that disputes may occur regarding its view on a tax position taken by the Company.
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In estimating accrued taxes, the Company assesses the appropriate tax treatment of transactions and filing positions after considering statutes, regulations, judicial precedent, and other pertinent information. The income tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the Company and the relevant government taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining the tax accruals and in evaluating the tax positions, including evaluating uncertain tax positions. Changes in the estimate of accrued taxes occur periodically due to changes in tax rates, tax credits, interpretations of tax laws, the status of examinations by the tax authorities, and newly enacted statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance that could impact the relative merits and risks of tax positions. These changes, when they occur, impact tax expense and can materially affect our operating results and financial condition. The Company reviews its tax positions on a quarterly basis and makes adjustments to accrued taxes as new information becomes available. The Company believes that adequate provisions have been recorded for all income tax uncertainties consistent with ASC 740, Income Taxes as of December 31, 2022. For further information on the Company’s accounting for income taxes and significant tax attributes, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Income Taxes and Note 11 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
For detailed discussion and disclosure on new accounting pronouncements adopted, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company uses certain non-GAAP measures of financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with, or as an alternative to U.S. GAAP. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance that either excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have such an effect, that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable financial measure that is calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this Form 10-K are tangible return on average tangible equity, tangible equity per common share and adjusted efficiency ratio. Certain additional non-GAAP financial measures that are components of the foregoing non-GAAP financial measures are also set forth and reconciled in the table below. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with the corresponding U.S. GAAP financial measures, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance, and allow comparability to prior periods. These non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes.
The following tables present the reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures for 2022, 2021 and 2020:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | (a) | $ | 1,128,083 | $ | 872,981 | $ | 567,797 | |||||||||
| Add: Amortization of core deposit intangibles | 1,865 | 2,749 | 3,634 | |||||||||||||
| Amortization of mortgage servicing assets | 1,425 | 1,679 | 1,920 | |||||||||||||
| Tax effect of amortization adjustments (1) | (966) | (1,274) | (1,575) | |||||||||||||
| Tangible net income (non-GAAP) | (b) | $ | 1,130,407 | $ | 876,135 | $ | 571,776 | |||||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | (c) | $ | 5,783,025 | $ | 5,559,212 | $ | 5,082,186 | |||||||||
| Less: Average goodwill | (465,697) | (465,697) | (465,697) | |||||||||||||
| Average other intangible asset (2) | (8,695) | (10,535) | (13,769) | |||||||||||||
| Average tangible equity (non-GAAP) | (d) | $ | 5,308,633 | $ | 5,082,980 | $ | 4,602,720 | |||||||||
| Return on average equity | (a)/(c) | 19.51 | % | 15.70 | % | 11.17 | % | |||||||||
| Tangible return on average tangible equity (non-GAAP) | (b)/(d) | 21.29 | % | 17.24 | % | 12.42 | % |
(1)Applied statutory rate of 29.37% for 2022, 28.77% for 2021, and 28.37% for 2020.
(2)Includes core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing assets.
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| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Net interest income before provision for (reversal of) credit losses | $ | 2,045,881 | $ | 1,531,571 | $ | 1,377,193 | |||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | 298,666 | 285,895 | 235,547 | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | (a) | $ | 2,344,547 | $ | 1,817,466 | $ | 1,612,740 | ||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | (b) | $ | 859,393 | $ | 796,089 | $ | 716,322 | ||||||||||
| Less: Amortization of tax credit and other investments | (113,358) | (122,457) | (70,082) | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of core deposit intangibles | (1,865) | (2,749) | (3,634) | ||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment cost | — | — | (8,740) | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted noninterest expense (non-GAAP) | (c) | $ | 744,170 | $ | 670,883 | $ | 633,866 | ||||||||||
| Efficiency ratio | (b)/(a) | 36.65 | % | 43.80 | % | 44.42 | % | ||||||||||
| Adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) | (c)/(a) | 31.74 | % | 36.91 | % | 39.30 | % |
| ($ and shares in thousands, except per share data) | December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | (a) | $ | 5,984,612 | $ | 5,837,218 | $ | 5,269,175 | ||||||
| Less: Goodwill | (465,697) | (465,697) | (465,697) | ||||||||||
| Other intangible assets (1) | (7,998) | (9,334) | (11,899) | ||||||||||
| Tangible equity (non-GAAP) | (b) | $ | 5,510,917 | $ | 5,362,187 | $ | 4,791,579 | ||||||
| Number of common shares, at period-end | (c) | 140,948 | 141,908 | 141,565 | |||||||||
| Book value per common share | (a)/(c) | $ | 42.46 | $ | 41.13 | $ | 37.22 | ||||||
| Tangible equity per common share (non-GAAP) | (b)/(c) | $ | 39.10 | $ | 37.79 | $ | 33.85 |
(1)Includes core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing assets.
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001069157-22-000031.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | 34 | ||
| Financial Review | 35 | ||
| Results of Operations | 36 | ||
| Net Interest Income | 36 | ||
| Noninterest Income | 40 | ||
| Noninterest Expense | 41 | ||
| Income Taxes | 42 | ||
| Operating Segment Results | 42 | ||
| Balance Sheet Analysis | 45 | ||
| Debt Securities | 45 | ||
| Loan Portfolio | 47 | ||
| Foreign Outstandings | 54 | ||
| Capital | 55 | ||
| Deposits and Other Sources of Funding | 56 | ||
| Regulatory Capital and Ratios | 57 | ||
| Other Matters | 58 | ||
| Risk Management | 59 | ||
| Credit Risk Management | 59 | ||
| Liquidity Risk Management | 66 | ||
| Market Risk Management | 69 | ||
| Critical Accounting Estimates | 74 | ||
| Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures | 77 |
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Overview
The following discussion provides information about the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources of the Company, and its subsidiaries, including its subsidiary bank, East West Bank and its subsidiaries. This information is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
The Bank is an independent commercial bank headquartered in California that has a focus on the financial service needs of the Asian-American community. Through over 120 locations in the U.S. and China, the Company provides a full range of consumer and commercial products and services through the following business segments: Consumer and Business Banking and Commercial Banking, with the remaining operations recorded in Other. The Company’s principal activity is lending to and accepting deposits from businesses and individuals. The primary source of revenue is net interest income, which is principally derived from the difference between interest earned on loans and debt securities and interest paid on deposits and other funding sources. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had $60.87 billion in assets and approximately 3,100 full-time equivalent employees.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Global Pandemic
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic has created a historic public health crisis and caused unprecedented disruptions to global economies. Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present public health challenges, including the emergence of new variants, great progress has been made and continues to be made in containing the virus through vaccination efforts. While these responses have largely mitigated the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic and propelled the U.S. economy to recovery, a resurgence of the pandemic, the adoption and long-term effectiveness of the vaccines, and other factors including the continuing impact on global supply chains may slow down such progress. As a result, we are unable to quantify all the specific impacts, and the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, regulatory capital, and liquidity ratios. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has been focused on serving our customers and communities and maintaining the well-being of our employees. The Company has been, and may continue to be, impacted by the pandemic.
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to provide additional relief for individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including additional funding for the PPP. The PPP Extension Act of 2021, enacted on March 30, 2021, extended the PPP through May 31, 2021. The Company was a participating lender in the PPP in 2020 and 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had approximately 1,800 PPP loans outstanding with balances totaling $534.2 million, which were recorded in the commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loan portfolio. During 2021, the Company submitted and received SBA approval for the forgiveness of approximately 9,500 PPP loans, totaling $1.93 billion.
The Company also participated in the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve’s MSLP and funded $233.6 million in MSLP loans as of December 31, 2020. The Company did not fund any MSLP loans in 2021. As part of the MSLP, the related Main Street special purpose vehicle purchased 95% participations in the loans originated. The portion retained by the Company totaled $10.2 million and $9.5 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The MSLP was terminated on January 8, 2021.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company implemented protocols and processes to execute its business resumption plans to protect its employees and support its customers. As state and local governments have relaxed restrictions on temporary business closures, we have started phasing in the return of our corporate associates to the office. As we resume normal operations, our highest priority continues to be the health and safety of our associates and our customers. We have prepared our facilities with employee safety protocols, including badge or key fob access for fully vaccinated associates, personal protection equipment, visual safety reminders related to social distancing and mask requirements, and sanitizing products. The Company continues to monitor the external environment and make changes to its safety protocols as appropriate.
Further discussion of the potential impacts on our business due to the COVID-19 pandemic is provided under Part I, Item 1A. — Risk Factors in this Form 10-K.
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Our MD&A reviews the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for 2021 and 2020. Some tables include additional periods to comply with disclosure requirements or to illustrate trends in greater depth. When reading the discussion in the MD&A, readers should also refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes in this Form 10-K. The page locations of specific sections that we refer to are presented in the table of contents. To review our financial condition and results of operations for 2020 and a comparison between 2020 and 2019 results, see Item 7. MD&A of our 2020 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021.
Financial Review
| ($ and shares in thousands, except per share, and ratio data) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary of operations: | |||||||
| Net interest income before (reversal of) provision for credit losses (1) | $ | 1,531,571 | $ | 1,377,193 | |||
| Noninterest income | 285,895 | 235,547 | |||||
| Total revenue | 1,817,466 | 1,612,740 | |||||
| (Reversal of) provision for credit losses | (35,000) | 210,653 | |||||
| Noninterest expense (2) | 796,089 | 716,322 | |||||
| Income before income taxes | 1,056,377 | 685,765 | |||||
| Income tax expense | 183,396 | 117,968 | |||||
| Net income (1)(2) | $ | 872,981 | $ | 567,797 | |||
| Per common share: | |||||||
| Basic earnings | $ | 6.16 | $ | 3.99 | |||
| Diluted earnings | $ | 6.10 | $ | 3.97 | |||
| Dividends declared | $ | 1.32 | $ | 1.10 | |||
| Book value | $ | 41.13 | $ | 37.22 | |||
| Non-GAAP tangible common equity per share (3) | $ | 37.79 | $ | 33.85 | |||
| Weighted-average number of shares outstanding: | |||||||
| Basic | 141,826 | 142,336 | |||||
| Diluted | 143,140 | 142,991 | |||||
| Common shares outstanding at period-end | 141,908 | 141,565 | |||||
| Performance metrics: | |||||||
| Return on average assets (“ROA”) | 1.47 | % | 1.16 | % | |||
| Return on average equity (“ROE”) | 15.70 | % | 11.17 | % | |||
| Return on average non-GAAP tangible equity (3) | 17.24 | % | 12.42 | % | |||
| Common dividend payout ratio | 21.73 | % | 27.97 | % | |||
| Net interest margin | 2.72 | % | 2.98 | % | |||
| Efficiency ratio (4) | 43.80 | % | 44.42 | % | |||
| Non-GAAP efficiency ratio (3) | 36.91 | % | 39.30 | % | |||
| At year end: | |||||||
| Total assets | $ | 60,870,701 | $ | 52,156,913 | |||
| Total loans (5) | $ | 41,694,416 | $ | 38,392,743 | |||
| Total deposits | $ | 53,350,532 | $ | 44,862,752 |
(1)Includes $55.2 million and $43.3 million of interest income related to PPP loans in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(2)2020 includes $10.7 million of recovery related to DC Solar and affiliates (“DC Solar”) tax credit investments, of which $1.1 million was recorded as an impairment recovery. 2020 also includes $8.7 million in extinguishment costs related to assets sold under repurchase agreements (“repurchase agreements”).
(3)For a discussion of non-GAAP tangible common equity per share, return on average non-GAAP tangible equity, and non-GAAP efficiency ratio, refer to Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
(4)The efficiency ratio is noninterest expense divided by total revenue.
(5)Includes $534.2 million and $1.57 billion of PPP loans as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
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The Company’s 2021 net income was $873.0 million, an increase of $305.2 million, or 54%, from 2020 net income of $567.8 million. The increase was driven by higher net interest income and noninterest income, and the reversal of provision for credit losses, partially offset by higher noninterest expense and income tax expense.
Noteworthy items about the Company’s performance for 2021 included:
•Profitability in 2021 expanded substantially, reflecting robust net interest income and fee income growth, efficient expense management, and materially improved asset quality. 2021 ROA was 1.47%, an increase of 31 bps, from 1.16% for 2020. 2021 ROE was 15.70%, an increase of 453 bps, from 11.17% for 2020. 2021 non-GAAP return on average tangible equity was 17.24%, compared with 12.42% for 2020. For additional details, see the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
•The Company’s 2021 net interest income of $1.53 billion grew by $154.4 million, or 11.2%, from 2020 net interest income of $1.38 billion.
•The efficiency ratio was 43.80% and 44.42% for 2021 and 2020, respectively. The non-GAAP efficiency ratio was 36.91% in 2021, an improvement of 239 bps from 39.30% in 2020. The non-GAAP efficiency ratio is adjusted for the amortization of tax credit and other investments, the amortization of core deposit intangibles, and repurchase agreements’ extinguishment cost. For additional details, see the reconciliations of non-GAAP measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
•The Company recorded a reversal of provision for credit losses of $35.0 million in 2021, primarily due to an improved macroeconomic outlook, compared with a provision for credit losses of $210.7 million in 2020.
•Total assets reached $60.87 billion, growing by $8.71 billion or 17% year-over-year, primarily reflecting growth in loans and AFS debt securities.
•Total loans reached a record $41.69 billion as of December 31, 2021, growing by $3.30 billion or 9% year-over-year. Loan growth was well-diversified across the Company’s major loan portfolios, including residential mortgage, CRE and C&I.
•Total deposits reached $53.35 billion as of December 31, 2021, growing by $8.49 billion or 19% year-over-year. The growth was primarily driven by noninterest-bearing demand deposits and money market accounts, partially offset by a decrease in time deposits.
•Asset quality metrics improved substantially. Criticized loans totaled $833.1 million as of December 31, 2021, decreasing by $384.4 million or 32% from $1.22 billion as of December 31, 2020. The criticized loans ratio was 2.00% of loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2021, an improvement of 117 bps from 3.17% as of December 31, 2020. Nonperforming assets were $103.5 million, or 0.17% of total assets, as of December 31, 2021, a decrease of $131.4 million or 56%, from $234.9 million, or 0.45% of total assets, as of December 31, 2020.
Results of Operations
Net Interest Income
The Company’s primary source of revenue is net interest income, which is the interest income earned on interest-earning assets less interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is the ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. Net interest income and net interest margin are impacted by several factors, including changes in average balances and the composition of interest-earning assets and funding sources, market interest rate fluctuations and the slope of the yield curve, repricing characteristics and maturity of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the volume of noninterest-bearing sources of funds and asset quality.
36
2021 net interest income before provision for credit losses was $1.53 billion, an increase of $154.4 million or 11%, compared with $1.38 billion in 2020. The year-over year growth in net interest income was primarily driven by a decrease in interest expense, reflecting a lower cost of funds, and an increase in interest income from AFS debt securities due to average balance growth, partially offset by a decrease in interest income from loans, reflecting lower loan yields. Net interest margin for 2021 was 2.72%, a decrease of 26 basis points (“bps”) from 2.98% in 2020. The year-over year net interest margin compression primarily reflected lower yields on earning assets, a change in the interest-earning assets mix in favor of more lower-yielding assets, partially offset by lower cost of funds.
Average interest-earning assets were $56.26 billion in 2021, an increase of $10.02 billion or 22% from $46.24 billion in 2020. The increase in average interest-earning assets was due to growth in the average balances of AFS debt securities, loans, interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks, and resale agreements. The growth in AFS debt securities, loans, and resale agreements reflected the Company’s deployment of excess cash.
The yield on average interest-earning assets for 2021 was 2.88%, a decrease of 57 bps from 3.45% in 2020. The year-over-year yield compression reflected lower yields on interest-earning assets in response to the low interest rate environment.
37
The average loan yield for 2021 was 3.59%, a decrease of 39 bps from 3.98% in 2020. Excluding the impact of PPP loans, the adjusted average loan yield was 3.57%, a decrease of 43 bps from 4.00% in 2020. For additional details, see the reconciliations of non-GAAP measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K. Approximately 66% and 65% of loans held-for-investment were variable-rate or hybrid loans in their adjustable rate period as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Deposits are an important source of funds and impact both net interest income and net interest margin. The average cost of deposits was 0.13% in 2021, a 32 bps decrease from 0.45% in 2020. The year-over-year decrease reflected a lower interest rate environment in 2021, the year-over-year run-off of higher-cost time deposits, and a higher proportion of noninterest-bearing demand deposits in the deposit mix. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits comprised 41% of average total deposits in 2021, compared with 34% in 2020. Time deposits comprised 16% of average total deposits in 2021, compared with 23% in 2020. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased 46 bps to 0.23% in 2021, from 0.69% in 2020.
The average cost of funds in 2021 was 0.17%, a decrease of 34 bps from 0.51% in 2020. The decrease in the average cost of funds reflected the lower cost of deposits, as well as decreases in the cost of other funding sources due to changes in the interest rate environment. Other sources of funding primarily consist of FHLB advances, repurchase agreements, long-term debt and short-term borrowings.
The Company utilizes various tools to manage interest rate risk. Refer to the Interest Rate Risk Management section of Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Market Risk Management for details.
