Edgar Filing: WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)




ý		Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
		For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015 or

o		Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
		For the transition period from__________ to __________

Commission file number: 001-32550

WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		88-0365922
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)



One E. Washington Street Suite 1400, Phoenix, AZ		85004
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(602) 389-3500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No ¨

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

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

Common stock issued and outstanding: 102,307,277 shares as of October 26, 2015.

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INDEX



		Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	Consolidated Balance Sheets	4
	Consolidated Income Statements	5
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	7
	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity	8
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	9
	Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements	11
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	64
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	92
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	94

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	95
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	95
Item 6.	Exhibits	96

SIGNATURES		98

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PART I

GLOSSARY OF ENTITIES AND TERMS

The acronyms and abbreviations identified below are used in various sections of this Form 10-Q, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in Item 2 and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item I of this Form 10-Q.



ENTITIES:
AAB	Alliance Association Bank	FIB	First Independent Bank
ABA	Alliance Bank of Arizona	LVSP	Las Vegas Sunset Properties
BON	Bank of Nevada	TPB	Torrey Pines Bank
Bridge	Bridge Bank	WAB or Bank	Western Alliance Bank
Centennial	Centennial Bank	WAL or Parent	Western Alliance Bancorporation
Company	Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries	Western Liberty	Western Liberty Bancorp
TERMS:
AFS	Available-for-Sale	HFI	Held for Investment
ALCO	Asset and Liability Management Committee	HFS	Held for Sale
AOCI	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	HTM	Held-to-Maturity
ARPS	Adjustable-Rate Preferred Stock	ICS	Insured Cash Sweep Service
ASC	Accounting Standards Codification	IRC	Internal Revenue Code
ASU	Accounting Standards Update	ISDA	International Swaps and Derivatives Association
ATM	At-the-Market	LIBOR	London Interbank Offered Rate
BOD	Board of Directors	LIHTC	Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
CBL	Central Business Lines	MBS	Mortgage-Backed Securities
CDARS	Certificate Deposit Account Registry Service	NOL	Net Operating Loss
CDO	Collateralized Debt Obligation	NPV	Net Present Value
CEO	Chief Executive Officer	NUBILs	Net Unrealized Built In Losses
CFO	Chief Financial Officer	OCI	Other Comprehensive Income
CRA	Community Reinvestment Act	OREO	Other Real Estate Owned
CRE	Commercial Real Estate	OTTI	Other-than-Temporary Impairment
EPS	Earnings per share	PCI	Purchased Credit Impaired
EVE	Economic Value of Equity	SBA	Small Business Administration
Exchange Act	Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended	SBIC	Small Business Investment Company
FASB	Financial Accounting Standards Board	SEC	Securities and Exchange Commission
FDIC	Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation	SERP	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
FHLB	Federal Home Loan Bank	SSAE	Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements
FRB	Federal Reserve Bank	TDR	Troubled Debt Restructuring
FVO	Fair Value Option	TEB	Tax Equivalent Basis
GAAP	U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles	XBRL	eXtensible Business Reporting Language
GSE	Government-Sponsored Enterprise

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Item 1.	Financial Statements.

WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	161,944		$	125,329
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions	163,466			39,067
Cash and cash equivalents	325,410			164,396
Money market investments	1,087			451
Investment securities - measured at fair value	1,537			1,858
Investment securities - AFS, at fair value; amortized cost of $1,899,580 at September 30, 2015 and $1,493,648 at December 31, 2014	1,932,980			1,520,237
Investments in restricted stock, at cost	57,986			25,275
Loans - HFS	24,356			—
Loans - HFI, net of deferred loan fees and costs	10,763,939			8,398,265
Less: allowance for credit losses	(117,072		)	(110,216		)
Net loans held for investment	10,646,867			8,288,049
Premises and equipment, net	121,739			113,818
Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	57,719			57,150
Bank owned life insurance	161,705			141,969
Goodwill	289,347			23,224
Other intangible assets, net	16,420			2,689
Deferred tax assets, net	78,550			62,686
Other assets	239,867			198,696
Total assets	$	13,955,570		$	10,600,498
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Non-interest-bearing demand	$	4,077,461		$	2,288,048
Interest-bearing	7,532,942			6,642,995
Total deposits	11,610,403			8,931,043
Customer repurchase agreements	53,227			54,899
Other borrowings	300,027			390,263
Qualifying debt	206,787			40,437
Other liabilities	201,428			182,928
Total liabilities	12,371,872			9,599,570
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock - par value $0.0001 and liquidation value per share of $1,000; 20,000,000 authorized; 70,500 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014	70,500			70,500
Common stock - par value $0.0001; 200,000,000 authorized; 102,304,663 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and 88,691,249 at December 31, 2014	10			9
Additional paid in capital	1,273,648			828,327
Accumulated other comprehensive income	20,643			16,639
Retained earnings	218,897			85,453
Total stockholders’ equity	1,583,698			1,000,928
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	13,955,570		$	10,600,498

