form10q.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q
Mark One
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010

or

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

For the transition period from ________ to ________.

Commission file number 000-24939


EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
95-4703316
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

135 N. Los Robles Ave, 7th Floor, Pasadena, California 91101
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(626) 768-6000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ¨   No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filed, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer and accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer þ
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨   No þ

Number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock on the latest practicable date: 147,977,287 shares of common stock as of July 31, 2010.

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
4
 
Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
4-7
 
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
8-43
 
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
44-73
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
73
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
73
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
74
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
74
 
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
74
 
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
74
 
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
75
 
 
Item 4.
(Removed and Reserved)
75
 
 
Item 5.
Other Information
75
 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
75
 
SIGNATURE
76
 

 
2

 

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this Quarterly Report may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and as such, may involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the environment in which the Company operates and projections of future performance including future earnings and financial condition. The Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements may differ significantly from the results, performance, or achievements expected or implied in such forward-looking statements. Such risk and uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, adverse developments or conditions related to or arising from:

 
·  
our ability to integrate the former acquired institutions’ (through FDIC assisted acquisitions) operations and to achieve expected synergies, operating efficiencies or other benefits within expected time frames, or at all, or within expected cost projections;
 
·  
our ability to integrate and retain former depositors and borrowers of the acquired institutions;
 
·  
our ability to manage the loan portfolio acquired from these institutions within the limits of the loss protection provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”);
 
·  
changes in our borrowers’ performance on loans;
 
·  
changes in the commercial and consumer real estate markets;
 
·  
changes in our costs of operation, compliance and expansion;
 
·  
changes in the economy, including inflation;
 
·  
changes in government interest rate policies;
 
·  
changes in laws or the regulatory environment;
 
·  
changes in critical accounting policies and judgments;
 
·  
changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies;
 
·  
changes in the equity and debt securities markets;
 
·  
changes in competitive pressures on financial institutions;
 
·  
effect of additional provision for loan losses;
 
·  
effect of any goodwill impairment;
 
·  
fluctuations of our stock price;
 
·  
success and timing of our business strategies;
 
·  
impact of reputational risk created by these developments on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity;
 
·  
changes in our ability to receive dividends from our subsidiaries; and
 
·  
political developments, wars or other hostilities may disrupt or increase volatility in securities or otherwise affect economic conditions.
 
For a more detailed discussion of some of the factors that might cause such differences, see the Company’s 2009 Form 10-K under the heading “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” and the information set forth under “RISK FACTORS” in this Form 10-Q. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law.

 
3

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,185,944     $ 835,141  
Short-term investments
    447,168       510,788  
Securities purchased under resale agreements
    230,000       227,444  
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value (with amortized cost of $2,073,239 at
  June 30, 2010 and $2,563,043 at December 31, 2009)
    2,077,011       2,564,081  
Loans held for sale, at fair value
    159,158       28,014  
                 
Loans receivable, excluding covered loans (net of allowance for loan losses of $249,462 at
  June 30, 2010 and $238,833 at December 31, 2009)
    8,018,808       8,218,671  
Covered loans
    5,275,492       5,598,155  
Total loans receivable, net
    13,294,300       13,816,826  
                 
FDIC indemnification asset
    947,011       1,091,814  
                 
Other real estate owned, net
    16,562       13,832  
Other real estate owned covered, net
    113,999       44,273  
Total other real estate owned
    130,561       58,105  
                 
Accrued interest receivable
    79,515       82,370  
Due from customer acceptances
    44,320       40,550  
Investment in affordable housing partnerships
    120,743       84,833  
Premises and equipment, net
    134,158       59,099  
Premiums on deposits acquired, net
    86,106       89,735  
Goodwill
    337,438       337,438  
Other assets
    693,888       732,974  
TOTAL
  $ 19,967,321     $ 20,559,212  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Customer deposit accounts:
               
Noninterest-bearing
  $ 2,396,087     $ 2,291,259  
Interest-bearing
    12,522,607       12,696,354  
Total deposits
    14,918,694       14,987,613  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    1,022,011       1,805,387  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    1,051,192       1,026,870  
Notes payable and other borrowings
    53,607       74,406  
Bank acceptances outstanding
    44,320       40,550  
Long-term debt
    235,570       235,570  
Accrued interest payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    302,963       104,157  
Total liabilities
    17,628,357       18,274,553  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)
               
                 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; Series A, non-cumulative
  convertible, 200,000 shares issued and 85,741 shares outstanding in 2010 and  2009;
  Series B, cumulative, 306,546 shares issued and outstanding in 2010 and 2009; Series C,
  cumulative convertible, 335,047 issued and outstanding in 2009
    369,695       693,803  
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 154,954,876 and 116,754,403
  shares issued in 2010 and 2009, respectively; 147,938,847 and 109,962,965 shares
  outstanding in 2010 and 2009, respectively
    155       117  
Additional paid in capital
    1,424,213       1,091,047  
Retained earnings
    650,617       604,223  
Treasury stock, at cost - 7,016,029 shares in 2010 and 6,791,438 shares in 2009
    (108,018 )     (105,130 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
    2,302       599  
Total stockholders' equity
    2,338,964       2,284,659  
TOTAL
  $ 19,967,321     $ 20,559,212  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4

 

EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME
                       
Loans receivable, including fees
  $ 233,783     $ 111,669     $ 521,727     $ 222,485  
Investment securities
    14,741       30,318       34,917       59,693  
Securities purchased under resale agreements
    2,630       1,292       8,893       2,542  
Short-term investments
    1,502       2,509       5,043       5,485  
Investment in Federal Reserve Bank stock
    762       545       1,419       1,051  
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    115       -       237       -  
Total interest and dividend income
    253,533       146,333       572,236       291,256  
                                 
INTEREST EXPENSE
                               
Customer deposit accounts
    29,132       30,890       62,580       67,963  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    12,045       12,004       24,586       23,876  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    6,175       13,142       15,180       27,019  
Long-term debt
    1,591       2,034       3,138       4,451  
Other borrowings
    967       3       1,405       6  
Total interest expense
    49,910       58,073       106,889       123,315  
                                 
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
    203,623       88,260       465,347       167,941  
Provision for loan losses
    55,256       151,422       131,677       229,422  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    148,367       (63,162 )     333,670       (61,481 )
                                 
NONINTEREST INCOME (LOSS)
                               
Decrease in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable
    (9,424 )     -       (52,996 )     -  
                                 
Impairment loss on investment securities
    (12,303 )     (100,753 )     (17,102 )     (100,953 )
Less: non-credit related impairment loss recorded in other comprehensive income
    7,661       63,306       7,661       63,306  
Net impairment loss on investment securities recognized in earnings
    (4,642 )     (37,447 )     (9,441 )     (37,647 )
                                 
Net gain on sale of investment securities
    5,847       1,680       21,958       5,201  
Branch fees
    8,219       4,991       16,977       9,784  
Gain on acquisition
    19,476       -       27,571       -  
Letters of credit fees and commissions
    2,865       1,930       5,605       3,784  
Ancillary loan fees
    2,369       1,356       4,058       3,585  
Income from life insurance policies
    1,101       1,096       2,206       2,179  
Net gain on sale of loans
    8,073       3       8,073       11  
Other operating income
    1,801       192       3,223       698  
Total noninterest income (loss)
    35,685       (26,199 )     27,234       (12,405 )
                                 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
                               
Compensation and employee benefits
    41,579       16,509       92,358       33,617  
Other real estate owned expense
    20,983       8,682       38,995       15,713  
Occupancy and equipment expense
    13,115       6,297       25,059       13,688  
Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments
    4,528       9,568       16,109       12,893  
Prepayment penalty for FHLB advances
    3,900       -       13,832       -  
Amortization of premiums on deposits acquired
    3,310       1,092       6,694       2,217  
Amortization of investments in affordable housing partnerships
    2,638       1,652       5,675       3,412  
Loan related expenses
    5,254       1,642       8,251       3,077  
Legal expense
    6,183       1,755       9,090       3,533  
Data processing
    3,046       1,141       5,528       2,283  
Consulting expense
    1,919       672       4,060       1,120  
Deposit-related expenses
    1,133       1,014       2,142       1,915  
Other operating expenses
    17,730       7,888       36,435       15,850  
Total noninterest expense
    125,318       57,912       264,228       109,318  
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES
    58,734       (147,273 )     96,676       (183,204 )
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES
    22,386       (60,548 )     35,412       (74,013 )
NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS
    36,348       (86,725 )     61,264       (109,191 )
                                 
Extraordinary item - impact of desecuritization, net of tax
    -       (5,366 )     -       (5,366 )
NET INCOME (LOSS) AFTER EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS
    36,348       (92,091 )     61,264       (114,557 )
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS AND AMORTIZATION OF
  PREFERRED STOCK DISCOUNT
    6,147       23,623       12,285       32,366  
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
  $ 30,201     $ (115,714 )   $ 48,979     $ (146,923 )
                                 
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
                         
BASIC
  $ 0.21     $ (1.83 )   $ 0.40     $ (2.33 )
DILUTED
  $ 0.21     $ (1.83 )   $ 0.34     $ (2.33 )
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
  $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 0.02     $ 0.03  
                                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
                               
BASIC
    146,372       63,105       123,445       63,052  
DILUTED
    147,131       63,105       142,143       63,052  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5

 

EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
 
         
Additional
                           
Accumulated
             
         
Paid In
                           
Other
             
         
Capital
         
Additional
               
Comprehensive
         
Total
 
   
Preferred
   
Preferred
   
Common
   
Paid In
   
Retained
   
Treasury
   
Loss,
   
Comprehensive
   
Stockholders'
 
   
Stock
   
Stock
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Stock
   
Net of Tax
   
Income (Loss)
   
Equity
 
                                                       
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2008
  $ -     $ 472,311     $ 70     $ 695,521     $ 572,172     $ (102,817 )   $ (86,491 )         $ 1,550,766  
Cumulative effect adjustment for
  reclassification of  the previously recognized
  noncredit-related impairment loss  on
  investment securities
                                    8,110               (8,110 )           -  
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2009
    -       472,311       70       695,521       580,282       (102,817 )     (94,601 )           1,550,766  
Comprehensive loss
                                                                     
Net loss after extraordinary item
                                    (114,557 )                   $ (114,557 )     (114,557 )
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on investment securities
  available-for-sale
                                                    60,915       60,915       60,915  
Net unrealized loss as a result of
  desecuritization
                                                    30,551       30,551       30,551  
Noncredit-related impairment loss on
  investment securities recorded in the
  current year
                                                    (36,717 )     (36,717 )     (36,717 )
Total comprehensive loss
                                                          $ (59,808 )        
Stock compensation costs
                            2,908                                       2,908  
Tax benefit from stock plans
                            (404 )                                     (404 )
Preferred stock issuance cost
            (44 )                                                     (44 )
Issuance of 385,722 shares pursuant to various
  stock plans and agreements
                    1       389                                       390  
Cancellation of 45,268 shares due to forfeitures
  of issued restricted stock
                            1,087               (1,087 )                     -  
Purchase of 8,978 shares of treasury stock due
  to the vesting of restricted stock
                                            (35 )                     (35 )
Amortization of Series B preferred stock discount
      2,158                       (2,158 )                             -  
Preferred stock dividends
                                    (15,435 )                             (15,435 )
Common stock dividends
                                    (1,570 )                             (1,570 )
Inducement of preferred stock conversion
                            14,773       (14,773 )                             -  
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 2009
  $ -     $ 474,425     $ 71     $ 714,274     $ 431,789     $ (103,939 )   $ (39,852 )           $ 1,476,768  
                                                                         
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2010
  $ -     $ 693,803     $ 117     $ 1,091,047     $ 604,223     $ (105,130 )   $ 599             $ 2,284,659  
Comprehensive income
                                                                       
Net income
                                    61,264                     $ 61,264       61,264  
Net unrealized gain on investment securities
  available-for-sale
                                                    6,147       6,147       6,147  
Noncredit-related impairment loss on
  investment securities recorded in the
  current year
                                                    (4,444 )     (4,444 )     (4,444 )
Total comprehensive income
                                                          $ 62,967          
Stock compensation costs
                            3,876                                       3,876  
Tax benefit from stock plans
                            (216 )                                     (216 )
Issuance of 1,096,739 shares pursuant to various
  stock plans and agreements
                    1       1,800                                       1,801  
Conversion of 335,047 shares of Series C
  Preferred Stock into 37,103,734 shares of
  common stock
            (325,299 )     37       325,262                                       -  
Cancellation of 200,806 shares due to forfeitures
  of issued restricted stock
                            2,444               (2,444 )                     -  
Purchase of 23,785 shares of treasury stock due
  to the vesting of restricted stock
                                            (444 )                     (444 )
Amortization of Series B preferred stock discount
      1,191                       (1,191 )                             -  
Preferred stock dividends
                                    (11,094 )                             (11,094 )
Common stock dividends
                                    (2,585 )                             (2,585 )
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 2010
  $ -     $ 369,695     $ 155     $ 1,424,213     $ 650,617     $ (108,018 )   $ 2,302             $ 2,338,964  
                                                                         
                                                           
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
                                                              2010       2009  
                                                           
(In thousands)
 
Disclosure of reclassification amounts:
                                                                 
Unrealized holding gain on securities arising during the period, net of tax expense of $(9,439) in 2010 and $(52,607) in 2009
            $ 13,034     $ 72,647  
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gain included in net income (loss), net of tax expense of $8,206 in 2010 and $(13,628) in 2009
      (11,331 )     18,819  
Net unrealized gain on securities, net of tax expense of $(1,233) in 2010 and $(66,235) in 2009
                            $ 1,703     $ 91,466  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
6

 
EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 61,264     $ (114,557 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
         
Depreciation and amortization
    33,563       11,572  
Accretion of discount and premium
    (140,678 )     -  
Decrease in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable
    59,239       -  
Gain on acquisition
    (27,571 )     -  
Impairment writedown on investment securities available-for-sale
    9,441       37,647  
Stock compensation costs
    3,876       2,908  
Deferred tax benefit
    28,373       (11,856 )
Provision for loan losses
    131,677       238,684  
Impairment on other real estate owned
    28,840       15,938  
Impairment loss on other equity investment
    -       581  
Net gain on sales of investment securities, loans and other assets
    (28,814 )     616  
Originations of loans held for sale
    (17,717 )     (25,785 )
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
    260,707       25,846  
FHLB advance prepayment penalty
    13,832       -  
Tax provision from stock plans
    216       404  
Net change in accrued interest receivable and other assets
    180,161       (6,507 )
Net change in accrued expenses and other liabilities
    152,235       (13,747 )
Total adjustments
    687,380       276,301  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    748,644       161,744  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Acquisition of WFIB assets
    67,186       -  
Net decrease in loans
    656,906       180,368  
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments
    63,620       (376,097 )
Purchases of:
               
Securities purchased under resale agreements
    (450,000 )     (25,000 )
Investment securities held-to-maturity
    -       (672,336 )
Investment securities available-for-sale
    (1,895,119 )     (1,021,779 )
Loans receivable
    (370,339 )     (91,238 )
Federal Reserve Bank stock
    (10,500 )     (9,196 )
Investments in affordable housing partnerships
    (539 )     (19 )
Premises and equipment
    (82,353 )     (360 )
Proceeds from sale of:
               
Investment securities
    863,565       237,379  
Securities purchased under resale agreements
    450,000       -  
Loans receivable
    48,265       38,768  
Other real estate owned
    46,142       36,961  
Premises and equipment
    44       -  
Maturity of short term investments
    -       50,245  
Repayments, maturity and redemption of investment securities available-for-sale
    1,573,368       875,483  
Dividends/redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    6,770       -  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    967,016       (776,821 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Net (payment for) proceeds from:
               
Deposits
    (464,829 )     516,859  
Short-term borrowings
    (14,643 )     (6,350 )
Proceeds from:
               
Issuance of short-term borrowings
    22,385       -  
Issuance of long-term borrowings
    350,000       -  
Issuance of common stock pursuant to various stock plans and agreements
    1,801       390  
Payment for:
               
Repayment of long-term borrowings
    (1,215,812 )     (179,997 )
Repayment of notes payable and other borrowings
    (29,420 )     (4,928 )
Repurchase of treasury shares
    (444 )     (35 )
Issuance and conversion costs of preferred stock & common stock
    -       (44 )
Cash dividends on preferred stock
    (11,094 )     (14,583 )
Cash dividends on common stock
    (2,585 )     (1,570 )
Tax provision from stock plans
    (216 )     (404 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (1,364,857 )     309,338  
                 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    350,803       (305,739 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    835,141       878,853  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 1,185,944     $ 573,114  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 109,749     $ 131,380  
Income tax (refunds) payments
    18,828       (13,133 )
Noncash investing and financing activities:
               
Transfers to real estate owned/affordable housing partnership
    132,102       78,872  
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock
    325,299       -  
Desecuritization of loans receivable
    -       635,614  
Loans to facilitate sales of real estate owned
    1,167       27,982  
Loans transferred to loans held for sale
    381,433       -  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
7

 

EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
(Unaudited)

1.  
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of East West Bancorp, Inc. (referred to herein on an unconsolidated basis as “East West” and on a consolidated basis as the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, East West Bank and subsidiaries (the “Bank”) and East West Insurance Services, Inc. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.  East West also has nine wholly-owned subsidiaries that are statutory business trusts (the “Trusts”).  In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, (previously FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)), the Trusts are not consolidated into the accounts of East West Bancorp, Inc.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements, presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), are unaudited and reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of financial condition and results of operations for the interim periods.  All adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature.  Results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Events subsequent to the condensed consolidated balance sheet date have been evaluated through the date the financial statements are issued for inclusion in the accompanying financial statements.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

2.  
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 
Recent Accounting Standards

In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 860 (previously SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, which amends Statement 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities), which requires more information about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and where companies have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. It eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity,” changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures. It was effective for the Company on January 1, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 810 (previously SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)), which is a revision to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, and changes how a company determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. The determination of whether a company is required to consolidate an entity is based on, among other things, an entity’s purpose and design and a company’s ability to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. It was effective for the Company on January 1, 2010. The adoption of this guidance does not have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. ASU 2010-06 requires separate disclosure of the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and reasons for the transfers and separate presentation of information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the reconciliation for Level 3 fair value measurements. Additionally, ASU 2010-06 clarifies existing disclosures regarding level of disaggregation and inputs and valuation techniques. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures under ASU 2010-06 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted the disclosure requirements of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements (see Note 3). The Company does not expect the adoption of the disclosure requirements to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 
8

 
In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-18, Receivables, Effect of a Loan Modification When the Loan Is Part of a Pool That Is Accounted for as a Single Asset, which amends ASC 310-30. This ASU clarifies the treatment of loan modifications for loans accounted for within a loan pool. Loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, should not be removed from the pool even if the loan modification would otherwise be considered a troubled debt restructuring. An entity is still required to assess the entire pool for impairment. The update does not require additional disclosures. This clarified treatment of loan modifications is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after July 15, 2010.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

In July 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310): Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification™ (“ASC”) Topic 310, Receivables. ASU 2010-10 is intended to provide additional information to assist financial statement users in assessing an entity’s credit risk exposures and evaluating the adequacy of its allowance for credit losses.  Companies will be required to provide more information about the credit quality of their financing receivables in the disclosures to financial statements, such as aging information and credit quality indicators. Both new and existing disclosures must be disaggregated by portfolio segment or class.  The disaggregation of information is based on how a company develops its allowance for credit losses and how it manages its credit exposure. The disclosures as of the end of a reporting period will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The Company does not expect the adoption of the disclosure requirements to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 
3.  
FAIR VALUE

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods including market and income approaches. Based on these approaches, the Company utilizes certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable inputs. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation techniques, the Company is required to provide the information according to the fair value hierarchy noted below. The hierarchy is based on the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices available in active markets and the lowest priority to data lacking transparency. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

 
·
Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments that are highly liquid, observable and actively traded in over-the-counter markets. Level 1 financial instruments typically include U.S. Treasury securities.

 
·
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable and can be corroborated by market data. Level 2 financial instruments typically include U.S. Government debt and agency mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, U.S. Government sponsored enterprise preferred stock securities, single issue trust preferred securities, equity swap agreements and other real estate owned (“OREO”).

 
·
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. This category typically includes mortgage servicing assets, impaired loans, private label mortgage-backed securities, pooled trust preferred securities and derivatives payable.

The Company records investment securities available-for-sale, equity swap agreements, derivatives payable and foreign exchange options at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain other assets such as mortgage servicing assets, impaired loans, other real estate owned, goodwill, premiums on acquired deposits and private equity investments are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Nonrecurring fair value measurements typically involve assets that are periodically evaluated for impairment and for which any impairment is recorded in the period in which the remeasurement is performed.

 
9

 
In determining the appropriate hierarchy levels, the Company performs a detailed analysis of assets and liabilities that are subject to fair value disclosure. The following tables present both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis. These assets and liabilities are reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at their fair values as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to their fair value measurement. There were no transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 during the first half of 2010. There were also no transfers in and out of levels 1 and 3 or levels 2 and 3.