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The following table presents the interest spread, net interest margin, average balances, interest income and expense, and the average yield/rate by asset and liability component in 2021, 2020 and 2019:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/ Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/ Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/ Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks | $ | 6,071,896 | $ | 15,531 | 0.26 | % | $ | 4,236,430 | $ | 25,175 | 0.59 | % | $ | 3,050,954 | $ | 66,518 | 2.18 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Assets purchased under resale agreements (“resale agreements”) (1) | 2,107,157 | 32,239 | 1.53 | % | 1,101,434 | 21,389 | 1.94 | % | 969,384 | 28,061 | 2.89 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| AFS debt securities (2)(3) | 8,281,234 | 143,983 | 1.74 | % | 4,023,668 | 82,553 | 2.05 | % | 2,850,476 | 67,838 | 2.38 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans (4)(5) | 39,716,697 | 1,424,900 | 3.59 | % | 36,799,017 | 1,464,382 | 3.98 | % | 33,373,136 | 1,717,415 | 5.15 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted equity securities | 79,404 | 2,081 | 2.62 | % | 79,160 | 1,543 | 1.95 | % | 76,854 | 2,468 | 3.21 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | $ | 56,256,388 | $ | 1,618,734 | 2.88 | % | $ | 46,239,709 | $ | 1,595,042 | 3.45 | % | $ | 40,320,804 | $ | 1,882,300 | 4.67 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | 615,255 | 528,406 | 471,060 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | (592,211) | (577,560) | (330,125) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | 2,971,659 | 2,747,238 | 2,023,146 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 59,251,091 | $ | 48,937,793 | $ | 42,484,885 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Checking deposits | $ | 6,543,817 | $ | 13,023 | 0.20 | % | $ | 5,357,934 | $ | 24,213 | 0.45 | % | $ | 5,244,867 | $ | 58,168 | 1.11 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Money market deposits | 12,428,025 | 15,041 | 0.12 | % | 9,881,284 | 42,720 | 0.43 | % | 8,220,236 | 111,081 | 1.35 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Saving deposits | 2,746,933 | 7,496 | 0.27 | % | 2,234,913 | 6,398 | 0.29 | % | 2,118,060 | 9,626 | 0.45 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 8,493,511 | 33,599 | 0.40 | % | 9,465,608 | 111,411 | 1.18 | % | 9,961,289 | 196,927 | 1.98 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | 1,584 | 42 | 2.65 | % | 108,398 | 1,504 | 1.39 | % | 44,881 | 1,763 | 3.93 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| FHLB advances | 404,789 | 6,881 | 1.70 | % | 664,370 | 13,792 | 2.08 | % | 592,257 | 16,697 | 2.82 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements (1) | 306,845 | 7,999 | 2.61 | % | 350,849 | 11,766 | 3.35 | % | 74,926 | 13,582 | 18.13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities | 151,955 | 3,082 | 2.03 | % | 734,921 | (6) | 6,045 | 0.82 | % | 152,445 | 6,643 | 4.36 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | $ | 31,077,459 | $ | 87,163 | 0.28 | % | $ | 28,798,277 | $ | 217,849 | 0.76 | % | $ | 26,408,961 | $ | 414,487 | 1.57 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing liabilities and stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Demand deposits | 21,271,410 | 13,823,152 | 10,502,618 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 1,343,010 | 1,234,178 | 812,461 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | 5,559,212 | 5,082,186 | 4,760,845 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 59,251,091 | $ | 48,937,793 | $ | 42,484,885 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate spread | 2.60 | % | 2.69 | % | 3.10 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income and net interest margin | $ | 1,531,571 | 2.72 | % | $ | 1,377,193 | 2.98 | % | $ | 1,467,813 | 3.64 | % |
(1)Average balances of resale and repurchase agreements for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 have been reported net, pursuant to ASC 210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The weighted-average yields of gross resale agreements were 1.94% and 2.66% for 2020 and 2019, respectively. The weighted-average interest rates of gross repurchase agreements were 3.25% and 4.74% for 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2)Yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
(3)Includes the amortization of premiums on debt securities of $92.8 million, $33.9 million and $10.9 million for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(4)Average balances include nonperforming loans and loans held-for-sale.
(5)Loans include the accretion of net deferred loan fees, unearned fees and amortization of premiums, which totaled $61.7 million, $52.4 million and $36.8 million for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(6)Primarily includes average balances of PPPLF, which was repaid in full during the fourth quarter of 2020.
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The following table summarizes the extent to which changes in (1) interest rates; and (2) volume of average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities affected the Company’s net interest income for the periods presented. The total change for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is segmented into changes attributable to variations in volume and yield/rate. Changes that are not solely due to either volume or yield/rate are allocated proportionally based on the absolute value of the change related to average volume and average rate.
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 vs. 2020 | 2020 vs. 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Change | Changes Due to | Total Change | Changes Due to | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Volume | Yield/Rate | Volume | Yield/Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks | $ | (9,644) | $ | 8,223 | $ | (17,867) | $ | (41,343) | $ | 19,300 | $ | (60,643) | |||||||||||
| Resale agreements | 10,850 | 16,168 | (5,318) | (6,672) | 3,454 | (10,126) | |||||||||||||||||
| AFS debt securities | 61,430 | 75,704 | (14,274) | 14,715 | 25,037 | (10,322) | |||||||||||||||||
| Loans | (39,482) | 111,007 | (150,489) | (253,033) | 163,842 | (416,875) | |||||||||||||||||
| Restricted equity securities | 538 | 5 | 533 | (925) | 72 | (997) | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest and dividend income | $ | 23,692 | $ | 211,107 | $ | (187,415) | $ | (287,258) | $ | 211,705 | $ | (498,963) | |||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Checking deposits | $ | (11,190) | $ | 4,509 | $ | (15,699) | $ | (33,955) | $ | 1,228 | $ | (35,183) | |||||||||||
| Money market deposits | (27,679) | 8,921 | (36,600) | (68,361) | 18,949 | (87,310) | |||||||||||||||||
| Saving deposits | 1,098 | 1,409 | (311) | (3,228) | 506 | (3,734) | |||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | (77,812) | (10,424) | (67,388) | (85,516) | (9,365) | (76,151) | |||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | (1,462) | (2,184) | 722 | (259) | 1,387 | (1,646) | |||||||||||||||||
| FHLB advances | (6,911) | (4,722) | (2,189) | (2,905) | 1,864 | (4,769) | |||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | (3,767) | (1,357) | (2,410) | (1,816) | 16,640 | (18,456) | |||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities | (2,963) | (7,263) | 4,300 | (598) | 8,397 | (8,995) | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest expense | $ | (130,686) | $ | (11,111) | $ | (119,575) | $ | (196,638) | $ | 39,606 | $ | (236,244) | |||||||||||
| Change in net interest income | $ | 154,378 | $ | 222,218 | $ | (67,840) | $ | (90,620) | $ | 172,099 | $ | (262,719) |
Noninterest Income
The following table presents the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Change from 2020 % | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Lending fees | $ | 77,704 | $ | 74,842 | 4 | % | $ | 63,670 | ||||||||
| Deposit account fees | 71,261 | 48,148 | 48 | % | 38,648 | |||||||||||
| Interest rate contracts and other derivative income | 22,913 | 31,685 | (28) | % | 39,865 | |||||||||||
| Foreign exchange income | 48,977 | 22,370 | 119 | % | 26,398 | |||||||||||
| Wealth management fees | 25,751 | 17,494 | 47 | % | 16,547 | |||||||||||
| Net gains on sales of loans | 8,909 | 4,501 | 98 | % | 4,035 | |||||||||||
| Gains on sales of AFS debt securities | 1,568 | 12,299 | (87) | % | 3,930 | |||||||||||
| Other investment income | 16,852 | 10,641 | 58 | % | 18,117 | |||||||||||
| Other income | 11,960 | 13,567 | (12) | % | 11,035 | |||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | $ | 285,895 | $ | 235,547 | 21 | % | $ | 222,245 |
Noninterest income comprised 16% and 15% of total revenue in 2021 and 2020, respectively. 2021 noninterest income was $285.9 million, an increase of $50.4 million or 21%, compared with $235.5 million in 2020. This increase was primarily due to increases in foreign exchange income, deposit account fees, wealth management fees, and other investment income, partially offset by decreases in gains on sales of AFS debt securities, and interest rate contracts and other derivative income.
40
Deposit account fees were $71.3 million in 2021, an increase of $23.2 million or 48%, compared with $48.1 million in 2020. This increase primarily reflected higher treasury management and deposit-related fees resulting from commercial deposit growth.
Interest rate contracts and other derivative income was $22.9 million in 2021, a decrease of $8.8 million or 28%, compared with $31.7 million in 2020. This decrease was primarily due to a lower volume of customer-driven transactions, partially offset by favorable credit valuation adjustments.
Foreign exchange income was $49.0 million in 2021, an increase of $26.6 million or 119%, compared with $22.4 million in 2020. This increase primarily reflected new customer acquisitions and growth in customer-driven transactions.
Wealth management fees were $25.8 million in 2021, an increase of $8.3 million or 47%, compared with $17.5 million in 2020. This increase primarily reflected growth in customer transactions.
Gains on sales of AFS debt securities were $1.6 million in 2021, a decrease of $10.7 million or 87%, compared with $12.3 million in 2020. This decrease reflected a lower volume of AFS debt securities sold.
Other investment income was $16.9 million in 2021, an increase of $6.3 million or 58%, compared with $10.6 million in 2020. This increase primarily reflected higher earnings from equity method investments, partially offset by lower distributions from affordable housing partnership investments.
Noninterest Expense
The following table presents the components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Change from 2020 % | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Compensation and employee benefits | $ | 433,728 | $ | 404,071 | 7 | % | $ | 401,700 | ||||||||
| Occupancy and equipment expense | 62,996 | 66,489 | (5) | % | 69,730 | |||||||||||
| Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments | 17,563 | 15,128 | 16 | % | 12,928 | |||||||||||
| Deposit account expense | 16,152 | 13,530 | 19 | % | 14,175 | |||||||||||
| Data processing | 16,263 | 16,603 | (2) | % | 13,533 | |||||||||||
| Computer software expense | 30,600 | 29,033 | 5 | % | 26,471 | |||||||||||
| Consulting expense | 6,517 | 5,391 | 21 | % | 9,846 | |||||||||||
| Legal expense | 8,015 | 7,766 | 3 | % | 8,441 | |||||||||||
| Other operating expense | 81,798 | 79,489 | 3 | % | 92,249 | |||||||||||
| Amortization of tax credit and other investments | 122,457 | 70,082 | 75 | % | 98,383 | |||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment cost | — | 8,740 | (100) | % | — | |||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | $ | 796,089 | $ | 716,322 | 11 | % | $ | 747,456 |
2021 noninterest expense was $796.1 million, an increase of $79.8 million or 11%, compared with $716.3 million in 2020. This increase primarily reflected higher amortization of tax credit and other investments, and compensation and employee benefits.
Compensation and employee benefits were $433.7 million in 2021, an increase of $29.6 million or 7%, compared with $404.1 million in 2020. This increase primarily reflected higher bonuses.
Amortization of tax credit and other investments was $122.5 million in 2021, an increase of $52.4 million or 75%, compared with $70.1 million in 2020. This increase was primarily due to a higher number of new tax credit investments in 2021 and the timing of tax credit recognition in each period, based on when tax credit projects were put into service.
During the second quarter of 2020, the Company prepaid $150.0 million of repurchase agreements and incurred a debt extinguishment cost of $8.7 million. No such expense was incurred in 2021.
41
Income Taxes
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 1,056,377 | $ | 685,765 | $ | 843,917 | |||||
| Income tax expense | $ | 183,396 | $ | 117,968 | $ | 169,882 | |||||
| Effective tax rate | 17.4 | % | 17.2 | % | 20.1 | % |
Income tax expense was $183.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $65.4 million, compared with income tax expense of $118.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The year-over-year increase in income tax expense was predominantly driven by higher level of income before income taxes. 2021 effective tax rate was 17.4%, compared with 2020 effective tax rate of 17.2%.
Operating Segment Results
The Company organizes its operations into three reportable operating segments: (1) Consumer and Business Banking; (2) Commercial Banking; and (3) Other. These segments are defined by the type of customers served and the related products and services provided. The segments reflect how financial information is currently evaluated by management. For an additional description of the Company’s internal management reporting process, including the segment cost allocation methodology, see Note 17 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Segment net interest income represents the difference between actual interest earned on assets and interest incurred on liabilities of the segment, adjusted for funding charges or credits through the Company’s internal funds transfer pricing (“FTP”) process.
The following table presents the results by operating segment for the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer and Business Banking | Commercial Banking | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue (1) | $ | 791,226 | $ | 594,944 | $ | 753,789 | $ | 929,970 | $ | 848,623 | $ | 786,718 | $ | 96,270 | $ | 169,173 | $ | 149,551 | |||||||||||||||||
| (Reversal of) provision for credit losses | (4,998) | 3,885 | 14,178 | (30,002) | 206,768 | 84,507 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | 364,635 | 331,750 | 343,001 | 271,408 | 266,923 | 263,064 | 160,046 | 117,649 | 141,391 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment income (loss) before income taxes (1) | 431,589 | 259,309 | 396,610 | 688,564 | 374,932 | 439,147 | (63,776) | 51,524 | 8,160 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment net income (1) | $ | 308,630 | $ | 185,782 | $ | 283,674 | $ | 492,271 | $ | 268,476 | $ | 314,321 | $ | 72,080 | $ | 113,539 | $ | 76,040 |
(1)During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company enhanced its segment allocation methodology related to the fair values of interest rate and commodity derivative contracts, which are included in noninterest income. These fair values that were previously allocated to the “Commercial Banking” segment, have been reclassified between “Consumer and Business Banking” and “Commercial Banking.” Prior years’ balances have been reclassified to conform to the 2021 presentation.
Consumer and Business Banking
The Consumer and Business Banking segment primarily provides financial products and services to consumer and commercial customers through the Company’s domestic branch network and digital banking platform. This segment offers consumer and commercial deposits, mortgage and home equity loans, and other products and services. It also originates commercial loans for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Other products and services provided by this segment include wealth management, treasury management, interest rate risk hedging, and foreign exchange services.
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The following table presents additional financial information for the Consumer and Business Banking segment for the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | $ | % | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Net interest income before (reversal of) provision for credit losses | $ | 697,101 | $ | 530,829 | $ | 166,272 | 31 | % | $ | 696,551 | ||||||||
| Noninterest income (1) | 94,125 | 64,115 | 30,010 | 47 | % | 57,238 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue (1) | 791,226 | 594,944 | 196,282 | 33 | % | 753,789 | ||||||||||||
| (Reversal of) provision for credit losses | (4,998) | 3,885 | (8,883) | (229) | % | 14,178 | ||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | 364,635 | 331,750 | 32,885 | 10 | % | 343,001 | ||||||||||||
| Segment income before income taxes (1) | 431,589 | 259,309 | 172,280 | 66 | % | 396,610 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 122,959 | 73,527 | 49,432 | 67 | % | 112,936 | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income (1) | $ | 308,630 | $ | 185,782 | $ | 122,848 | 66 | % | $ | 283,674 | ||||||||
| Average loans | $ | 13,922,693 | $ | 12,056,987 | $ | 1,865,706 | 15 | % | $ | 10,647,814 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 31,679,856 | $ | 27,201,737 | $ | 4,478,119 | 16 | % | $ | 25,124,827 |
(1)During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company enhanced its segment allocation methodology related to the fair values of interest rate and commodity derivative contracts, which are included in noninterest income. These fair values that were previously allocated to the “Commercial Banking” segment, have been reclassified between “Consumer and Business Banking” and “Commercial Banking.” Prior years’ balances have been reclassified to conform to the 2021 presentation.
Consumer and Business Banking segment net income increased $122.8 million or 66% year-over-year to $308.6 million in 2021, due to revenue growth and a lower provision for credit losses, partially offset by higher income tax expense and noninterest expense. Net interest income before (reversal of) provision for credit losses increased $166.3 million, or 31%, to $697.1 million, driven by higher interest income, primarily due to growth in residential mortgage loans, and lower interest expense, primarily due to lower interest rates and growth in noninterest-bearing demand deposits. Noninterest income increased $30.0 million, or 47%, to $94.1 million, primarily driven by higher deposit account fees, foreign exchange income and wealth management fees, reflecting growth in customer-driven transactions. Noninterest expense increased $32.9 million, or 10%, to $364.6 million, primarily due to higher allocated corporate overhead expense, and compensation and employee benefits.
Commercial Banking
The Commercial Banking segment primarily offers commercial loan and deposit products. Commercial loan products include commercial real estate lending, construction finance, working capital lines of credit, trade finance, letters of credit, commercial business lending, affordable housing lending, asset-based lending, asset-backed finance, project finance and equipment financing. Commercial deposit products and other financial services include treasury management, foreign exchange services, and interest rate and commodity risk hedging.
43
The following table presents additional financial information for the Commercial Banking segment for the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | $ | % | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Net interest income before (reversal of) provision for credit losses | $ | 766,202 | $ | 706,286 | $ | 59,916 | 8 | % | $ | 651,413 | ||||||||
| Noninterest income (1) | 163,768 | 142,337 | 21,431 | 15 | % | 135,305 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue (1) | 929,970 | 848,623 | 81,347 | 10 | % | 786,718 | ||||||||||||
| (Reversal of) provision for credit losses | (30,002) | 206,768 | (236,770) | (115) | % | 84,507 | ||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | 271,408 | 266,923 | 4,485 | 2 | % | 263,064 | ||||||||||||
| Segment income before income taxes (1) | 688,564 | 374,932 | 313,632 | 84 | % | 439,147 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 196,293 | 106,456 | 89,837 | 84 | % | 124,826 | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income (1) | $ | 492,271 | $ | 268,476 | $ | 223,795 | 83 | % | $ | 314,321 | ||||||||
| Average loans | $ | 25,794,004 | $ | 24,742,030 | $ | 1,051,974 | 4 | % | $ | 22,725,322 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 17,122,743 | $ | 10,811,020 | $ | 6,311,723 | 58 | % | $ | 8,591,285 |
(1)During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company enhanced its segment allocation methodology related to the fair values of interest rate and commodity derivative contracts, which are included in noninterest income. These fair values that were previously allocated to the “Commercial Banking” segment, have been reclassified between “Consumer and Business Banking” and “Commercial Banking.” Prior years’ balances have been reclassified to conform to the 2021 presentation.
Commercial Banking segment net income increased $223.8 million or 83% year-over-year to $492.3 million in 2021, reflecting a lower provision for credit losses and higher revenue, partially offset by increased income tax expense and noninterest expense. Net interest income before (reversal of) provision for credit losses increased $59.9 million, or 8%, to $766.2 million, driven by lower interest expense, primarily due to lower interest rates and growth in noninterest-bearing demand deposits. Noninterest income increased $21.4 million, or 15%, to $163.8 million, primarily driven by higher foreign exchange income, deposit account fees and net gains on sales of loans, partially offset by lower interest rate contracts and other derivative income.
Other
Centralized functions, including the corporate treasury activities of the Company and eliminations of inter-segment amounts, have been aggregated and included in the Other segment, which provides broad administrative support to the two core segments, namely the Consumer and Business Banking and the Commercial Banking segments.