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Interest income:
Loans, including fees	$	133,087		$	94,436		$	338,946		$	271,823
Investment securities	10,559			9,263			27,075			29,416
Dividends	1,480			1,272			4,028			3,338
Other	1,107			583			3,764			1,651
Total interest income	146,233			105,554			373,813			306,228
Interest expense:
Deposits	5,550			5,172			16,058			14,767
Other borrowings	1,246			1,846			5,558			7,351
Qualifying debt	2,008			443			2,900			1,307
Other	22			20			64			55
Total interest expense	8,826			7,481			24,580			23,480
Net interest income	137,407			98,073			349,233			282,748
Provision for credit losses	—			419			700			4,426
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	137,407			97,654			348,533			278,322
Non-interest income:
Service charges and fees	4,327			2,457			10,344			7,777
Income from bank owned life insurance	984			1,136			2,733			3,044
Card income	954			854			2,666			2,500
(Loss) gain on sales of investment securities, net	(62		)	181			582			384
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(502		)	(81		)	(502		)
Unrealized gains (losses) on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net	5,371			896			(2,684		)	(145		)
Other income	2,252			1,051			4,008			3,171
Total non-interest income	13,826			6,073			17,568			16,229
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits	43,660			32,230			108,607			93,536
Occupancy	5,915			4,479			15,677			13,458
Legal, professional, and directors' fees	4,052			3,022			12,658			10,853
Data processing	4,338			2,404			10,147			7,713
Insurance	3,375			1,996			7,739			6,476
Loan and repossessed asset expenses	1,099			901			3,473			2,937
Card expense	757			609			1,844			1,739
Marketing	747			378			1,587			1,443
Intangible amortization	704			281			1,266			1,180
Net gain on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets	(104		)	(1,874		)	(1,673		)	(4,251		)
Acquisition / restructure expense	835			15			8,836			198
Other expense	7,538			5,418			17,997			16,290
Total non-interest expense	72,916			49,859			188,158			151,572
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	78,317			53,868			177,943			142,979
Income tax expense	19,183			12,949			43,900			34,279
Income from continuing operations	59,134			40,919			134,043			108,700
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			—			—			(1,158		)
Net income	59,134			40,919			134,043			107,542
Dividends on preferred stock	176			353			599			1,058
Net income available to common stockholders	$	58,958		$	40,566		$	133,444		$	106,484

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	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings per share from continuing operations:
Basic	$	0.59	$	0.47	$	1.45	$	1.24
Diluted	0.58		0.46		1.44		1.23
Loss per share from discontinued operations:
Basic	—		—		—		(0.01		)
Diluted	—		—		—		(0.01		)
Earnings per share available to common stockholders:
Basic	0.59		0.47		1.45		1.23
Diluted	0.58		0.46		1.44		1.22
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	100,776		86,723		92,345		86,495
Diluted	101,520		87,572		92,932		87,345
Dividends declared per common share	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Net income	$	59,134		$	40,919		$	134,043		$	107,542
Other comprehensive income, net:
Unrealized gain on transfer of HTM securities to AFS, net of tax effect of $0, $0, $0, and $(5,367), respectively	—			—			—			8,976
Unrealized gain on AFS securities, net of tax effect of $(3,437), $(672), $(2,579), and $(13,331), respectively	5,486			1,124			4,261			22,293
Unrealized (loss) gain on SERP, net of tax effect of $143, $0, $(63), $0, respectively	(229		)	—			108			—
Realized loss (gain) on sale of AFS securities included in income, net of tax effect of $(24), $68, $217, and $144, respectively	38			(113		)	(365		)	(240		)
Net other comprehensive income	5,295			1,011			4,004			31,029
Comprehensive income	$	64,429		$	41,930		$	138,047		$	138,571

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)



	Preferred Stock			Common Stock			Additional Paid in Capital		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Additional Paid in Capital		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	(in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2013	141	$	141,000	87,186	$	9	$	797,146	$	(21,546	)	$	(61,111	)	$	855,498
Net income	—	—		—	—		—		—			107,542			107,542
Exercise of stock options	—	—		216	—		2,774		—			—			2,774
Restricted stock, performance stock unit, and other grants, net	—	—		331	—		4,778		—			—			4,778
Issuance of common stock under ATM offering, net of offering costs	—	—		116	—		2,559		—			—			2,559
Dividends on preferred stock	—	—		—	—		—		—			(1,058		)	(1,058		)
Other comprehensive income, net	—	—		—	—		—		31,029			—			31,029
Balance, September 30, 2014	141	$	141,000	87,849	$	9	$	807,257	$	9,483		$	45,373		$	1,003,122