 
 
   
Assets (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of June 30, 2010
 
   
Fair Value Measurements
June 30, 2010
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Investment securities available-for-sale
                       
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 55,867     $ 55,867     $ -     $ -  
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government
  sponsored enterprise debt securities
    908,483       -       908,483       -  
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government
  sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:
                               
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    25,639       -       25,639       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    393,143       -       393,143       -  
Municipal securities
    5,511       -       5,511       -  
Other residential mortgage-backed securities,
  non-investment grade
    12,506       -       -       12,506  
Corporate debt securities:
                               
Investment grade
    637,028       -       637,028       -  
Non-investment grade
    29,857       -       27,013       2,844  
Debt issued by foreign governments
    7,714       -       7,714       -  
Other securities
    1,263       -       1,263       -  
Total investment securities available-for-sale
  $ 2,077,011     $ 55,867     $ 2,005,794     $ 15,350  
                                 
Equity swap agreements
  $ 1,832     $ -     $ 1,832     $ -  
Derivatives payable
    (1,888 )     -       -       (1,888 )
Foreign exchange options
    2,417       -       2,417       -  
 
 
 
 
10

 
   
Assets (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2009
 
   
Fair Value Measurements
December 31, 2009
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Investment securities available-for-sale
                       
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 303,472     $ 303,472     $ -     $ -  
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government
  sponsored enterprise debt securities
    832,025       -       832,025       -  
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government
  sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:
                               
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    26,355       -       26,355       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    724,348       -       724,348       -  
Municipal securities
    60,193       -       60,193       -  
Other residential mortgage-backed securities:
                               
Investment grade
    95,517       -       95,517       -  
Non-investment grade
    41,610       -       28,872       12,738  
Corporate debt securities:
                               
Investment grade
    460,895       -       459,917       978  
Non-investment grade
    8,861       -       6,906       1,955  
U.S. Government sponsored enterprise equity securities
    1,782       -       1,782       -  
Other securities
    9,023       9,023       -       -  
Total investment securities available-for-sale
  $ 2,564,081     $ 312,495     $ 2,235,915     $ 15,671  
                                 
Equity swap agreements
  $ 14,177     $ -     $ 14,177     $ -  
Derivatives payable
    (14,185 )     -       -       (14,185 )
 
 
 
11

 
 
   
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
   
Fair Value Measurements
June 30, 2010
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total Gains (Losses)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                               
Mortgage servicing assets
  (single, multi family, and
  commercial)
  $ 18,233     $ -     $ -     $ 18,233     $ (30 )
                                         
Non-covered impaired loans:
                                       
Residential single family
    6,494       -       -       6,494       (917 )
Residential multifamily
    5,398       -       -       5,398       (3,797 )
Commercial and industrial real
  estate, land
    24,899       -       -       24,899       (5,983 )
Construction
    33,378       -       -       33,378       (9,444 )
Commercial business
    3,698       -       -       3,698       (3,158 )
Other consumer
    -       -       -       -       (350 )
Total non-covered impaired loans
  $ 73,867     $ -     $ -     $ 73,867     $ (23,649 )
                                         
Non-covered OREO
  $ 6,206     $ -     $ -     $ 6,206     $ (666 )
                                         
   
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009
 
   
Fair Value Measurements
June 30, 2009
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total Gains (Losses)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                         
Mortgage servicing assets
  (single, multi family, and
  commercial)
  $ 9,466     $ -     $ -     $ 9,466     $ (86 )
                                         
Non-covered impaired loans:
                                       
Residential single family
    4,713       -       -       4,723       (1,557 )
Residential multifamily
    14,078       -       -       14,105       (5,984 )
Commercial and industrial real
  estate, land
    22,337       -       -       19,523       (3,801 )
Construction
    18,204       -       -       12,778       (4,134 )
Commercial business
    29,192       -       -       38,653       (82 )
Other consumer
    409       -       -       409       (210 )
Total non-covered impaired loans
  $ 88,933     $ -     $ -     $ 90,191     $ (15,768 )
                                         
Non-covered OREO
  $ 15,986     $ -     $ -     $ 15,986     $ (4,182 )
 
 
 
12

 
   
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
   
Fair Value Measurements
June 30, 2010
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total Gains (Losses)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                               
Mortgage servicing assets
  (single, multi family, and
  commercial)
  $ 18,233     $ -     $ -     $ 18,233     $ (64 )
                                         
Non-covered impaired loans:
                                       
Residential single family
    9,229       -       -       9,229       (1,783 )
Residential multifamily
    6,393       -       -       6,393       (4,086 )
Commercial and industrial real
  estate, land
    39,745       -       -       39,745       (16,249 )
Construction
    34,139       -       -       34,139       (11,365 )
Commercial business
    8,097       -       -       8,097       (6,549 )
Other consumer
    -       -       -       -       (432 )
Total non-covered impaired loans
  $ 97,603     $ -     $ -     $ 97,603     $ (40,464 )
                                         
Non-covered OREO
  $ 6,746     $ -     $ -     $ 6,746     $ (2,913 )
                                         
   
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis for the Six Months Ended
June 30, 2009
 
   
Fair Value Measurements
June 30, 2009
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total Gains (Losses)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                         
Mortgage servicing assets
  (single, multi family, and
  commercial)
  $ 9,466     $ -     $ -     $ 9,466     $ 680  
                                         
Non-covered impaired loans:
                                       
Residential single family
    11,770       -       -       11,911       (5,070 )
Residential multifamily
    18,071       -       -       17,686       (7,263 )
Commercial and industrial real
  estate, land
    26,526       -       -       24,392       (6,938 )
Construction
    56,806       -       -       51,775       (24,085 )
Commercial business
    26,242       -       -       28,606       (11,788 )
Other consumer
    89       -       -       89       (89 )
Total non-covered impaired loans
  $ 139,504     $ -     $ -     $ 134,459     $ (55,233 )
                                         
Non-covered OREO
  $ 16,359     $ -     $ -     $ 16,359     $ (6,920 )

At each reporting period, all assets and liabilities for which the fair value measurement is based on significant unobservable inputs are classified as Level 3. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for major asset and liability categories measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:

 
13

 
 
   
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
                   
         
Other Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities, Non-Investment Grade
   
Corporate Debt Securities
                   
   
Total
   
Investment Grade
   
Non-Investment Grade
   
Derivatives Payable
             
   
(In thousands)
             
                                           
Beginning balance, April 1, 2010
  $ 15,740     $ 12,203     $ 1,440     $ 2,097     $ (5,955 )            
Total gains or (losses): (1)
                                                   
Included in earnings
    (1,977 )     435       2       (2,414 )     (163 )            
Included in other comprehensive loss (unrealized) (2)
    1,806       298       (157 )     1,665       -              
Purchases, issuances, sales, settlements (3)
    (219 )     (430 )     (3 )     214       4,230              
Transfer from investment grade to non-investment grade
    -       -       (1,282 )     1,282       -              
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (4)
    -       -       -       -       -              
Ending balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 15,350     $ 12,506     $ -     $ 2,844     $ (1,888 )            
                                                     
Changes in unrealized losses included in earnings relating to
                                                   
assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2010
  $ (2,421 )   $ -     $ -     $ (2,421 )   $ 163              
                                                     
                                                     
   
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
       
           
Other Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities
   
Corporate Debt Securities
             
   
Total
   
Investment Grade
   
Non-Investment Grade
   
Investment Grade
   
Non-Investment Grade
   
Residual Securities
   
Derivatives Payable
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                                     
Beginning balance, April 1, 2009
  $ 635,009     $ 546,520     $ 11,325     $ 1,306     $ 21,930     $ 53,928     $ (11,509 )
Total gains or (losses): (1)
                                                       
Included in earnings
    (33,858 )     2,461       191       3       (37,442 )     929       (1,814 )
Included in other comprehensive loss (unrealized) (2)
    70,331       71,216       1,350       (54 )     28,717       (30,898 )     -  
Purchases, issuances, sales, settlements (3)
    (639,022 )     (602,585 )     (13,850 )     (10 )     1,382       (23,959 )     -  
Transfer from investment grade to non-investment grade
    -       (17,612 )     17,612       -       -       -       -  
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (4)
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Ending balance, June 30, 2009
  $ 32,460     $ -     $ 16,628     $ 1,245     $ 14,587     $ -     $ (13,323 )
                                                         
Changes in unrealized losses included in earnings relating to
                                                       
assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2009
  $ (37,447 )   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ (37,447 )   $ -     $ 1,814  
 
(1)
Total gains or losses represent the total realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded for Level 3 assets and liabilities. Realized gains or losses are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
(2)
Unrealized gains or losses as well as the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on investment securities are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in the condensed consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income.
 
(3)
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements represent Level 3 assets and liabilities that were either purchased, issued, sold or settled during the period. The amounts are recorded at their end of period fair values.
 
(4)
Transfers in and/or out represent existing assets and liabilities that were either previously categorized as a higher level and the inputs to the model became unobservable or assets and liabilities that were previously classified as Level 3 and the lowest significant input became observable during the period. These assets and liabilities are recorded at their end of period fair values.
 
 
14

 
   
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
                   
         
Other Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities, Non-Investment Grade
   
Corporate Debt Securities
                   
   
Total
   
Investment Grade
   
Non-Investment Grade
   
Derivatives Payable
             
   
(In thousands)
             
                                           
Beginning balance, January 1, 2010
  $ 15,671     $ 12,738     $ 978     $ 1,955     $ (14,185 )            
Total gains or (losses): (1)
                                                   
Included in earnings
    (6,727 )     435       5       (7,167 )     (166 )            
Included in other comprehensive loss (unrealized) (2)
    6,541       (237 )     308       6,470       -              
Purchases, issuances, sales, settlements (3)
    (135 )     (430 )     (9 )     304       12,463              
Transfer from investment grade to non-investment grade
    -       -       (1,282 )     1,282       -              
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (4)
    -       -       -       -       -              
Ending balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 15,350     $ 12,506     $ -     $ 2,844     $ (1,888 )            
                                                     
Changes in unrealized losses included in earnings relating to
                                                   
assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2010
  $ (7,220 )   $ -     $ -     $ (7,220 )   $ 166              
                                                     
                                                     
   
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
       
           
Other Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities
   
Corporate Debt Securities
             
   
Total
   
Investment Grade
   
Non-Investment Grade
   
Investment Grade
   
Non-Investment Grade
   
Residual Securities
   
Derivatives Payable
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                                     
Beginning balance, January 1, 2009
  $ 624,351     $ 527,109     $ 10,216     $ 1,294     $ 35,670     $ 50,062     $ (14,142 )
Total gains or (losses): (1)
                                                       
Included in earnings
    (30,955 )     2,629       192       7       (37,640 )     3,857       819  
Included in other comprehensive loss (unrealized) (2)
    92,783       101,456       2,458       (34 )     13,923       (25,020 )     -  
Purchases, issuances, sales, settlements (3)
    (653,719 )     (613,582 )     (13,850 )     (22 )     2,634       (28,899 )     -  
Transfer from investment grade to non-investment grade
    -       (17,612 )     17,612       -       -       -       -  
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (4)
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Ending balance, June 30, 2009
  $ 32,460     $ -     $ 16,628     $ 1,245     $ 14,587     $ -     $ (13,323 )
                                                         
Changes in unrealized losses included in earnings relating to
                                                       
assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2009
  $ (37,647 )   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ (37,647 )   $ -     $ (819 )

(1)
Total gains or losses represent the total realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded for Level 3 assets and liabilities. Realized gains or losses are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
(2)
Unrealized gains or losses as well as the non-credit portion of OTTI on investment securities are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in the condensed consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income.
 
(3)
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements represent Level 3 assets and liabilities that were either purchased, issued, sold or settled during the period. The amounts are recorded at their end of period fair values.
 
(4)
Transfers in and/or out represent existing assets and liabilities that were either previously categorized as a higher level and the inputs to the model became unobservable or assets and liabilities that were previously classified as Level 3 and the lowest significant input became observable during the period. These assets and liabilities are recorded at their end of period fair values.
 
 
15

 
Valuation Methodologies

Investment Securities Available-for-Sale – The fair values of available-for-sale investment securities are generally determined by reference to the average of at least two quoted market prices obtained from independent external brokers or prices obtained from independent external pricing service providers who have experience in valuing these securities. In obtaining such valuation information from third parties, the Company has reviewed the methodologies used to develop the resulting fair values.

The Company’s Level 3 available-for-sale securities include one private-label mortgage-backed security and four pooled trust preferred securities. The fair values of these investment securities represent less than 1% of the total available-for-sale investment securities. The fair values of the private-label mortgage-backed security and pooled trust preferred securities have traditionally been based on the average of at least two quoted market prices obtained from independent external brokers since broker quotes in an active market are given the highest priority. However, as a result of the global financial crisis and illiquidity in the U.S. markets, the market for these securities has been inactive since mid-2007. It is the Company’s view that current broker prices (which are typically non-binding) on the private-label mortgage-backed security and certain pooled trust preferred securities are based on forced liquidation or distressed sale values in very inactive markets that are not representative of the fair value of these securities. As such, the Company considered what weight, if any, to place on transactions that are not orderly when estimating fair value.

For the private-label mortgage-backed security, the Company determined fair value by using the appropriate combination of the market approach reflecting current broker prices and a discounted cash flow approach. The values resulting from each approach (i.e. market and income approaches) were weighted to derive the final fair value on the private-label mortgage-backed security. For the pooled trust preferred securities, the fair value was derived based on discounted cash flow analyses (the income method) prepared by management. In order to determine the appropriate discount rate used in calculating fair values derived from the income method for the private-label mortgage-backed security and pooled trust preferred securities, the Company has made assumptions using an exit pricing approach related to the implied rate of return which have been adjusted for general changes in market rates, estimated changes in credit quality and liquidity risk premium, specific non-performance and default experience in the collateral underlying the securities. The losses recorded in the period are recognized in noninterest income.

Equity Swap Agreements – The Company has entered into several equity swap agreements with a major investment brokerage firm to hedge against market fluctuations in a promotional equity index certificate of deposit product offered to bank customers. This deposit product, which has a term of 5 years or 5.5 years, pays interest based on the performance of the Hang Seng China Enterprise Index (“HSCEI”). The fair value of these equity swap agreements is based on the income approach. The fair value is based on the change in the value of the HSCEI and the volatility of the call option over the life of the individual swap agreement. The option value is derived based on the volatility, the interest rate and the time remaining to maturity of the call option. The Company’s consideration of its counterparty’s credit risk resulted in an $89 thousand adjustment to the valuation of the equity swap agreements for the three months ended June 30, 2010. The valuation of equity swap agreements falls within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the fair value of these derivative contracts. The fair value of the derivative contracts is provided by a third party that the Company places reliance on.


 
16

 

Derivatives Payable –  The Company’s derivatives payable are recorded in conjunction with certain certificate of deposits (“host instrument”). These CDs pay interest based on changes in the either the HSCEI or based on changes in the RMB as designated and are included in interest-bearing deposits on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of these embedded derivatives is based on the income approach. The Company’s consideration of its own credit risk resulted in a $33 thousand adjustment to the valuation of the derivative liabilities for the three months ended June 30, 2010. The valuation of the derivatives payable falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy since the significant inputs used in deriving the fair value of these derivative contracts are not directly observable.

Foreign Exchange Options – The Company has entered into foreign exchange option contracts with major investment firms. The settlement amount is determined based upon the performance of the Renminbi (“RMB”) relative to the U.S. Dollar (“USD”) over the 5-year term of the contract. The performance amount is computed based on the average quarterly value of the RMB per the USD as compared to the initial value. The fair value of the derivative contract is provided by a third party and is determined based on the change in the RMB and the volatility of the option over the life of the agreement. The option value is derived based on the volatility of the option, interest rate and time remaining to the maturity. The Company has also considered the counterparty’s credit risk in determining the valuation. The valuation of the option contract falls within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the fair value of this derivative contract.

Mortgage Servicing Assets (“MSAs”) – The Company records MSAs in conjunction with its loan sale and securitization activities since the servicing of the underlying loans is retained by the Bank. MSAs are initially measured at fair value using an income approach. The initial fair value of MSAs is determined based on the present value of estimated net future cash flows related to contractually specified servicing fees. The valuation for MSAs falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy since there are no quoted prices for MSAs and the significant inputs used to determine fair value are not directly observable. The valuation of MSAs is determined using a discounted cash flow approach utilizing the appropriate yield curve and several market-derived assumptions including prepayment speeds, servicing cost, delinquency and foreclosure costs and behavior, and float earnings rate. Net cash flows are present valued using a market-derived discount rate. The resulting fair value is then compared to recently observed bulk market transactions with similar characteristics.

Impaired Loans – The Company’s impaired loans are generally measured using the fair value of the underlying collateral, which is determined based on the most recent valuation information received. The fair values may be adjusted based on factors such as the Company’s historical knowledge and changes in market conditions from the time of valuation. Impaired loans fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy since they are measured at fair value based on the most recent valuation information received on the underlying collateral.

Other Real Estate Owned – The Company’s OREO represents properties acquired through foreclosure or through full or partial satisfaction of loans, are considered held-for-sale, and are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value at the time of foreclosure. The fair values of OREO properties are based on third-party appraisals, broker price opinions or accepted written offers. These valuations are reviewed and approved by the Company’s appraisal department, credit review department or OREO department. OREO properties are classified as Level 2 assets in the fair value hierarchy. The non-covered OREO balance of $16.6 million included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2010 is recorded net of estimated disposal costs.


 
17

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were as follows:


   
June 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
         
Carrying
       
   
Notional or
   
Estimated
   
Notional or
   
Estimated
 
   
Contract Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Contract Amount
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Financial Assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,185,944     $ 1,185,944     $ 835,141     $ 835,141  
Short-term investments
    447,168       447,168       510,788       510,788  
Securities purchased under resale agreements
    230,000       230,341       227,444       232,693  
Investment securities available-for-sale
    2,077,011       2,077,011       2,564,081       2,564,081  
Loans receivable, net
    13,453,458       13,409,754       13,844,840       13,519,060  
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    176,110       176,110       180,217       180,217  
Investment in Federal Reserve Bank stock
    47,285       47,285       36,785       36,785  
Accrued interest receivable
    79,515       79,515       82,370       82,370  
Equity swap agreements
    58,584       1,832       38,828       14,177  
Foreign exchange options
    50,000       2,417       -       -  
                                 
Financial Liabilities:
                               
Customer deposit accounts:
                               
Demand, savings and money market deposits
    8,189,831       7,403,305       7,088,822       6,214,848  
Time deposits
    6,728,863       6,738,027       7,898,791       7,912,384  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    1,022,011       1,039,289       1,805,387       1,791,326  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    1,051,192       1,280,083       1,026,870       1,265,565  
Notes payable
    18,103       18,103       7,366       7,366  
Accrued interest payable
    16,526       16,526       19,386       19,386  
Long-term debt
    235,570       120,471       235,570       103,442  
Derivatives payable
    58,584       1,888       38,828       14,185  


The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value are explained below:

Cash and Cash Equivalents – The carrying amounts approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

Short-Term Investments – The fair values of short-term investments generally approximate their book values due to their short maturities.

Securities Purchased Under Resale Agreements – Securities purchased under resale agreements with original maturities of 90 days or less are included in cash and cash equivalents. The fair value of securities purchased under resale agreements with original maturities of more than 90 days is estimated by discounting the cash flows based on expected maturities or repricing dates utilizing estimated market discount rates.


 
18

 

Investment Securities Available-for-Sale – The fair values of the investment securities available-for-sale are generally determined by reference to the average of at least two quoted market prices obtained from independent external brokers or independent external pricing service providers who have experience in valuing these securities. In obtaining such valuation information from third parties, the Company has reviewed the methodologies used to develop the resulting fair values. For private label mortgage-backed securities and pooled trust preferred securities, fair values are based on discounted cash flow analyses.

Loans Receivable, Net (includes covered and noncovered loans) – The fair value of loans is determined based on the discounted cash flow approach. The discount rate is derived from the associated yield curve plus spreads, and reflects the offering rates in the market for loans with similar financial characteristics. No adjustments have been made for changes in credit within the loan portfolio. It is management’s opinion that the allowance for loan losses pertaining to performing and nonperforming loans results in a fair valuation of credit for such loans.

Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank Stock and Federal Reserve Bank Stock – The carrying amounts approximate fair value, as the stock may be sold back to the Federal Home Loan Bank and the Federal Reserve Bank at carrying value.

Accrued Interest Receivable – The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates fair value due to its short-term nature.

Equity Swap Agreements – The fair value of the derivative contracts is provided by a third party and is determined based on the change in value of the HSCEI and the volatility of the call option over the life of the individual swap agreement. The option value is derived based on the volatility of the option, interest rate and time remaining to the maturity. We also considered the counterparty’s credit risk in determining the valuation.

Foreign Exchange Options – The fair value of the derivative contract is provided by a third party and is determined based on the change in the RMB and the volatility of the option over the life of the agreement. The option value is derived based on the volatility of the option, interest rate and time remaining to the maturity. We also considered the counterparty’s credit risk in determining the valuation.

Customer Deposit Accounts – The fair value of customer deposit accounts is determined based on the discounted cash flow approach. The discount rate is derived from the associated yield curve, plus spread, if any. For core deposits (demand, savings and money market deposits), the cash outflows are projected by the decay rate based on the Bank’s core deposit premium study and are discounted using the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) yield curve. For time deposits, the cash flows are based on the contractual runoff and are discounted by the Bank’s current offering rates, plus spread.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances – The fair value of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances is estimated based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows, using rates currently offered by the FHLB of San Francisco for fixed-rate credit advances with similar remaining maturities at each reporting date.

Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements – For securities sold under repurchase agreements with original maturities of 90 days or less, the carrying amounts approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. At June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, most of the securities sold under repurchase agreements are long-term in nature and the fair values of securities sold under repurchase agreements are calculated by discounting future cash flows based on expected maturities or repricing dates, utilizing estimated market discount rates and taking into consideration the call features of each instrument.

Notes Payable – The carrying amount of notes payable approximates fair value as these notes are payable on demand.

Accrued Interest Payable – The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates fair value due to its short-term nature.

Long-Term Debt – The fair values of long-term debt are estimated by discounting the cash flows through maturity based on current market rates the Bank would pay for new issuances.

Derivatives Payable – Derivatives payable are recorded in conjunction with certain certificate of deposits (“host instrument”). These CDs pay interest based on changes in the either the HSCEI or based on changes in the RMB as designated. The fair value of derivatives payable are estimated using the income approach. We also considered our own credit risk in determining the valuation.

The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of each reporting date. Although we are not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date, and therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

 
19

 
4.  
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, total compensation cost recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations related to stock options and restricted stock awards amounted to $2.3 million and $3.9 million, respectively, with related tax benefit of $124 thousand and related tax liability of $216 thousand, respectively.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, total compensation cost recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations related to stock options and restricted stock awards amounted to $1.5 million and $2.9 million, respectively, with related tax benefits of $622 thousand and $1.2 million, respectively.

Stock Options

The Company issues fixed stock options to certain employees, officers, and directors.  Stock options are issued at the current market price on the date of grant with a three-year or four-year vesting period and contractual terms of 7 or 10 years. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of stock options.

A summary of activity for the Company’s stock options as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2010 is presented below:


             
Weighted
     
         
Weighted
 
Average
 
Aggregate
 
         
Average
 
Remaining
 
Intrinsic
 
         
Exercise
 
Contractual
 
Value
 
   
Shares
   
Price
 
Term
 
(In thousands) (1)
 
Outstanding at beginning of period
    1,927,515     $ 21.59          
Granted
    -       -          
Exercised
    (115,997 )     12.66          
Forfeited or Expired
    (164,789 )     15.38          
Outstanding at end of period
    1,646,729       22.84  
 2.83 years
  $ 1,921  
                           
Vested or expected to vest at end of period
    1,619,759     $ 22.86  
 2.80 years
  $ 1,883  
                           
Exercisable at end of period
    1,219,035     $ 23.29  
 2.19 years
  $ 1,541  

(1)  
Includes in-the-money options only.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions. The Company did not issue any stock options during the six months ended June 30, 2010.


 
20

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2010
(5)
2009
(5)
 
2010
(5)
2009
Expected term (1)
 
   
 
4 years
Expected volatility (2)
 
   
 
60.5%
Expected dividend yield (3)
 
   
 
0.6%
Risk-free interest rate (4)
 
   
 
1.8%

(1)  
The expected term (estimated period of time outstanding) of stock options granted was estimated using the historical exercise behavior of employees.
(2)  
The expected volatility was based on historical volatility for a period equal to the stock option's expected term.
(3)  
The expected dividend yield is based on the Company's prevailing dividend rate at the time of grant.
(4)  
The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury strips in effect at the time of grant equal to the stock option's expected term.
(5)  
The Company did not issue any stock options during the first half of 2010 and during the second quarter 2009.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, information related to stock options is presented as follows:


   
Three Months Ended June 30,
         
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
         
2009
         
2010
         
2009
 
Weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the period (1)
          (1 )           (2 )           (1 )   $ 6.83  
Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in thousands)
  $ 359             $ 4             $ 636             $ 5  
Total fair value of options vested (in thousands)
  $ 404             $ 87             $ 2,076             $ 1,438  

(1)  
The Company did not issue any stock options during the first half of 2010.
(2)  
The Company did not issue any stock options during the second quarter of 2009.