The following table presents additional financial information for the Other segment for the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change from 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | $ | % | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Net interest income before provision for credit losses | $ | 68,268 | $ | 140,078 | $ | (71,810) | (51) | % | $ | 119,849 | ||||||||
| Noninterest income | 28,002 | 29,095 | (1,093) | (4) | % | 29,702 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 96,270 | 169,173 | (72,903) | (43) | % | 149,551 | ||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | 160,046 | 117,649 | 42,397 | 36 | % | 141,391 | ||||||||||||
| Segment (loss) income before income taxes | (63,776) | 51,524 | (115,300) | (224) | % | 8,160 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit | (135,856) | (62,015) | (73,841) | 119 | % | (67,880) | ||||||||||||
| Segment net income | $ | 72,080 | $ | 113,539 | $ | (41,459) | (37) | % | $ | 76,040 | ||||||||
| Average deposits | $ | 2,681,097 | $ | 2,750,134 | $ | (69,037) | (3) | % | $ | 2,330,958 |
Other segment net income decreased $41.4 million or 37% year-over-year to $72.1 million in 2021, primarily driven by lower revenue and higher noninterest expense, partially offset by an increased income tax benefit. Net interest income before provision for credit losses decreased $71.8 million, or 51%, to $68.3 million. The decrease was primarily driven by lower FTP spread income absorbed by the Other segment, partially offset by an increase in interest income from investments due to a higher volume of AFS debt securities, and lower interest expense from borrowings. Noninterest expense increased $42.4 million, or 36%, to $160.0 million, primarily due to higher amortization of tax credits and other investments.
44
Balance Sheet Analysis
Debt Securities
The Company maintains a portfolio of high quality and liquid debt securities with a moderate duration profile. It closely manages the overall portfolio interest rate and liquidity risks. The Company’s debt securities provide:
•interest income for earnings and yield enhancement;
•availability for funding needs arising during the normal course of business;
•the ability to execute interest rate risk management strategies in response to changes in economic or market conditions; and
•collateral to support pledging agreements as required and/or to enhance the Company’s borrowing capacity.
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
Debt securities classified as AFS are carried at their fair value with the corresponding changes in fair value recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, as a component of Stockholders’ equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The following table presents the distribution of the Company’s AFS debt securities portfolio by fair value and percentage of fair value as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and by credit rating as of December 31, 2021:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, | Ratings (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | As of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | % of Total | Fair Value | % of Total | AAA/AA | A | BBB | No Rating | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AFS debt securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 1,032,681 | 10 | % | $ | 50,761 | 1 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities | 1,301,971 | 13 | % | 814,319 | 15 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities | 4,157,263 | 42 | % | 2,814,664 | 51 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal securities | 523,158 | 5 | % | 396,073 | 7 | % | 95 | % | 3 | % | — | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-agency mortgage-backed securities | 1,378,374 | 14 | % | 529,617 | 10 | % | 87 | % | — | % | — | % | 13 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate debt securities | 649,665 | 6 | % | 405,968 | 7 | % | — | % | 22 | % | 78 | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign government bonds | 257,733 | 3 | % | 182,531 | 3 | % | 45 | % | 55 | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 74,558 | 1 | % | 63,231 | 1 | % | 100 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| CLOs | 589,950 | 6 | % | 287,494 | 5 | % | 96 | % | 4 | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total AFS debt securities | $ | 9,965,353 | 100 | % | $ | 5,544,658 | 100 | % | 90 | % | 3 | % | 5 | % | 2 | % |
(1)Primarily based upon the credit ratings issued by S&P, Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) or Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), applying the lowest rating, if split rated. Rating percentages are allocated based on fair value.
The fair value of AFS debt securities totaled $9.97 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of $4.42 billion or 80% from $5.54 billion as of December 31, 2020. The largest net change came from U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, which increased $1.34 billion, followed by U.S. Treasury securities, which increased $981.9 million, and non-agency mortgage-backed securities, which increased $848.8 million. These changes were mainly driven by purchases during 2021 to deploy cash from deposit growth and to enhance the return of the overall AFS debt securities portfolio.
The Company’s AFS debt securities portfolio had an effective duration, defined as the sensitivity of the value of the portfolio to interest rate changes, of 5.0 as of December 31, 2021. This increased from 4.2 as of December 31, 2020, primarily due to an increase in the target duration of securities purchased to achieve enhancement in portfolio yield, and portfolio duration extension because of the steepening of the yield curve. As of December 31, 2021, 90% of the carrying value of the Company’s debt securities portfolio was rated “AA-” or “Aa3” or higher by nationally recognized credit rating agencies, compared with 88% as of December 31, 2020. Credit ratings of BBB- or higher by S&P and Fitch, or Baa3 or higher by Moody’s, are considered investment grade.
45
The Company’s AFS debt securities are carried at fair value with non-credit related unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in Other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Pre-tax net unrealized losses on AFS debt securities were $121.8 million as of December 31, 2021, compared with pre-tax net unrealized gains on AFS debt securities of $74.1 million as of December 31, 2020. This change was primarily due to interest rate movement. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had no intention to sell securities with unrealized losses and believed it is more-likely-than-not that it would not be required to sell such securities before recovery of their amortized costs.
Of the securities with gross unrealized losses, substantially all were rated investment grade as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020. The Company believes that the gross unrealized losses were due to non-credit related factors and were primarily attributable to interest rate movement and widened spreads for certain securities. The Company believes that the credit support levels of the AFS debt securities are strong and, based on current assessments and macroeconomic forecasts, expects that full contractual cash flows will be received, even if near term credit performance is negatively impacted.
The Company assesses individual securities for credit losses for each reporting period. If a credit loss is identified, the Company records an impairment through the allowance for credit losses with a corresponding Provision for credit losses on the Consolidated Statement of Income. There were no credit losses recognized in earnings for both 2021 and 2020. For additional information of the Company’s accounting policies, valuation and composition, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and Note 4 — Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The following table presents the amortized cost and weighted-average yields by contractual maturity distribution, excluding periodic principal payments, of the Company’s AFS debt securities as of December 31, 2021. Actual maturities of certain securities can differ from contractual maturities as the borrowers have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. In addition, factors such as prepayments and interest rates may affect the yields on the carrying values of these securities.
| ($ in thousands) | Within one year | After one year through five years | After five years through ten years | After ten years | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amortized Cost | Yield(1) | Amortized Cost | Yield(1) | Amortized Cost | Yield (1) | Amortized Cost | Yield (1) | Amortized Cost | Yield (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AFS debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | — | — | % | $ | 334,716 | 1.03 | % | $ | 714,522 | 0.98 | % | $ | — | — | % | $ | 1,049,238 | 0.99 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities | 1,190,108 | 1.72 | % | 60,604 | 2.20 | % | 32,370 | 1.70 | % | 50,902 | 2.40 | % | 1,333,984 | 1.77 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities: | 6,296 | 2.33 | % | 18,267 | 2.77 | % | 293,792 | 2.18 | % | 3,892,477 | 1.67 | % | 4,210,832 | 1.71 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal securities (2) | 9,376 | 2.30 | % | 34,402 | 2.54 | % | 236,449 | 2.21 | % | 239,154 | 2.04 | % | 519,381 | 2.16 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-agency mortgage-backed securities | 11,929 | 2.91 | % | 177,392 | 3.12 | % | 49,584 | 1.17 | % | 1,149,952 | 1.96 | % | 1,388,857 | 2.09 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate debt securities | 180,013 | 1.80 | % | 441,003 | 3.24 | % | 36,500 | 2.61 | % | — | — | % | 657,516 | 2.81 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign government bonds | 84,994 | 1.30 | % | 125,453 | 2.41 | % | 50,000 | 0.42 | % | — | — | % | 260,447 | 1.67 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities: | — | — | % | — | — | % | — | — | % | 74,674 | 0.85 | % | 74,674 | 0.85 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CLOs | — | — | % | — | — | % | — | — | % | 592,250 | 1.27 | % | 592,250 | 1.27 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total AFS debt securities | $ | 1,482,716 | 1.72 | % | $ | 1,191,837 | 2.43 | % | $ | 1,413,217 | 1.48 | % | $ | 5,999,409 | 1.70 | % | $ | 10,087,179 | 1.76 | % |
(1)Weighted-average yields are computed based on amortized cost balances.
(2)Yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
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Loan Portfolio
The Company offers a broad range of financial products designed to meet the credit needs of its borrowers. The Company’s loan portfolio segments include commercial loans, which consist of C&I, CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans; and consumer loans, which consist of single-family residential, home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”) and other consumer loans. Total net loans were $41.15 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of $3.38 billion or 9% from $37.77 billion as of December 31, 2020. This was primarily driven by well-diversified growth throughout our major loan categories including $1.45 billion or 15% in residential mortgage loans, $1.37 billion or 9% in total CRE loans, and $518.9 million or 4% in C&I loans. Excluding PPP loans, total net loans grew $4.41 billion or 12%, and C&I loans grew $1.55 billion or 13% year-over-year. The composition of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2021 was similar to the composition as of December 31, 2020.
The following table presents the composition of the Company’s total loan portfolio by loan type as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Amount | % | Amount | % | |||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||
| C&I (1) | $ | 14,150,608 | 34 | % | $ | 13,631,726 | 36 | % | ||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||
| CRE | 12,155,047 | 29 | % | 11,174,611 | 29 | % | ||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 3,675,605 | 9 | % | 3,033,998 | 8 | % | ||||||||
| Construction and land | 346,486 | 1 | % | 599,692 | 2 | % | ||||||||
| Total CRE | 16,177,138 | 39 | % | 14,808,301 | 39 | % | ||||||||
| Total commercial | 30,327,746 | 73 | % | 28,440,027 | 75 | % | ||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 9,093,702 | 22 | % | 8,185,953 | 21 | % | ||||||||
| HELOCs | 2,144,821 | 5 | % | 1,601,716 | 4 | % | ||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 11,238,523 | 27 | % | 9,787,669 | 25 | % | ||||||||
| Other consumer | 127,512 | 0 | % | 163,259 | 0 | % | ||||||||
| Total consumer | 11,366,035 | 27 | % | 9,950,928 | 25 | % | ||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment (2) | 41,693,781 | 100 | % | 38,390,955 | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | (541,579) | (619,983) | ||||||||||||
| Loans held-for-sale (3) | 635 | 1,788 | ||||||||||||
| Total loans, net | $ | 41,152,837 | $ | 37,772,760 |
(1)Includes $534.2 million and $1.57 billion of PPP loans as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(2)Includes net deferred loan fees, unearned fees, unamortized premiums and unaccreted discounts of $(50.7) million and $(58.8) million as of December 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively. Net origination fees related to PPP loans were $(5.7) million and $(12.7) million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(3)Consists of single-family residential loans as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Actions to Support Customers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company assisted customers by offering SBA PPP loans in 2020 and 2021 to help struggling businesses in our communities pay their employees and sustain their businesses. The SBA stopped accepting new loan applications on May 31, 2021. For more information on PPP loans, refer to Item 7. MD&A — Overview — Coronavirus Disease 2019 Global Pandemic and Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Paycheck Protection Program to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K. The Company was also a participating lender in the MSLP, which was established by the Federal Reserve to support lending to small- and medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations.
In addition, the Company has provided payment relief through various loan modification programs. For a summary of the loans that the Company has modified in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, refer to Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Credit Risk Management — Loan Modifications Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in this Form 10-K.
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Commercial
The commercial loan portfolio made up 73% and 75% of total loans as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company actively monitors this commercial lending portfolio for elevated levels of credit risk and reviews credit exposures for sensitivity to changing economic conditions.
Commercial — Commercial and Industrial Loans. Total C&I loan commitments (loans outstanding plus unfunded credit commitments, excluding issued letters of credit) were $20.29 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of $1.60 billion or 9% from $18.69 billion as of December 31, 2020. Total C&I loans were $14.15 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of $518.9 million or 4% from $13.63 billion as of December 31, 2020. Total C&I loans made up 34% and 36% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The C&I loan portfolio includes loans and financing for businesses in a wide spectrum of industries, comprised of working capital lines of credit, trade finance, letters of credit, affordable housing lending, asset-based lending, asset-backed finance, project finance and equipment financing. The C&I loan portfolio also includes PPP loans. Additionally, the Company has a portfolio of broadly syndicated C&I loans, which represent revolving or term loan facilities that are marketed and sold primarily to institutional investors, totaling $939.4 million and $892.1 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The majority of the C&I loans had variable interest rates as of both December 31, 2021, and 2020.
The C&I portfolio is well-diversified by industry. The Company monitors concentrations within the C&I loan portfolio by customer exposure and industry classification, setting diversification targets and exposure limits by industry or loan product. The following charts illustrate the industry mix within the Company’s C&I loan portfolio as of December 31, 2021, and 2020:
Commercial — Commercial Real Estate Loans. Total CRE loans outstanding were $16.18 billion or 39% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2021, which grew by $1.37 billion or 9% from $14.81 billion or 39% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2020. The total CRE portfolio consists of CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans. CRE consists of customers with diversified property types listed in the table below. The year-over-year growth in total CRE loans was driven by growth in CRE and multifamily residential loans, partially offset by declines in construction and land loans.
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The Company’s total CRE loan portfolio is diversified by property type with an average CRE loan size of $2.5 million and $2.4 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The following table summarizes the Company’s total CRE loans by property type as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | % | Amount | % | |||||||||||
| Property types: | ||||||||||||||
| Retail (1) | $ | 3,685,900 | 23 | % | $ | 3,466,141 | 23 | % | ||||||
| Multifamily | 3,675,605 | 23 | % | 3,033,998 | 20 | % | ||||||||
| Office (1) | 2,804,006 | 17 | % | 2,747,082 | 19 | % | ||||||||
| Industrial (1) | 2,807,325 | 18 | % | 2,407,594 | 16 | % | ||||||||
| Hospitality (1) | 1,993,995 | 12 | % | 1,888,797 | 13 | % | ||||||||
| Construction and land | 346,486 | 2 | % | 599,692 | 4 | % | ||||||||
| Other (1) | 863,821 | 5 | % | 664,997 | 5 | % | ||||||||
| Total CRE loans | $ | 16,177,138 | 100 | % | $ | 14,808,301 | 100 | % |
(1)Included in CRE loans.
The weighted-average loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio of the total CRE loan portfolio was 51% as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020. The low weighted-average LTV ratio was consistent by CRE loan property type. Approximately 89% of total CRE loans had an LTV ratio of 65% or lower as of both December 31, 2021, and 2020. The consistency of the Company’s low LTV underwriting standards has historically resulted in lower credit losses for CRE and multifamily residential loans.
The following tables provide a summary of the Company’s CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans by geography as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. The distribution of the total CRE loan portfolio reflects the Company’s geographical footprint, which is primarily concentrated in California:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRE | % | Multifamily Residential | % | Construction and Land | % | Total | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 6,406,609 | $ | 2,030,938 | $ | 138,953 | $ | 8,576,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Northern California | 2,622,398 | 748,631 | 109,483 | 3,480,512 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| California | 9,029,007 | 75 | % | 2,779,569 | 77 | % | 248,436 | 70 | % | 12,057,012 | 75 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 1,005,455 | 8 | % | 308,652 | 8 | % | 1,896 | 1 | % | 1,316,003 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| New York | 630,442 | 5 | % | 157,099 | 4 | % | 78,368 | 23 | % | 865,909 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Washington | 408,913 | 3 | % | 116,047 | 3 | % | 9,865 | 3 | % | 534,825 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 128,395 | 1 | % | 115,163 | 3 | % | 5,775 | 2 | % | 249,333 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 122,164 | 1 | % | 49,836 | 1 | % | — | — | % | 172,000 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other markets | 830,671 | 7 | % | 149,239 | 4 | % | 2,146 | 1 | % | 982,056 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 12,155,047 | 100 | % | $ | 3,675,605 | 100 | % | $ | 346,486 | 100 | % | $ | 16,177,138 | 100 | % |
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| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRE | % | Multifamily Residential | % | Construction and Land | % | Total | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 5,884,691 | $ | 1,867,646 | $ | 249,282 | $ | 8,001,619 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Northern California | 2,476,510 | 674,813 | 197,195 | 3,348,518 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| California | 8,361,201 | 75 | % | 2,542,459 | 84 | % | 446,477 | 74 | % | 11,350,137 | 77 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 864,639 | 8 | % | 116,367 | 4 | % | 2,581 | 0 | % | 983,587 | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| New York | 696,712 | 6 | % | 137,114 | 4 | % | 93,806 | 16 | % | 927,632 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Washington | 341,374 | 3 | % | 91,824 | 3 | % | 22,724 | 4 | % | 455,922 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 88,959 | 1 | % | 86,644 | 3 | % | 22,384 | 4 | % | 197,987 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 147,187 | 1 | % | 12,406 | 0 | % | — | — | % | 159,593 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other markets | 674,539 | 6 | % | 47,184 | 2 | % | 11,720 | 2 | % | 733,443 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 11,174,611 | 100 | % | $ | 3,033,998 | 100 | % | $ | 599,692 | 100 | % | $ | 14,808,301 | 100 | % |
Because 75% and 77% of total CRE loans were concentrated in California as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, changes in California’s economy and real estate values could have a significant impact on the collectability of these loans and the required level of allowance for credit losses. For additional information related to the higher degree of risk from a downturn in real estate markets in California, see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Geopolitical Uncertainties in this Form 10-K.
Commercial — Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Company focuses on providing financing to experienced real estate investors and developers who have moderate levels of leverage, many of whom are long-time customers of the Bank. CRE loans totaled $12.16 billion as of December 31, 2021, compared with $11.17 billion as of December 31, 2020, and accounted for 29% of total loans held-for-investment as of both dates. Interest rates on CRE loans may be fixed, variable or hybrid. As of both December 31, 2021 and 2020, the majority of CRE loans were variable rate loans. Loans are underwritten with conservative standards for cash flows, debt service coverage and LTV.
Owner-occupied properties comprised 20% of the CRE loans as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020. The remainder were non-owner-occupied properties, where 50% or more of the debt service for the loan is typically provided by rental income from an unaffiliated third party.