Balance, December 31, 2014	71	$	70,500	88,691	$	9	$	828,327	$	16,639		$	85,453		$	1,000,928
Net income	—	—		—	—		—		—			134,043			134,043
Exercise of stock options	—	—		166	—		1,738		—			—			1,738
Restricted stock, performance stock unit, and other grants, net	—	—		451	—		12,553		—			—			12,553
Issuance of common stock in connection with the acquisition of Bridge (1)	—	—		12,997	1		431,030		—			—			431,031
Dividends on preferred stock	—	—		—	—		—		—			(599		)	(599		)
Other comprehensive loss, net	—	—		—	—		—		4,004			—			4,004
Balance, September 30, 2015	71	$	70,500	102,305	$	10	$	1,273,648	$	20,643		$	218,897		$	1,583,698

(1) Includes value of certain share-based awards replaced in connection with the acquisition.

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	134,043		$	107,542
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for credit losses	700			4,426
Depreciation and amortization	6,039			4,328
Stock-based compensation	13,288			8,332
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	(5,660		)	(2,922		)
Deferred income taxes	(4,122		)	(7,913		)
Amortization of net premiums for investment securities	6,815			6,037
Accretion of fair market value adjustments on loans acquired from business combinations	(12,151		)	(12,919		)
Accretion and amortization of fair market value adjustments on other assets and liabilities acquired from business combinations	955			(655		)
Income from bank owned life insurance	(2,733		)	(3,044		)
Unrealized losses on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net	2,684			145
(Gains) / Losses on:
Sales of investment securities	(582		)	(384		)
Sale of loans	(387		)	—
Extinguishment of debt	81			502
Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	(2,585		)	(2,648		)
Valuation adjustments of other repossessed assets, net	931			1,175
Sale of premises, equipment, and other assets, net	(19		)	(2,778		)
Changes in, net of acquisitions:
Other assets	(2,898		)	(6,657		)
Other liabilities	3,242			14,556
Net cash provided by operating activities	137,641			107,123
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment securities - measured at fair value
Principal pay downs and maturities	301			1,071
Investment securities - AFS
Purchases	(661,417		)	(81,365		)
Principal pay downs and maturities	181,286			169,461
Proceeds from sales	129,323			32,235
Investment securities - HTM
Principal pay downs and maturities	—			6,600
Purchase of investment tax credits	(17,583		)	(23,317		)
(Purchase) sale of money market investments, net	(636		)	2,259
Proceeds from bank owned life insurance	382			—
(Purchase) liquidation of restricted stock	(25,695		)	4,911
Loan fundings and principal collections, net	(943,775		)	(1,117,166		)
Purchase of premises, equipment, and other assets, net	(11,860		)	(10,503		)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net	30,062			25,561
Cash and cash equivalents acquired in Bridge acquisition, net	342,427			—
Net cash used in investing activities	(977,185		)	(990,253		)

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	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits	937,514			859,847
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt	148,211			—
Net decrease in borrowings	(91,966		)	(21,157		)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options	1,738			2,774
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	5,660			2,922
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock	(599		)	(1,058		)
Proceeds from issuance of stock in offerings, net	—			2,559
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,000,558			845,887
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	161,014			(37,243		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	164,396			305,514
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	325,410		$	268,271
Supplemental disclosure:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	25,572		$	26,677
Income taxes	21,047			21,680
Non-cash investing and financing activity:
Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	27,570			9,156
Change in unfunded investment tax credits and SBIC commitments	4,652			12,298
Non-cash assets acquired in Bridge acquisition	1,587,626			—
Non-cash liabilities acquired in Bridge acquisition	1,765,146			—
Change in unrealized gain on AFS securities, net of tax	3,896			22,053
Change in unfunded obligations	(2,507		)	(26,905		)
Transfer of HTM securities to AFS, amortized cost	—			275,292
Unrealized gain on transfer of HTM securities to AFS, net of tax	—			8,976

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of operation

WAL is a bank holding company headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware. WAL provides a full spectrum of deposit, lending, treasury management, and online banking products and services through its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, WAB. On June 30, 2015, WAL acquired Bridge Capital Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridge Bank. Upon acquisition, Bridge Capital Holdings merged into WAL and its principal operating subsidiary, Bridge Bank, merged into WAB. Effective as of July 1, 2015, the existing Bridge offices and the two previously existing WAB Northern California offices are operating as a combined division under the Bridge trade name.