As of June 30, 2010, total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options amounted to $1.4 million.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.

 
21

 
Restricted Stock

In addition to stock options, the Company also grants restricted stock awards to directors, officers and employees.  The restricted shares awarded become fully vested after three to five years of continued employment from the date of grant.  The Company becomes entitled to an income tax deduction in an amount equal to the taxable income reported by the holders of the restricted shares when the restrictions are released and the shares are issued.  Restricted shares are forfeited if officers and employees terminate prior to the lapsing of restrictions.  The Company records forfeitures of restricted stock as treasury share repurchases.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("ARRA") places additional restrictions on restricted stock grants. The executive compensation standards are more stringent under ARRA than those in effect under the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”).

A summary of the activity for restricted stock as of June 30, 2010, including changes during the six months then ended, is presented below:


         
Weighted
 
         
Average
 
   
Shares
   
Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of period
    864,717     $ 20.12  
Granted
    959,575       16.90  
Vested
    (90,467 )     30.93  
Forfeited or Expired
    (200,806 )     17.91  
Outstanding at end of period
    1,533,019       17.75  


The weighted average fair values of restricted stock awards granted during the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, were $16.90 and $7.14, respectively.

As of June 30, 2010, total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards amounted to $17.6 million.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.6 years.
 
5.  
INVESTMENT SECURITIES

An analysis of the investment securities available-for-sale portfolio is presented as follows:


 
22

 
         
Gross
   
Gross
   
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
As of June 30, 2010
                       
Available-for-sale
                       
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 55,324     $ 543     $ -     $ 55,867  
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government
  sponsored enterprise debt securities
    905,384       3,213       (114 )     908,483  
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:  
                               
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    24,829       810       -       25,639  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    377,944       15,199       -       393,143  
Municipal securities
    5,503       8       -       5,511  
Other residential mortgage-backed securities, non-investment grade  
    21,335       -       (8,829 )     12,506  
Corporate debt securities:
                               
Investment grade
    631,764       8,492       (3,228 )     637,028  
Non-investment grade (1)
    42,173       -       (12,316 )     29,857  
U.S. Government sponsored enterprise equity securities
    -       -       -       -  
Debt issued by foreign governments
    7,721       2       (9 )     7,714  
Other securities
    1,262       2       (1 )     1,263  
Total investment securities available-for-sale
  $ 2,073,239     $ 28,269     $ (24,497 )   $ 2,077,011  
                                 
As of December 31, 2009
                               
Available-for-sale
                               
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 304,105     $ 8     $ (641 )   $ 303,472  
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government
  sponsored enterprise debt securities
    841,953       507       (10,435 )     832,025  
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:  
                               
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    25,503       852       -       26,355  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    707,290       17,863       (805 )     724,348  
Municipal securities
    59,264       1,027       (98 )     60,193  
Other residential mortgage-backed securities:
                               
Investment grade
    95,181       827       (492 )     95,516  
Non-investment grade
    50,843       368       (9,601 )     41,610  
Corporate debt securities:
                               
Investment grade
    441,606       20,428       (1,138 )     460,896  
Non-investment grade (1)
    26,277       -       (17,416 )     8,861  
U.S. Government sponsored enterprise equity securities
    1,998       -       (216 )     1,782  
Other securities
    9,023       -       -       9,023  
Total investment securities available-for-sale
  $ 2,563,043     $ 41,880     $ (40,842 )   $ 2,564,081  

(1)  
For the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company recorded $9.4 million, on a pre-tax basis, of OTTI through earnings and $7.7 million of the non-credit portion of OTTI for pooled trust preferred securities in other comprehensive income. The Company recorded $107.7 million, on a pre-tax basis, of the credit portion of OTTI through earnings and $8.2 million, net of tax, of the non-credit portion of OTTI for pooled trust preferred securities in other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2009.

The Company did not have any investment securities held-to-maturity as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
 
23

 

The fair values of investment securities are generally determined by reference to the average of at least two quoted market prices obtained from independent external brokers or prices obtained from independent external pricing service providers who have experience in valuing these securities.  The Company performs a monthly analysis on the broker quotes received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of fair value.  The procedures include, but are not limited to, initial and ongoing review of third party pricing methodologies, review of pricing trends, and monitoring of trading volumes.  The Company assesses that prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through the use of internal and external cash flow models developed that are based on spreads, and when available, market indices.  As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon available market data, the price received from third parties is adjusted accordingly.

Prices from third-party pricing services are often unavailable for securities that are rarely traded or are traded only in privately negotiated transactions. As a result, certain securities are priced via independent broker quotations which utilize inputs that may be difficult to corroborate with observable market based data.  Additionally, the majority of these independent broker quotations are non-binding.

As a result of the global financial crisis and illiquidity in the U.S. markets, the Company believes current broker prices obtained on the private-label mortgage-backed security and certain pooled trust preferred securities are based on forced liquidation or distressed sale values in very inactive markets that are not representative of the fair value of these securities.  In light of these circumstances, the Company has modified its approach in determining the fair values of these securities.  For the pooled trust preferred securities, the Company performed a cash flow analysis using the methodology set forth in Note 3 to determine the fair value of securities. For the private-label mortgage-backed security, the Company determined fair value by using the appropriate combination of the market approach reflecting current broker prices and a discounted cash flow approach.  The values resulting from each approach (i.e. market and income approaches) were weighted to derive the final fair value on the private-label mortgage-backed security.  In calculating the fair value derived from the income approach, the Company made assumptions related to the implied rate of return, general change in market rates, estimated changes in credit quality and liquidity risk premium, specific non-performance and default experience in the collateral underlying the security, as well as broker discount rates.

The following tables show the Company’s rollforward of the amount related to other-than-temporary impairment credit losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010:


   
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
       
Beginning balance, April 1
  $ 112,470  
Addition of other-than-temporary impairment that was not
  previously recognized
    -  
Additional increases to the amount related to the credit loss
  for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously
  recognized
    2,421  
Ending balance
  $ 114,891  
         
         
   
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
         
Beginning balance, January 1
  $ 107,671  
Addition of other-than-temporary impairment that was not
  previously recognized
    -  
Additional increases to the amount related to the credit loss
  for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously
  recognized
    7,220  
Ending balance
  $ 114,891  


 
24

 
The following table shows the Company’s investment portfolio’s gross unrealized losses and related fair values, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
 
As of June 30, 2010
                                   
Available-for-sale
                                   
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government
  sponsored enterprise debt securities
    82,193       (114 )     -       -       82,193       (114 )
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government
  sponsored enterprise residential mortgage-backed
  securities
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Other residential mortgage-backed securities,
  non-investment grade
    -       -       12,505       (8,829 )     12,505       (8,829 )
Corporate debt securities:
                                               
Investment grade
    365,648       (3,228 )     -       -       365,648       (3,228 )
Non-investment grade
    20,066       (681 )     9,792       (11,635 )     29,858       (12,316 )
U.S. Government sponsored enterprise equity securities
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Debt issued by foreign governments
    4,940       (9 )                     4,940       (9 )
Other securities
    527       (1 )     -       -       527       (1 )
Total investment securities available-for-sale
  $ 473,374     $ (4,033 )   $ 22,297     $ (20,464 )   $ 495,671     $ (24,497 )
                                                 
As of December 31, 2009
                                               
Available-for-sale
                                               
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 253,002     $ (641 )   $ -     $ -     $ 253,002     $ (641 )
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government
  sponsored enterprise debt securities
    673,067       (10,435 )     -       -       673,067       (10,435 )
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government
  sponsored enterprise residential mortgage-backed
  securities
    55,947       (805 )     -       -       55,947       (805 )
Municipal securities
    12,369       (98 )     -       -       12,369       (98 )
Other residential mortgage-backed securities:
                                               
Investment grade
    47,343       (492 )     -       -       47,343       (492 )
Non-investment grade
    19,970       (1,011 )     12,739       (8,590 )     32,709       (9,601 )
Corporate debt securities:
                                               
Investment grade
    32,342       (97 )     978       (1,041 )     33,320       (1,138 )
Non-investment grade
    -       -       8,861       (17,416 )     8,861       (17,416 )
U.S. Government sponsored enterprise equity securities
    1,782       (216 )     -       -       1,782       (216 )
Total investment securities available-for-sale
  $ 1,095,822     $ (13,795 )   $ 22,578     $ (27,047 )   $ 1,118,400     $ (40,842 )
 
 
25

 
Corporate Debt Securities (Available-for-Sale)

The majority of unrealized losses at June 30, 2010 are related to five trust preferred debt securities with unrealized losses of 12 months or longer. As of June 30, 2010, these trust preferred securities had an estimated fair value of $9.8 million, representing less than ­­1% of the total investment securities available-for-sale portfolio. One security was recently downgraded to non-investment grade. The ratings for the other four trust preferred securities were downgraded to non-investment grade status during 2009 due to increased deferral and default activity from the issuers of the underlying debt collateralizing these instruments. As of June 30, 2010, these non-investment grade debt instruments had gross unrealized losses amounting to $8.4 million, or 39% of the total amortized cost basis of these securities, comprised of $700 thousand in gross unrealized losses and $7.7 million in noncredit-related impairment losses as of June 30, 2010 pursuant to the provisions of ASC 320-10-65. As a result of the previously discussed diminishing collateral values, deteriorating cash flows, and increasing estimates of future deferrals and defaults, we recorded an impairment loss of $2.4 million on our portfolio of pooled trust preferred securities during the second quarter of 2010 for additional increases to the amount related to the credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized.

Mortgage-backed Securities (Available-for-Sale)

As of June 30, 2010, the Company had one private-label available-for-sale mortgage-backed security with a fair value of $12.5 million, with a gross unrealized loss of $8.8 million, or 41% of the amortized cost basis of this security, for more than 12 months. This security is collateralized by single family loans and secured by the first lien on these residential properties. Additionally, any principal and interest shortfall that may arise from the deterioration of the collateral will be covered by a monoline insurance provider. The Company does not intend to sell this security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell this security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. As such, the Company does not deem this security to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of June 30, 2010.

As of June 30, 2010, there were six individual securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or more. These securities are comprised of five trust preferred securities with a total fair value of $9.8 million and one mortgage-backed security with a fair value of $12.5 million. As of June 30, 2010, there were also 42 securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months. The unrealized losses on these securities are primarily attributed to changes in interest rates as well as the liquidity crisis that has impacted all financial industries. The issuers of these securities have not, to our knowledge, established any cause for default on these securities. These securities have fluctuated in value since their purchase dates as market interest rates have fluctuated. However, the Company has the ability and the intention to hold these securities until their fair values recover to cost or maturity. As such, the Company does not deem these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired.


The scheduled maturities of investment securities available-for-sale at June 30, 2010 are presented as follows:


   
Amortized
   
Estimated
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Due within one year
  $ 1,073,472     $ 1,074,681  
Due after one year through five years
    440,178       446,841  
Due after five years through ten years
    116,846       117,680  
Due after ten years
    442,743       437,809  
Indeterminate maturity
    -       -  
    Total investment securities available-for-sale
  $ 2,073,239     $ 2,077,011  

 
26

 

6.  
COVERED ASSETS AND FDIC INDEMNIFICATION ASSET

Covered Assets

Covered assets consist of loans receivable and OREO that were acquired in the WFIB Acquisition on June 11, 2010 and in the UCB Acquisition on November 6, 2009 for which the Company entered into shared-loss agreements (the “shared-loss agreements”) with the FDIC. The shared-loss agreements covered over 99% of the loans originated by WFIB and all of the loans originated by United Commercial Bank, excluding the loans originated by United Commercial Bank in China under its United Commercial Bank China (Limited) subsidiary. The Company will share in the losses, which begins with the first dollar of loss incurred, on the loan pools (including single family residential mortgage loans, commercial loans, foreclosed loan collateral and other real estate owned), covered (“covered assets”) under the shared-loss agreements.

Pursuant to the terms of the shared-loss agreements, the FDIC is obligated to reimburse the Company 80% of eligible losses for both WFIB and UCB with respect to covered assets. For the UCB covered assets the FDIC will reimburse the Company for 95% of eligible losses in excess of $2.05 billion. The Company has a corresponding obligation to reimburse the FDIC for 80% or 95%, as applicable, of eligible recoveries with respect to covered assets. The commercial loan shared-loss agreement and single family residential mortgage loan shared-loss agreement are in effect for 5 years and 10 years, respectively, from the acquisition date and the loss recovery provisions are in effect for 8 years and 10 years, respectively, from the acquisition date.

Forty-five days following the 10th anniversary of the respective acquisition date, the Company will be required to pay to the FDIC a calculated amount, based on the specific thresholds of losses not being reached. The calculation of this potential liability as stated in the shared loss agreements is 50% of the excess, if any of (i) twenty percent (20%) of the Intrinsic Loss Estimate and (ii) the sum of (A) 25% of the asset discount plus (B) 25% of the Cumulative Shared-Loss Payments plus (C) the Cumulative Servicing Amount if net losses on covered loans subject to the stated threshold is not reached. As of June 30, 2010, the Company’s estimate for this liability for WFIB and UCB is $7 million and zero, respectively.

At each date of acquisition, we accounted for the loan portfolio acquired from the respective bank at fair value. This represents the discounted value of the expected cash flows from the portfolio. In estimating the nonaccretable difference, we (a) calculated the contractual amount and timing of undiscounted principal and interest payments (the “undiscounted contractual cash flows”) and (b) estimated the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal and interest payments (the “undiscounted expected cash flows”). In the determination of contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected, we assume no prepayment on the ASC 310-30 nonaccrual loan pools as we do not anticipate any significant prepayments on credit impaired loans. For the ASC 310-30 accrual loans for single-family, multi-family and commercial real estate, we used a third party vendor to obtain prepayment speeds, in order to be consistent with the market participant’s notion of the accounting standards. The third party vendor is recognized in the mortgage-industry for the delivery of prepayment and default models for the secondary market to identify loan level prepayment, delinquency, default, and loss propensities.  The prepayment rates for the construction, land, and commercial and consumer pools have historically been low and so we applied the prepayment assumptions of our current portfolio using our internal modeling. The difference between the undiscounted contractual cash flows and the undiscounted expected cash flows is the nonaccretable difference. The nonaccretable difference represents our estimate of the credit losses expected and was considered in determining the fair value of the loans as of the acquisition date.  The amount by which the undiscounted expected cash flows exceed the estimated fair value (the “accretable yield”) is accreted into interest income over the life of the loans. The Company has elected to account for all covered loans acquired in the both FDIC-assisted acquisitions under ASC 310-30.

WFIB’s and UCB’s loan portfolios included unfunded commitments for commercial lines of credit, construction draws and other lending activity. Any additional advances on these loans subsequent to acquisition date are not accounted for under ASC 310-30. The total commitment outstanding as of the acquisition date is included under the shared-loss agreements. As such, any additional advances, up to the total commitment outstanding at the date of acquisition are covered. The covered loans acquired are and will continue to be subject to the Bank’s internal and external credit review and monitoring. If credit deterioration is experienced subsequent to the respective acquisition fair value amount, such deterioration will be measured through our loss reserving methodology and a provision for credit losses will be charged to earnings with a partially offsetting noninterest income item reflecting the increase to the FDIC indemnification asset or receivable. As of June 30, 2010, no events have occurred that require an allowance for the covered loans.

 
27

 
The carrying amounts and the composition of the covered loans as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are as follows:


   
Credit Impaired
   
Other Loans
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
As of June 30, 2010
                 
Real estate loans
                 
Residential single family
  $ 19,547     $ 593,908     $ 613,455  
Residential multifamily
    131,505       1,004,187       1,135,692  
Commercial and industrial real estate
    778,926       1,493,785       2,272,711  
Construction and land
    1,004,023       177,806       1,181,829  
Total real estate
    1,934,001       3,269,686       5,203,687  
                         
Other loans:
                       
Commercial business
    393,963       480,894       874,857  
Other consumer
    355       94,925       95,280  
Total other loans
    394,318       575,819       970,137  
                         
Total principal balance
    2,328,319       3,845,505       6,173,824  
Covered discount
    (875,053 )     (471,952 )     (1,347,005 )
Net valuation of loans
    1,453,266       3,373,553       4,826,819  
Subsequent acquisition loan advances
    -       448,673       448,673  
Total covered loans
  $ 1,453,266     $ 3,822,226     $ 5,275,492  
                         
As of December 31, 2009
                       
Real estate loans
                       
Residential single family
  $ 22,325     $ 621,742     $ 644,067  
Residential multifamily
    158,452       1,010,413       1,168,865  
Commercial and industrial real estate
    900,165       1,515,284       2,415,449  
Construction and land
    1,236,228       155,500       1,391,728  
Total real estate
    2,317,170       3,302,939       5,620,109  
                         
Other loans:
                       
Commercial business
    603,507       580,260       1,183,767  
Other consumer
    422       100,377       100,799  
Total other loans
    603,929       680,637       1,284,566  
                         
Total principal balance
    2,921,099       3,983,576       6,904,675  
Covered discount
    (1,033,720 )     (474,948 )     (1,508,668 )
Net valuation of loans
    1,887,379       3,508,628       5,396,007  
Subsequent acquisition loan advances
    -       202,148       202,148  
Total covered loans
  $ 1,887,379     $ 3,710,776     $ 5,598,155  


 
28

 
At June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, $481.8 million and $675.6 million of the ASC 310-30 credit impaired loans, respectively, were considered to be nonperforming loans. The following table sets forth information regarding covered nonperforming assets as of the dates indicated:


   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Covered nonaccrual loans
  $ 481,804     $ 675,625  
Covered loans past due 90 days or more but not on nonaccrual
    -       -  
Total nonperforming loans
    481,804       675,625  
                 
Other real estate owned covered, net
    113,999       44,273  
Total covered nonperforming assets
  $ 595,803     $ 719,898  

We had 86 covered OREO properties as of June 30, 2010 with a combined aggregate carrying value of $114.0 million.  Approximately 52% of covered OREO properties as of June 30, 2010 were located in California.  As of December 31, 2009, we had 61 covered OREO properties with an aggregate carrying value of $44.3 million.  During the first six months of 2010, we foreclosed on 43 properties with an aggregate carrying value of $76.2 million as of the foreclosure date.  Included in the aggregate carrying value was $25.9 million in writedowns and $688 thousand in net principal reductions on covered OREO.  We acquired 27 properties with a fair value of $28.0 million on June 11, 2010 through the WFIB acquisition.  During the first six months of 2010, we sold 44 covered OREO properties with a total carrying value of $38.8 million resulting in a total combined net loss on sale of $4.1 million.

The following table shows the carrying amounts for the covered loans as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively:


   
June 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Contractually required payments of interest and principal
  $ 7,206,269     $ 7,976,064  
Nonaccretable difference
    (1,392,889 )     (1,596,950 )
                 
Cash flows expected to be collected (1)
    5,813,380       6,379,114  
Accretable difference
    (986,389 )     (983,107 )
                 
Carrying value of covered loans
  $ 4,826,991     $ 5,396,007  

(1)  
Represents undiscounted expected principal and interest cash flows.

 
29

 
Changes in the accretable yield for the covered loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 is as follows:


   
Three months ended
 
   
June 30, 2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
       
Beginning balance, April 1, 2010
  $ 771,549  
Addition
    84,556  
Accretion
    (3,664 )
Cash receipts, disposals, and change in cash flows
    133,948  
Ending balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 986,389  
         
         
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30, 2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
         
Beginning balance, January 1, 2010
  $ 983,107  
Addition
    84,556  
Accretion
    (7,517 )
Cash receipts, disposals, and change in cash flows
    (73,757 )
Ending balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 986,389  


The excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the initial fair value of acquired loans is referred to as the accretable yield and is accreted into interest income over the estimated life of the acquired loans using the effective yield method. The accretable yield will change due to:

 
estimate of the remaining life of acquired loans which may change the amount of future interest income
 
 
estimate of the amount of contractually required principal and interest payments over the estimated life that will not be collected (the nonaccretable difference); and
 
 
indices for acquired loans with variable rates of interest.

The additions included above result from the June 11, 2010 WFIB acquisition.
 
30

 

From December 31, 2009 to June 30, 2010, excluding scheduled principal payments, a total of $604.0 million of loans were removed from the covered loans accounted under ASC 310-30 due to loans being paid in full, sold, or transferred to covered OREO. The payoff activity during this period of time was higher than anticipated and what was modeled, however management does not believe this activity suggests the need for a change in the original prepayment assumptions at this time due to the short duration of historical payoff activities. The loan discount related to these prepayments and removals of $89.5 million was recorded as an adjustment to interest income in the first half of 2010. No impairment write-downs were recorded in the first half of 2010.


FDIC Indemnification Asset

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company recorded $10.6 million and $22.1 million, respectively, of accretion into income. Additionally, because of the high prepayment and removals activity during this timeframe, the Company reduced the FDIC indemnification asset by $85.7 million and $208.0 million for the three and six months, respectively, ended June 30, 2010, and recorded the adjustment to noninterest (loss) income. Due to the acquisition of WFIB in the second quarter of 2010, $41.1 million of additional FDIC indemnification asset was recorded.

The table below shows FDIC indemnification asset activity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010:


   
Three months ended
 
   
June 30, 2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
       
Beginning balance, April 1, 2010
  $ 980,950  
Addition due to WFIB acquisition
  $ 41,131  
Accretion
    10,624  
Reductions (1)(2)
    (85,694 )
Ending balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 947,011  
         
         
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30, 2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
         
Beginning balance, January 1, 2010
  $ 1,091,814  
Addition due to WFIB acquisition
  $ 41,131  
Accretion
    22,092  
Reductions (1)(2)
    (208,026 )
Ending balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 947,011  


(1)  
Reductions relate to higher cash flows received from principal amortization, partial prepayments, loan payoffs, and loan sales.
(2)  
The reduction amounts of $85.7 million and $208.0 million, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 also include chargeoffs.  $56.1 million and $118.0 million of these chargeoffs, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, are recoverable from the FDIC and recorded in other assets.

FDIC Receivable

As of June 30, 2010, the FDIC loss sharing receivable was $59.3 million.  This receivable represents 80% of reimbursable expenses from the FDIC, that have not yet been paid. These reimbursable expenses include chargeoffs, loan related expenses and OREO related expenses.  The 80% of reimbursable expense is recorded as noninterest income. 100% of the expense is recorded as non-interest expense, netting to the 20% of actual expense paid by the Company. The FDIC shares in 80% of recoveries received.  Thus, the FDIC receivable is reduced when we receive payment from the FDIC as well as when recoveries occur.