Commercial — Multifamily Residential Loans. The multifamily residential loan portfolio is largely comprised of loans secured by residential properties with five or more units. Multifamily residential loans totaled $3.68 billion or 9% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2021, compared with $3.03 billion or 8% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2020. The Company offers a variety of first lien mortgages, including fixed- and variable-rate loans, as well as hybrid loans with interest rates that adjust annually after an initial fixed rate period of three to ten years.
Commercial — Construction and Land Loans. Construction and land loans provide financing for a portfolio of projects diversified by real estate property type. These loans totaled $346.5 million or 1% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2021, compared with $599.7 million or 2% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2020. Construction loan exposure was made up of $297.9 million in loans outstanding, plus $361.2 million in unfunded commitments, as of December 31, 2021, compared with $554.7 million in loans outstanding, plus $288.2 million in unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2020. Land loans totaled $48.6 million as of December 31, 2021, compared with $45.0 million as of December 31, 2020.
50
Consumer
The following tables summarize the Company’s single-family residential and HELOCs loan portfolios by geography as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single- Family Residential | % | HELOCs | % | Total Residential Mortgage | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 3,520,010 | $ | 971,731 | $ | 4,491,741 | |||||||||||||||
| Northern California | 1,024,564 | 506,310 | 1,530,874 | ||||||||||||||||||
| California | 4,544,574 | 49 | % | 1,478,041 | 68 | % | 6,022,615 | 54 | % | ||||||||||||
| New York | 3,102,129 | 34 | % | 292,540 | 14 | % | 3,394,669 | 30 | % | ||||||||||||
| Washington | 526,721 | 6 | % | 230,294 | 11 | % | 757,015 | 7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Massachusetts | 258,372 | 3 | % | 75,815 | 4 | % | 334,187 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Georgia | 279,328 | 3 | % | 25,208 | 1 | % | 304,536 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Texas | 230,402 | 3 | % | — | — | % | 230,402 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Other markets | 152,176 | 2 | % | 42,923 | 2 | % | 195,099 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 9,093,702 | 100 | % | $ | 2,144,821 | 100 | % | $ | 11,238,523 | 100 | % | |||||||||
| Lien priority: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| First mortgage | $ | 9,093,702 | 100 | % | $ | 1,872,440 | 87 | % | $ | 10,966,142 | 98 | % | |||||||||
| Junior lien mortgage | — | — | % | 272,381 | 13 | % | 272,381 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 9,093,702 | 100 | % | $ | 2,144,821 | 100 | % | $ | 11,238,523 | 100 | % |
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single- Family Residential | % | HELOCs | % | Total Residential Mortgage | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Geographic markets: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Southern California | $ | 3,462,067 | $ | 728,733 | $ | 4,190,800 | |||||||||||||||
| Northern California | 1,059,832 | 354,014 | 1,413,846 | ||||||||||||||||||
| California | 4,521,899 | 55 | % | 1,082,747 | 68 | % | 5,604,646 | 57 | % | ||||||||||||
| New York | 2,277,722 | 28 | % | 244,425 | 15 | % | 2,522,147 | 26 | % | ||||||||||||
| Washington | 597,231 | 7 | % | 180,765 | 11 | % | 777,996 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||
| Massachusetts | 259,368 | 3 | % | 44,633 | 3 | % | 304,001 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Georgia | 180,447 | 2 | % | 16,147 | 1 | % | 196,594 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Texas | 209,737 | 3 | % | — | — | % | 209,737 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Other markets | 139,549 | 2 | % | 32,999 | 2 | % | 172,548 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 8,185,953 | 100 | % | $ | 1,601,716 | 100 | % | $ | 9,787,669 | 100 | % | |||||||||
| Lien priority: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| First mortgage | $ | 8,185,953 | 100 | % | $ | 1,372,270 | 86 | % | $ | 9,558,223 | 98 | % | |||||||||
| Junior lien mortgage | — | — | % | 229,446 | 14 | % | 229,446 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 8,185,953 | 100 | % | $ | 1,601,716 | 100 | % | $ | 9,787,669 | 100 | % |
51
Consumer — Single-Family Residential Loans. Single-family residential loans totaled $9.09 billion or 22% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2021, compared with $8.19 billion or 21% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2020. Year-over-year, single-family residential loans increased $907.7 million or 11%, primarily driven by growth in New York. The Company was in a first lien position for all of its single-family residential loans as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020. Many of these loans are reduced documentation loans, for which a substantial down payment is required, resulting in a low LTV ratio at origination, typically 65% or less. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and loss rates. The Company offers a variety of single-family residential first lien mortgage loan programs, including fixed- and variable-rate loans, as well as hybrid loans with interest rates that adjust on a regular basis, typically each year, after an initial fixed rate period.
Consumer — Home Equity Lines of Credit. Total HELOC commitments were $2.49 billion as of December 31, 2021, which grew by $739.8 million or 42% from $1.75 billion as of December 31, 2020. Unfunded HELOC commitments are unconditionally cancellable. HELOCs outstanding totaled $2.14 billion or 5% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2021, compared with $1.60 billion or 4% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2020. Year-over-year, HELOCs increased $543.1 million or 34%, primarily driven by growth in California. The Company was in a first lien position for 87% and 86% of its HELOCs as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Many of these loans are reduced documentation loans, for which a substantial down payment is required, resulting in a low LTV ratio at origination, typically 60% or less. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and loss rates. Substantially all of the Company’s HELOCs were variable-rate loans as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020.
All originated commercial and consumer loans are subject to the Company’s underwriting guidelines and loan origination standards. Management believes that the Company’s underwriting criteria and procedures adequately consider the unique risks associated with these products. The Company conducts a variety of quality control procedures and periodic audits, including the review of lending and legal requirements, to ensure that the Company is compliant with these requirements.
The following table presents the contractual loan maturities by loan category and the contractual distribution of loans to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2021:
| ($ in thousands) | Due within one year | Due after one year through five years | Due after five years through fifteen years | Due after fifteen years | Total | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 5,276,061 | $ | 7,647,496 | $ | 1,076,886 | $ | 150,165 | $ | 14,150,608 | |||||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 930,731 | 5,425,388 | 5,666,738 | 132,190 | 12,155,047 | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 170,420 | 781,492 | 1,049,359 | 1,674,334 | 3,675,605 | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | 160,343 | 105,903 | 79,882 | 358 | 346,486 | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 1,261,494 | 6,312,783 | 6,795,979 | 1,806,882 | 16,177,138 | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 6,537,555 | 13,960,279 | 7,872,865 | 1,957,047 | 30,327,746 | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 400 | 16,812 | 1,521,198 | 7,555,292 | 9,093,702 | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | — | 624 | 198,108 | 1,946,089 | 2,144,821 | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 400 | 17,436 | 1,719,306 | 9,501,381 | 11,238,523 | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 73,109 | 47,247 | 7,156 | — | 127,512 | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 73,509 | 64,683 | 1,726,462 | 9,501,381 | 11,366,035 | ||||||||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment | $ | 6,611,064 | $ | 14,024,962 | $ | 9,599,327 | $ | 11,458,428 | $ | 41,693,781 | |||||||||
| Distribution of loans to changes in interest rates: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Variable-rate loans | $ | 5,179,036 | $ | 11,930,932 | $ | 5,773,056 | $ | 4,497,380 | $ | 27,380,404 | |||||||||
| Fixed-rate loans | 1,432,028 | 1,935,014 | 2,419,275 | 2,258,233 | 8,044,550 | ||||||||||||||
| Hybrid adjustable-rate loans | — | 159,016 | 1,406,996 | 4,702,815 | 6,268,827 | ||||||||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment | $ | 6,611,064 | $ | 14,024,962 | $ | 9,599,327 | $ | 11,458,428 | $ | 41,693,781 |
52
Loans Held-for-Sale
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, loans held-for-sale totaled $635 thousand and $1.8 million, respectively, and consisted of single-family residential loans. At the time of commitment to originate or purchase a loan, a loan is determined to be held-for-investment if it is the Company’s intent to hold the loan to maturity or for the foreseeable future, subject to periodic reviews under the Company’s evaluation processes, including liquidity and credit risk management. If the Company subsequently changes its intent to hold certain loans, those loans are transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale at the lower of cost or fair value.
Sales of Originated Loans and Purchased Loans
All loans originated by the Company are underwritten pursuant to the Company’s policies and procedures. Although the Company’s primary focus is on directly originated loans, in certain circumstances, the Company also purchases loans and participates in loans with other banks. In the normal course of doing business, the Company also participates out interests in directly originated commercial loans to other financial institutions or sells loans.
The following tables provide information on loan sales during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. Refer to Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information on loan purchases and transfers.
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Consumer | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | Residential Mortgage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | CRE | Multifamily Residential | Construction and Land | Single-Family Residential | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans sold: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Originated loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | $ | 294,258 | $ | 78,834 | $ | — | $ | 21,557 | $ | 18,458 | $ | 413,107 | |||||||||||||||
| Net gains | $ | 581 | $ | 7,767 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 348 | $ | 8,696 | |||||||||||||||
| Purchased loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | $ | 208,436 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 208,436 | |||||||||||||||
| Net gains | $ | 213 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 213 |
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Consumer | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | Residential Mortgage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | CRE | Multifamily Residential | Construction and Land | Single-Family Residential | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans sold: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Originated loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | $ | 291,740 | $ | 26,994 | $ | 1,398 | $ | — | $ | 80,309 | $ | 400,441 | |||||||||||||||
| Net gains | $ | 565 | $ | 2,940 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 996 | $ | 4,501 | |||||||||||||||
| Purchased loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount (1) | $ | 11,780 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 11,780 |
53
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Consumer | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | Residential Mortgage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | CRE | Multifamily Residential | Construction and Land | Single-Family Residential | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans sold: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Originated loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | $ | 179,280 | $ | 39,062 | $ | — | $ | 1,573 | $ | 10,410 | $ | 230,325 | |||||||||||||||
| Net gains | $ | 875 | $ | 3,045 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 115 | $ | 4,035 | |||||||||||||||
| Purchased loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount (1) | $ | 66,511 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 66,511 |
(1)Net gains on sales of purchased loans were insignificant or none.
Foreign Outstandings
The Company’s overseas offices, which include the branch in Hong Kong and the subsidiary bank in China, are subject to the general risks inherent in conducting business in foreign countries, such as regulatory, economic and political uncertainties. As such, the Company’s international operation risk exposure is largely concentrated in China and Hong Kong. In addition, the Company’s financial assets held in the Hong Kong branch and the subsidiary bank in China may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates or other factors. The following table presents the major financial assets held in the Company’s overseas offices as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Total Consolidated Assets | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Assets | |||||||||||
| Hong Kong branch: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 831,283 | 1 | % | $ | 647,883 | 1 | % | ||||||
| AFS debt securities (1) | $ | 242,926 | 0 | % | $ | 66,170 | 0 | % | ||||||
| Loans held-for-investment (2) | $ | 849,573 | 1 | % | $ | 704,415 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,933,164 | 3 | % | $ | 1,426,479 | 3 | % | ||||||
| Subsidiary bank in China: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 543,134 | 1 | % | $ | 611,088 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits with banks | $ | 51,243 | 0 | % | $ | 74,079 | 0 | % | ||||||
| AFS debt securities (3) | $ | 141,404 | 0 | % | $ | 152,219 | 0 | % | ||||||
| Loans held-for-investment (2) | $ | 984,591 | 2 | % | $ | 796,153 | 2 | % | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,709,640 | 3 | % | $ | 1,634,896 | 3 | % |
(1)Primarily comprised of U.S. Treasury securities and foreign government bonds as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020.
(2)Primarily comprised of C&I loans as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020.
(3)Comprised of foreign government bonds as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020.
The following table presents the total revenue generated by the Company’s overseas offices in 2021, 2020 and 2019:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | Amount | % of Total Consolidated Revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Hong Kong Branch: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 25,221 | 1 | % | $ | 22,947 | 1 | % | $ | 33,791 | 2 | % | |||||||||
| Subsidiary Bank in China: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 27,252 | 1 | % | $ | 20,178 | 1 | % | $ | 32,071 | 2 | % |
54
Capital
The Company maintains a strong capital base to support its anticipated asset growth, operating needs, and credit risks, and to ensure that the Company and the Bank are in compliance with all regulatory capital guidelines. The Company engages in regular capital planning processes on at least an annual basis to optimize the use of available capital and to appropriately plan for future capital needs, allocating capital to existing and future business activities. Furthermore, the Company conducts capital stress tests as part of its capital planning process. The stress tests enable the Company to assess the impact of adverse changes in the economy and interest rates on its capital base.
In March 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company’s common stock. This $500.0 million repurchase authorization was inclusive of the Company’s $100.0 million stock repurchase authorization previously outstanding. The Company determines the timing and amount of stock repurchases, based on its assessment of various factors, including prevailing market conditions, alternate uses of capital, liquidity and the economic environment. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company repurchased 4,471,682 shares at an average price of $32.64 per share and a total cost of $146.0 million. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the remainder of 2020 and during 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the total remaining available capital authorized for repurchase was $354.0 million.
The Company’s stockholders’ equity was $5.84 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of $568.0 million or 11% from $5.27 billion as of December 31, 2020. The increase in the Company’s stockholders’ equity was primarily due to 2021 net income of $873.0 million, partially offset by cash dividends declared of $189.7 million and an increase in other comprehensive loss of $134.7 million. For other factors that contributed to the changes in stockholders’ equity, refer to Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity in this Form 10-K.
Book value was $41.13 per common share as of December 31, 2021, an increase of 11% from $37.22 per common share as of December 31, 2020. Non-GAAP tangible common equity per share was $37.79 as of December 31, 2021, compared with $33.85 as of December 31, 2020. For additional details, see the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K. The Company paid cash dividends of $1.32 per common share in 2021, compared with $1.10 per common share in 2020. In January 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared first quarter 2022 cash dividends of $0.40 per common share, which represents a 21% increase or seven cents per common share, from the previous quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 per common share. The dividend was paid on February 22, 2022, to stockholders of record as of February 7, 2022.
55
Deposits and Other Sources of Funding
Deposits are the Company’s primary source of funding, the cost of which has a significant impact on the Company’s net interest income and net interest margin. Additional funding is provided by short- and long-term borrowings, and long-term debt. See Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Liquidity Risk Management — Liquidity in this Form 10-K for a discussion of the Company’s liquidity management. The following table summarizes the Company’s sources of funds as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | % | Amount | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand | $ | 22,845,464 | 43 | % | $ | 16,298,301 | 36 | % | $ | 6,547,163 | 40 | % | |||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | 6,524,721 | 12 | % | 6,142,193 | 14 | % | 382,528 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Money market | 13,130,300 | 25 | % | 10,740,667 | 24 | % | 2,389,633 | 22 | % | ||||||||||||
| Savings | 2,888,065 | 5 | % | 2,681,242 | 6 | % | 206,823 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 7,961,982 | 15 | % | 9,000,349 | 20 | % | (1,038,367) | (12) | % | ||||||||||||
| Total deposits | $ | 53,350,532 | 100 | % | $ | 44,862,752 | 100 | % | $ | 8,487,780 | 19 | % | |||||||||
| Other Funds: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | $ | — | $ | 21,009 | $ | (21,009) | (100) | % | |||||||||||||
| FHLB advances | 249,331 | 652,612 | (403,281) | (62) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | 300,000 | 300,000 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | 147,658 | 147,376 | 282 | 0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total other funds | $ | 696,989 | $ | 1,120,997 | $ | (424,008) | (38) | % | |||||||||||||
| Total sources of funds | $ | 54,047,521 | $ | 45,983,749 | $ | 8,063,772 | 18 | % |
Deposits
The Company offers a wide variety of deposit products to consumer and commercial customers. The Company’s deposit strategy is to grow and retain relationship-based deposits, which provide a stable and low-cost source of funding and liquidity to the Company.
Total deposits reached $53.35 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of $8.49 billion or 19% from $44.86 billion as of December 31, 2020. Deposit growth was well-diversified across our commercial sectors and branch network, including cross-border clients, partially offset by a reduction in higher-cost time deposits. The strongest growth was in noninterest-bearing demand deposits, which increased by $6.55 billion or 40% year-over-year. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits reached $22.85 billion or 43% of total deposits as of December 31, 2021, up from $16.30 billion or 36% of total deposits as of December 31, 2020. Additional information regarding the impact of deposits on net interest income, with a comparison of average deposit balances and rates, is provided in Item 7 — MD&A — Results of Operations — Net Interest Income in this Form 10-K.
Customer deposits of $50.54 billion, $1.37 billion and $1.44 billion were held in the Company’s domestic offices, the subsidiary bank in China and the branch in Hong Kong, respectively. Of the $50.54 billion of deposits held in the domestic offices as of December 31, 2021, $10.28 billion or 20% were from depositors domiciled in non-U.S. countries and territories.
Customer deposit accounts in the domestic offices are insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000. The deposits in the Company’s subsidiary bank in China and the branch in Hong Kong are insured by each country’s federal authority for up to RMB 500,000 and HKD 500,000, respectively. The following table presents total uninsured deposits by location as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| ($ in thousands) | Domestic | China | Hong Kong | Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uninsured deposits as of 12/31/2021 | $ | 33,768,332 | $ | 1,334,116 | $ | 1,365,753 | $ | 36,468,201 | |||||||
| Uninsured deposits as of 12/31/2020 | $ | 27,750,039 | $ | 1,261,539 | $ | 792,815 | $ | 29,804,393 |
56
Uninsured time deposits totaled $4.96 billion as of December 31, 2021. The following table presents the maturity distribution for uninsured customer time deposits by location as of December 31, 2021:
| ($ in thousands) | Domestic | China | Hong Kong | Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three months or less | $ | 2,436,383 | $ | 123,639 | $ | 243,941 | $ | 2,803,963 | |||||||
| Over three months through six months | 540,143 | 107,987 | 60,936 | 709,066 | |||||||||||
| Over six months through 12 months | 935,075 | 232,061 | 7,821 | 1,174,957 | |||||||||||
| Over 12 months | 49,932 | 219,821 | — | 269,753 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,961,533 | $ | 683,508 | $ | 312,698 | $ | 4,957,739 |
Other Sources of Funding
Short-term borrowings generally consist of borrowings entered into by the Company’s subsidiary bank in China. As of December 31, 2021, there were no short-term borrowings outstanding, compared with $21.0 million as of December 31, 2020.