 
31

 
7.  
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The following table summarizes activity in the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated:


   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Allowance balance, beginning of period
  $ 250,517     $ 195,450     $ 238,833     $ 178,027  
Allowance for unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit
    (1,115 )     1,442       (1,923 )     434  
Provision for loan losses
    55,256       151,422       131,677       229,422  
Impact of desecuritization
    -       9,262       -       9,262  
Chargeoffs:
                               
Single family real estate
    3,688       14,263       7,226       18,116  
Multifamily real estate
    8,007       2,352       12,970       4,098  
Commercial real estate
    13,411       13,063       21,698       15,859  
Land
    13,485       33,599       40,430       46,122  
Construction
    11,707       60,083       25,962       78,526  
Commercial business
    12,328       13,718       19,897       33,177  
Automobile
    -       27       96       35  
Other consumer
    809       306       1,329       1,618  
Total chargeoffs
    63,435       137,411       129,608       197,551  
                                 
Recoveries:
                               
Single family real estate
    431       205       543       226  
Multifamily real estate
    455       96       558       218  
Commercial and industrial real estate
    1,575       591       1,661       597  
Land
    3,720       416       3,837       416  
Construction
    73       847       657       966  
Commercial business
    1,853       1,367       3,054       1,648  
Automobile
    19       9       43       31  
Other consumer
    113       4       130       4  
Total recoveries
    8,239       3,535       10,483       4,106  
Net chargeoffs
    55,196       133,876       119,125       193,445  
Allowance balance, end of period
  $ 249,462     $ 223,700     $ 249,462     $ 223,700  
                                 
Average non-covered loans outstanding
  $ 8,556,680     $ 8,244,850     $ 8,582,214     $ 8,221,143  
                                 
Total gross non-covered loans outstanding, end of period
  $ 8,314,984     $ 8,528,961     $ 8,314,984     $ 8,528,961  
                                 
Annualized net chargeoffs to average non-covered loans
    2.58 %     6.50 %     2.78 %     4.71 %
                                 
Allowance for loan losses to total gross non-covered loans,
  end of period
    2.99 %     2.62 %     2.99 %     2.62 %
Note:  Student loans are fully guaranteed by the U.S. Government therefore there is no allowance for these loans.

 
32

 
At June 30, 2010, the allowance for loan losses amounted to $249.5 million, or 2.99% of total gross non-covered loans, compared with $238.8 million or 2.81% of total gross non-covered loans at December 31, 2009, and $223.7 million, or 2.62% of total gross non-covered loans as of June 30, 2009.  The increase in the allowance for loan losses is primarily due to the $131.7 million in provisions for loan losses recorded during the first half of 2010 off set by net chargeoffs of $119.1 million.  This compares to $229.4 million in provisions for loan losses recorded during the first half of 2009 off set by net chargeoffs of $193.4 million.

8.  
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment consists of the following:


   
June 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Land
  $ 15,545     $ 15,545  
Office Buildings
    102,981       27,923  
Leasehold improvements
    24,962       24,663  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    46,125       39,253  
Total cost
    189,613       107,384  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (55,455 )     (48,285 )
Net book value
  $ 134,158     $ 59,099  


The increase in office buildings during the first half of 2010 is due to the purchase of several properties totaling approximately $78.6 million by the Company as part of the FDIC-assisted transaction of United Commercial Bank.

Capitalized assets are depreciated or amortized on a straightline basis in accordance with the estimated useful life for each fixed asset class. The estimated useful life for furniture and fixtures is seven years; office equipment is for five years and twenty-five years for buildings and improvements. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the lease or useful life.

9.  
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

The carrying amount of goodwill remained at $337.4 million as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis as of December 31, or more frequently as events occur, or as current circumstances and conditions warrant. The Company records impairment write-downs as charges to noninterest expense and adjustments to the carrying value of goodwill. Subsequent reversals of goodwill impairment are prohibited.

As of June 30, 2010, the Company’s market capitalization based on total outstanding common and preferred shares was $2.74 billion and its total stockholders’ equity was $2.34 billion. The Company performed its annual impairment test as of December 31, 2009 to determine whether and to what extent, if any, recorded goodwill was impaired. The analysis compared the fair value of each of the reporting units, including goodwill, to the respective carrying amounts. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the fair value of that reporting unit, then further testing for goodwill impairment is performed.

 
33

 
Premiums on Acquired Deposits

The Company also has premiums on acquired deposits, which represent the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilities assumed in various acquisitions. Other intangibles are tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently as events occur, or as current circumstances and conditions warrant. As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the gross carrying amount of premiums on acquired deposits totaled $117.6 million and $116.6 million, respectively, and the related accumulated amortization totaled $31.5 million and $26.9 million, respectively. In June 2010, the Company recorded $3.1 million in premiums on acquired deposits due to the WFIB acquisition. In November 2009, the Company recorded $74.4 million in premiums on acquired deposits due to the UCB acquisition.

The Company amortizes premiums on acquired deposits based on the projected useful lives of the related deposits. Amortization expense of premiums on acquired deposits was $3.3 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $6.7 million and $2.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The following table provides the estimated future amortization expense of premiums on acquired deposits for the six months ending December 31, 2010 and the succeeding four years:


Estimated Future Amortization Expense of Premiums on Acquired Deposits
 
Amount
 
   
(In thousands)
 
       
Six Months Ending December 31, 2010
  $ 6,703  
Year Ending December 31, 2011
    12,572  
Year Ending December 31, 2012
    11,176  
Year Ending December 31, 2013
    9,660  
Year Ending December 31, 2014
    8,775  


10.  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Credit Extensions - In the normal course of business, the Company has various outstanding commitments to extend credit that are not reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.  As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, undisbursed loan commitments amounted to $1.85 billion and $2.46 billion, respectively.  Commercial and standby letters of credit amounted to $724.0 million and $715.2 million as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

Guarantees – From time to time, the Company sells or securitizes loans with recourse in the ordinary course of business.  For loans that have been sold or securitized with recourse, the recourse component is considered a guarantee.  When the Company sells or securitizes a loan with recourse, it commits to stand ready to perform if the loan defaults, and to make payments to remedy the default.  As of June 30, 2010, total loans sold or securitized with recourse amounted to $474.9 million and were comprised of $66.5 million in single family loans with full recourse and $408.4 million in multifamily loans with limited recourse.  In comparison, total loans sold or securitized with recourse amounted to $497.5 million at December 31, 2009, comprised of $72.6 million in single family loans with full recourse and $425.0 million in multifamily loans with limited recourse.  The recourse provision on multifamily loans is limited to 2.5% of the top loss on the underlying loans.  The Company’s recourse reserve related to loan sales and securitizations totaled $4.0 million as of June 30, 2010 and $2.9 million as of December 31, 2009, and is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.  Despite the challenging conditions in the real estate market, the Company continues to experience relatively minimal losses from the single family and multifamily loan portfolios.

 
34

 
The Company also sells or securitizes loans without recourse that may have to be subsequently repurchased if a defect that occurred during the loan origination process results in a violation of a representation or warranty made in connection with the securitization or sale of the loan.  When a loan sold or securitized to an investor without recourse fails to perform according to its contractual terms, the investor will typically review the loan file to determine whether defects in the origination process occurred and if such defects give rise to a violation of a representation or warranty made to the investor in connection with the sale or securitization.  If such a defect is identified, the Company may be required to either repurchase the loan or indemnify the investor for losses sustained.  If there are no such defects, the Company has no commitment to repurchase the loan.  As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the amount of loans sold without recourse totaled $1.84 billion and $1.50 billion, respectively.  Total loans securitized without recourse amounted to $340.2 million and $358.1 million, respectively, at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.  The loans sold or securitized without recourse represent the unpaid principal balance of the Company’s loans serviced for others portfolio.

Litigation – Neither the Company nor the Bank is involved in any material legal proceedings at June 30, 2010.  The Bank, from time to time, is a party to litigation which arises in the ordinary course of business, such as claims to enforce liens, claims involving the origination and servicing of loans, and other issues related to the business of the Bank.  After taking into consideration information furnished by counsel to the Company and the Bank, management believes that the resolution of such issues will not have a material adverse impact on the financial position, results of operations, or liquidity of the Company or the Bank.

11.  
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Series A Preferred Stock Offering - In April 2008, the Company issued 200,000 shares of 8% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A (“Series A”), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share.  The Company received $194.1 million of additional Tier 1 qualifying capital, after deducting stock issuance costs.  The holders of the Series A preferred stock have the right at any time to convert each share of Series A preferred stock into 64.9942 shares of the Company’s common stock, plus cash in lieu of fractional shares.  This represents an initial conversion price of approximately $15.39 per share of common stock or a 22.5% conversion premium based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on April 23, 2008 of $12.56 per share.  On or after May 1, 2013, the Company will have the right, under certain circumstances, to cause the Series A preferred stock to be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock.  Dividends on the Series A preferred stock, if declared, will accrue and be payable quarterly in arrears at a rate per annum equal to 8% on the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year.  The proceeds from this offering were used to augment the Company’s liquidity and capital positions and reduce its borrowings. As of June 30, 2010, 85,741 shares were outstanding.

Series B Preferred Stock Offering - On December 5, 2008, the Company issued 306,546 shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (“Series B”), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share.  The Company received $306.5 million of additional Tier 1 qualifying capital from the U.S. Treasury by participating in the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program (“TCPP”).  The Series B preferred shares will pay cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum until the fifth anniversary of the investment date and thereafter at a rate of 9% per annum.  The Series B preferred shares are transferable by the U.S. Treasury at any time.  Subject to the approval of the Federal Reserve Board, the Series B preferred shares may be reacquired by the Company at 100% of liquidation preference (plus any accrued and unpaid dividends).

Series C Preferred Stock - On March 25, 2010, at a special meeting of the stockholders, our stockholders voted to approve the issuance of 37,103,734 shares of our common stock upon conversion of the 335,047 shares of the Series C Preferred Stock. The Series C Preferred Stock was subsequently automatically converted into shares of our common stock on March 30, 2010, and, as a result, no shares of the Series C Preferred Stock remain outstanding.

Warrants  During 2008, in conjunction with the Series B preferred stock offering, the Company issued warrants with an initial price of $15.15 per share of common stock for which the warrants may be exercised, with an allocated fair value of $25.2 million.  The warrants may be exercised at any time on or before December 5, 2018.  During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company received a 50% reduction in the warrants we issued to the U.S. Treasury in conjunction with the TARP capital we received in December, 2008. This adjustment to the warrants was due to the fact that within one year of issuance, the Company raised new capital in excess of the TARP capital issued in December, 2008. The warrants, and all rights under the warrants, are freely transferable.  As of June 30, 2010, there were 1,517,555 warrants outstanding.

Stock Repurchase Program – During 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program to buy back up to $80.0 million of the Company’s common stock.  The Company did not repurchase any shares during the six months ended June 30, 2010 in connection with this stock repurchase program.
 
35

 

Quarterly Dividends – On April 27, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors declared second quarter preferred stock cash dividends of $20.00 per share on its Series A preferred stock payable on or about May 1, 2010 to shareholders of record on April 15, 2010.  On April 27, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors also declared and paid quarterly preferred cash dividends on its Series B preferred shares.  Total cash dividends accrued and paid in conjunction with the Company’s Series A and B preferred stock amounted to $5.5 million and $11.1 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010.

On April 27, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors also declared quarterly common stock cash dividends of $0.01 per share payable on or about May 24, 2010 to shareholders of record on May 10, 2010.  Cash dividends totaling $1.5 million and $2.6 million were paid to the Company’s common shareholders during the second quarter and first half of 2010.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (“EPS”) – The actual number of shares outstanding at June 30, 2010 was 147,938,847.  Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted EPS is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period plus restricted stock and shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of outstanding convertible preferred stock, common stock options and warrants, unless they have an antidilutive effect.

The following table sets forth earnings (loss) per share calculations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:



   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Net income available to
   
Number of Weighted
   
Per Share
   
Net loss available to
   
Number of Weighted
   
Per Share
 
   
common stockholders
   
Average Shares
   
Amounts
   
common stockholders
   
Average Shares
   
Amounts
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Basic EPS
                                   
Net income (loss) as reported
  $ 36,348                 $ (86,725 )            
Less: Preferred stock dividends and
  amortization of preferred stock discount
    (6,147 )                 (23,623 )            
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 30,201                 $ (110,348 )     63,105     $ (1.75 )
Extraordinary item
  $ -                   (5,366 )     63,105     $ (0.08 )
Net basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 30,201     $ 146,372     $ 0.21     $ (115,714 )     63,105     $ (1.83 )
                                                 
Diluted EPS
                                               
Effect of dilutive securities:
                                               
Stock options
    -       155               -       -          
Restricted stock
    4       404               -       -          
Stock warrants
    -       200               -       -          
Convertible Preferred Stock
    -       -               -       -          
Loss available to common stockholders
   before extraordinary item
    -       -               (110,348 )     63,105       (1.75 )
Extraordinary item
            -               (5,366 )     63,105       (0.08 )
Net diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 30,205       147,131     $ 0.21     $ (115,714 )     63,105     $ (1.83 )


 
36

 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Net income available to
   
Number of Weighted
   
Per Share
   
Net loss available to
   
Number of Weighted
   
Per Share
 
   
common stockholders
   
Average Shares
   
Amounts
   
common stockholders
   
Average Shares
   
Amounts
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Basic EPS
                                   
Net income (loss) as reported
  $ 61,264                 $ (109,191 )            
Less: Preferred stock dividends and
  amortization of preferred stock discount
    (12,285 )                 (32,366 )            
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 48,979                 $ (141,557 )     63,052     $ (2.25 )
Extraordinary item
  $ -                   (5,366 )     63,052     $ (0.08 )
Net basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 48,979     $ 123,445     $ 0.40     $ (146,923 )     63,052     $ (2.33 )
                                                 
Diluted EPS
                                               
Effect of dilutive securities:
                                               
Stock options
    -       167               -       -          
Restricted stock
    7       320               -       -          
Stock warrants
    -       183               -       -          
Convertible Preferred Stock
    -       18,019               -       -          
Loss available to common stockholders
   before extraordinary item
    -       -               (141,557 )     63,052     $ (2.25 )
Extraordinary item
    -       -               (5,366 )     63,052     $ (0.08 )
Net diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 48,986       142,134     $ 0.34     $ (146,923 )     63,052     $ (2.33 )

The following outstanding convertible preferred stock, stock options, and restricted stock for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because including them would have had an antidilutive effect:


 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
 
(In thousands)
 
(In thousands)
               
Convertible preferred stock
 5,573
 
 12,772
 
 5,573
 
 12,772
Stock options
 1,063
 
 2,568
 
 1,063
 
 2,575
Restricted stock
 13
 
 598
 
 642
 
 838

 
37

 

12.  
BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company utilizes an internal reporting system to measure the performance of various operating segments within the Bank and the Company overall. We have identified three operating segments for purposes of management reporting:  1) Retail Banking; 2) Commercial Banking; and 3) Other. These three business divisions met the criteria of an operating segment: the segment engages in business activities from which it earns revenues and incur expenses and whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision-maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance and for which discrete financial information is available.

During the first quarter of 2010, the Company’s management made the decision to fully integrate the UCB segment into its two-segment core business structure:  Retail Banking and Commercial Banking.  With this integration, effective the first quarter of 2010, the Company’s business focus reverted back to a three-segment core business structure:  Retail Banking, Commercial Banking and Other.

The Retail Banking segment focuses primarily on retail operations through the Bank’s branch network. The Commercial Banking segment, which includes commercial real estate, primarily generates commercial loans through the efforts of the commercial lending offices located in the Bank’s northern and southern California production offices. Furthermore, the Company’s Commercial Banking segment also offers a wide variety of international finance and trade services and products. The remaining centralized functions, including Treasury activities and eliminations of intersegment amounts, have been aggregated and included in the Other segment, which provides broad administrative support to the two core segments.

The Company’s funds transfer pricing assumptions are intended to promote core deposit growth and to reflect the current risk profiles of various loan categories within the credit portfolio. Transfer pricing assumptions and methodologies are reviewed at least annually to ensure that the Company’s process is reflective of current market conditions. The transfer pricing process is formulated with the goal of incenting loan and deposit growth that is consistent with the Company’s overall growth objectives as well as provide a reasonable and consistent basis for the measurement of the Company’s business segments and product net interest margins. Changes to the Company’s transfer pricing assumptions and methodologies are approved by the Asset Liability Committee.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Operating segment results are based on the Company’s internal management reporting process, which reflects assignments and allocations of capital, certain operating and administrative costs and the provision for loan losses. Net interest income is based on the Company’s internal funds transfer pricing system, which assigns a cost of funds or a credit for funds to assets or liabilities based on their type, maturity or repricing characteristics. Noninterest income and noninterest expense, including depreciation and amortization, directly attributable to a segment are assigned to that business. Indirect costs, including overhead expense, are allocated to the segments based on several factors, including, but not limited to, full-time equivalent employees, loan volume and deposit volume. The provision for loan losses is allocated based on actual charge-offs for the period as well as average loan balance for each segment during the period. The Company evaluates overall performance based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes excluding nonrecurring gains and losses.


 
38

 

The following tables present the operating results and other key financial measures for the individual operating segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:




   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
   
Retail
   
Commercial
             
   
Banking
   
Banking
   
Other
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Interest income
  $ 94,361     $ 142,995     $ 16,177     $ 253,533  
Charge for funds used
    (30,449 )     (32,884 )     (1,958 )     (65,291 )
Interest spread on funds used
    63,912       110,111       14,219       188,242  
Interest expense
    (29,299 )     (5,399 )     (15,212 )     (49,910 )
Credit on funds provided
    56,411       4,311       4,569       65,291  
Interest spread on funds provided
    27,112       (1,088 )     (10,643 )     15,381  
Net interest income (expense)
  $ 91,024     $ 109,023     $ 3,576     $ 203,623  
                                 
Provision for loan losses
  $ 22,076     $ 33,180     $ -     $ 55,256  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
    2,015       (14,166 )     1,318       (10,833 )
Goodwill
    320,566       16,872       -       337,438  
Segment pretax (loss) profit
    15,010       33,303       10,421       58,734  
Segment assets
    6,370,531       9,719,021       3,877,769       19,967,321  
                                 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009
 
   
Retail
   
Commercial
                 
   
Banking
   
Banking
   
Other
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                 
Interest income
  $ 53,930     $ 61,339     $ 31,064     $ 146,333  
Charge for funds used
    (16,395 )     (17,073 )     (51,959 )     (85,427 )
Interest spread on funds used
    37,535       44,266       (20,895 )     60,906  
Interest expense
    (24,540 )     (4,566 )     (28,967 )     (58,073 )
Credit on funds provided
    43,026       4,721       37,680       85,427  
Interest spread on funds provided
    18,486       155       8,713       27,354  
Net interest income (expense)
  $ 56,021     $ 44,421     $ (12,182 )   $ 88,260  
                                 
Provision for loan losses
  $ 45,263     $ 106,159     $ -     $ 151,422  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
    2,927       1,006       1,832       5,765  
Goodwill
    320,566       16,872       -       337,438  
Segment pretax (loss) profit
    (28,275 )     (72,662 )     (46,336 )     (147,273 )
Segment assets
    6,650,481       4,808,232       1,260,802       12,719,515  


 
39

 

   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
   
Retail
   
Commercial
             
   
Banking
   
Banking
   
Other
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Interest income
  $ 183,669     $ 345,749     $ 42,818     $ 572,236  
Charge for funds used
    (60,122 )     (62,471 )     (10,176 )     (132,769 )
Interest spread on funds used
    123,547       283,278       32,642       439,467  
Interest expense
    (62,577 )     (13,124 )     (31,188 )     (106,889 )
Credit on funds provided
    113,420       9,291       10,058       132,769  
Interest spread on funds provided
    50,843       (3,833 )     (21,130 )     25,880  
Net interest income (expense)
  $ 174,390     $ 279,445     $ 11,512     $ 465,347  
                                 
Provision for loan losses
  $ 48,182     $ 83,495     $ -     $ 131,677  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
    (7,952 )     (42,744 )     2,820       (47,876 )
Goodwill
    320,566       16,872       -       337,438  
Segment pretax (loss) profit
    3,987       73,803       18,886       96,676  
Segment assets
    6,370,531       9,719,021       3,877,769       19,967,321  
                                 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
 
   
Retail
   
Commercial
                 
   
Banking
   
Banking
   
Other
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                 
Interest income
  $ 108,940     $ 124,398     $ 57,918     $ 291,256  
Charge for funds used
    (31,678 )     (32,103 )     (108,824 )     (172,605 )
Interest spread on funds used
    77,262       92,295       (50,906 )     118,651  
Interest expense
    (51,548 )     (9,262 )     (62,505 )     (123,315 )
Credit on funds provided
    84,765       9,321       78,519       172,605  
Interest spread on funds provided
    33,217       59       16,014       49,290  
Net interest income (expense)
  $ 110,479     $ 92,354     $ (34,892 )   $ 167,941  
                                 
Provision for loan losses
  $ 79,378     $ 150,044     $ -     $ 229,422  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
    6,072       1,887       3,613       11,572  
Goodwill
    320,566       16,872       -       337,438  
Segment pretax (loss) profit
    (39,980 )     (79,567 )     (63,657 )     (183,204 )
Segment assets
    6,650,481       4,808,232       1,260,802       12,719,515  

 
40

 

13.  
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

On June 11, 2010 the Bank acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Washington First International Bank “WFIB” from the FDIC in an FDIC-assisted transaction. As part of the Purchase and Assumption Agreement, the Bank and the FDIC entered into shared-loss agreements, whereby the FDIC will cover a substantial portion of any future losses on loans (and related unfunded loan commitments), OREO and accrued interest on loans for up to 90 days. We refer to the acquired loans and OREO subject to the shared-loss agreements collectively as "covered assets." Under the terms of the shared-loss agreements, the FDIC will absorb 80% of losses and share in 80% of loss recoveries. The shared-loss agreements for commercial and single family residential mortgage loans are in effect for 5 years and 10 years, respectively, from the June 11, 2010 acquisition date and the loss recovery provisions are in effect for 8 years and 10 years, respectively, from the acquisition date.  A summary of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the FDIC is as follows:


   
June 11, 2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
ASSETS
     
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 67,186  
Investment securities
    37,532  
Core deposit intangible
    3,065  
Loans covered by FDIC loss sharing (gross balance $395,156 and shown net of discount of $84,174)
    310,982  
Loans not covered by FDIC loss sharing
    2,869  
FDIC indemnification asset
    41,131  
Other real estate owned covered, net
    23,443  
Other Assets
    6,380  
     Total assets acquired
  $ 492,588  
LIABILITIES
       
Deposits
    395,910  
FHLB Advances
    65,348  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    1,937  
Deferred tax liability
    8,189  
Other Liabilities
    9,917  
      Total liabilities assumed
  $ 481,301  
NET ASSETS ACQUIRED (after-tax gain)
  $ 11,287  


The net gain represents the excess of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired over the estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed and is influenced significantly by the FDIC-assisted transaction process. Under the FDIC-assisted transaction process, only certain assets and liabilities are transferred to the acquirer and, depending on the nature and amount of the acquirer's bid, the FDIC may be required to make a cash payment to the acquirer. The Bank received a cash payment from the FDIC for $51.7 million. In the WFIB acquisition, the book value of net assets transferred to the Bank was $486.3 million. The pre-tax gain of $19.5 million or the after-tax gain of $11.3 million recognized by the Company is considered a bargain purchase transaction under ASC 805 Business Combinations since the total acquisition-date fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeded the fair value of the consideration transferred. The gain was recognized as non-interest income in the Company's June 30, 2010 condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 
41

 
The following table presents WFIB’s net interest margin contribution to the Company’s June 30, 2010 results of operations.


   
WFIB
 
   
June 12, 2010 - June 30, 2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Interest Income
  $ 1,634  
Interest Expense
    170  
Net Interest Margin
    1,464  




 
Unaudited Pro Forma Results of Operations
 
 
        The following table presents our unaudited pro forma results of operations for the six-month periods presented as if the WFIB acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2009, respectively. The unaudited pro forma results of operations include the historical accounts of the Company and WFIB and pro forma adjustments as may be required, including the amortization of intangibles with definite lives and the amortization or accretion of any premiums or discounts arising from fair value adjustments for assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The unaudited pro forma information is intended for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of our future operating results or operating results that would have occurred had these acquisitions been completed at the beginning of 2010 and 2009, respectively. No assumptions have been applied to the pro forma results of operations regarding possible revenue enhancements, expense efficiencies or asset dispositions.
 
 

 
   
For the six months ended
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
   
2010 Combined
   
2009 Combined
 
Revenues (net interest income plus noninterest income)
  $ 252,512     $ 75,410  
Net Earnings (loss)
  $ 33,648     $ (124,291 )
                 
                 
Net Income (Loss) Per Share after Extraordinary Items:
 
               Basic
  $ 0.17     $ (2.57 )
               Diluted
  $ 0.15     $ (2.57 )
                 
Note: Extraordinary item only relates to June 2009 EWB desecuritization.
 
 
 
 
42

 

Washington First International Bank was a full service commercial bank headquartered in Seattle, Washington that operated 4 branch locations in the greater Puget Sound Area. We made this acquisition to expand our presence in the Seattle - greater Puget Sound Area. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting (formerly the purchase method). The assets and liabilities, both tangible and intangible, were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the June 11, 2010 acquisition date.

14.  
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Dividend Payout

On July 27, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the payment of third quarter dividends of $20.00 per share on the Company’s Series A preferred stock. The dividend is payable on or about August 1, 2010 to shareholders of record as of July 15, 2010. Additionally, the Board declared a dividend of $0.01 per share on the Company’s common stock payable on or about August 24, 2010 to shareholders of record as of August 10, 2010.

Loan Sale

In July 2010, the Company entered into a transaction with a third party financial institution to sell $140 million of student loans, which were held for sale as of June 30, 2010.



 
43

 

ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion provides information about the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and capital resources of East West Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  This information is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to our financial condition and the results of our operations.  This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this report.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and general practices within the banking industry.  The financial information contained within these statements is, to a significant extent, financial information that is based on approximate measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred.  Various elements of our accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments.  In addition, certain accounting policies require significant judgment in applying complex accounting principles to individual transactions to determine the most appropriate treatment.  We have established procedures and processes to facilitate making the judgments necessary to prepare financial statements.

The following is a summary of the areas which require more judgment and complex accounting estimates and principles.  In each area, we have identified the variables most important in the estimation process.  We have used the best information available to make the estimations necessary to value the related assets and liabilities.  Actual performance that differs from our estimates and future changes in the key variables could change future valuations and impact the results of operations.

·  
fair valuation of financial instruments;
 
·  
investment securities;
 
·  
covered loans;
 
·  
FDIC indemnification asset;
 
·  
allowance for loan losses;
 
·  
other real estate owned;
 
·  
loan sales;
 
·  
goodwill impairment;
 
·  
share-based compensation; and
 
·  
income taxes and deferred tax asset valuation

Our significant accounting policies are described in greater detail in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K in the “Critical Accounting Policies” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis and in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—“Significant Accounting Policies” which are essential to understanding Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 
44

 
Overview

At June 30, 2010 total assets were $20.0 billion compared to $20.3 billion at March 31, 2010, and $12.7 billion at June 30, 2009. The decrease in total assets quarter over quarter was driven by a use of assets to fund prepayments on FHLB advances of $740.0 million, sales of consumer student loans of $227.3 million and sales of fixed rate investment securities of $208.7 million.

Gross loans receivable at June 30, 2010 totaled $13.7 billion, compared to $13.8 billion at March 31, 2010. Noncovered loan balances decreased $82.7 million during the quarter to $8.5 billion as of June 30, 2010. During the quarter, growth in commercial loans of $84.1 million and single family loans of $71.7 million was offset by decreases in consumer loans resulting from the sale of student loans and paydowns on commercial real estate, construction and land loans.

Covered loans totaled $5.3 billion at June 30, 2010, as compared to $5.2 billion at March 31, 2010. The increase in covered loans was a result of the addition of $311.0 million in loans from the acquisition of Washington First International Bank (“WFIB”), partially offset by a reduction in loan balances from United Commercial Bank.

Deposit balances totaled $14.9 billion at June 30, 2010, compared to $14.6 billion at March 31, 2010. During the quarter East West acquired $395.9 million in deposits from the acquisition of WFIB, reduced brokered deposits by $174.5 million and increased deposits organically by $90.6 million. Total core deposits increased to a record $8.2 billion as of June 30, 2010, or an increase of $444.1 million or 5.7% from March 31, 2010. The average cost of deposits decreased to 0.80% for the second quarter, an improvement of 13 basis points from the first quarter of 2010 and an improvement of 67 basis points from the second quarter of 2009.

During the second quarter of 2010, the Company continued to execute on its strategy to lower borrowing costs, prepaying $740.0 million in FHLB advances with an average cost of 1.72% during the quarter. As of June 30, 2010, FHLB advances totaled $1.0 billion, a decline of $747.4 million or 43% from March 31, 2010. As a result of the prepayments, the Company incurred a prepayment penalty of $3.9 million, net of purchase accounting adjustments recorded, which is included in noninterest expense. The average cost of funds decreased to 1.17% for the second quarter of 2010, down 11 basis points from the first quarter of 2010 and down 95 basis points from the second quarter of 2009.

The Company acquired the banking operations of Seattle-based WFIB in a purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC on June 11, 2010. The Company acquired total assets with a fair value of $492.6 million, including $313.9 million of loans (net of purchase accounting adjustments) and assumed $395.9 million in deposits.

The Bank remains committed to maintaining strong capital levels that exceed regulatory requirements. As of the end of the second quarter of 2010, our Tier 1 leverage capital ratio increased to 10.5%, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio totaled 18.9% and the total risk-based capital ratio totaled 20.8%. The Bank exceeds well capitalized requirements for all regulatory guidelines by over $1.0 billion.

Despite a prolonged and challenging low interest rate environment, net interest income has remained stable. The Company has grown low cost core deposits, reducing the cost of deposits to 0.80% for the second quarter of 2010, down from 0.93% in the first quarter of 2010. Further, the Company prepaid higher-cost FHLB advances, improving the cost of funds.

Total net interest income for quarter ended June 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010 is $203.6 million and $261.7 million. These amounts include discount accretion on early payoffs and recoveries on covered loans of $29.8 million in the second quarter of 2010, compared to $81.3 million in the first quarter of 2010. Excluding the impact of discount accretion, the net interest margin was 3.98% for the second quarter of 2010, compared to 4.02% in the prior quarter and an increase of 1% from the second quarter of 2009.

 
45

 
The adjustments to net interest income are summarized in the table below:


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2010
   
March 31, 2010
 
   
Interest
   
Yield
   
Interest
   
Yield
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Net interest income and net interest margin
  $ 203,623       4.66 %   $ 261,724       5.92 %
Less yield adjustment related to:
                               
Covered loan disposition and recoveries
    29,755               81,343          
Repurchase agreement termination gain
    -               2,536          
Total yield adjustments
    29,755               83,879          
                                 
Net interest income and net interest margin,
    excluding yield adjustment
  $ 173,868       3.98 %   $ 177,845       4.02 %

Noninterest income for the second quarter totaled $35.7 million, compared to a loss of $8.5 million in the first quarter of 2010, and a loss of $26.2 million in the second quarter of 2009. The loss in the first quarter was primarily due to a $43.6 million decrease in the FDIC indemnification asset and receivable compared to a $9.4 million decrease in the second quarter of 2010. The decreases in the FDIC indemnification asset and receivable in both the first and second quarters are primarily due to early payoffs on covered loans, resulting in a net reduction in the FDIC indemnification asset and receivable. The loss in the second quarter of 2009 was primarily due to impairment losses on investment securities of $37.4 compared to $4.6 million of impairment losses in the second quarter of 2010.

During the second quarter we sold $227.3 million in student loans and $208.7 million in fixed rate investment securities at gains of $8.1 million and $5.8 million, respectively. Noninterest income for the second quarter also included a pre-tax gain of $19.5 million, or an after-tax gain of $11.3 million as a result of the acquisition of WFIB.

During the second quarter we recorded impairment losses on investment securities totaling $4.6 million, of which $2.4 million was recorded on pooled trust preferred securities and $2.0 million was recorded on agency preferred stock. As of June 30, 2010, the agency preferred stock was written down to zero.

As compared to the second quarter of 2009, branch fees increased by $3.2 million or 65%, letters of credit fees and commissions increased $935 thousand or 48%, and ancillary loan fees increased $1.0 million or 75%, primarily due to the acquisition of UCB. Excluding the impact of the decrease in the FDIC indemnification asset and receivable, gains on sales of investment securities and loans, gain on acquisition, and impairment charges on investment securities, noninterest income for the second quarter totaled $16.4 million, a $6.8 million or a 71% increase as compared to the second quarter of 2009. Although a non-GAAP measure, a reconciliation of our noninterest income to adjusted noninterest income is as follows:

 
46

 

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2010
   
March 31, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Noninterest income (loss)
  $ 35,685     $ (8,451 )   $ (26,199 )
Add:
                       
Impairment loss on investment securities
    4,642       4,799       37,447  
Decrease in FDIC indemnification asset
  and receivable
    9,424       43,572       -  
Subtract:
                       
Net gain on sale of investment securities
    (5,847 )     (16,111 )     (1,680 )
Net gain on sale of loans
    (8,073 )     -       -  
Gain on acquisition
    (19,476 )     (8,095 )     -  
Adjusted noninterest income
  $ 16,355     $ 15,714     $ 9,568  


Noninterest expense totaled $125.3 million for the second quarter of 2010 compared to $138.9 million for the first quarter of 2010. Second quarter noninterest expense includes $28.7 million of expenses that are either not expected to be ongoing expenses in future quarters or are reimbursable from the FDIC, as detailed in the table below:


   
Quarter Ended
 
   
June 30, 2010
 
Noninterest Expense:
  $ 125,318  
Prepayment penalty for FHLB advances
    3,900  
Expenses related to the integration of UCB
    3,602  
         
Expenses for UCB covered assets, reimbursable from the FDIC:
       
        Gain/loss on OREO expenses
    12,913  
        Loan related expenses
    4,062  
        Legal expenses
    2,128  
Total reimbursable expenses on covered assets
    19,103  
Noninterest expense excluding prepayment penalty on FHLB advances, integration costs related to the acqusition of UCB, and reimbursable expenses
  $ 98,713  


Included in noninterest expense are integration expenses of $3.6 million, of which $1.5 million is related to severance costs. In addition, under the loss share agreement with the FDIC, 80% of eligible expenses on covered assets are reimbursable from the FDIC. In the second quarter, we incurred $23.9 million in expenses on covered loans and REO assets, 80%, or $19.1 million of which we expect to be reimbursed by the FDIC, which is included in noninterest income. As discussed above, the Company also prepaid $740.0 million in FHLB advances and paid a prepayment penalty of $3.9 million.

 
47

 
Results of Operations

Net income for the second quarter of 2010 totaled $36.3 million, compared with a net loss after the extraordinary item of $92.1 million for the second quarter of 2009. On a per diluted share basis, net income (loss) was $0.21 and $(1.83) for the second quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively. Our annualized return on average total assets increased to 0.73% for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, from (2.92)% for the same period in 2009. The annualized return on average common stockholders’ equity increased to 6.26% for the second quarter of 2010, compared with (43.81)% for the second quarter of 2009.

Components of Net Income (Loss)

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In millions)
   
(In millions)
 
                         
Net interest income
  $ 203.6     $ 88.3     $ 465.3     $ 167.9  
Provision for loan losses
    (55.3 )     (151.4 )     (131.7 )     (229.4 )
Noninterest income (loss)
    35.7       (26.2 )     27.2       (12.4 )
Noninterest expense
    (125.3 )     (57.9 )     (264.1 )     (109.3 )
(Provision) benefit for income taxes
    (22.4 )     60.5       (35.4 )     74.0  
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item
  $ 36.3     $ (86.7 )   $ 61.3     $ (109.2 )
Impact of desecuritization, net of tax
    -       (5.4 )             (5.4 )
Net income (loss) after extraordinary item
  $ 36.3     $ (92.1 )   $ 61.3     $ (114.6 )
                                 
Annualized return on average total assets
    0.73 %     (2.92 )%     0.61 %     (1.82 )%
Annualized return on average total equity
    6.29 %     (24.07 )%     5.32 %     (14.92 )%
Annualized return on average common equity
    6.26 %     (43.81 )%     5.55 %     (27.66 )%


Net Interest Income

Our primary source of revenue is net interest income which is $203.6 million and $465.3 million for the three and six months ended, respectively. Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on loans, investment securities and other earning assets less the interest expense on deposits, borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income for the second quarter of 2010 totaled $203.6 million, a 131% increase over net interest income of $88.3 million for the same period in 2009.

Net interest margin, defined as net interest income divided by average interest earning assets, increased 100 basis points to 3.98% during the quarter ended June 30, 2010, from 2.98% during the second quarter of 2009. The increase in the net interest margin is primarily due to a yield adjustment related to the $29.8 million of discount accretion on early payoffs and recoveries on covered assets .

The following table presents the net interest spread, net interest margin, average balances, interest income and expense, and the average yields and rates by asset and liability component for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:


 
48

 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
               
Average
               
Average
 
   
Average
         
Yield/
   
Average
         
Yield/
 
   
Volume
   
Interest
   
Rate (1)
   
Volume
   
Interest
   
Rate (1)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Short-term investments and interest bearing
  deposits in other banks
  $ 948,361     $ 1,502       0.64 %   $ 876,386     $ 2,509       1.15 %
Securities purchased under resale agreements
    455,743       2,630       2.31 %     51,374       1,292       9.95 %
Investment securities held-to-maturity:
                                               
Taxable
    -       -       -       769,432       11,883       6.18 %
Tax-exempt (2)(3)
    -       -       -       22,777       374       6.57 %
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                                               
Taxable
    2,202,676       14,741       2.68 %     1,820,789       18,183       4.01 %
Tax-exempt (2)(3)
    -       -               -       -       -  
Loans receivable
    8,556,680       116,916       5.48 %     8,244,850       111,669       5.43 %
Loans receivable - covered
    5,137,863       116,867       9.12 %     -       -       -  
FHLB and FRB stock
    224,473       877       1.57 %     123,514       545       1.76 %
Total interest-earning assets
    17,525,796     $ 253,533       5.80 %     11,909,122     $ 146,455       4.93 %
                                                 
Noninterest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
    603,907                       113,853                  
Allowance for loan losses
    (255,904 )                     (198,802 )                
Other assets
    2,012,470                       794,849                  
Total assets
  $ 19,886,269                     $ 12,619,022                  
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Checking accounts
  $ 663,936     $ 527       0.32 %   $ 356,756     $ 324       0.36 %
Money market accounts
    3,968,293       8,336       0.84 %     1,822,470       6,140       1.35 %
Savings deposits
    961,374       1,274       0.53 %     415,828       659       0.64 %
Time deposits
    6,714,972       18,995       1.13 %     4,548,935       23,767       2.10 %
FHLB advances
    1,238,400       6,175       2.00 %     1,273,640       13,142       4.14 %
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    1,042,305       12,045       4.64 %     1,006,614       12,004       4.72 %
Subordinated debt and trust preferred securities
    235,570       1,591       2.71 %     235,570       2,034       3.42 %
Other borrowings
    49,785       967       7.79 %     4,849       3       0.24 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    14,874,635     $ 49,910       1.35 %     9,664,662     $ 58,073       2.41 %
                                                 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits
    2,300,228                       1,300,676                  
Other liabilities
    400,783                       123,431                  
Stockholders' equity
    2,310,623                       1,530,253                  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 19,886,269                     $ 12,619,022                  
Interest rate spread
                    4.45 %                     2.52 %
                                                 
Net interest income and net interest margin
          $ 203,623       4.66 %           $ 88,382       2.98 %

(1)  
Annualized.
(2)  
Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
(3)  
There is no total interest income and average yield rate on an unadjusted basis for tax-exempt investment securities available-for-sale for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2010.  Total interest income and average yield rate on an unadjusted basis for tax-exempt investment securities held-to-maturity is $252 thousand and 4.43% for the three months ended June 30, 2009.
 
 
49

 
The following table presents the net interest spread, net interest margin, average balances, interest income and expense, and the average yields and rates by asset and liability component for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
               
Average
               
Average
 
   
Average
         
Yield/
   
Average
         
Yield/
 
   
Volume
   
Interest
   
Rate (1)
   
Volume
   
Interest
   
Rate (1)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Short-term investments and interest bearing
  deposits in other banks
  $ 1,119,912     $ 5,043       0.91 %   $ 804,379     $ 5,485       1.38 %
Securities purchased under resale agreements
    358,074       8,893       5.01 %     50,691       2,542       9.97 %
Investment securities held-to-maturity:
                                               
Taxable
    -       -               588,646       18,578       6.31 %
Tax-exempt (2)(3)
    -       -               19,726       651       6.60 %
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                                               
Taxable
    2,191,057       34,888       3.21 %     2,050,106       40,676       4.00 %
Tax-exempt (2)(3)
    3,265       43       2.63 %     -       -       -  
Loans receivable
    8,582,214       238,944       5.61 %     8,221,143       222,485       5.46 %
Loans receivable - covered
    5,256,293       282,783       10.85 %     -       -       -  
FHLB and FRB stock
    223,097       1,656       1.50 %     121,786       1,051       1.73 %
Total interest-earning assets
    17,733,912     $ 572,250       6.51 %     11,856,477     $ 291,468       4.96 %
                                                 
Noninterest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
    485,965                       18,351                  
Allowance for loan losses
    (254,700 )                     (192,465 )                
Other assets
    2,195,865                       775,633                  
Total assets
  $ 20,161,042                     $ 12,457,996                  
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Checking accounts
  $ 651,655     $ 1,141       0.35 %   $ 358,492     $ 717       0.40 %
Money market accounts
    3,716,606       16,302       0.88 %     1,655,476       11,834       1.44 %
Savings deposits
    976,695       2,416       0.50 %     413,046       1,361       0.66 %
Time deposits
    7,013,720       42,721       1.23 %     4,681,241       54,051       2.33 %
FHLB advances
    1,634,910       15,180       1.87 %     1,279,323       27,019       4.26 %
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    1,035,539       24,586       4.79 %     1,002,621       23,876       4.74 %
Subordinated debt and trust preferred securities
    235,570       3,138       2.69 %     235,570       4,451       3.76 %
Other borrowings
    74,893       1,405       3.78 %     3,653       6       0.33 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    15,339,588     $ 106,889       1.41 %     9,629,422     $ 123,315       2.58 %
                                                 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits
    2,260,847                       1,270,716                  
Other liabilities
    258,399                       122,326                  
Stockholders' equity
    2,302,208                       1,535,532                  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 20,161,042                     $ 12,557,996                  
Interest rate spread
                    5.10 %                     2.38 %
                                                 
Net interest income and net interest margin
          $ 465,361       5.29 %           $ 168,153       2.86 %

(1)  
Annualized.
(2)  
Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
(3)  
Total interest income and average yield rate on an unadjusted basis for tax-exempt investment securities available-for-sale is $29 thousand and 1.78% for the six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and none for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  There is no total interest income and average yield rate on an unadjusted basis for tax-exempt investment securities held-to-maturity for six months ended June 30, 2010.  Total interest income and average yield rate on an unadjusted basis for tax-exempt investment securities held-to-maturity is $439 thousand and 4.45% for the three months ended June 30, 2009.

 
50

 

Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income

Changes in net interest income are a function of changes in rates and volumes of both interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  The following table sets forth information regarding changes in interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated.  The total change for each category of interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability is segmented into the change attributable to variations in volume (changes in volume multiplied by old rate) and the change attributable to variations in interest rates (changes in rates multiplied by new volume).  Nonaccrual loans are included in average loans used to compute this table.


   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010 vs. 2009
   
2010 vs. 2009
 
   
Total
   
Changes Due to
   
Total
   
Changes Due to
 
   
Change
   
Volume (1)
   
Rates (1)
   
Change
   
Volume (1)
   
Rates (1)
 
   
(In thousands)
   
(In thousands)
 
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS
                                   
Short-term investments and interest bearing
  deposits in other banks
  $ (1,007 )   $ 192     $ (1,199 )   $ (442 )   $ 1,760     $ (2,202 )
Securities purchased under resale agreements
    1,338       3,032       (1,694 )     6,351       8,232       (1,881 )
Investment securities held-to-maturity:
                                               
Taxable
    (11,883 )     (11,883 )     -       (18,578 )     (18,578 )     -  
Tax-exempt
    (374 )     (374 )     -       (651 )     (651 )     -  
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                                               
Taxable
    (3,442 )     3,341       (6,783 )     (5,788 )     2,718       (8,506 )
Tax-exempt
    -       -       -       43       43       -  
Loans receivable
    5,247       4,254       993       16,459       9,941       6,518  
Loans receivable - covered
    116,867       116,867       -       282,783       282,783       -  
FHLB and FRB stock
    332       401       (69 )     605       770       (165 )
Total interest and dividend income
    107,078       115,830       (8,752 )     280,782       287,018       (6,236 )
                                                 
INTEREST-BEARING  LIABILITIES
                                               
Checking accounts
    203       248       (45 )     424       523       (99 )
Money market accounts
    2,196       5,167       (2,971 )     4,468       10,389       (5,921 )
Savings deposits
    615       739       (124 )     1,055       1,466       (411 )
Time deposits
    (4,772 )     8,673       (13,445 )     (11,330 )     20,400       (31,730 )
Federal funds purchased
    (3 )     (1 )     (2 )     (6 )     (3 )     (3 )
FHLB advances
    (6,967 )     (354 )     (6,613 )     (11,839 )     6,115       (17,954 )
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    41       419       (378 )     710       782       (72 )
Subordinated debt and trust preferred securities
    (443 )     -       (443 )     (1,313 )     -       (1,313 )
Other borrowings
    967       967       -       1,405       1,405       -  
Total interest expense
    (8,163 )     15,858       (24,021 )     (16,426 )     41,077       (57,503 )
                                                 
CHANGE IN NET INTEREST INCOME
  $ 115,241     $ 99,972     $ 15,269     $ 297,208     $ 245,941     $ 51,267  

(1)  
Change in interest income/expense not arising from volume or rate variances are allocated proportionately to rate and volume.