FHLB advances were $249.3 million as of December 31, 2021, a decrease of $403.3 million or 62% from $652.6 million as of December 31, 2020. The decrease was due to $405.0 million of fixed rate FHLB advances that matured during 2021 and were not renewed. As of December 31, 2021, FHLB advances had floating interest rates ranging from 0.53% to 0.59% with $74.8 million maturing in two months and $174.5 million maturing in 10 months.
Gross repurchase agreements totaled $300.0 million as of each of December 31, 2021 and 2020. As of December 31, 2021, gross repurchase agreements had interest rates ranging from 2.39% to 2.42%. Repurchase agreements of $200.0 million have an original maturity of 10.0 years and mature in 1.6 years, whereas repurchase agreements of $100.0 million have an original maturity of 8.5 years and mature in 1.7 years.
Repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded as liabilities based on the values at which the assets are sold. As of December 31, 2021, the collateral for the repurchase agreements was comprised of U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, and U.S. Treasury securities. To ensure the market value of the underlying collateral remains sufficient, the Company monitors the fair value of collateral pledged relative to the principal amounts borrowed under the repurchase agreements. The Company manages liquidity risks related to the repurchase agreements by sourcing funds from a diverse group of counterparties, and entering into repurchase agreements with longer durations, when appropriate. For additional details, see Note 3 — Assets Purchased under Resale Agreements and Sold under Repurchase Agreements to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The Company uses long-term debt to provide funding to acquire interest-earning assets, and to enhance liquidity and regulatory capital adequacy. Long-term debt totaled $147.7 million and $147.4 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Long-term debt consists of junior subordinated debt, which qualifies as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes. The junior subordinated debt was issued in connection with the Company’s various pooled trust preferred securities offerings, as well as with common stock issued by the six wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company in conjunction with these offerings. The junior subordinated debt had a weighted-average interest rate of 1.74% and 2.26% during 2021 and 2020, respectively, with remaining maturities ranging between 12.9 years and 15.7 years as of December 31, 2021. In October 2020, the Company paid off $1.43 billion in borrowings from the PPPLF, which was included in long-term debt.
Regulatory Capital and Ratios
The federal banking agencies have risk-based capital adequacy guidelines intended to ensure that banking organizations maintain capital that is commensurate with the degree of risk associated with a banking organization’s operations. The Company and the Bank are subject to regulatory capital adequacy requirements. The Company and the Bank are also required to comply with the Basel III Capital Rules adopted by the federal banking agencies as standardized approach institutions. See Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Regulatory Capital Requirements in this Form 10-K for additional details.
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The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, which requires the measurement of the allowance for credit losses to be based on management’s best estimate of lifetime expected credit losses inherent in the Company’s relevant financial assets. The Company also elected the phase-in option provided by a final rule that delays the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital for two years and phases the impact over three years. As a result, the effects of CECL on the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital were delayed through the year 2021, after which the effects are being phased-in over a three-year period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. In April 2020, in recognition of CARES Act requirements, and to facilitate the use of the PPPLF, the U.S banking agencies issued an interim final rule that banking organizations may exclude from leverage and risk-based capital requirements any eligible assets sold or pledged to the Federal Reserve on a non-recourse basis as part of the PPPLF. In addition, under the CARES Act, loans originated by a banking organization under the PPP (whether or not sold or pledged in the PPPLF) are risk-weighted at zero percent for regulatory capital purposes. Accordingly, the December 31, 2021, capital ratios exclude the impact of the increased allowance for loan losses due to CECL, and PPP loans are risk-weighted at zero percent. The Company paid off all of the PPPLF borrowings in 2020. .
The following table presents the Company’s and the Bank’s capital ratios as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 under the Basel III Capital Rules, and those required by regulatory agencies for capital adequacy and well-capitalized classification purposes:
| Basel III Capital Rules | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | Minimum Regulatory Requirements | Fully Phased-inMinimumRegulatoryRequirements (2) | Well- Capitalized Requirements | |||||||||||||||||
| Company | East West Bank | Company | East West Bank | ||||||||||||||||||
| Risk-based capital ratios: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CET 1 capital | 12.8 | % | 12.3 | % | 12.7 | % | 12.1 | % | 4.5 | % | 7.0 | % | 6.5 | % | |||||||
| Tier 1 capital (1) | 12.8 | % | 12.3 | % | 12.7 | % | 12.1 | % | 6.0 | % | 8.5 | % | 8.0 | % | |||||||
| Total capital | 14.1 | % | 13.2 | % | 14.3 | % | 13.4 | % | 8.0 | % | 10.5 | % | 10.0 | % | |||||||
| Tier 1 leverage (1) | 9.0 | % | 8.6 | % | 9.4 | % | 9.0 | % | 4.0 | % | 4.0 | % | 5.0 | % |
(1)The Tier 1 leverage well-capitalized requirement applies only to the Bank since there is no Tier 1 leverage ratio component in the definition of a well-capitalized bank holding company. In addition, the minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio requirement for the Company to be considered well-capitalized is 6%.
(2)As of January 1, 2019, the 2.5% capital conservation buffer above the minimum capital ratios was required in order to avoid limitations on distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers.
The Company is committed to maintaining strong capital levels to assure the Company’s investors, customers and regulators that the Company and the Bank are financially sound. As of both December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company and the Bank continued to exceed all “well-capitalized” capital requirements and the required minimum capital requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules. Total risk-weighted assets were $43.59 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of $5.18 billion or 13% from $38.41 billion as of December 31, 2020. The increase in the risk-weighted assets was primarily due to loan growth and increase in AFS debt securities.
Other Matters
LIBOR Transition
As of December 31, 2021, the one-week and two-month USD LIBOR tenors ceased to be published. The overnight, one-, three-, six- and 12-month USD LIBOR tenors will continue to be calculated using panel bank submissions for the purpose of legacy contracts and will permanently cease on June 30, 2023. The transition away from USD LIBOR in loan agreements that use the Alternative Reference Rate Committee’s (“ARRC”) recommended fallback language will be triggered on that date. Federal banking agencies have encouraged banks to ensure existing contracts have robust fallback language that includes a clearly defined reference rate.
The ARRC selected the SOFR as its recommended alternative to LIBOR, although the adoption of SOFR remains voluntary. The ARRC also formally recommended the CME Group’s forward-looking Term SOFR Reference Rates. The ARRC supports the use of the CME’s Term SOFR Reference Rates for business loan activity and continues to recommend using forms of overnight and averages of SOFR where possible.
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A majority of the Company’s LIBOR-based loans, derivatives, debt securities, resale agreements, junior subordinated debt and repurchase agreements are indexed to LIBOR tenors that will cease to be published after June 30, 2023. The volume of the Company’s LIBOR-based products that mature after June 30, 2023 is significant and, if not sufficiently planned for, the discontinuation of LIBOR could result in financial, operational, legal, reputational or compliance risks to the Company.
The on-going transition from LIBOR is anticipated to continue through June 30, 2023. The Company has a cross-functional team in place to manage and execute an enterprise-wide LIBOR transition plan. The plan identifies, assesses, monitors and mitigates risk associated with the discontinuance of LIBOR. The cross-functional team also provides appropriate communication and educational information to impacted customers and other key internal and external stakeholders. The Company has invested in updates to business and legal processes, models, analytical tools, and information and operational systems to facilitate the transition of legacy LIBOR products and offer products under alternative rates. During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company ceased extending new LIBOR loans as a primary offering in anticipation of the December 31, 2021 deadline for no new LIBOR contracts, and began offering new variable rate loans based on alternative reference rates, including SOFR and the Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index.
The Company will continue to monitor potential risks and impacts associated with the transition. For additional information related to the potential impact surrounding the transition from LIBOR on the Company’s business, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-K.
Risk Management
Overview
In conducting its businesses, the Company is exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent to the financial services industry and others of which are more specific to the Company’s businesses. The Company operates under a Board-approved ERM framework, which outlines the company-wide approach to risk management and oversight, and describes the structures and practices employed to manage the current and emerging risks inherent to the Company. The Company’s ERM program incorporates risk management throughout the organization in identifying, managing, monitoring and reporting risks. It identifies the Company’s major risk categories as credit risk, liquidity risk, capital risk, market risk, operational risk, compliance and regulatory risks, legal risks, strategic risks and reputational risks.
The Risk Oversight Committee of the Board of Directors monitors the ERM program through stated risk categories and provides oversight of the Company’s risk appetite and control environment. The Risk Oversight Committee provides focused oversight of the Company’s identified enterprise risk categories on behalf of the full Board of Directors. Under the direction of the Risk Oversight Committee, management committees apply targeted strategies to reduce the risks to which the Company’s operations are exposed.
The Company’s ERM program is executed along the three lines of defense model, which provides for a consistent and standardized risk management control environment across the enterprise. The first line of defense is comprised of production, operational, and support units. The second line of defense is comprised of various risk management and control functions charged with monitoring and managing specific major risk categories and/or risk subcategories. The third line of defense is comprised of the Internal Audit function and Independent Asset Review. Internal Audit provides assurance and evaluates the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes as established by the Company. Internal Audit has organizational independence and objectivity, reporting directly to the Board’s Audit Committee. Further discussion and analysis of each major risk area are included in the following sub-sections of Risk Management.
Credit Risk Management
Credit risk is the risk that a borrower or counterparty will fail to perform according to the terms and conditions of a loan or investment and expose the Company to loss. Credit risk exists with many of the Company’s assets and exposures such as loans and certain derivatives. The majority of the Company’s credit risk is associated with lending activities.
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The Risk Oversight Committee has primary oversight responsibility of identified enterprise risk categories including credit risk. The Risk Oversight Committee monitors management’s assessment of asset quality, credit risk trends, credit quality administration, underwriting standards, and portfolio credit risk management strategies and processes, such as diversification and concentration limits, all of which enable management to control credit risk. At the management level, the Credit Risk Management Committee has primary oversight responsibility for credit risk. The Senior Credit Supervision function manages credit policy and provides the resources to manage the line of business transactional credit risk, assuring that all exposure is risk-rated according to the requirements of the credit risk rating policy. The Senior Credit Supervision function evaluates and reports the overall credit risk exposure to senior management and the Risk Oversight Committee. The Independent Asset Review function supports a strong credit risk management culture by providing independent and objective assessment of underwriting and documentation quality, reporting directly to the Board’s Risk Oversight Committee. A key focus of our credit risk management is adherence to a well-controlled underwriting process.
The Company assesses the overall credit quality performance of the loans held-for-investment portfolio through an integrated analysis of specific performance ratios. This approach forms the basis of the discussion in the sections immediately following: Nonperforming Assets, TDRs and Allowance for Credit Losses.
Credit Quality
The Company utilizes a credit risk rating system to assist in monitoring credit quality. Loans are evaluated using the Company’s internal credit risk rating of 1 through 10. Loans risk rated 1 through 5 are assigned an internal risk rating of “Pass.” Loans assigned with a credit risk rating of 6 have potential weaknesses that warrant closer attention by management and are assigned an internal risk rating of “Special mention.” Loans assigned a credit risk rating of 7 or 8 have well-defined weaknesses that may jeopardize the full and timely repayment of the loan; these are assigned an internal risk rating of “Substandard.” Loans assigned a credit risk rating of 9 have insufficient sources of repayment and a high probability of loss; these are assigned an internal risk rating of “Doubtful.” Loans assigned a credit risk rating of 10 are uncollectible and of such little value that they are no longer considered bankable assets; these are assigned an internal risk rating of “Loss.” Exposures categorized as criticized consist of “Special mention,” “Substandard,” “Doubtful” and “Loss” categories. Exposures categorized as classified consist of “Substandard,” “Doubtful,” and “Loss” categories. For more information on credit quality indicators, refer to Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
The following table presents the Company’s criticized loans as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| ($ in thousands) | Change | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | $ | % | ||||||||||||
| Criticized loans | |||||||||||||||
| Special mention loans | $ | 384,694 | $ | 564,555 | $ | (179,861) | (32) | % | |||||||
| Classified loans | 448,362 | 652,880 | (204,518) | (31) | % | ||||||||||
| Total criticized loans | $ | 833,056 | $ | 1,217,435 | $ | (384,379) | (32) | % | |||||||
| Special mention loans to loans held-for-investment | 0.92 | % | 1.47 | % | |||||||||||
| Classified loans to loans held-for-investment | 1.08 | % | 1.70 | % | |||||||||||
| Criticized loans to loans held-for-investment | 2.00 | % | 3.17 | % |
Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming assets are comprised of nonaccrual loans, other real estate owned (“OREO”), and other nonperforming assets. Other nonperforming assets and OREO are repossessed assets and properties, respectively, acquired through foreclosure, or through full or partial satisfaction of loans held-for-investment. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due or when the full collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain regardless of the length of past due status. Collectability is generally assessed based on economic and business conditions, the borrower’s financial condition and the adequacy of collateral, if any. For additional details regarding the Company’s nonaccrual loan policy, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Loans Held-for-Investment to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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The following table presents information regarding nonperforming assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| ($ in thousands) | Change | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | $ | % | ||||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 59,023 | $ | 133,939 | $ | (74,916) | (56) | % | |||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||
| CRE | 9,498 | 46,546 | (37,048) | (80) | % | ||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 444 | 3,668 | (3,224) | (88) | % | ||||||||||
| Total CRE | 9,942 | 50,214 | (40,272) | (80) | % | ||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 15,720 | 16,814 | (1,094) | (7) | % | ||||||||||
| HELOCs | 8,444 | 11,696 | (3,252) | (28) | % | ||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 24,164 | 28,510 | (4,346) | (15) | % | ||||||||||
| Other consumer | 52 | 2,491 | (2,439) | (98) | % | ||||||||||
| Total nonaccrual loans | 93,181 | 215,154 | (121,973) | (57) | % | ||||||||||
| OREO, net | 363 | 15,824 | (15,461) | (98) | % | ||||||||||
| Other nonperforming assets | 9,938 | 3,890 | 6,048 | 155 | % | ||||||||||
| Total nonperforming assets | $ | 103,482 | $ | 234,868 | $ | (131,386) | (56) | % | |||||||
| Nonperforming assets to total assets | 0.17 | % | 0.45 | % | |||||||||||
| Nonaccrual loans to loans held-for-investment | 0.22 | % | 0.56 | % | |||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans | 581.21 | % | 288.16 | % | |||||||||||
| TDRs included in nonaccrual loans | $ | 30,383 | $ | 71,924 |
Nonaccrual loans were $93.2 million as of December 31, 2021, a decrease of $122.0 million or 57% from $215.2 million as of December 31, 2020. This decrease was predominantly due to the resolutions of C&I oil and gas exposures and CRE loans.
As of December 31, 2021, $54.2 million or 58% of nonaccrual loans were less than 90 days delinquent. In comparison, $106.4 million or 49% of nonaccrual loans were less than 90 days delinquent as of December 31, 2020.
OREO was $363 thousand as of December 31, 2021, a decrease of $15.5 million from $15.8 million as of December 31, 2020. The decrease was primarily due to the sale of two CRE properties totaling $40.7 million. During 2021, the Company took possession of one CRE property totaling $28.8 million.
Other nonperforming assets totaled $9.9 million and $3.9 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, a net increase of $6.0 million or 155%, due to transfers of nonaccrual C&I oil and gas loans to foreclosed assets, partially offset by the sales and write-downs of oil and gas foreclosed assets.
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The following table presents accruing loans past due by loan portfolio segments as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| ($ in thousands) | Total Accruing Past Due Loans (1) | Change | Percentage of Total Loans Outstanding | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | $ | % | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 11,069 | $ | 9,717 | $ | 1,352 | 14 | % | 0.08 | % | 0.07 | % | |||||||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 3,722 | 375 | 3,347 | 893 | % | 0.03 | % | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 5,342 | 1,818 | 3,524 | 194 | % | 0.15 | % | 0.06 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | — | 19,900 | (19,900) | 100 | % | 0.00 | % | 3.32 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 9,064 | 22,093 | (13,029) | (59) | % | 0.06 | % | 0.15 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 20,133 | 31,810 | (11,677) | (37) | % | 0.07 | % | 0.11 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 18,760 | 12,494 | 6,266 | 50 | % | 0.21 | % | 0.15 | % | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | 5,854 | 6,052 | (198) | (3) | % | 0.27 | % | 0.38 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 24,614 | 18,546 | 6,068 | 33 | % | 0.22 | % | 0.19 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 108 | 234 | (126) | (54) | % | 0.08 | % | 0.14 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 24,722 | 18,780 | 5,942 | 32 | % | 0.22 | % | 0.19 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 44,855 | $ | 50,590 | $ | (5,735) | (11) | % | 0.11 | % | 0.13 | % |
(1)There were no accruing loans past due 90 days or more as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
TDRs are loans for which contractual terms have been modified by the Company for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, and for which a concession to the borrower was granted that the Company would not otherwise consider. The Company’s loan modifications are handled on a case-by-case basis and are negotiated to achieve mutually agreeable terms that maximize loan collectability and meet the borrower’s financial needs. The following table presents the performing and nonperforming TDRs by loan portfolio segments as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. The allowance for loan losses for TDRs was $4.8 million as of December 31, 2021, and $10.3 million as of December 31, 2020.
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing TDRs | Nonperforming TDRs | Total | Performing TDRs | Nonperforming TDRs | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 77,256 | $ | 28,239 | $ | 105,495 | $ | 85,767 | $ | 68,451 | $ | 154,218 | |||||||||||
| CRE: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 23,379 | — | 23,379 | 24,851 | — | 24,851 | |||||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 4,042 | 197 | 4,239 | 3,310 | 1,448 | 4,758 | |||||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | — | — | — | 19,900 | — | 19,900 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 27,421 | 197 | 27,618 | 48,061 | 1,448 | 49,509 | |||||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 6,585 | 1,102 | 7,687 | 6,748 | 1,169 | 7,917 | |||||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | 2,553 | 845 | 3,398 | 2,631 | 856 | 3,487 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 9,138 | 1,947 | 11,085 | 9,379 | 2,025 | 11,404 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total TDRs | $ | 113,815 | $ | 30,383 | $ | 144,198 | $ | 143,207 | $ | 71,924 | $ | 215,131 |
Performing TDRs were $113.8 million as of December 31, 2021, a decrease of $29.4 million or 21% from $143.2 million as of December 31, 2020. This decrease reflected payoffs and paydowns of performing C&I and construction TDR loans, partially offset by the transfers of C&I TDRs from nonperforming to performing status. Over 94% and 85% of the performing TDRs were current as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
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Nonperforming TDRs were $30.4 million as of December 31, 2021, a decrease of $41.5 million or 58% from $71.9 million as of December 31, 2020. This decrease primarily reflected transfers of certain C&I TDRs from nonperforming to performing status, and payoffs and charge-offs of C&I TDRs. The decrease was partially offset by newly designated nonperforming C&I TDR loans.