 
51

 
Provision for Loan Losses

We recorded $55.3 million and $131.7 million in provisions for loan losses during the second quarter and first half of 2010. In comparison, we recorded $151.4 million and $229.4 million in provisions for loan losses during the second quarter and first half of 2009, respectively. The Company recorded $55.2 million and $119.1 million in net chargeoffs during the second quarter and first half of 2010, compared to $133.9 million and $193.4 million in net chargeoffs recorded during the second quarter and first half of 2009. We continue to aggressively monitor delinquencies and proactively review the credit risk exposure of our loan portfolio to minimize and mitigate potential losses. Throughout the course of 2009 and the first half of 2010, we have actively reduced exposure to land and construction loans, reducing both outstanding loan balances as well as total commitments.

Provisions for loan losses are charged to income to bring the allowance for credit losses as well as the allowance for unfunded loan commitments, off-balance sheet credit exposures, and recourse provisions to a level deemed appropriate by the Company based on the factors discussed under the “Allowance for Loan Losses” section of this report.

Noninterest Income (Loss)

The following table sets forth the various components of noninterest income (loss) for the periods indicated:


   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Noninterest income (loss):
                       
Decrease in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable
  $ (9,424 )   $ -     $ (52,996 )   $ -  
Net impairment loss on investment securities recognized in earnings
    (4,642 )     (37,447 )     (9,441 )     (37,647 )
Gain on acquisitions
    19,476       -       27,571       -  
Net gain on sale of  investment securities
    5,847       1,680       21,958       5,201  
Branch fees
    8,219       4,991       16,977       9,784  
Net gain on sale of loans
    8,073       3       8,073       11  
Letters of credit fees and commissions
    2,865       1,930       5,605       3,784  
Ancillary loan fees
    2,369       1,356       4,058       3,585  
Income from life insurance policies
    1,101       1,096       2,206       2,179  
Other operating income
    1,801       192       3,223       698  
   Total noninterest income (loss)
  $ 35,685     $ (26,199 )   $ 27,234     $ (12,405 )

Noninterest income (loss) includes revenues earned from sources other than interest income. These sources include service charges and fees on deposit accounts, fees and commissions generated from trade finance activities and the issuance of letters of credit, ancillary fees on loans, net gains on sales of loans, investment securities available-for-sale and other assets, impairment losses on investment securities and other assets, and other noninterest-related revenues.

We recorded noninterest income of $35.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, an increase of $61.9 million, compared to the noninterest loss of $(26.2) million recorded for the same period in 2009. For the first half of 2010, noninterest income totaled $27.2 million, compared to the noninterest loss of $(12.4) million recorded during the first half of 2009. The increases in noninterest income for both periods in 2010 are due to lower impairment losses on investments securities in the current periods as compared to 2009, bargain purchase gains related to the acquisitions of WFIB and UCB, increases in branch fees, net gain on sale of investment securities and net gain on sale of loans, partially offset by a decrease in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable.

 
52

 
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, decreases of $9.4 million and $53.0 million, respectively, in the FDIC indemnification asset and receivable were related to early payoffs on covered loans. In the first quarter of 2010, prepayments on covered loans were greater than anticipated.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, net impairment loss on investment securities recognized in earnings was $4.6 million and $9.4 million, respectively, compared to $37.4 million and $37.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. Of the $4.6 million net impairment loss for the second quarter of 2010, $2.4 million was recorded on pooled trust preferred securities and $2.0 million related to agency preferred stock. As of June 30, 2010, the fair value of those pooled trust preferred securities was written down to $1.6 million and the agency preferred stock was written down to zero.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, we also recorded bargain purchase gains of $19.5 million and $27.6 million, respectively, related to the acquisitions of WFIB and UCB.

During the second quarter of 2010, the net gain on sale of investment securities increased to $5.8 million, compared to $1.7 million recorded during the second quarter of 2009. During the first six months of 2010, the net gain on sale of investment securities increased to $22.0 million, compared to $5.2 million recorded during the same period in 2009. Proceeds from the sale on investment securities provide additional liquidity to purchase additional investment securities, to fund loan originations, and to pay down borrowings.

Branch fees, which represent revenues derived from branch operations, increased $3.2 million, or 64%, to $8.2 million in the second quarter of 2010, compared to $5.0 million for the same quarter in 2009, and increased $7.2 million, or 74%, to $17.0 million for the first six months of 2010, compared to $9.8 million during the same period in 2009. The increases in branch-related fees for both periods are attributed to the additional branches acquired through both the WFIB and UCB acquisitions.

For both the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, the net gain on sale of loans was $8.1 million.  For the remainder of the loans the Company’s intent is to hold loans as investments.

Noninterest Expense

The following table sets forth the various components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated:


   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Noninterest expense:
                       
Compensation and employee benefits
  $ 41,579     $ 16,509     $ 92,358     $ 33,617  
Other real estate owned expense
    20,983       8,682       38,995       15,713  
Occupancy and equipment expense
    13,115       6,297       25,059       13,688  
Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments
    4,528       9,568       16,109       12,893  
Prepayment penalty for FHLB advances
    3,900       -       13,832       -  
Legal expense
    6,183       1,755       9,090       3,533  
Loan related expenses
    5,254       1,642       8,251       3,077  
Amortization of premiums on deposits acquired
    3,310       1,092       6,694       2,217  
Amortization of investments in affordable housing partnerships
    2,638       1,652       5,675       3,412  
Data processing
    3,046       1,141       5,528       2,283  
Consulting expense
    1,919       672       4,060       1,120  
Deposit-related expenses
    1,133       1,014       2,142       1,915  
Other operating expenses
    17,730       7,888       36,435       15,850  
   Total noninterest expense
  $ 125,318     $ 57,912     $ 264,228     $ 109,318  
                                 
Efficiency ratio (1)
    56.56 %     55.12 %     57.52 %     53.51 %

(1)  
Represents noninterest expense, excluding amortization of premiums on deposits acquired, amortization of investments in affordable housing partnerships and prepayment penalty for Federal Home Loan Bank advances, divided by the aggregate of net interest income before provision for loan losses, excluding non-recurring adjustments, and noninterest income, excluding net impairment loss on investment securities recognized in earnings, decrease in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable, and gain on acquisitions.

 
53

 
Noninterest expense, which is comprised primarily of compensation and employee benefits, other real estate owned expense, occupancy and equipment expense, and other operating expenses, increased $67.4 million, or 116%, to $125.3 million during the second quarter of 2010, compared to $57.9 million for the same quarter in 2009, and increased $154.9 million, or 142%, to $264.2 million, compared to $109.3 million during the same period in 2009.

Noninterest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 included integration costs related to acquisitions totaling $3.6 million and $13.5 million, respectively, which is comprised of compensation and employee benefits, primarily severance, of $1.5 million and $7.7 million, respectively, and other integration expenses, primarily consultant and legal fees, of $2.1 million and $5.8 million, respectively.

Under the loss share agreement with the FDIC, 80% of eligible expenses on covered assets are reimbursable from the FDIC. Noninterest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 included reimbursable expenses totaling $21.2 million and $32.3 million, respectively, which is comprised of other real estate owned expense of $15.3 million and $26.4 million, respectively, loan related expense of $4.1 million for both periods, and legal expenses of $1.9 million for both periods.

Compensation and employee benefits increased $25.1 million, or 152%, to $41.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $16.5 million for the same period in 2009, and increased $58.8 million, or 175%, to $92.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $33.6 million for the same period in 2009. The increases for both periods were primarily due to the acquisitions of UCB in November 2009 and, to a lesser extent, the acquisition of WFIB in June 2010.

We recorded OREO expenses, net of OREO revenues and gains, totaling $21.0 million (including $15.3 million reimburseable from the FDIC) during the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared with $8.7 million during the same period in 2009. For the first half of 2010, net OREO expenses increased to $39.0 million (including $26.4 million reimburseable from the FDIC), compared with $15.7 million in net OREO expenses during the first half of 2009. The $21.0 million in net OREO expenses incurred during the second quarter of 2010 is comprised of $4.3 million in various operating and maintenance expenses related to our higher volume of OREO properties, $15.5 million in valuation losses and $1.2 million in net losses from the sale of OREO properties consummated during the second quarter of 2010. The $39.0 million in net OREO expenses incurred during the first half of 2010 is comprised of $6.4 million in various operating and maintenance expenses related to our higher volume of OREO properties, $28.8 million in valuation losses, and $3.8 million in net losses from the sale of OREO properties consummated during the first half of 2010. As of June 30, 2010, total OREO amounted to $130.6 million, compared to $58.1 million as of December 31, 2009.

Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments decreased $5.1 million, or 53%, to $4.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $9.6 million during the same period in 2009. For the first half of 2010, deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments increased $3.2 million, or 25%, to $16.1 million, compared to $12.9 million for the same period in 2009. The decrease in deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments during the second quarter of 2010 is primarily due to a $5.7 million special assessment in the second quarter of 2009 that was imposed on each insured depository institution to maintain public confidence in the federal deposit insurance system. The increase in deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments for the first half of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 is primarily due to the increase in the FDIC deposit assessment rate from 2009 to 2010 due to the assumption of deposit balances resulting from the UCB acquisition.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, we prepaid $740.0 million and $1.12 billion, in FHLB advances and paid prepayment penalties of $3.9 million and $13.8 million, respectively. These prepayments were part of our strategy to lower borrowing costs.


 
54

 

Amortization of premiums on deposits acquired increased $2.2 million to $3.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared with $1.1 million during the same period in 2009. For the first half of 2010, amortization of premiums on deposits increased $4.5 million to $6.7 million, compared with $2.2 million during the same period in 2009. The increase is due to the premiums on deposits acquired resulting from the WFIB and UCB acquisitions. The projected deposit runoff rates incorporated into the core deposit amortization models simulate the decay rates used in our current asset liability model. Premiums on deposits acquired are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related deposits.

Other operating expenses include advertising and public relations, telephone and postage, stationery and supplies, bank and item processing charges, insurance expenses, other professional fees and charitable contributions. Other operating expenses increased $9.8 million, or 125%, to $17.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared with $7.9 million during the same period in 2009. This is primarily a result of the acquisitions of WFIB and UCB. Other operating expenses increased $20.6 million, or 130%, to $36.4 million for the first half of 2010, compared with $15.9 million for the same period in 2009.

Our efficiency ratio increased to 56.56% for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to 55.12% for the corresponding period in 2009. For the first half of 2010, the efficiency ratio was 57.52%, compared to 53.51% for the same period in 2009. The increase in our efficiency ratio during both periods of 2010 can be attributed to higher operating expenses, primarily related to the both acquisitions.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $22.4 million for the second quarter of 2010, representing an effective tax provision rate of 38.1%, compared to an income tax benefit of $60.5 million for the same period in 2009, representing an effective tax benefit rate of 41.1%. Included in the income tax recognized during the second quarter of 2010 and 2009 are $2.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively, in tax credits generated from our investments in affordable housing partnerships.

For the first half of 2010, the provision for income taxes was $35.4 million representing an effective tax provision rate of 36.6%, compared to an income tax benefit of $74.0 million for the same period in 2009, representing an effective tax benefit rate of 40.4%.

Management regularly reviews the Company’s tax positions and deferred tax assets. Factors considered in this analysis include future reversals of existing temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing differences, taxable income in prior carryback years, and tax planning strategies. The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach, the objective of which is to establish deferred tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between financial reporting basis and tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. 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. A valuation allowance is established, when necessary, to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 740 (previously FIN 48) on January 1, 2007. The Company believes that adequate provisions have been made for all income tax uncertainties consistent with this standard.

As of June 30, 2010, the Company had a net deferred tax liability of $36.4 million. The Company anticipates that the deferred tax assets will reverse in future periods such that the resulting tax deductions will be offset with taxable income resulting from the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences. One of the deferred tax assets is a capital loss carryforward of approximately $19 million. For tax purposes, capital losses can only be utilized to the extent that capital gains are available for offset. Capital losses may be carried back to the three years preceding the loss and carried forward for five years. Based on capital gains available in the carryback period and capital gains that are available through the utilization of available tax planning strategies, the Company expects to fully utilize the portion of the deferred tax asset relating to capital losses.

 
55

 
Operating Segment Results

The Company utilizes an internal reporting system to measure the performance of various operating segments within the Bank and the Company overall. We have identified three operating segments for purposes of management reporting:  1) Retail Banking; 2) Commercial Banking; and 3) Other. These three business divisions met the criteria of an operating segment: the segment engages in business activities from which it earns revenues and incur expenses and whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision-maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance and for which discrete financial information is available.

The Retail Banking segment focuses primarily on retail operations through the Bank’s branch network. The Commercial Banking segment, which includes commercial real estate, primarily generates commercial loans through the efforts of the commercial lending offices located in the Bank’s northern and southern California production offices. Furthermore, the Company’s Commercial Banking segment also offers a wide variety of international finance and trade services and products. The remaining centralized functions, including Treasury activities 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.

Changes in our management structure or reporting methodologies may result in changes in the measurement of operating segment results. Results for prior periods are generally restated for comparability for changes in management structure or reporting methodologies unless it is not deemed practicable to do so.

The Company’s funds transfer pricing assumptions are intended to promote core deposit growth and to reflect the current risk profiles of various loan categories within the credit portfolio. Transfer pricing assumptions and methodologies are reviewed at least annually to ensure that the Company’s process is reflective of current market conditions. The transfer pricing process is formulated with the goal of incenting loan and deposit growth that is consistent with the Company’s overall growth objectives as well as provide a reasonable and consistent basis for the measurement of the Company’s business segments and product net interest margins. Changes to the Company’s transfer pricing assumptions and methodologies are approved by the Asset Liability Committee.

For more information about our segments, including information about the underlying accounting and reporting process, please see Note 12 to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report.

Retail Banking

The Retail Banking segment reported pretax income of $15.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to a $28.3 million pretax loss for the same quarter in 2009. The higher pretax income for this segment during the second quarter of 2010 is comprised of a $35.0 million increase in net interest income and a $23.2 million decrease in provision for loan losses, partially offset by a $27.9 million increase in noninterest expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Retail Banking segment reported pretax income of $4.0 million, compared to a pretax loss of $40.0 million recorded for the same period in 2009. The increases in net interest income during the second quarter and first half of 2010 are attributable to the increase in total loans receivable resulting from the UCB acquisition. The decrease in loan loss provisions for this segment during the second quarter of 2010 and first half of 2010, relative to the same periods in 2009, were due to decreased charge-off activity. Loan loss provisions are also impacted by average loan balances for each reporting segment.

Noninterest income for this segment increased $15.8 million to $23.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $7.3 million recorded during the same period in 2009. For the first half of 2010, noninterest income for this segment increased $16.3 million to $30.8 million, compared to $14.5 million for the same period in 2009. The increase in noninterest income for the second quarter and first half of 2010 is primarily due to an increase in branch-related fees, gain on sale of student loans, and gain from business combination.

Noninterest expense for this segment increased $27.9 million, or 74%, to $65.4 million during the second quarter of 2010, compared with $37.5 million recorded during the second quarter of 2009. For the first half of 2010, noninterest expense for this segment increased $56.8 million, or 83%, to $125.1 million, from $68.3 million for the same period in 2009. The increase in noninterest expense for the second quarter and first half of 2010 is primarily due to an increase in compensation and employee benefits, occupancy expenses, amortization of premiums on deposits acquired and OREO and legal expenses.

 
56

 
Commercial Banking

The Commercial Banking segment reported pretax income of $33.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared with a pretax loss of $72.7 million for the same period in 2009. For the first six months of 2010, this segment reported pretax income of $73.8 million, compared to a pretax loss of $79.6 million recorded during the same period in 2009. The primary driver of the increase in pretax income for this segment is due to a significant increase in net interest income, partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense.

Net interest income for this segment increased $64.6 million to $109.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $44.4 million for the same period in 2009. For the first six months of 2010, net interest income for this segment increased $187.1 million to $279.4 million, compared to $92.4 million recorded during the same period in 2009. The increase in net interest income is primarily due to a significant increase in interest income as a result of the increase in total loans receivable.

Noninterest income for this segment increased $6.1 million to $11.3 million during the second quarter of 2010, compared with $5.2 million noninterest income recorded in the same quarter of 2009. For the first half of 2010, noninterest income (loss) decreased $36.3 million to ($25.8) million, compared to $10.5 million for the same period in 2009. The decrease in noninterest income is primarily due to the decrease in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable, offset by the gain on business combination.

Noninterest expense for this segment increased $35.5 million to $48.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared with $12.8 million recorded during the same quarter in 2009. For the first half of 2010, noninterest expense for this segment increased $52.8 million to $78.7 million, compared to $25.9 million for the same period in 2009. The increase in noninterest expense is primarily due to an increase in compensation and employee benefits, occupancy expenses, and loan, legal, and OREO related expenses.

Other

The Other segment reported pretax income of $10.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared with a pretax loss of $46.3 million recorded in the same quarter of 2009. For the first six months of 2010, this segment reported pretax income of $18.9 million, compared to a pretax loss of $63.7 million recorded during the same period in 2009. The primary drivers of the increase in pretax income for this segment is due to increases in net interest income and noninterest income, partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense.

Net interest income for this segment increased $15.8 million to $3.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to net interest loss of $12.2 million recorded in the same quarter of 2009. For the first six months of 2010, net interest income for this segment increased $46.4 million to $11.5 million, compared with net interest loss of $34.9 million recorded during the same period in 2009. Since this segment includes the treasury function, which is responsible for liquidity and interest rate risk management, it bears the cost of adverse movements in interest rates affecting our net interest margin and supports the Retail Banking and Commercial Banking segments through funds transfer pricing.

Noninterest income for this segment increased $40.0 million to $1.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared with $38.7 million noninterest loss recorded in the same quarter of 2009. For the first half of 2010 noninterest income increased $59.6 million to $22.3 million, compared with $37.4 million noninterest loss for the same period in 2010. The increase in noninterest income is primarily due to an increase in the net gain on sale of investment securities available-for-sale and a lower impairment loss on investment securities.

Noninterest expense for this segment increased $4.1 million to $11.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared with $7.6 million during the same quarter in 2009. For the first half of 2010, noninterest expense for this segment increased $45.3 million to $60.5 million, compared with $15.1 million for the same period in 2009. The increase is primarily due to salary expenses and prepayment penalty on FHLB advances.

 
57

 

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

On June 11, 2010 the Bank acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Washington First International Bank from the FDIC in an FDIC-assisted transaction. A summary of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the FDIC is as follows:


   
June 11, 2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
ASSETS
     
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 67,186  
Investment securities
    37,532  
Core deposit intangible
    3,065  
Loans covered by FDIC loss sharing (gross balance $395,156 and shown net of discount of $84,174)
    310,982  
Loans not covered by FDIC loss sharing
    2,869  
FDIC indemnification asset
    41,131  
Other real estate owned covered, net
    23,443  
Other Assets
    6,380  
     Total assets acquired
  $ 492,588  
LIABILITIES
       
Deposits
    395,910  
FHLB Advances
    65,348  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    1,937  
Deferred tax liability
    8,189  
Other Liabilities
    9,917  
      Total liabilities assumed
  $ 481,301  
NET ASSETS ACQUIRED (after-tax gain)
  $ 11,287  


For complete discussion and disclosures see footnote 13.

 
58

 
FINANCIAL CONDITION

Total assets decreased $601.7 million, or 2.9%, to $20.0 billion as of June 30, 2010, compared to $20.6 billion as of December 31, 2009. The decrease in total assets is due to decreases in covered loans totaling $322.7 million, investment securities available-for-sale totaling $487.1 million and FDIC indemnification asset totaling $144.8 million, partially offset by an increase in cash and cash equivalents totaling $350.8 million.

Securities Purchased Under Resale Agreements

We purchase securities under resale agreements (“resale agreements”) with terms that range from one day to several years. Total resale agreements increased $2.6 million, or 1%, to $230.0 million as of June 30, 2010, compared with $227.4 million as of December 31, 2009. The increase reflects an additional resale agreement for $300.0 million entered into during 2010, partially offset by the early termination of two resale agreements totaling $150.0 million with a gain of $2.5 million.

Purchases of resale agreements are overcollateralized to ensure against unfavorable market price movements. We monitor the market value of the underlying securities that collateralize the related receivable on resale agreements, including accrued interest. In the event that the fair market value of the securities decreases below the carrying amount of the related repurchase agreement, our counterparty is required to designate an equivalent value of additional securities. The counterparties to these agreements are nationally recognized investment banking firms that meet credit eligibility criteria and with whom a master repurchase agreement has been duly executed.

Investment Securities

Income from investing activities provides a significant portion of our total income.  We aim to maintain an investment portfolio with an adequate mix of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate securities with relatively short maturities to minimize overall interest rate risk.  Our investment securities portfolio primarily consists of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. Government agency securities, U.S. Government sponsored enterprise debt securities, U.S. Government sponsored and other mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, corporate debt securities, foreign issued debt, and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise equity securities.  We classify certain investment securities as held-to-maturity, and accordingly, these securities are recorded based on their amortized cost.  We also classify certain investments as available-for-sale, and accordingly, these securities are carried at their estimated fair values with the corresponding changes in fair values recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, as a component of stockholders’ equity.

We did not have any investment securities held-to-maturity as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

Total investment securities available-for-sale decreased 19% to $2.08 billion as of June 30, 2010, compared with $2.56 billion at December 31, 2009.  Total repayments/maturities and proceeds from sales of investment securities amounted to $1.57 billion and $863.6 million, respectively, during the six months ended June 30, 2010. We recorded net gains on sales of investment securities totaling $5.8 million and $1.7 million during the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  For the first half of 2010, we recorded net gains on sales of investment securities totaling $22.0 million, compared with $5.2 million during the first half of 2009.

A portion of the proceeds from repayments, maturities, sales, and redemptions of investment securities were applied towards additional investment securities purchases totaling $1.90 billion.

At June 30, 2010, investment securities available-for-sale securities with an aggregate par value of $2.12 billion were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, the FRB discount window, and other purposes required or permitted by law.

We perform regular impairment analyses on our portfolio of investment securities.  If we determine that a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, a credit-related impairment loss is recognized in current earnings.  Noncredit-related impairment losses are charged to other comprehensive income.  Other-than-temporary declines in fair value are assessed based on factors including the duration the security has been in a continuous unrealized loss position, the severity of the decline in value, the rating of the security, the probability that we will be unable to collect all amounts due, and our ability and intent to not sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis.  For securities that are determined to not have other-than-temporary declines in value, we have both the ability and the intent to hold these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis.
 
59

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the fair value of our investment securities available-for-sale, as well as the weighted average yields, and contractual maturity distribution, excluding periodic principal payments, of our investment securities available-for-sale portfolio at June 30, 2010.