Existing TDRs that were subsequently modified in response to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be classified as TDRs. As of December 31, 2021, there were two TDRs totaling $145 thousand that were provided subsequent modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Loan Modifications Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Since late March 2020, under various forbearance programs, the Company has granted a range of commercial and consumer loan accommodations, predominantly in the form of payment deferrals, to provide relief to borrowers experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Section 4013 of the CARES Act, as amended by the CAA, permits a financial institution to elect to temporarily suspend TDR accounting under ASC Subtopic 310-40 in certain circumstances. To be eligible under Section 4013 of the CARES Act, a loan modification must be (1) related to the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) executed on a loan that was not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019; and (3) executed between March 1, 2020, and the earlier of (a) 60 days after the date of termination of the federal National Emergency or (b) January 1, 2022. The federal banking regulators, in consultation with the FASB, issued the Interagency Statement on April 7, 2020, confirming that, for loans not subject to Section 4013 of the CARES Act, short-term modifications (i.e. six months or less) made on a good faith basis in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to borrowers who were current as of the implementation date of a loan modification, or modifications granted under government mandated modification programs, are not considered as TDRs under ASC Subtopic 310-40. See additional information in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Troubled Debt Restructurings in this Form 10-K.
The delinquency aging of loans modified related to the COVID-19 pandemic is frozen at the time of the modification. As a result, the recognition of delinquent loans, nonaccrual status, and loan net charge-offs may be delayed for certain borrowers who are enrolled in these loan modification programs, which would have otherwise moved into past due or nonaccrual status. Interest income continues to be recognized over the accommodation periods.
The following table provides a summary of the COVID-19 pandemic-related loan modifications that remained under their modified terms as of December 31, 2021. The amounts represent loan modifications that meet the criteria under Section 4013 of the CARES Act, as amended by the CAA, or the Interagency Statement and therefore are not considered as TDRs. These amounts exclude loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic made on existing TDRs. A loan is counted once in the table regardless of the number of accommodations received.
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Loans | Outstanding Balance | % of Balance of Respective Loan Portfolio | Number of Loans | Outstanding Balance | % of Balance of Respective Loan Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payment deferral and forbearance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | 2 | $ | 1,584 | 0% | 16 | $ | 54,215 | 0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 19 | 270,100 | 2% | 63 | 597,972 | 5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 4 | 40,994 | 1% | 4 | 17,111 | 1% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | — | — | —% | 3 | 66,629 | 11% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 23 | 311,094 | 2% | 70 | 681,712 | 5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 25 | 312,678 | 1% | 86 | 735,927 | 3% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 76 | 40,146 | 0% | 498 | 207,797 | 3% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | 21 | 10,233 | 0% | 102 | 39,469 | 2% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 97 | 50,379 | 0% | 600 | 247,266 | 3% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 97 | 50,379 | 0% | 600 | 247,266 | 2% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 122 | $ | 363,057 | 1% | 686 | $ | 983,193 | 3% |
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The above table excludes loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic that did not meet the criteria provided under Section 4013 of the CARES Act, as amended by the CAA, or the Interagency Statement, and that were evaluated and deemed to not be classified as TDRs. The determination to not consider a modification a TDR was made on the premise that the amount of the delayed restructured payments was insignificant relative to the unpaid principal or the collateral value of the loan, resulting in an insignificant shortfall in the contractual amount due from the borrower, or an insignificant delay in the timing of the restructured payment period relative to the payment frequency under the loan’s original contractual maturity or expected duration.
The COVID-19 pandemic-related loan modifications primarily consisted of payment deferrals 12 months or less in duration, in the form of either principal payment deferrals, where the borrower was still paying interest, or full principal and interest payment deferrals. Other forbearance programs consisted of interest rate concessions. The deferred payments for commercial loans are either repaid at contractual maturity, or spread over the remaining contractual term of the loan. The deferred payments for consumer loans are repaid under defined payment plans between six to 72 months after the deferral period ends, or the loan term is extended beyond the contractual maturity by the number of payments deferred.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had $363.1 million of loans under payment deferral and forbearance programs, a decrease of $620.1 million or 63% from $983.2 million as of December 31, 2020. The loans on deferral as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020, predominantly consisted of CRE and residential mortgage loans. The year-to-date decrease in loans on deferral reflected the lifting of the COVID-19 pandemic-related business shutdowns and restrictions on travel and restaurant dining. The CRE COVID-19-related loan deferrals that were making at least partial payments increased from 73% as of December 31, 2020, to 100% as of December 31, 2021. Modifications are considered to have exited active accommodation after the borrower exited the modification program or after the modification period expired. The loans with exited or expired COVID-19 pandemic modifications were predominantly current as of December 31, 2021. The Company monitors the delinquency status of loans exiting relief programs on an ongoing basis. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic loan modifications were considered in determination of the allowance for credit losses.
Allowance for Credit Losses
ASU 2016-13, Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments requires the measurement of the allowance for credit losses to be based on management’s best estimate of lifetime expected credit losses inherent in the Company’s relevant financial assets. The allowance for credit losses estimate uses various models and estimation techniques based on historical loss experience, current borrower characteristics, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts, and other relevant factors.
In addition to the allowance for loan losses, the Company maintains an allowance for unfunded credit commitments. The Company has three general areas for which it provides the allowance for unfunded credit commitments: 1) recourse obligations for loans sold, 2) letters of credit, and 3) unfunded lending commitments. The Company’s methodology for determining the allowance calculation for unfunded lending commitments uses the lifetime loss rates of the on-balance sheet commitment. Recourse obligations for loans sold and letters of credit use the weighted loss rates for the applicable segment of the individual credit.
In the case of loans and securities, allowance for credit losses are contra-asset valuation accounts that are deducted from the amortized cost basis of these assets to present the net amount expected to be collected. In the case of unfunded credit commitments, the allowance for credit losses is a liability account that is reported as a component of Accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The Company is committed to maintaining the allowance for credit losses at a level that is commensurate with the estimated inherent losses in the loan portfolio, including unfunded credit facilities. While the Company believes that the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2021 was appropriate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio and in unfunded credit commitments based on the information available, future allowance levels may increase or decrease based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, accounting standard and regulatory changes, loan growth, portfolio performance and general economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires numerous estimates and judgements. For a description of the policies, methodologies and judgments used to determine the allowance for credit losses, see Item 7. MD&A — Critical Accounting Estimates, Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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The following table presents an allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan portfolio segments as of the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Allowance Allocation | % of Loan Type to Total Loans | Allowance Allocation | % of Loan Type to Total Loans | |||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 338,252 | 34 | % | $ | 398,040 | 36 | % | ||||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 150,940 | 29 | % | 163,791 | 29 | % | ||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | 14,400 | 9 | % | 27,573 | 8 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction and land | 15,468 | 1 | % | 10,239 | 2 | % | ||||||||||
| Total CRE | 180,808 | 39 | % | 201,603 | 39 | % | ||||||||||
| Total Commercial | 519,060 | 73 | % | 599,643 | 75 | % | ||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 17,160 | 22 | % | 15,520 | 21 | % | ||||||||||
| HELOCs | 3,435 | 5 | % | 2,690 | 4 | % | ||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 20,595 | 27 | % | 18,210 | 25 | % | ||||||||||
| Other consumer | 1,924 | 0 | % | 2,130 | 0 | % | ||||||||||
| Total Consumer | 22,519 | 27 | % | 20,340 | 25 | % | ||||||||||
| Total allowance for loan losses | $ | 541,579 | 100 | % | $ | 619,983 | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Allowance for unfunded credit commitments | $ | 27,514 | $ | 33,577 | ||||||||||||
| Total allowance for credit losses | $ | 569,093 | $ | 653,560 | ||||||||||||
| Loans held-for-investment | $ | 41,693,781 | $ | 38,390,955 | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses to loans held-for-investment | 1.30 | % | 1.61 | % |
The allowance for loan losses was $541.6 million as of December 31, 2021, a decrease of $78.4 million from $620.0 million as of December 31, 2020, primarily driven by a reduction in the allowance against the C&I loan portfolio. The change in the allowance reflects an improvement over the year in the macroeconomic forecast, partially offset by loan growth.
The Company considers multiple economic scenarios to develop the estimate of the allowance for loan losses. The scenarios may consist of a base forecast representing management’s view of the most likely outcome, and downside or upside scenarios reflecting possible worsening or improving economic conditions. The base forecast assumed that the worst of the pandemic had passed in 2021 and that COVID-19 variants would be seasonal and less disruptive in the future, with the economic outlook continuing to improve. Macroeconomic assumptions underlying the base forecast include: (1) annual Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) growth of 4.4% for 2022; (2) a return to a 3.5% unemployment rate by the end of 2022; and (3) rising interest rates. The downside scenario assumed a pullback in the expected economic recovery due to rising concerns about COVID-19 variants, with no growth in GDP and a rise in unemployment throughout 2022. The upside scenario assumed a more optimistic view of the economic recovery, including higher GDP growth through 2022 and a faster return to full employment by mid-2022.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, PPP loans outstanding were $534.2 million and $1.57 billion, respectively. Because these loans are fully guaranteed by the SBA, there was no allowance for loan losses established for these loans as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
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The following table presents net charge-offs and the net charge-offs to average loans ratios based on the loan categories as of the periods indicated:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) | Average Loans Held-for-Investment | % of Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans Held-for-Investment | Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) | Average Loans Held-for-Investment | % of Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans Held-for-Investment | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| C&I | $ | 20,584 | $ | 13,656,720 | 0.15 | % | $ | 60,797 | $ | 13,074,883 | 0.46 | % | ||||||||||
| CRE: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRE | 27,133 | 11,663,144 | 0.23 | % | 4,751 | 10,828,037 | 0.04 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily residential | (1,903) | 3,213,582 | (0.06 | %) | (1,980) | 3,009,365 | (0.07) | % | ||||||||||||||
| Construction and land | 2,347 | 445,333 | 0.53 | % | (80) | 597,118 | (0.01) | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 27,577 | 15,322,059 | 0.18 | % | 2,691 | 14,434,520 | 0.02 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | 48,161 | 28,978,779 | 0.17 | % | 63,488 | 27,509,403 | 0.23 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single-family residential | 325 | 8,742,565 | 0.00 | % | (585) | 7,611,678 | (0.01) | % | ||||||||||||||
| HELOCs | — | 1,859,073 | 0.00 | % | 172 | 1,480,516 | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | 325 | 10,601,638 | 0.00 | % | (413) | 9,092,194 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 1,492 | 136,280 | 1.09 | % | 90 | 195,392 | 0.05 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 1,817 | 10,737,918 | 0.02 | % | (323) | 9,287,586 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 49,978 | $ | 39,716,697 | 0.13 | % | $ | 63,165 | $ | 36,796,989 | 0.17 | % |
2021 net charge-offs were $50.0 million or 0.13% of average loans-held-for-investment, compared with $63.2 million or 0.17% of average loan held-for-investment in 2020. The year-over-year decrease in net charge-offs was primarily due to a decrease in C&I charge-offs, partially offset by an increase in CRE charge-offs. The decrease in C&I charge-offs was primarily driven by fewer oil and gas loan charge-offs, while the increase in CRE charge-offs was primarily driven by one CRE relationship. The recognition of certain loan charge-offs could be delayed due to payment deferral activities instituted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The allowance for unfunded credit commitments was $27.5 million as of December 31, 2021, compared with $33.6 million as of December 31, 2020.
Liquidity Risk Management
Liquidity
Liquidity is a financial institution’s capacity to meet its deposit and other counterparties’ obligations as they come due, compensate for balance sheet fluctuations, and provide funds for growth. The objective of liquidity management is to manage the potential mismatch of asset and liability cash flows at a reasonable cost. Maintaining an adequate level of liquidity depends on the institution’s ability to efficiently meet both expected and unexpected cash, and collateral needs without adversely affecting daily operations or the financial condition of the institution. To achieve this objective, the Company analyzes its liquidity risk, maintains readily available liquid assets and utilizes diverse funding sources including its stable core deposit base.
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The Board of Directors’ Risk Oversight Committee has primary oversight responsibility over the Company’s liquidity risk. At the management level, the Company’s Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) establishes the liquidity guidelines that govern the day-to-day active management of the Company’s liquidity position by requiring sufficient asset-based liquidity to cover potential funding requirements and avoid over-dependence on volatile, less reliable funding markets. These guidelines are established and monitored for both the Bank and East West, the parent company, on a stand-alone basis to ensure that the Company is a source of financial strength for its subsidiaries. The ALCO regularly monitors the liquidity status at the Company level, Bank level, and at foreign subsidiaries and branches, and related management processes, providing regular reports to the Board of Directors. The Company believes its liquidity management practices have been effective under both normal operating and stressed market conditions, including the financial stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Liquidity Risk — Liquidity Sources. The Company’s primary source of funding is from deposits, which are relatively stable and low-cost. Total deposits amounted to $53.35 billion as of December 31, 2021, compared with $44.86 billion as of December 31, 2020. The Company’s loan-to-deposit ratio was 78% as of December 31, 2021, compared with 86% as of December 31, 2020.
In addition to deposits, the Company has access to various sources of wholesale financing, including borrowing capacity with the FHLB and FRBSF, unsecured federal funds lines of credit with various correspondent banks, and several master repurchase agreements with major brokerage companies to sustain an adequate liquid asset portfolio, meet daily cash demands and allow management flexibility to execute its business strategy. Economic conditions and the stability of capital markets impact the Company’s access to and the cost of wholesale financing. The Company’s access to capital markets is also affected by the ratings received from various credit rating agencies. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had a total borrowing capacity of $25.27 billion. The Company had available borrowing capacity under secured borrowing lines of $11.93 billion with the FHLB and $4.05 billion with the FRBSF. Unencumbered loans and/or securities were pledged to the FHLB and the FRBSF discount window as collateral. The Company has established operational procedures to enable borrowing against these assets, including regular monitoring of the total pool of loans and securities eligible as collateral. Eligibility of collateral is defined in guidelines from the FHLB and FRBSF and is subject to change at their discretion. The Bank’s unsecured federal funds lines of credit with correspondent banks, subject to availability, totaled $1.03 billion as of December 31, 2021. Estimated borrowing capacity from unpledged AFS debt securities totaled $8.26 billion as of December 31, 2021. See Item 7. — MD&A — Balance Sheet Analysis — Deposits and Other Sources of Funding in this Form 10-K for further detail related to the Company’s funding sources.
The Company maintains a certain level of liquid assets in the form of cash and cash equivalents, interest-bearing deposits with banks, short-term resale agreements, and unencumbered high-quality and liquid AFS debt securities. The following table presents the Company’s liquid assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encumbered | Unencumbered | Total | Encumbered | Unencumbered | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | — | $ | 3,912,935 | $ | 3,912,935 | $ | — | $ | 4,017,971 | $ | 4,017,971 | |||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits with banks | — | 736,492 | 736,492 | — | 809,728 | 809,728 | |||||||||||||||||
| Resale agreements due to mature in one year | — | 1,818,503 | 1,818,503 | — | 900,000 | 900,000 | |||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury, and U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities | 384,895 | 1,949,757 | 2,334,652 | 91,637 | 773,443 | 865,080 | |||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities | 418,761 | 3,738,502 | 4,157,263 | 494,132 | 2,320,532 | 2,814,664 | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign government bonds | — | 257,733 | 257,733 | — | 182,531 | 182,531 | |||||||||||||||||
| Municipal securities | — | 523,158 | 523,158 | 1,033 | 395,040 | 396,073 | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and CLOs | 240 | 2,042,642 | 2,042,882 | 434 | 879,908 | 880,342 | |||||||||||||||||
| Corporate debt securities | — | 649,665 | 649,665 | 1,249 | 404,719 | 405,968 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 803,896 | $ | 15,629,387 | $ | 16,433,283 | $ | 588,485 | $ | 10,683,872 | $ | 11,272,357 |
Unencumbered liquid assets totaled $15.63 billion as of December 31, 2021, compared with $10.68 billion as of December 31, 2020. AFS debt securities consist of high quality and liquid securities with relatively short durations to minimize overall interest rate and liquidity risks. The Company believes these AFS debt securities are sources of liquidity that will permit it to quickly obtain financing, regardless of market conditions, through sale or pledging.
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Management believes that the Company’s excess cash, borrowing capacity and access to sufficient sources of capital are adequate to meet its short-term and long-term liquidity needs in the foreseeable future. In addition, the Company may use debt and equity issuances when costs are deemed attractive, should longer term needs arise.
Liquidity Risk — Cash Requirements. In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, the Company enters into contractual obligations that require future cash payments, including funding for customer deposit withdrawals, repayments for short-term and long-term borrowings, leases obligations and other cash commitments. The Company also has off-balance sheet arrangements which represent transactions that are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements include (i) commitments to extend credit, such as loan commitments, commercial letters of credit for foreign and domestic trade, standby letters of credit (“SBLCs”), and financial guarantees, to meet financing needs of its customers, (ii) future interest obligations related to customer deposits and the Company’s borrowings, and (iii) transactions with unconsolidated entities that provide financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company, or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with the Company. Since many of these commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements. Information about the Company’s loan commitments, commercial letters of credit and SBLCs is provided in Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form10-K.
The following table shows the Company’s material cash requirements from significant and determinable contractual obligations as of December 31, 2021. The Company’s liquidity sources have been, and are expected to be, sufficient to meet such cash requirements.
| ($ in thousands) | Payment Due by Period | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to One Year | Greater than One Year | Total | |||||||||
| On-balance sheet obligations: | |||||||||||
| FHLB advances | $ | 249,331 | $ | — | $ | 249,331 | |||||
| Gross repurchase agreements | — | 300,000 | 300,000 | ||||||||
| Affordable housing partnership and other tax credit investment commitments | 174,475 | 135,141 | 309,616 | ||||||||
| Long-term debt (1) | — | 147,658 | 147,658 | ||||||||
| Lease Liabilities | 4,458 | 105,414 | 109,872 | ||||||||
| Projected cash payments for employee benefit plans | 1,277 | 21,244 | 22,521 | ||||||||
| Total on-balance sheet obligations | $ | 429,541 | $ | 709,457 | $ | 1,138,998 |
(1)Represents junior subordinated debt, which is subject to call options where early redemption requires appropriate notice. For further discussion see Note 10 — Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Long-Term Debt in this Form 10-K.
The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows summarizes the Company’s sources and uses of cash by type of activities in 2021, 2020, and 2019. Excess cash generated by operating and investing activities may be used to repay outstanding debt or invest in liquid assets.
Liquidity Risk — Liquidity for East West. In addition to bank level liquidity management, the Company manages liquidity at the parent company level for various operating needs including payment of dividends, repurchases of common stock, principal and interest payments on its borrowings, acquisitions and additional investments in its subsidiaries. East West’s primary source of liquidity is from cash dividends distributed by its subsidiary, East West Bank. The Bank is subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends as discussed in Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds in this Form 10-K. As of December 31, 2021, East West held $345.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, after receiving $200.0 million in dividends from the Bank. In comparison, as of December 31, 2020, East West held $439.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, after receiving $511.0 million in dividends from the Bank. The dividends from the Bank to East West have historically been sufficient to meet the projected cash obligations of the parent company for the coming year.
Liquidity Risk — Liquidity Stress Testing. Liquidity stress testing is performed at the Company and Bank level, as well as at the foreign subsidiary and foreign branch levels. Stress tests and scenario analyses are intended to quantify the potential impact of a liquidity event on the financial and liquidity position of the entity. Scenario analyses include assumptions about significant changes in key funding sources, market triggers, potential uses of funding and economic conditions in certain countries. In addition, Company specific events are incorporated into the stress testing. Liquidity stress tests are conducted to ascertain potential mismatches between liquidity sources and uses over a variety of time horizons, both immediate and longer term, and over a variety of stressed conditions. Given the range of potential stresses, the Company maintains contingency funding plans on a consolidated basis and for individual entities.
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As of December 31, 2021, the Company was not aware of any material commitments for capital expenditures in the foreseeable future and believes it has adequate liquidity resources to conduct operations and meet other needs in the ordinary course of business. Given the uncertainty of economic conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company will continue to actively evaluate the nature and extent of impact on its business and financial position. For more information of how the COVID-19 pandemic may impact our liquidity, see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic in this Form 10-K.
Market Risk Management
Market risk is the risk that the Company’s financial condition may change resulting from adverse movements in market rates or prices including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, interest rate contracts, investment securities prices, credit spreads and related risk resulting from mismatches in rate sensitive assets and liabilities. In the event of market stress, the risk could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
The Board’s Risk Oversight Committee has primary oversight responsibility over market risk management. At the management level, the ALCO establishes and monitors compliance with the policies and risk limits pertaining to market risk management activities. Corporate Treasury supports the ALCO in measuring, monitoring and managing interest rate risk as well as all other market risks.
Interest Rate Risk Management
Interest rate risk results primarily from the Company’s traditional banking activities of gathering deposits and extending loans, which are the primary areas of market risk for the Company. Economic and financial conditions, movements in interest rates, and consumer preferences impact the level of noninterest-bearing funding sources at the Company, as well as affect the difference between the interest the Company earns on interest-earning assets and pays on interest-bearing liabilities. In addition, changes in interest rates can influence the rate of principal prepayments on loans and the speed of deposit withdrawals. Due to the pricing term mismatches and the embedded options inherent in certain products, changes in market interest rates not only affect expected near-term earnings, but also the economic value of these interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Other market risks include foreign currency exchange risk and equity price risk. These risks are not considered significant to the Company, and no separate quantitative information concerning these risks is presented herein.
With oversight by the Company’s Board of Directors, the ALCO coordinates the overall management of the Company’s interest rate risk. The ALCO meets regularly and is responsible for reviewing the Company’s open market positions and establishing policies to monitor and limit exposure to market risk. Management of interest rate risk is carried out primarily through strategies involving the Company’s debt securities portfolio, loan portfolio, available funding channels and capital market activities. In addition, the Company’s policies permit the use of derivative instruments to assist in managing interest rate risk.
The interest rate risk exposure is measured and monitored through various risk management tools, which include a simulation model that performs interest rate sensitivity analyses under multiple interest rate scenarios. The model incorporates the Company’s cash instruments, loans, debt securities, resale agreements, deposits, borrowings and repurchase agreements, as well as financial instruments from the Company’s foreign operations. The Company uses both a static balance sheet and a forward growth balance sheet to perform these analyses. The simulated interest rate scenarios include a non-parallel shift in the yield curve (“rate shock”) and a gradual non-parallel shift in the yield curve (“rate ramp”) over a static balance sheet. In addition, the Company also performs simulations using alternative interest rate scenarios, including various permutations of the yield curve flattening, steepening or inverting. Results of these various simulations are used to formulate and gauge strategies to achieve a desired risk profile within the Company’s capital and liquidity guidelines.
The net interest income simulation model is based on the actual maturity and repricing characteristics of the Company’s interest-rate sensitive assets, liabilities and related derivative contracts. It also incorporates various assumptions, which management believes to be reasonable but may have a significant impact on results. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the timing and magnitude of changes in interest rates, the yield curve evolution and shape, the correlation between various interest rate indices, financial instrument future repricing characteristics and spread relative to benchmark rates, and the effect of interest rate floors and caps. The modeled results are highly sensitive to deposit decay and deposit beta assumptions, which are derived from a regression analysis of the Company’s historical deposit data. The Company used full betas with each incremental rate increase in the rate ramp scenarios, and did not assume lags in repricing. Deposit beta commonly refers to the correlation of the changes in interest rates paid on deposits to changes in benchmark interest rates. The model is also sensitive to the loan and investment prepayment assumptions that are based on an independent model and the Company’s historical prepayment data, which consider anticipated prepayments under different interest rate environments.
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Simulation results are highly dependent on input assumptions. To the extent actual behavior is different from the assumptions in the models, there could be a material change in interest rate sensitivity. The assumptions applied in the model are documented and supported for reasonableness, and periodically back-tested to assess their effectiveness. The Company makes appropriate calibrations to the model as needed, continually refining the model, methodology and results. Changes to key model assumptions are reviewed by the ALCO. Scenario results do not reflect strategies that management could employ to limit the impact of changing interest rate expectations.
To help address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and financial markets, the Federal Reserve reduced the benchmark federal funds rate to a target range of 0.00% to 0.25%. Throughout 2021, it elected to follow this approach as pandemic-related risks to the economy were likely to persist for the foreseeable future. At its January 2022 meeting, the Federal Reserve maintained the target interest rate at a range of 0.00% to 0.25% but reiterated its commitment to a shift away from pandemic-era economic stimulus toward containing inflation and signaled that the Federal Reserve was on track to raise interest rates in 2022 and 2023.
Twelve-Month Net Interest Income Simulation
Net interest income simulation modeling looks at interest rate risk through earnings. It projects the changes in interest rate sensitive asset and liability cash flows, expressed in terms of net interest income, over a specified time horizon for defined interest rates scenarios. Net interest income simulations generate insight into the impact of changes in market rates on earnings and guide risk management decisions. The Company assesses interest rate risk by comparing net interest income using different interest rate scenarios.
The following table presents the Company’s net interest income sensitivity related to an instantaneous and sustained non-parallel shift in market interest rates of 100 and 200 bps in an upward direction as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | Net Interest Income Volatility (1) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| +200 | 19.5 | % | 12.6 | % | ||
| +100 | 9.4 | % | 5.6 | % | ||
| -100 | NM | NM | ||||
| -200 | NM | NM |
NM — Not meaningful.
(1)The percentage change represents net interest income over 12 months in a stable interest rate environment versus net interest income in the various rate scenarios.
While an instantaneous and sustained non-parallel shift in market interest rates was used in the simulation model described in the preceding paragraphs, the Company believes that any shift in interest rates would likely be more gradual and would therefore have a more modest impact, and non-parallel gradual rate shift scenarios may give a more meaningful estimate of the Company’s underlying interest rate risk. The rate ramp table below shows the net income volatility under a gradual non-parallel shift of the yield curve upward, in even quarterly increments over the first 12 months, followed by rates held constant thereafter:
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | Net Interest Income Volatility (1) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| +200 Rate Ramp | 9.2 | % | 4.9 | % | ||
| +100 Rate Ramp | 4.1 | % | 2.2 | % | ||
| -100 Rate Ramp | NM | NM | ||||
| -200 Rate Ramp | NM | NM |
NM — Not meaningful.
(1)The percentage change represents net interest income under a gradual non-parallel shift in even quarterly increments over 12 months.
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As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s net interest income profile reflects an asset sensitive position. Net interest income is expected to increase if interest rates rise. The Company is naturally asset sensitive due to the large share of variable rate loans in its loan portfolio, which are primarily linked to Prime and LIBOR indices. The Company’s interest income is sensitive to changes in short-term interest rates. The Company’s deposit portfolio is primarily comprised of non-maturity deposits, which are not directly tied to short-term interest rate indices, but are, nevertheless, sensitive to changes in short-term interest rates.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s estimated twelve-month net interest income sensitivity was higher under both non-parallel rate shift and ramp increases, as compared with the sensitivity as of December 31, 2020. The increased rate sensitivity in the Company’s net interest income was primarily due to an increase in noninterest-bearing deposits and updated deposit assumptions.
Economic Value of Equity at Risk
Economic value of equity (“EVE”) is a cash flow calculation that takes the present value of all asset cash flows and subtracts the present value of all liability cash flows. This calculation is used for asset/liability management and measures changes in the economic value of the bank. The fair market values of a bank's assets and liabilities are directly linked to interest rates. The economic value approach provides a comparatively broader scope than the net income volatility approach since it captures all anticipated cash flows.
EVE simulation reflects the effect of interest rate shifts on the value of the Company and is used to assess the degree of interest rate risk exposure. In contrast to the earnings perspective, the economic perspective identifies risks arising from repricing or maturity gaps over the life of the balance sheet. Changes in economic value indicate anticipated changes in the value of the bank’s future cash flows. Thus, the economic perspective can provide a leading indicator of the bank’s future earnings and capital values. The economic value method also reflects sensitivity across the full maturity spectrum of the bank’s assets and liabilities.
The following table presents the Company’s EVE sensitivity related to an instantaneous and sustained non-parallel shift in market interest rates of 100 and 200 bps in an upward direction as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Change in Interest Rates (in bps) | EVE Volatility (1) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| +200 | 7.1 | % | 9.6 | % | ||
| +100 | 3.5 | % | 4.8 | % | ||
| -100 | NM | NM | ||||
| -200 | NM | NM |
NM — Not meaningful.
(1)The percentage change represents net portfolio value of the Company in a stable interest rate environment versus net portfolio value in the various rate scenarios.
The Company’s EVE sensitivity for the upward interest rate scenarios decreased as of December 31, 2021, compared with the results as of December 31, 2020. The changes in EVE sensitivity during this period were primarily due to changes in the level and shape of the yield curve, as well as changes in the balance sheet mix.
The Company’s EVE profile as of December 31, 2021, reflects an asset sensitive EVE position under the higher interest rate scenarios. Given the uncertainty of the magnitude, timing and direction of future interest rate movements, and the shape of the yield curve, actual results may vary from those predicted by the Company’s model.
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Derivatives
It is the Company’s policy not to speculate on the future direction of interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. However, the Company will periodically enter into derivative transactions in order to reduce its exposure to market risks, primarily interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company believes that these derivative transactions, when properly structured and managed, may provide a hedge against inherent risk in certain assets and liabilities and against risk in specific transactions. Hedging transactions may be implemented using a variety of derivative instruments such as swaps, forwards and options. Prior to entering into any hedging activities, the Company analyzes the costs and benefits of the hedge in comparison to alternative strategies. In addition, the Company enters into derivative transactions in order to assist customers with their risk management objectives, such as managing exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currencies and commodity prices. To economically hedge against the derivative contracts entered into with the Company’s customers, the Company enters into mirrored derivative contracts with third-party financial institutions. The exposures from derivative transactions are collateralized by cash and/or eligible securities based on limits as set forth in the respective agreements entered between the Company and counterparty financial institutions.
The Company is subject to credit risk associated with the counterparties to the derivative contracts. This counterparty credit risk is a multi-dimensional form of risk, affected by both the exposure and credit quality of the counterparty, both of which are sensitive to market-induced changes. The Company’s Credit Risk Management Committee provides oversight of credit risks and the Company has guidelines in place to manage counterparty concentration, tenor limits and collateral. The Company manages the credit risk of its derivative positions by diversifying its positions among various counterparties, by entering into legally enforceable master netting arrangements, and by requiring collateral arrangements, where possible. The Company may also transfer counterparty credit risk-related to interest rate swaps to institutional third parties through the use of credit risk participation agreements. Certain derivative contracts are required to be centrally cleared through clearinghouses to further mitigate counterparty credit risk. The Company incorporates credit value adjustments and other market standard methodologies to appropriately reflect its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements of its derivatives.
The following table summarizes certain information about derivative financial instruments utilized by the Company in its management of interest rate risk and foreign currency risk as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Interest Rate Contracts | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Interest Rate Contracts | Foreign Exchange Contracts | ||||||||||||
| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cash Flow Hedges | Net Investment Hedges | Cash Flow Hedges | Net Investment Hedges | |||||||||||
| Notional amounts: | $ | 275,000 | $ | 86,531 | $ | 275,000 | $ | 84,269 | |||||||
| Fair value: | |||||||||||||||
| Recognized as an asset | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
| Recognized as a liability | 57 | 225 | 1,864 | 235 | |||||||||||
| Net fair value | $ | (57) | $ | (225) | $ | (1,864) | $ | (235) | |||||||
| Weighted average interest rates: | |||||||||||||||
| Pay fixed (receive floating) | 0.351% (3-month USD-LIBOR) | NM | 0.483% (3-month USD-LIBOR) | NM | |||||||||||
| Weighted average remaining term to maturity (in months): | 13.9 | 2.7 | 25.8 | 2.6 | |||||||||||
| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Interest Rate Contracts | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Interest Rate Contracts | Foreign Exchange Contracts | |||||||||||
| Notional amounts: | $ | 17,575,420 | $ | 1,874,681 | $ | 18,155,678 | $ | 3,108,488 | |||||||
| Fair value: | |||||||||||||||
| Recognized as an asset | 240,222 | 21,033 | 489,132 | 30,300 | |||||||||||
| Recognized as a liability | 179,905 | 15,276 | 315,834 | 22,524 | |||||||||||
| Net fair value | $ | 60,317 | $ | 5,757 | $ | 173,298 | $ | 7,776 |
NM — Not meaningful.
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Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments — Interest rate and foreign exchange derivative contracts are utilized in the Company’s asset and liability management activities and serve as an efficient tool to manage the Company’s interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk. We use derivatives to hedge the risk of variable cash flows that the Company is exposed to from its variable interest rate borrowings, including repurchase agreements and FHLB advances. The Company also uses derivatives to hedge the risk of changes in the USD equivalent value of a designated monetary amount of the Company’s investment in East West Bank (China) Limited. For both cash flow and net investment hedges, the change in the fair value of the hedging instruments is recognized in AOCI, net of tax, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The fluctuation in foreign currency translation of the hedged exposure is expected to be offset by changes in the fair value of the forward contracts. As of December 31, 2021, the outstanding foreign currency forward contracts effectively hedged approximately 50% of the net RMB exposure from East West Bank (China) Limited.
Changes to the composition of the Company’s derivatives designated as hedging instruments during 2021 reflect actions taken for interest rate risk and foreign exchange rate risk management. The Company repositions its derivatives portfolio based on the current assessment of economic and financial conditions, including the interest rate and foreign currency environments, balance sheet composition and trends, and the relative mix of its cash and derivative positions.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments — The Company enters into interest rate, foreign exchange and energy commodity contracts to support the business needs of its customers. When derivative transactions are executed with its customers, the derivative contracts are offset by paired trades with third-party financial institutions. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are either exchange-traded, centrally cleared through a clearinghouse or over-the counter.
The Company offers various interest rate derivative contracts to its customers. For the interest rate contracts entered into with its customers, the Company managed its interest rate risk by entering into offsetting interest rate contracts with third-party financial institutions and central clearing organizations. Certain derivative contracts entered into with central clearing organizations are settled-to-market daily to the extent the central clearing organizations’ rulebooks legally characterize the variation margin as settlement. Derivative contracts allow borrowers to lock in attractive intermediate and long-term fixed rate financing while not increasing the interest rate risk to the Company. These transactions are not linked to any specific Company assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, or to forecasted transactions in a hedging relationship, and are therefore classified as economic hedges. The contracts are marked-to-market at each reporting period. The changes in fair values of the derivative contracts traded with third-party financial institutions are expected to be largely comparable to the changes in fair values of the derivative transactions executed with customers throughout the terms of these contracts, except for the credit valuation adjustment component. The Company records credit valuation adjustments on the derivatives to properly reflect the variances of credit worthiness between the Company and the counterparties, considering the effects of enforceable master netting agreements and collateral arrangements.
The Company enters into foreign exchange contracts with its customers, consisting of forward, spot, swap and option contracts to accommodate the business needs of its customers. For the foreign exchange contracts entered into with its customers, the Company managed its foreign exchange and credit exposures by entering into offsetting foreign exchange contracts with third-party financial institutions and/or entering into bilateral collateral and master netting agreements with customer counterparties. The changes in the fair values entered with third-party financial institutions are expected to be largely comparable to the changes in fair values of the foreign exchange transactions executed with the customers throughout the terms of these contracts. As of December 31, 2021, the Company anticipates performance by all counterparties and has not experienced nonperformance by any of its counterparties, and therefore did not incur any related losses. The Company also utilizes foreign exchange contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to mitigate the economic effect of fluctuations in certain foreign currency on-balance sheet assets and liabilities, primarily foreign currency denominated deposits offered to its customers. The Company’s policies permit taking proprietary currency positions within approved limits, in compliance with exemptions to proprietary trading restrictions provided under Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, or the Volcker Rule. The Company does not speculate in the foreign exchange markets, and actively manages its foreign exchange exposures within prescribed risk limits and defined controls.