               
After One
   
After Five
                               
   
Within
   
But Within
   
But Within
   
After
   
Indeterminate
             
   
One Year
   
Five Years
   
Ten Years
   
Ten Years
   
Maturity
   
Total
 
   
Amount
   
Yield
   
Amount
   
Yield
   
Amount
   
Yield
   
Amount
   
Yield
   
Amount
   
Yield
   
Amount
   
Yield
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
As of June 30, 2010
                                                                       
Available-for-sale
                                                                       
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 33,489       0.44 %   $ 22,378       1.96 %   $ -       -     $ -       -     $ -       -     $ 55,867       1.04 %
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government
  sponsored enterprise debt securities
    696,809       1.78 %     188,646       1.26 %     -       -       23,028       2.91 %     -       -       908,483       1.70 %
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government
  sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:
                                                                                               
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    -       -       2,023       6.50 %     8,705       4.12 %     14,911       4.39 %     -       -       25,639       4.46 %
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    1,840       -       -       -       28,307       4.81 %     362,996       5.03 %     -       -       393,143       4.99 %
Municipal securities
    3,007       2.51 %     2,504       1.21 %     -       -       -       -       -       -       5,511       1.92 %
Other residential mortgage-backed securities:
                                                                                               
Investment grade
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Non-investment grade
    -       -       -       -       -       -       12,506       6.39 %     -       -       12,506       6.39 %
Corporate debt securities:
                                                                                               
Investment grade
    328,470       2.54 %     224,505       3.60 %     78,976       3.65 %     5,077       9.70 %     -       -       637,028       3.09 %
Non-investment grade
    8,506       8.56 %     2,060       9.97 %     -       -       19,291       4.05 %     -       -       29,857       5.29 %
U.S. Government sponsored enterprise equity securities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Debt issued by foreign governments
    2,560       0.27 %     3,462       1.01 %     1,692       4.64 %     -       -       -       -       7,714       1.47 %
Other securities
    -       -       1,263       4.87 %     -       -       -       -       -       -       1,263       4.87 %
Total investment securities available-for-sale
  $ 1,074,681             $ 446,841             $ 117,680             $ 437,809             $ -             $ 2,077,011          

For complete discussion and disclosure see footnote 5.

 
60

 
Covered Assets

Covered assets consist of loans receivable and OREO that were acquired in the WFIB Acquisition on June 11, 2010 and in the UCB Acquisition on November 6, 2009 for which the Company entered into shared-loss agreements (the “shared-loss agreement”) with the FDIC. The shared-loss agreements covered over 99% of the loans originated by WFIB and all of the loans originated by United Commercial Bank, excluding the loans originated by United Commercial Bank in China under its United Commercial Bank China (Limited) subsidiary. The Company will share in the losses, which begins with the first dollar of loss incurred, on the loan pools (including single family residential mortgage loans, commercial loans, foreclosed loan collateral and other real estate owned), covered (“covered assets”) under the shared-loss agreement.

Pursuant to the terms of the shared-loss agreement, the FDIC is obligated to reimburse the Company 80% of eligible losses for both WFIB and UCB with respect to covered assets. For the UCB covered assets the FDIC will reimburse the Company for 95% of eligible losses in excess of $2.05 billion with respect to covered assets. The Company has a corresponding obligation to reimburse the FDIC for 80% or 95%, as applicable, of eligible recoveries with respect to covered assets. For both shared-loss agreements for commercial and single family residential mortgage loans are in effect for 5 years and 10 years, respectively, from the acquisition date and the loss recovery provisions are in effect for 8 years and 10 years, respectively, from the acquisition date.

See complete discussion and disclosure at footnote 6

FDIC Indemnification Asset
 
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company recorded $10.6 million and $22.1 million, respectively, of accretion into income. Additionally, because of the high prepayment and removals activity during this timeframe, the Company reduced the FDIC indemnification asset by $85.7 million and $208.0 million for the three and six months, respectively, ended June 30, 2010, and recorded the adjustment to noninterest (loss) income. Due to the acquisition of WFIB in the second quarter of 2010, $41.1 million of additional FDIC indemnification asset was recorded.

             See complete discussion and disclosure at footnote 6

Non-Covered Loans

We offer a broad range of products designed to meet the credit needs of our borrowers.  Our lending activities consist of residential single family loans, residential multifamily loans, commercial real estate loans, land loans, construction loans, commercial business loans, trade finance loans, and consumer loans.  Net non-covered loans receivable decreased $68.7 million, or 0.83%, to $8.18 billion at June 30, 2010, relative to December 31, 2009. During the second quarter of 2010, the Company sold $227.3 million of student loans resulting in an $8.1 million gain.

 
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The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio as of the dates indicated:


   
June 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Real estate loans:
     
Residential single family
  $ 1,032,915       12.4 %   $ 930,392       10.9 %
Residential multifamily
    985,194       11.8 %     1,022,383       12.0 %
Commercial and
  industrial real estate,
  land
    3,785,585       45.5 %     3,964,622       46.6 %
Construction
    351,169       4.2 %     455,142       5.4 %
Total real estate loans
    6,154,863       73.9 %     6,372,539       74.9 %
                                 
Other loans:
                               
Commercial business
    1,296,899       15.6 %     1,283,182       15.1 %
Trade finance
    231,964       2.8 %     220,528       2.6 %
Automobile
    5,537       0.1 %     6,817       0.1 %
Student loans
    396,059       4.8 %     395,151       4.7 %
Other consumer
    229,662       2.8 %     222,816       2.6 %
Total other loans
    2,160,121       26.1 %     2,128,494       25.1 %
Total gross loans
    8,314,984       100.0 %     8,501,033       100.0 %
                                 
Unearned fees, premiums,
                               
and discounts, net
    (46,714 )             (43,529 )        
Allowance for loan losses
    (249,462 )             (238,833 )        
Loans held for sale
    159,158               28,014          
Loan receivable, net
  $ 8,177,966             $ 8,246,685          


Non-Covered Nonperforming Assets

Non-covered nonperforming assets are comprised of nonaccrual loans, accruing loans past due 90 days or more, and other real estate owned, net.  Non-covered nonperforming assets totaled $195.6 million, or 0.98% of total assets, at June 30, 2010 and $187.0 million, or 0.91% of total assets, at December 31, 2009.  Nonaccrual loans amounted to $179 million at June 30, 2010, compared with $173.2 million at year-end 2009.  During the first six months of 2010, we took aggressive actions to reduce our exposure to problem assets.  In conjunction with these efforts, we sold $124.3 million in problem loans and $13.8 million in OREO properties during the first half of 2010.  Net chargeoffs for non-covered nonperforming assets were $55.2 million and $119.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.  For non-covered REO properties, writedowns of $665 thousand and $3.3 million were recorded for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010.

 
62

 
Approximately $59.1 million, or 48%, of our problem loan sales during the first six months of 2010 were all-cash transactions.  We also partially financed selected loan sales to unrelated third parties.  Problem loans are sold on a servicing released basis and the shortfall between the loan balance and any new notes is charged off.  A substantial down payment, typically in the range of 25% to 40%, is received from the new borrower purchasing the problem loan.  The underlying sales agreements provide for full recourse to the new borrower and require that periodic updated financial information be provided to demonstrate their ability to service the new loan.  The Company maintains no effective control over the transferred loans.

Loans totaling $103.3 million were placed on nonaccrual status during the second quarter of 2010.  As a part of our comprehensive loan review, loans totaling $46.3 million which were not 90 days past due as of June 30, 2010, were classified as nonaccrual loans due to concerns regarding collateral values and future collectibility.  Additions to nonaccrual loans were offset by $55.2 million in net chargeoffs, $26.4 million in payoffs and principal paydowns, $17.9 million in loans that were transferred to other real estate owned and other real estate investments, and $17.9 million in loans brought current.  The additions to nonaccrual loans during the second quarter of 2010 were comprised of $13.8 million in single family loans, $22.9 million in multifamily loans, $8.3 million in commercial real estate loans, $5.3 million in land loans, $29.2 million in construction loans, $22.4 million in commercial business loans including SBA loans, $2 thousand in trade finance loans, and $1.4 million in automobile and other consumer loans.

All loans that were past due 90 days or more were on nonaccrual status as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

The Company had $32.2 million and $114 million in total performing restructured loans as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Non performing restructured loans were $35.8 million at June, 30, 2010 and are included in nonaccrual loans. Included in the $68 million total restructured loans as of June 30, 2010 were $17.5 million in performing A/B notes. In A/B note restructurings, the original note is bifurcated into two notes where the A note represents the portion of the original loan which allows for acceptable loan-to-value and debt coverage on the collateral and is expected to be collected in full and the B note represents the portion of the original loan where there is a shortfall in value and is fully charged off. The A/B notes balance as of June 30, 2009 is comprised of A note balances only. The A notes are performing loans at market interest rates with adequate collateral and cash flow and are accruing interest. At June 30, 2010, the amount of commitments for restructured loans was $8 million. As of June 30, 2010, restructured loans were comprised of $5.3 million in single family loans, $14.8 million in multifamily loans, $14 million in commercial real estate loans, $28.3 million in construction loans, $1 million in commercial and small business loans and $4.5 million in land loans.

Non-covered other real estate owned includes properties acquired through foreclosure or through full or partial satisfaction of loans.  We had 35 OREO properties as of June 30, 2010 with a combined aggregate carrying value of $16.6 million.  The majority of these properties were related to our construction and land loan portfolios.  Approximately 87% of OREO properties as of June 30, 2010 were located in California, 8% were located in Texas, with the remaining 5% located in Nevada.  As of December 31, 2009, we had 28 OREO properties with an aggregate carrying value of $13.8 million.  During the first six months of 2010, we foreclosed on 44 properties with an aggregate carrying value of $22.1 million as of the foreclosure date.  During the first six months of 2010, we sold 35 OREO properties with a total carrying value of $13.8 million resulting in a total combined net gain on sale of $274 thousand and charges against the allowance for loans losses totaling $1.4 million.  As previously mentioned, losses on sale of OREO properties that are sold shortly after they are received in a foreclosure are charged against the allowance for loan losses.  During the first half of 2009, we sold 74 OREO properties with a combined carrying value of $79.8 million for a total net loss on sale of $5.9 million. During the first half of 2010, we also recorded $2.7 million in chargeoffs, $2.9 million in writedowns, and $35 thousand in net principal reductions on non-covered OREO.

 
63

 
The following table sets forth information regarding non-covered nonperforming assets and performing restructured loans as of the dates indicated:
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
Non-covered nonaccrual loans
  $ 179,064     $ 173,180  
Non-covered loans past due 90 days or more but not on nonaccrual
    -       -  
Total non-covered nonperforming loans
    179,064       173,180  
                 
Non-covered other real estate owned, net
    16,562       13,832  
Total non-covered nonperforming assets
  $ 195,626     $ 187,012  
                 
Non-covered performing restructured loans
  $ 32,148     $ 114,013  
                 
Total non-covered nonperforming assets to total assets
    0.98 %     0.91 %
Allowance for loan losses to non-covered nonperforming loans
    139.31 %     137.91 %
Non-covered nonperforming loans to total gross non-covered loans
    2.15 %     2.04 %

We evaluate loan impairment in accordance with applicable accounting principles in accordance with US GAAP.  Loans are considered impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments.  Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or, as an expedient, at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent, less costs to sell.  If the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the deficiency will be charged off against the allowance for loan losses or, alternatively, a specific allocation will be established.  Additionally, loans that are considered impaired are specifically excluded from the quarterly migration analysis when determining the amount of the allowance for loan and lease losses required for the period.

At June 30, 2010, our total recorded investment in impaired loans was $179.1 million, compared with $191.5 million at December 31, 2009.  All nonaccrual loans are included in impaired loans.  Impaired loans at June 30, 2010 are comprised of single family loans totaling $14.8 million, multifamily loans totaling $18.7 million, commercial real estate loans totaling $67.4 million, construction loans totaling $48.3 million, commercial business loans totaling $27.9 million, SBA loans totaling $398 thousand, and automobile and other consumer loans totaling $1.6 million.

Specific reserves on impaired loans amounted to $6.7 million and $19.6 million at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  Our average recorded investment in impaired loans for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were $201.3 million and $291.1 million, respectively.  During the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, gross interest income that would have been recorded on impaired loans had they performed in accordance with their original terms, totaled $7.5 million and $8.9 million, respectively.  Of this amount, actual interest recognized on impaired loans, on a cash basis, was $2.2 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and $4.3 million for the same period in 2009.

Allowance for Loan Losses

We are committed to maintaining the allowance for loan losses at a level that is commensurate with estimated and known risks in the loan portfolio.  In addition to regular quarterly reviews of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, we perform an ongoing assessment of the risks inherent in the loan portfolio.  While we believe that the allowance for loan losses is adequate at June 30, 2010, future additions to the allowance will be subject to a continuing evaluation of estimated and known, as well as inherent, risks in the loan portfolio.

 
64

 
The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses which is charged against current period operating results, and is increased or decreased by the amount of net recoveries or chargeoffs, respectively, during the period.  At June 30, 2010, the allowance for loan losses amounted to $249.5 million, or 2.99% of total non-covered loans, compared with $238.8 million, or 2.81% of total non-covered loans, at December 31, 2009, and $223.7 million, or 2.62% of total non-covered loans, at June 30, 2009.  The $10.7 million increase in the allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2010, from year-end 2009, reflects $131.7 million in additional loss provisions, less $119.1 million in net chargeoffs recorded during the first six months of 2010.  The allowance for unfunded loan commitments, off-balance-sheet credit exposures, and recourse provisions is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities and amounted to $10 million at June 30, 2010, compared to $8.1 million at December 31, 2009.

We recorded $55.3 million in loan loss provisions during the second quarter of 2010 and $131.7 million during the first half of 2010.  In comparison, we recorded $151.4 million in loan loss provisions during the second quarter of 2009 and $229.4 million during the first half of 2009.  During the second quarter of 2010, we recorded $55.2 million in net chargeoffs representing 2.58% of average non-covered loans outstanding during the quarter.  In comparison, we recorded net chargeoffs totaling $133.9 million, or 6.50% of average non-covered loans outstanding for the same period in 2009.  During the first six months of 2010, net chargeoffs amounted to $119.1 million, or 2.78% of average loans outstanding during the period.  This compares to net chargeoffs of $193.4 million, or 4.71% of average loans outstanding during the same period of 2009.

The following table summarizes activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:

 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Allowance balance, beginning of period
  $ 250,517     $ 195,450     $ 238,833     $ 178,027  
Allowance for unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit
    (1,115 )     1,442       (1,923 )     434  
Provision for loan losses
    55,256       151,422       131,677       229,422  
Impact of desecuritization
    -       9,262       -       9,262  
Chargeoffs:
                               
Single family real estate
    3,688       14,263       7,226       18,116  
Multifamily real estate
    8,007       2,352       12,970       4,098  
Commercial real estate
    13,411       13,063       21,698       15,859  
Land
    13,485       33,599       40,430       46,122  
Construction
    11,707       60,083       25,962       78,526  
Commercial business
    12,328       13,718       19,897       33,177  
Automobile
    -       27       96       35  
Other consumer
    809       306       1,329       1,618  
Total chargeoffs
    63,435       137,411       129,608       197,551  
                                 
Recoveries:
                               
Single family real estate
    431       205       543       226  
Multifamily real estate
    455       96       558       218  
Commercial and industrial real estate
    1,575       591       1,661       597  
Land
    3,720       416       3,837       416  
Construction
    73       847       657       966  
Commercial business
    1,853       1,367       3,054       1,648  
Automobile
    19       9       43       31  
Other consumer
    113       4       130       4  
Total recoveries
    8,239       3,535       10,483       4,106  
Net chargeoffs
    55,196       133,876       119,125       193,445  
Allowance balance, end of period
  $ 249,462     $ 223,700     $ 249,462     $ 223,700  
                                 
Average non-covered loans outstanding
  $ 8,556,680     $ 8,244,850     $ 8,582,214     $ 8,221,143  
                                 
Total gross non-covered loans outstanding, end of period
  $ 8,314,984     $ 8,528,961     $ 8,314,984     $ 8,528,961  
                                 
Annualized net chargeoffs to average non-covered loans
    2.58 %     6.50 %     2.78 %     4.71 %
                                 
Allowance for loan losses to total gross non-covered loans,
  end of period
    2.99 %     2.62 %     2.99 %     2.62 %
 Note:  Student loans are fully guaranteed by the U.S. Government therefore there is no allowance for these loans.

 
65

 
Our methodology to determine the overall appropriateness of the allowance is based on a classification migration model and qualitative considerations.  The technique of migration analysis essentially looks at pools of loans having similar characteristics and analyzes their loss rates over a historical period.  We utilize historical loss factors derived from trends and losses associated with each pool over a specified period of time.  Based on this process, we assign loss factors to each loan grade within each category of loans.  Loss rates derived by the migration model are based predominantly on historical loss trends that may not be indicative of the actual or inherent loss potential for loan categories.  As such, we utilize qualitative and environmental factors as adjusting mechanisms to supplement the historical results of the classification migration model.

Qualitative considerations include, but are not limited to, prevailing economic or market conditions, relative risk profiles of various loan segments, the strength or deficiency of the internal control environment, volume concentrations, growth trends, delinquency and nonaccrual status, problem loan trends, and geographic concentrations.  Qualitative and environmental factors are reflected as percent adjustments and are added to the historical loss rates derived from the classified asset migration model to determine the appropriate allowance amount for each loan category.

In consideration of the significant growth and increasing diversity and credit risk profiles of loans in our portfolio over the past several years, our classification migration model utilizes eighteen risk-rated or heterogeneous loan pool categories and three homogeneous loan categories.  The loan sectors included in the heterogeneous loan pools are residential single family, residential multifamily, commercial real estate, construction, commercial business, trade finance, and automobile loans.  With the exception of automobile loans, all other heterogeneous loan categories have been broken down into additional subcategories.  For example, the commercial real estate loan category is further segmented into six subcategories based on industry sector.  These subcategories include retail, office, industrial, land, hotel/motel, and other special purpose or miscellaneous.  By sectionalizing these broad loan categories into smaller subgroups, we are better able to isolate and identify the risks associated with each subgroup based on historical loss trends.

In addition to the eighteen heterogeneous loan categories, our classification migration model also utilizes three homogeneous loan categories which encompass predominantly consumer-related credits.  Specifically, these homogeneous loan categories are home equity lines, overdraft protection lines, and credit card loans.

The following table reflects management’s allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category and the ratio of each loan category to total loans as of the dates indicated:


   
June 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Amount
   
% of total loans allocated
   
Amount
   
% of total loans allocated
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Residential single family
  $ 19,629       12.4 %   $ 18,693       10.9 %
Residential multifamily
    19,819       11.8 %     19,332       12.0 %
Commercial and industrial real estate, land
    115,975       45.5 %     110,628       46.6 %
Construction
    42,203       4.2 %     36,963       5.4 %
Commercial business
    43,035       15.6 %     43,774       15.1 %
Trade finance
    5,227       2.8 %     6,713       2.6 %
Automobile
    81       0.1 %     75       0.1 %
Student loans
    -       4.8 %     -       4.7 %
Other consumer
    3,493       2.8 %     2,655       2.6 %
Total
  $ 249,462       100.0 %   $ 238,833       100.0 %
Note:  Student loans are fully guaranteed by the U.S. Government therefore there is no allowance for these loans.

 
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Deposits

Total deposits decreased $68.9 million to $14.92 billion as of June 30, 2010 from $14.99 billion as of December 31, 2009. The decrease in total deposits was primarily due to a decrease of $1.17 billion, or 15%, in time deposits, which was mostly offset by an increase in money market accounts of $1.02 billion, or 33% and an increase from WFIB acquired deposits of $395.9 million. During the first half of 2010, we strategically reduced brokered deposits by $757.1 million. In addition, deposits from our retail network and commercial customers grew by $688.2 million during the first half of 2010.

As of June 30, 2010, time deposits within the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) program amounted to $496.3 million, compared with $995.0 million as of December 31, 2009. The CDARS program allows customers with deposits in excess of FDIC-insured limits to obtain full coverage on time deposits through a network of banks within the CDARS program. Additionally, we partner with another financial institution to offer a retail sweep product for non-time deposit accounts to provide added deposit insurance coverage for deposits in excess of FDIC-insured limits. Deposits gathered through these programs are considered brokered deposits under regulatory reporting guidelines.

The following table sets forth the composition of the deposit portfolio as of the dates indicated:


   
June 30,
   
December 31,
   
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
Amount
   
Percentage
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Core deposits:
                       
    Noninterest-bearing demand
  $ 2,396,087     $ 2,291,259     $ 104,828       4.6 %
    Interest-bearing checking
    685,572       667,177       18,395       2.8 %
    Money market
    4,162,129       3,138,866       1,023,263       32.6 %
    Savings
    946,043       991,520       (45,477 )     (4.6 )%
                                 
        Total core deposits
    8,189,831       7,088,822       1,101,009       15.5 %
                                 
Time deposits
    6,728,863       7,898,791       (1,169,928 )     (14.8 )%
                                 
            Total deposits
  $ 14,918,694     $ 14,987,613     $ (68,919 )     (0.5 )%


Borrowings

We utilize a combination of short-term and long-term borrowings to manage our liquidity position. The following paragraphs set forth the changes in borrowings during the six months ended June 30, 2010:

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances decreased $783.4 million, or 43%, to $1.02 billion as of June 30, 2010, compared to $1.81 billion as of December 31, 2009. The decrease in FHLB advances is consistent with our overall strategy to deleverage our balance sheet. During the first six months of 2010, a portion of the proceeds from the maturities and sales of investment securities and redemption of our money market mutual funds were used to pay down our borrowings. During the first six months of 2010, long-term FHLB advances totaling $1.1 billion were prepaid, plus prepayment penalties of $13.8 million. As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had no overnight FHLB advances.


 
67

 

Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements

We also utilize securities sold under repurchase agreements (“repurchase agreements”) to manage our liquidity position. Repurchase agreements totaled $1.05 billion and $1.03 billion as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. These balances included $52.3 million and $31.9 million in short-term repurchase agreements as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The interest rates on these short-term repurchase agreements were 0.50% and 0.51% as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Long-term repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded at the amounts at which the securities were sold. The collateral for these agreements consist of U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise debt and mortgage-backed securities. As of June 30, 2010, all of these repurchase agreements were past the floating rate period.

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt remained at $235.6 million as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Long-term debt is comprised of subordinated debt, which qualifies as Tier II capital for regulatory purposes, and junior subordinated debt, which qualifies as Tier I capital for regulatory purposes, issued in connection with our various trust preferred securities offerings.

Accrued Interest Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

During the first half of 2010, accrued interest payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities increased to $303.0 million as of June 30, 2010 from $104.2 million as of December 31, 2009. The increase was primarily due to the amount owed to the FDIC for our purchase of several properties totaling $78.6 million as part of the FDIC-assisted transaction of United Commercial Bank.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations

The following table presents, as of June 30, 2010, the Company’s significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations, within the categories described below, by payment date.  With the exception of operating lease obligations, these contractual obligations are included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.  The payment amounts represent the amounts and interest contractually due to the recipient.