The Company enters into energy commodity contracts with its customers to allow them to hedge against the risk of energy commodity price fluctuations. To economically hedge against the risk of commodity price fluctuations in the products offered to its customers, the Company enters into offsetting commodity contracts with third-party financial institutions and central clearing organizations. Certain derivative contracts entered into with central clearing organizations are settled to market daily, to the extent the central clearing organizations’ rulebooks legally characterize the variation margin as settlement. The changes in fair values of the energy commodity contracts traded with third-party financial institutions are expected to be largely comparable to the changes in fair values of the energy commodity transactions executed with customers throughout the terms of these contracts.
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Additional information on the Company’s derivatives is presented in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Derivatives, Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and Note 5 — Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K. Certain of these policies include critical accounting estimates, which are subject to valuation assumptions, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain, and it is likely that materially different amounts could be reported under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has procedures and processes in place to facilitate making these judgments. The following is a brief description of the Company’s critical accounting estimates involving significant judgments.
Allowance for Loan Losses and Unfunded Credit Commitments
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments requires the measurement of the allowance for credit losses to be based on management’s best estimate of lifetime expected credit losses inherent in the Company’s relevant financial assets. The Company’s allowance for credit losses, which includes both the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for unfunded credit commitments, is calculated with the objective of maintaining a reserve sufficient to absorb losses inherent in our credit portfolio. Management’s ongoing determination of the appropriateness of the allowance involves significant judgements including, but not limited to, the development and weighting of macroeconomic forecasts, incorporation of historical loss experience, assessment of key credit risk characteristics, assignment of risk ratings, valuation of collateral, and the determination of remaining expected life. The allowance for credit losses considers the unique risk characteristics of the loan portfolio segments. The commercial loan portfolio is comprised of C&I, CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans; and the consumer loan portfolio is comprised of single-family residential, HELOCs, and other consumer loans.
When similar risk characteristics exist, the Company measures the expected loan losses on a collective pool basis. Lifetime loss rate models have been adopted for the portfolios, which use historical loss rates and forecast economic variables to calculate the expected credit losses for each loan pool. Models consisting of quantitative and qualitative components are designed for each pool to develop the expected credit loss estimate. Quantitative methods consider factors such as historical loss experience, the current credit quality of the portfolio, as well as an economic outlook over the life of the loan. Our allowance for credit losses is sensitive to the macroeconomic forecast assumptions. The Company incorporates forward-looking information using macroeconomic scenarios applied over the forecasted life of the loans. These macroeconomic scenarios, which are applied over a reasonable and supportable forecast period, consist of the base forecast representing management’s view of the most likely outcome reflected in the financial statements, along with two additional scenarios considered in calculating the allowance for loan loss estimate. The additional scenarios include downside and upside scenarios reflecting possible worsening or improving economic conditions. The scenarios are based on quantitative components, such as macroeconomic variables that are most relevant to the Company’s modeled credit losses, and qualitative components not already considered in the quantitative components, such as the environment factors including the uncertainties in the loan portfolio resulted from the estimated impact from the pandemic on credit losses, as well as the regulatory environment.
Under the base forecast, the U.S. unemployment rate is expected to fall from below 4.0% at the start of 2022 to 3.5% by the end of 2022 and remain in this range thereafter. The U.S. real GDP is expected to grow by 4.4% for 2022 and taper down to below 3.0% by mid-2023. The downside scenario assumed a slower recovery to full employment and forecasted an increase in the U.S. unemployment rate throughout 2022, averaging 4.1% higher than the base scenario with a peak difference of 5.5% in the first quarter of 2023. A flat growth is assumed for real GDP in 2022, followed by a slower recovery thereafter. The upside scenario assumed a more optimistic view for the economic recovery, including higher annual GDP growth at 6.3% for 2022 and a faster return to full employment by mid-2022.
The following sensitivity analysis does not represent management’s view of expected credit losses as of December 31, 2021 but is provided as hypothetical scenarios to assess the sensitivity of allowance for credit losses considering the impact of alternative macroeconomic forecasts. If the Company applied a 100% weighting to the downside scenario rather than a weighting of multiple scenarios, and excluded the effects of the qualitative components to the allowance for credit losses, the difference between the weighted qualitative modeled loss estimates and downside scenario as of December 31, 2021 are as follows:
•An increase of approximately $166 million in the allowance for credit losses for the commercial loan portfolio and its lending-related commitments.
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•An increase of approximately $5 million in the allowance for credit losses for the consumer loan portfolio and its lending-related commitments.
The above sensitivity analysis is not intended to reflect the expected future changes in the allowance for credit losses. Additionally, qualitative factors such as the stress from the COVID-19 pandemic and the pace of the economic recovery, were excluded from the macroeconomic variables in the above sensitivity analysis, but were considered in estimating the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2021. While the effect of the current economic environment and the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be uncertain, the Company believes that its estimates for the allowance for credit losses are supported and reasonable.
When loans do not share risk characteristics, the Company evaluates the expected credit losses on an individual basis if, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. The following three different asset valuation measurement methods are available: (1) the present value of expected future cash flows, (2) the fair value of collateral less costs to sell, and (3) the loan’s observable market price. The allowance for loan losses for collateral-dependent loans is determined based on the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. For loans that are not collateral-dependent, the Company applies the present value of expected future cash flows valuation or the market value of the loan.
The allowance for unfunded credit commitments includes reserves provided for unfunded loan commitments, letters of credit, SBLCs and recourse obligations for loans sold. For all off-balance sheet instruments and commitments, the unfunded credit exposure is calculated using utilization assumptions based on the Company's historical utilization experience in related portfolio segments. Loss rates are applied to the calculated exposure balances to estimate the allowance for unfunded credit commitments. Other elements such as credit risk factors for loans outstanding, terms and expiration dates of the unfunded credit facilities, and other pertinent information are considered to determine the adequacy of the allowance.
For additional information on allowance for credit losses, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Fair Value Estimates
A portion of the Company’s financial instruments are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, with changes in fair value recorded either through earnings or other comprehensive income (loss). Financial instruments measured on a recurring basis include AFS debt securities, certain equity securities and derivatives.
In determining the fair value of financial instruments, the Company uses market prices of the same or similar instruments whenever such prices are available. The Company does not use prices involving distressed sellers in determining fair value. Changes in the market conditions such as reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities, may increase variability or reduce the availability of market prices used to determine fair value. If observable market prices are unavailable or impracticable to obtain, then fair value is estimated using modeling techniques such as discounted cash flows analysis. These modeling techniques incorporate management’s assessments regarding assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or the liability, including the risks inherent in a particular valuation technique and the risk of nonperformance. The use of methodologies or assumptions different than those used by the Company could result in different estimates of fair value of financial instruments.
Significant judgment is also required to determine the fair value hierarchy for certain financial instruments. When fair values are based on valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, the financial assets and liabilities are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy established under ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurement. Total recurring Level 3 assets were $215 thousand and $273 thousand as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and there were no recurring Level 3 liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis, include certain individually evaluated loans held-for-investment, loans held-for-sale, investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments, OREO and other nonperforming assets. Total non-recurring Level 3 assets were $127.0 million and $208.8 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
For a complete discussion on the Company’s fair value hierarchy of financial instruments, fair value measurement techniques and assumptions, and the impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements, see Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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Goodwill Impairment
The Company assesses goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances change that indicate a potential impairment at the reporting unit level. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill to determine whether it is likely or not the fair value is less than its carrying amount or elect to bypass the qualitative test and proceed directly to a quantitative test. Factors considered in qualitative assessments may include but are not limited to macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, financial performance of the respective operating segment and other specific reporting unit considerations. If the qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying fair value, the Company is required to perform a quantitative assessment to determine if there is goodwill impairment. A quantitative valuation involves determining the fair value of each reporting unit and comparing the fair value to its corresponding carrying value. In order to determine the fair value of the reporting units, a combined income approach and market approach is used.
Significant judgments are applied and assumptions are made when estimating the fair value of the reporting units. Estimates of fair value are dependent upon various factors including estimates of the profitability of the Company’s reporting units, long term growth rates and the estimated market cost of equity, such as the discount rate and price multiples of comparable companies. Imprecision in estimating these factors can affect the estimated fair value of the reporting units. Certain events or circumstances could have a negative effect on the estimated fair value of the reporting units, including declines in business performance, increases in credit losses, as well as deterioration in economic or market conditions and adverse regulatory or legislative changes, which could result in a material impairment charge to earnings in a future period. As of December 31, 2021, there is no goodwill impairment booked as a result of the evaluation. For additional information on goodwill, see in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 8 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K. For information on how reporting units were determined and the methodology and assumptions used to determine reporting unit fair values, see Note 17 — Business Segments in this Form 10-K.
Income Taxes
The Company is subject to income tax laws of the various tax jurisdictions in which it conducts business, including the U.S., its states and the municipalities, and the tax jurisdictions in Hong Kong and China. The Company estimates income tax expense based on amounts expected to be owed to these various tax jurisdictions. The estimated income tax expense or benefit is reported on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
Accrued taxes represent the net estimated amount due to or due from various tax jurisdictions in the current year and are reported in Accrued expenses and other liabilities or Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In estimating accrued taxes, the Company assesses the appropriate tax treatment of transactions and filing positions after considering statutes, regulations, judicial precedent, and other pertinent information. The income tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the Company and the relevant government taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining the tax accruals and in evaluating the tax positions, including evaluating uncertain tax positions. Changes in the estimate of accrued taxes occur periodically due to changes in tax rates, tax credits, interpretations of tax laws, the status of examinations by the tax authorities, and newly enacted statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance that could impact the relative merits and risks of tax positions. These changes, when occur, impact tax expense and can materially affect our operating results and financial condition. The Company reviews its tax positions on a quarterly basis and makes adjustments to accrued taxes as new information becomes available.
Deferred tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable in future years. Such assets arise due to temporary differences between the financial accounting basis and the income tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as from net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. The Company regularly evaluates the realizability of deferred tax assets. The available evidence used in connection with the evaluations includes taxable income, potential tax-planning strategies, and projected future reversals of deferred tax items. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
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The Company reports a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in an income tax return. Uncertain tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize. An uncertain tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that management believes has a greater than 50% likelihood of realization upon settlement. Tax benefits not meeting our realization criteria represent unrecognized tax benefits. The Company establishes a liability for potential taxes, interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions based on facts and circumstances, including the interpretation of existing law, new judicial or regulatory guidance, and the status of tax audits. The Company believes that adequate provisions have been recorded for all income tax uncertainties consistent with ASC 740, Income Taxes as of December 31, 2021. See Note 11 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information on income taxes.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
For detailed discussion and disclosure on new accounting pronouncements adopted and recent accounting standards, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company uses certain non-GAAP measures of financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with, or as an alternative to U.S. GAAP. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A non-GAAP financial measure may also be a financial metric that is not required by U.S. GAAP or other applicable requirements. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with the corresponding U.S. GAAP financial measures, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance, and allow comparability to prior periods. These non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes.
During 2020, the Company recorded $10.7 million in recoveries, of which $1.1 million was recorded as an impairment recovery, and $5.1 million in uncertain tax position related to DC Solar. In addition, the Company prepaid $150.0 million of repurchase agreements and incurred a debt extinguishment cost of $8.7 million in 2020. During 2019, the Company recorded a $7.0 million impairment charge, reversed $30.1 million of certain previously claimed tax credits and subsequently recovered $1.6 million related to DC Solar.
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The following tables present the reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures of 2021, 2020 and 2019:
| ($ and shares in thousands, except per share data) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | (a) | $ | 872,981 | $ | 567,797 | $ | 674,035 | |||||||||
| Adjustments related to DC Solar | ||||||||||||||||
| Add: Impairment charge (1) | — | — | 6,978 | |||||||||||||
| Less: Recoveries (1) | — | (10,739) | (1,583) | |||||||||||||
| Tax effect of adjustments (2) | — | 3,047 | (1,595) | |||||||||||||
| Add: Reversal of certain previously claimed tax credits | — | — | 30,104 | |||||||||||||
| Add: Uncertain tax position recorded in income tax expense | — | 5,127 | — | |||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP net income | (b) | $ | 872,981 | $ | 565,232 | $ | 707,939 | |||||||||
| Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding | 143,140 | 142,991 | 146,179 | |||||||||||||
| Diluted EPS | $ | 6.10 | $ | 3.97 | $ | 4.61 | ||||||||||
| Adjustments related to DC Solar | ||||||||||||||||
| Impairment charge, net of tax | — | — | 0.03 | |||||||||||||
| Recoveries, net of tax | — | (0.06) | (0.01) | |||||||||||||
| Reversal of certain previously claimed tax credits | — | — | 0.21 | |||||||||||||
| Uncertain tax position recorded in income tax expense | — | 0.04 | — | |||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP diluted EPS | $ | 6.10 | $ | 3.95 | $ | 4.84 | ||||||||||
| Average total assets | (c) | $ | 59,251,091 | $ | 48,937,793 | $ | 42,484,885 | |||||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | (d) | $ | 5,559,212 | $ | 5,082,186 | $ | 4,760,845 | |||||||||
| ROA | (a)/(c) | 1.47 | % | 1.16 | % | 1.59 | % | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP ROA | (b)/(c) | 1.47 | % | 1.16 | % | 1.67 | % | |||||||||
| ROE | (a)/(d) | 15.70 | % | 11.17 | % | 14.16 | % | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP ROE | (b)/(d) | 15.70 | % | 11.12 | % | 14.87 | % |
(1)Included in Amortization of tax credit and other investments on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
(2)Applied statutory tax rates of 28.77% for 2021, 28.37% for 2020 and 29.56% for 2019.
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income before provision for credit losses | (a) | $ | 1,531,571 | $ | 1,377,193 | $ | 1,467,813 | ||||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | 285,895 | 235,547 | 222,245 | (1) | |||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | (b) | $ | 1,817,466 | $ | 1,612,740 | $ | 1,690,058 | ||||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | (c) | $ | 796,089 | $ | 716,322 | $ | 747,456 | (1) | |||||||||||
| Less: Amortization of tax credit and other investments | (122,457) | (70,082) | (98,383) | (1) | |||||||||||||||
| Amortization of core deposit intangibles | (2,749) | (3,634) | (4,518) | ||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment cost | — | (8,740) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP noninterest expense | (d) | $ | 670,883 | $ | 633,866 | $ | 644,555 | ||||||||||||
| Efficiency ratio | (c)/(b) | 43.80 | % | 44.42 | % | 44.23 | % | ||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP efficiency ratio | (d)/(b) | 36.91 | % | 39.30 | % | 38.14 | % |
(1)In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company reclassified certain income/losses from equity-method investments from Amortization of tax credit and other investments to Other investment income, with no effect on net income. Prior-period amounts have been revised to conform with the current presentation.
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| ($ and shares in thousands, except per share data) | December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | (a) | $ | 5,837,218 | $ | 5,269,175 | $ | 5,017,617 | ||||||
| Less: Goodwill | (465,697) | (465,697) | (465,697) | ||||||||||
| Other intangible assets (1) | (9,334) | (11,899) | (16,079) | ||||||||||
| Non-GAAP tangible common equity | (b) | $ | 5,362,187 | $ | 4,791,579 | $ | 4,535,841 | ||||||
| Total assets | (c) | $ | 60,870,701 | $ | 52,156,913 | $ | 44,196,096 | ||||||
| Less: Goodwill | (465,697) | (465,697) | (465,697) | ||||||||||
| Other intangible assets (1) | (9,334) | (11,899) | (16,079) | ||||||||||
| Non-GAAP tangible assets | (d) | $ | 60,395,670 | $ | 51,679,317 | $ | 43,714,320 | ||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity to total assets | (a)/(c) | 9.59 | % | 10.10 | % | 11.35 | % | ||||||
| Non-GAAP tangible common equity to tangible assets | (b)/(d) | 8.88 | % | 9.27 | % | 10.38 | % | ||||||
| Number of common shares, at period-end | (e) | 141,908 | 141,565 | 145,625 | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP tangible common equity per share | (b)/(e) | $ | 37.79 | $ | 33.85 | $ | 31.15 |
(1)Includes core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing assets.
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 872,981 | $ | 567,797 | $ | 674,035 | ||||||||||
| Add: Amortization of core deposit intangibles | 2,749 | 3,634 | 4,518 | |||||||||||||
| Amortization of mortgage servicing assets | 1,679 | 1,920 | 2,738 | |||||||||||||
| Tax effect of adjustments (1) | (1,274) | (1,575) | (2,145) | |||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP tangible net income | (a) | $ | 876,135 | $ | 571,776 | $ | 679,146 | |||||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | $ | 5,559,212 | $ | 5,082,186 | $ | 4,760,845 | ||||||||||
| Less: Average goodwill | (465,697) | (465,697) | (465,663) | |||||||||||||
| Average other intangible asset (2) | (10,535) | (13,769) | (19,340) | |||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP average tangible equity | (b) | $ | 5,082,980 | $ | 4,602,720 | $ | 4,275,842 | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP return on average tangible equity | (a)/(b) | 17.24 | % | 12.42 | % | 15.88 | % |
(1)Applied statutory rate of 28.77% for 2021, 28.37% for 2020, and 29.56% for 2019.
(2)Includes core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing assets.
| Yield on Average Loans ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest income on loans | (a) | $ | 1,424,900 | $ | 1,464,382 | $ | 1,717,415 | |||||||||
| Less: Interest income on PPP loans | (55,198) | (43,271) | — | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted interest income on loans | (b) | 1,369,702 | 1,421,111 | 1,717,415 | ||||||||||||
| Average loans | (c) | $ | 39,716,697 | $ | 36,799,017 | $ | 33,373,136 | |||||||||
| Less: Average PPP loans | (1,393,302) | (1,236,246) | — | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted average loans | (d) | $ | 38,323,395 | $ | 35,562,771 | $ | 33,373,136 | |||||||||
| Average loan yield (1) | (a)/(c) | 3.59 | % | 3.98 | % | 5.15 | % | |||||||||
| Adjusted average loan yield (1) | (b)/(d) | 3.57 | % | 4.00 | % | 5.15 | % |
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