   
Payment Due by Period
 
   
Less than
               
After
   
Indeterminate
       
Contractual Obligations
 
1 year
   
1-3 years
   
3-5 years
   
5 years
   
Maturity
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                     
Deposits
  $ 6,384,263     $ 395,882     $ 50,435     $ 44     $ 8,314,793     $ 15,145,417  
Federal funds purchased
    22       -       -       -       -       22  
FHLB advances
    37,851       313,157       177,124       604,272       -       1,132,404  
Securities sold under
  repurchase agreements
    131,589       94,823       94,823       1,044,127       -       1,365,362  
Notes payable
    -       -       -       -       18,103       18,103  
Long-term debt obligations
    6,595       13,189       13,189       335,681       -       368,654  
Operating lease obligations
    21,069       39,008       29,409       34,082               123,568  
Unrecognized tax benefits
    (2,567 )     (3,759 )     (496 )     (381 )             (7,203 )
Postretirement benefit payments
    318       2,087       2,494       45,178               50,077  
Total contractual obligations
  $ 6,579,140     $ 854,387     $ 366,978     $ 2,063,003     $ 8,332,896     $ 18,196,404  

 
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The operating lease obligation as of June 30, 2010 includes the forty-five leases assumed by the Company as part of the FDIC-assisted transaction of United Commercial Bank.

As a financial service provider, we routinely enter into commitments to extend credit to customers, such as loan commitments, commercial letters of credit for foreign and domestic trade, standby letters of credit, and financial guarantees.  Many of these commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon.  The same credit policies are used in extending these commitments as in extending loan facilities to customers.  A schedule of significant commitments to extend credit to our customers as of June 30, 2010 is as follows:


   
Commitments Outstanding
 
   
(In millions)
 
       
Undisbursed loan commitments
  $ 1,815  
Standby letters of credit
    350  
Commercial letters of credit
    245  


Capital Resources

At June 30, 2010, stockholders' equity totaled $2.34 billion, a 2.4% increase from the year-end 2009 balance of $2.28 billion.  The increase is comprised of the following: (1) net income of $61.3 million recorded during the first half of 2010; (2) additional unrealized gain on investment securities available-for-sale of $1.7 million; (3) stock compensation costs amounting to $3.9 million related to grants of restricted stock and stock options; and (4) issuance of common stock totaling $1.8 million, representing 1,096,739 shares, pursuant to various stock plans and agreements. These transactions were offset by: (1) tax benefit of $216 thousand from various stock plans; (2) purchase of treasury shares related to vested restricted stock amounting to $444 thousand, representing 23,785 shares; and (3) accrual and payment of cash dividends on common and preferred stock totaling $13.7 million during the first half of 2010.

Historically, our primary source of capital has been the retention of operating earnings.  In order to ensure adequate levels of capital, we conduct an ongoing assessment of projected sources, needs and uses of capital in conjunction with projected increases in assets and the level of risk.  As part of this ongoing assessment, the Board of Directors reviews the various components of capital and the adequacy of capital.  Although we are not one of the 19 large financial institutions required to conduct a forward-looking capital assessment, or “stress test”, pursuant to the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Assistance Program (“CAP”), the stress assessment requirements under the CAP or similar requirements could be extended or otherwise impact financial institutions beyond the 19 participating institutions, including us.  As a result, we could determine independently, or our regulators could require us, to raise additional capital.

Series C Preferred Stock

On March 25, 2010, at a special meeting of the stockholders, our stockholders voted to approve the issuance of 37,103,734 shares of our common stock upon conversion of the 335,047 shares of the Series C Preferred Stock. The Series C Preferred Stock was subsequently automatically converted into shares of our common stock on March 30, 2010, and, as a result, no shares of the Series C Preferred Stock remain outstanding.

 
Risk-Based Capital

We are committed to maintaining capital at a level sufficient to assure our shareholders, our customers and our regulators that our company and our bank subsidiary are financially sound.  We are subject to risk-based capital regulations and capital adequacy guidelines adopted by the federal banking regulators.  These guidelines are used to evaluate capital adequacy and are based on an institution’s asset risk profile and off-balance sheet exposures.  According to these guidelines, institutions whose Tier I and total capital ratios meet or exceed 6.0% and 10.0%, respectively, may be deemed “well-capitalized.”  At June 30, 2010, the Bank’s Tier I and total capital ratios were 16.7% and 18.7%, respectively, compared to 15.7% and 17.7%, respectively, at December 31, 2009.

 
69

 
The following table compares East West Bancorp, Inc.'s and East West Bank’s actual capital ratios at June 30, 2010, to those required by regulatory agencies for capital adequacy and well-capitalized classification purposes:


         
Minimum
 
Well
 
East West
 
East West
 
Regulatory
 
Capitalized
 
Bancorp
 
Bank
 
Requirements
 
Requirements
               
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
20.8%
 
18.7%
 
8.0%
 
10.0%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
18.9%
 
16.7%
 
4.0%
 
6.0%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
10.5%
 
9.3%
 
4.0%
 
5.0%

ASSET LIABILITY AND MARKET RISK MANAGEMENT

Liquidity

Liquidity management involves our ability to meet cash flow requirements arising from fluctuations in deposit levels and demands of daily operations, which include funding of securities purchases, providing for customers’ credit needs and ongoing repayment of borrowings.  Our liquidity is actively managed on a daily basis and reviewed periodically by the Asset/Liability Committee and the Board of Directors.  This process is intended to ensure the maintenance of sufficient funds to meet the needs of the Bank, including adequate cash flow for off-balance sheet instruments.

Our primary sources of liquidity are derived from financing activities which include the acceptance of customer and brokered deposits, federal funds facilities, repurchase agreement facilities, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, and issuances of long-term debt.  These funding sources are augmented by payments of principal and interest on loans.  In addition, government programs, such as the FDIC’s TLGP, may influence deposit behavior.  Primary uses of funds include withdrawal of and interest payments on deposits, originations and purchases of loans, purchases of investment securities, and payment of operating expenses.

During the first half of 2010, we experienced net cash inflows from operating activities of $748.6 million, compared to net cash inflows of $161.7 million for the first half of 2009.

Net cash inflows from investing activities totaled $967.0 million for the first half of 2010 compared with net cash outflows of $776.8 million for the first half of 2009.  Net cash inflows from investing activities for the first half of 2010 were due primarily to the proceeds from the sale of investment securities, collections on covered loans and repayments, maturities and redemptions of investment securities.  These factors were partially offset by the purchase of securities purchased under resale agreements and investment securities.  Net cash outflows from investing activities for the first half of 2009 were due primarily to purchases of short-term investments, investment securities and loans receivable. These factors were partially offset by proceeds from the sale of investment securities, as well as repayments, maturities and redemptions of investment securities, and a decrease in loans receivable due to lower loan origination volume during the first half of 2009.

We experienced net cash outflows from financing activities of $1.4 billion during the first half of 2010, primarily due to the net decrease in deposits resulting from the Company’s strategy to reduce brokered deposits. We experienced net inflows from financing activities of $309.3 million for the first half of 2009 primarily due to the net increase in deposits. This was partially offset by net decreases in federal funds purchased and FHLB advances, and dividends paid on our common and preferred stock for the first six months of 2009.

As a means of augmenting our liquidity, we have available a combination of borrowing sources  comprised of the Federal Reserve Bank’s discount window, FHLB advances, federal funds lines with various correspondent banks, and several master repurchase agreements with major brokerage companies.  We believe our liquidity sources to be stable and adequate to meet our day-to-day cash flow requirements.

The liquidity of East West Bancorp, Inc. has historically been dependent on the payment of cash dividends by its subsidiary, East West Bank, subject to applicable statutes and regulations.  The Bank is permitted to pay dividends to the Company as long as the banking regulatory authorities of the Bank are notified of the proposed dividend and there is no objections language from the banking regulatory authorities. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, no dividends were paid by the Bank to the Company. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, total dividends paid by the Bank to the Company amounted to $18.5 million.

On July 27, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the payment of second quarter dividends of $20.00 per share on the Company’s Series A preferred stock. The dividend is payable on or about August 1, 2010 to shareholders of record as of July 15, 2010. Additionally, the Board declared a dividend of $0.01 per share on the Company’s common stock payable on or about August 24, 2010 to shareholders of record as of August 10, 2010.

 
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Interest Rate Sensitivity Management

Our success is largely dependent upon our ability to manage interest rate risk, which is the impact of adverse fluctuations in interest rates on our net interest income and net portfolio value.

The fundamental objective of the asset liability management process is to manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations while maintaining adequate levels of liquidity and capital.  Our strategy is formulated by the Asset/Liability Committee, which coordinates with the Board of Directors to monitor our overall asset and liability composition.  The Committee meets regularly to evaluate, among other things, the sensitivity of our assets and liabilities to interest rate changes, the book and market values of assets and liabilities, unrealized gains and losses on the available-for-sale portfolio (including those attributable to hedging transactions, if any), purchase and securitization activity, and maturities of investments and borrowings.

Our overall strategy is to minimize the adverse impact of immediate incremental changes in market interest rates (rate shock) on net interest income and net portfolio value.  Net portfolio value is defined as the present value of assets, minus the present value of liabilities and off-balance sheet instruments.  The attainment of this goal requires a balance between profitability, liquidity and interest rate risk exposure.  To minimize the adverse impact of changes in market interest rates, we simulate the effect of instantaneous interest rate changes on net interest income and net portfolio value on a quarterly basis.  The table below shows the estimated impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income and market value of equity as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, assuming a non-parallel shift of 100 and 200 basis points in both directions:


   
Net Interest Income
 
Net Portfolio Value
   
Volatility (1)
 
Volatility (2)
Change in Interest Rates
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
(Basis Points)
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
+200
 
0.8 %
 
1.5 %
 
(3.0)%
 
(4.3)%
+100
 
(0.8)%
 
0.3 %
 
(1.9)%
 
(2.2)%
-100
 
7.7 %
 
3.9 %
 
1.1 %
 
1.6 %
-200
 
7.3 %
 
6.8 %
 
0.3 %
 
1.1 %

(1)  
The percentage change represents net interest income for twelve months in a stable interest rate environment versus net interest income in the various rate scenarios.
(2)  
The percentage change represents net portfolio value of the Bank in a stable interest rate environment versus net portfolio value in the various rate scenarios.

All interest-earning assets, interest-bearing liabilities and related derivative contracts are included in the interest rate sensitivity analysis at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.  In a declining rate environment, the interest rate floors on these loans contribute to the favorable impact on our net interest income.  However, in a rising rate environment, these interest rate floors also serve to lessen the full benefit of higher interest rates.

Our primary analytical tool to gauge interest rate sensitivity is a simulation model used by many major banks and bank regulators, and is based on the actual maturity and repricing characteristics of interest-rate sensitive assets and liabilities.  The model attempts to predict changes in the yields earned on assets and the rates paid on liabilities in relation to changes in market interest rates.  As an enhancement to the primary simulation model, prepayment assumptions and market rates of interest provided by independent broker/dealer quotations, an independent pricing model and other available public sources are incorporated into the model.  Adjustments are made to reflect the shift in the Treasury and other appropriate yield curves.  The model also factors in projections of anticipated activity levels by product line and takes into account our increased ability to control rates offered on deposit products in comparison to our ability to control rates on adjustable-rate loans tied to the published indices.

The following table provides the outstanding principal balances and the weighted average interest rates of our financial instruments as of June 30, 2010.  The information presented below is based on the repricing date for variable rate instruments and the expected maturity date for fixed rate instruments.

 
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Fair Value at
 
   
Expected Maturity or Repricing Date by Year
         
June 30,
 
   
Year 1
   
Year 2
   
Year 3
   
Year 4
   
Year 5
   
Thereafter
   
Total
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Assets:
                                               
CD investments
  $ 357,886     $ 17,185       -       250     $ -       -     $ 375,321     $ 375,855  
Average yield (fixed rate)
    1.20 %     1.84 %     -       4.00 %     -       -       1.23 %        
Short-term investments
  $ 145,396       -       -       -       -       -     $ 145,396     $ 145,396  
Weighted average rate
    0.71 %     -       -       -       -       -       0.71 %        
Securities purchased under
  resale agreements
  $ 414,689       -       -       -       -       -     $ 414,689     $ 415,041  
Weighted average rate
    1.65 %     -       -       -       -       -       1.65 %        
Investment securities available-for-sale
  (fixed rate)
  $ 473,172     $ 102,789     $ 92,444     $ 35,733     $ 64,567     $ 129,273     $ 897,978     $ 899,866  
Weighted average rate
    4.47 %     5.72 %     3.66 %     3.39 %     5.69 %     4.70 %     4.61 %        
Investment securities available-for-sale
  (variable rate) (1)
  $ 859,461     $ 148,042     $ 120,993     $ 14,236     $ 7,572     $ 24,957     $ 1,175,261     $ 1,177,144  
Weighted average rate
    2.31 %     2.66 %     2.78 %     5.28 %     5.21 %     3.76 %     2.49 %        
Total covered gross loans
  $ 4,519,773     $ 639,959     $ 659,512     $ 242,882     $ 196,248     $ 371,265     $ 6,629,639     $ 5,282,896  
Weighted average rate
    4.55 %     6.08 %     6.26 %     5.63 %     6.48 %     5.19 %     5.00 %        
Total non-covered gross loans
  $ 6,457,994     $ 587,235     $ 410,255     $ 269,836     $ 166,490     $ 610,078     $ 8,501,888     $ 8,422,983  
Weighted average rate
    5.18 %     6.08 %     6.27 %     6.20 %     6.06 %     5.47 %     5.36 %        
                                                                 
Liabilities:
                                                               
Checking accounts
  $ 685,572       -       -       -       -       -     $ 685,572     $ 576,351  
Weighted average rate
    0.26 %     -       -       -       -       -       0.26 %        
Money market accounts
  $ 4,162,128       -       -       -       -       -     $ 4,162,128     $ 4,059,565  
Weighted average rate
    0.82 %     -       -       -       -       -       0.82 %        
Savings deposits
  $ 946,043       -       -       -       -       -     $ 946,043     $ 806,416  
Weighted average rate
    0.28 %     -       -       -       -       -       0.28 %        
Time deposits
  $ 6,303,747       328,491       48,149       8,522       38,081       28     $ 6,727,018     $ 6,741,718  
Weighted average rate
    1.34 %     1.85 %     3.13 %     2.38 %     1.55 %     3.98 %     1.38 %        
Short-term borrowings
  $ 22       -       -       -       -       -     $ 22     $ 22  
Weighted average rate
    0.11 %     -       -       -       -       -       0.11 %        
FHLB advances (term)
  $ -     $ 145,000     $ 100,000     $ 125,000       -     $ 575,000     $ 945,000     $ 1,039,289  
Weighted average rate
    -       2.19 %     4.64 %     4.43 %     -       4.26 %     4.01 %        
Short-term repurchase agreements
  $ 56,192       -       -       -       -       -     $ 56,192     $ 56,193  
Weighted average rate
    0.50 %     -       -       -       -       -       0.50 %        
Securities sold under repurchase
  agreements (fixed rate)
    -       -       -       -       -     $ 945,000     $ 945,000     $ 1,168,376  
Weighted average rate
    -       -       -       -       -       4.80 %     4.80 %        
Securities sold under repurchase
  agreements  (variable rate)
  $ 50,000       -       -       -       -       -     $ 50,000     $ 55,514  
Weighted average rate
    4.15 %     -       -       -       -       -       4.15 %        
Subordinated notes (variable rate)
  $ 75,000       -       -       -       -       -     $ 75,000     $ 54,171  
Weighted average rate
    1.48 %     -       -       -       -       -       1.48 %        
Junior subordinated debt (fixed rate)
    -       -       -       -       -     $ 21,392     $ 21,392     $ 24,060  
Weighted average rate
    -       -       -       -       -       10.91 %     10.91 %        
Junior subordinated debt (variable rate)
  $ 139,178       -       -       -       -       -     $ 139,178     $ 42,241  
Weighted average rate
    2.27 %     -       -       -       -       -       2.27 %        
Other borrowing (variable rate)
  $ 36,113       -       -       -       -       -     $ 36,113     $ 36,753  
Weighted average rate
    2.26 %     -       -       -       -       -       2.26 %        

(1)  
Includes hybrid securities that have fixed interest rates for the first three or five years.  Thereafter, interest rates become adjustable based on a predetermined index.

 
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Expected maturities of assets are contractual maturities adjusted for projected payment based on contractual amortization and unscheduled prepayments of principal as well as repricing frequency.  Expected maturities for deposits are based on contractual maturities adjusted for projected rollover rates for deposits with no stated maturity dates.  We utilize assumptions supported by documented analyses for the expected maturities of our loans and repricing of our deposits.  We also use prepayment projections for amortizing securities.  The actual maturities of these instruments could vary significantly if future prepayments and repricing frequencies differ from our expectations based on historical experience.

The fair values of interest-bearing deposits in other banks are based on the discounted cash flow approach.  The discount rate is derived from the Bank’s time deposit rate curve.  The fair values of short-term investments generally approximate their book values due to their short maturities.  For securities purchased under resale agreements, fair values are calculated by discounting future cash flows based on expected maturities or repricing dates utilizing estimated market discount rates and taking into consideration the call features of each instrument.  The fair values of the investment securities are generally determined by reference to the average of at least two quoted market prices obtained from independent external brokers or prices obtained from independent external pricing service providers who have experience in valuing these securities.  In obtaining such valuation information from third parties, the Company has reviewed the methodologies used to develop the resulting fair values.  For the private-label mortgage-backed security, the fair value was derived based on a combination of broker prices and discounted cash flow analyses that is weighted as deemed appropriate.  For the pooled trust preferred securities, the fair value was derived based on a discounted cash flow analyses.  The discount rate is derived from assumptions using an exit pricing approach related to the implied rate of return which have been adjusted for general change in market rates, estimated changes in credit quality and liquidity risk premium, and specific non-performance and default experience in the collateral underlying the securities.

The fair value of deposits is determined based on the discounted cash flow approach.  The discount rate is derived from the associated yield curve, plus spread, if any.  For core deposits, the cash outflows are projected by the decay rate based on the Bank’s core deposit premium study.  Cash flows for all non-time deposits are discounted using the LIBOR yield curve.  For time deposits, the cash flows are based on the contractual runoff and are discounted by the Bank’s current offering rates, plus spread.  For federal funds purchased, fair value approximates book value due to their short maturities.  The fair value of FHLB term advances is estimated by discounting the cash flows through maturity or the next repricing date based on current rates offered by the FHLB for borrowings with similar maturities.  Customer repurchase agreements, which have maturities ranging from one to three days, are presumed to have equal book and fair values because the interests rates paid on these instruments are based on prevailing market rates.  The fair values of securities sold under repurchase agreements are calculated by discounting future cash flows based on expected maturities or repricing dates, utilizing estimated market discount rates and taking into consideration the call features of each instrument.  For both subordinated and junior subordinated debt instruments, fair values are estimated by discounting cash flows through maturity based on current market rates the Bank would pay for new issuances.

The Asset/Liability Committee is authorized to utilize a wide variety of off-balance sheet financial techniques to assist in the management of interest rate risk.  We may elect to use derivative financial instruments as part of our asset and liability management strategy, with the overall goal of minimizing the impact of interest rate fluctuations on our net interest margin and stockholders’ equity.  Currently, derivative instruments do not have a material impact on our operating results or financial position.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding market risks in our portfolio, see, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Asset Liability and Market Risk Management."

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of June 30, 2010, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e).  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of June 30, 2010.

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Our disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Internal Controls

During our most recent fiscal quarter, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Neither the Company nor the Bank is involved in any material legal proceedings.  The Bank, from time to time, is party to litigation which arises in the ordinary course of business, such as claims to enforce liens, claims involving the origination and servicing of loans, and other issues related to the business of the Bank.  After taking into consideration information furnished by counsel to the Company and the Bank, management believes that the resolution of such issues would not have a material adverse impact on the financial position, results of operations, or liquidity of the Company or the Bank.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The Company's 2009 Form 10-K contains disclosure regarding the risks and uncertainties related to the Company’s business under the heading "Item A. Risk Factors."  The information presented below updates and should be read in conjunction with the risk factors and information disclosed in the 2009 Form 10-K.  Other than as set forth below, there are no material changes to our risk factors as presented in the Company’s Form 10-K.

We may engage in additional acquisitions of banks, which may involve FDIC-assisted transactions, which could present additional risks to our business.  We may have opportunities to acquire other banks and this may include the acquisition of the assets and liabilities of failed banks in FDIC-assisted transactions.  Although failed bank transactions typically provide for FDIC assistance to an acquirer to mitigate certain risks, such as sharing exposure to loan losses and providing indemnification against certain liabilities of the failed institution, we would still be subject to many of the same risks we would face in acquiring another bank in negotiated transactions, including risks associated with maintaining customer relationships and failure to realize the anticipated acquisition benefits in the amounts and within the timeframes we expect.  In addition, because these acquisitions are structured in a manner that would not allow us the time and access to information normally associated with preparing for and evaluating a negotiated acquisition, we may face additional risk in FDIC-assisted transactions, including additional strain on management resources, management of problem loans, problems related to integration of personnel and operating systems and impact to our capital resources requiring us to raise additional capital.  We cannot assure you that we will be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with FDIC-assisted or other transactions.  Our inability to overcome these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and net income.

If we were to undergo an “ownership change” for tax purposes, our ability to use certain tax benefits would be limited.  If we were to undergo an “ownership change” for tax purposes, our ability to deduct then existing net operating loss carryforwards would be limited.  In addition, our ability to claim certain subsequent deductions could be limited if we had a “net unrealized built-in loss” at the time of the ownership change.  The rules for determining when a company has an ownership change and the subsequent calculation of applicable limitations are highly complex. If we were to undergo an ownership change, limitations on our ability to use our tax benefits could have a materially adverse effect on us.

 
ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Except as previously disclosed on Reports on Form 8-K, there were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter ended June 30, 2010. The following summarizes share repurchase activities during the second quarter of 2010:

 
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Total Number
   
Approximate Dollar
 
   
Total
         
of Shares
   
Value in Millions of
 
   
Number
   
Average
   
Purchased as
   
Shares that May Yet Be
 
   
of Shares
   
Price Paid
   
Part of Publicly
   
Purchased Under
 
Month Ended
 
Purchased (1)
   
per Share
   
Announced Programs
   
the Programs (2)
 
April 30, 2010
    -     $ -       -     $ 26.2  
May 31, 2010
    -       -       -       26.2  
June 30, 2010
    -       -       -       26.2  
Total
    -     $ -       -     $ 26.2  

(1)  
Excludes 112,252 in repurchased shares totaling $958 thousand due to forfeitures and vesting of restricted stock awards pursuant to the Company’s 1998 Stock Incentive Plan.
(2)  
During the first quarter of 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors announced a repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $80.0 million of its common stock.  This repurchase program has no expiration date and, to date, 1,392,176 shares totaling $53.8 million have been purchased under this program.

    ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

    ITEM 4.  (REMOVED AND RESERVED)

Not applicable.

    ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

    ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

(i) Exhibit 31.1
Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(ii) Exhibit 31.2
Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(iii) Exhibit 32.1
Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(iv) Exhibit 32.2
Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 

All other material referenced in this report which is required to be filed as an exhibit hereto has previously been submitted.

 
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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Dated:           August 6, 2010


 
EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.
 
 
 
By: /s/ IRENE H. OH                                         
Irene H. Oh
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer


 
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