WAB operates the following full-service banking divisions: ABA in Arizona, BON in Southern Nevada, Bridge in Northern California, FIB in Northern Nevada, and TPB in Southern California. The Company also serves business customers through a national platform of specialized financial services including AAB, Corporate Finance, Equity Fund Resources, Life Sciences Group, Mortgage Warehouse Lending, Public Finance, Renewable Resources Group, Resort Finance, and Technology Finance. In addition, the Company has one non-bank subsidiary, LVSP, which holds and manages certain non-performing loans and OREO.

Basis of presentation

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with GAAP and conform to practices within the financial services industry. The accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are included in the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses; estimated cash flows related to PCI loans; fair value determinations related to acquisitions and other assets and liabilities carried at fair value; and accounting for income taxes. Although management believes these estimates to be reasonably accurate, actual amounts may differ. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary have been reflected in the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Principles of consolidation

As of September 30, 2015, WAL has ten wholly-owned subsidiaries: WAB, LVSP, and eight unconsolidated subsidiaries used as business trusts in connection with the issuance of trust-preferred securities.

The Bank has the following significant wholly-owned subsidiaries: WAB Investments, Inc., BON Investments, Inc., and TPB Investments, Inc., which hold certain investment securities, municipal loans, and leases; BW Real Estate, Inc., which operates as a real estate investment trust and holds certain of WAB's real estate loans and related securities; and Western Alliance Equipment Finance, which offers equipment finance services nationwide. BW Nevada Holdings, LLC was dissolved on June 12, 2015 after contributing the Company’s 2700 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada office building to WAB.

The Company does not have any other significant entities that should be considered for consolidation. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2014 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 may have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The reclassifications have no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

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Interim financial information

The accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 have been prepared in condensed format and, therefore, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These statements have been prepared on a basis that is substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied to the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The information furnished in these interim statements reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for each respective period presented. Such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations in the interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other quarter or for the full year. The interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Business combinations

Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Under the acquisition method, the acquiring entity in a business combination recognizes all of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets and other identifiable intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. To the extent the fair value of net assets acquired, including identified intangible assets, exceeds the purchase price, a bargain purchase gain is recognized. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed from contingencies are also recognized at fair value if the fair value can be determined during the measurement period. Results of operations of an acquired business are included in the Consolidated Income Statement from the date of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs, including conversion and restructuring charges, are expensed as incurred.

Investment securities

Investment securities may be classified as HTM, AFS, or trading. The appropriate classification is initially decided at the time of purchase. Securities classified as HTM are those debt securities that the Company has both the intent and ability to hold to maturity regardless of changes in market conditions, liquidity needs, or general economic conditions. These securities are carried at amortized cost. The sale of a security within three months of its maturity date or after the majority of the principal outstanding has been collected is considered a maturity for purposes of classification and disclosure.

Securities classified as AFS or trading are reported as an asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at their estimated fair value. As the fair value of AFS securities changes, the changes are reported net of income tax as an element of OCI, except for other-than-temporarily-impaired securities. When AFS securities are sold, the unrealized gain or loss is reclassified from OCI to non-interest income. The changes in the fair values of trading securities are reported in non-interest income. Securities classified as AFS are both equity and debt securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity. Any decision to sell a security classified as AFS would be based on various factors, including significant movements in interest rates, changes in the maturity mix of the Company’s assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, decline in credit quality, and regulatory capital considerations.

Interest income is recognized based on the coupon rate and increased by accretion of discounts earned or decreased by the amortization of premiums paid over the contractual life of the security, adjusted for prepayment estimates, using the interest method.

In estimating whether there are any OTTI losses, management considers the 1) length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost; 2) financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer; 3) impact of changes in market interest rates; and 4) intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value and whether it is not more likely than not the Company would be required to sell the security.

Declines in the fair value of individual AFS debt securities that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings when identified. The fair value of the debt security then becomes the new cost basis. For individual debt securities where the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the other-than-temporary decline in fair value of the debt security related to 1) credit loss is recognized in earnings; and 2) interest rate, market, or other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income or loss.

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For individual debt securities where the Company either intends to sell the security or more likely than not will not recover all of its amortized cost, the OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security's cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For individual debt securities for which a credit loss has been recognized in earnings, interest accruals and amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are suspended when the credit loss is recognized. Interest received after accruals have been suspended is recognized on a cash basis.

Restricted stock

On January 30, 2015, WAB became a member of the Federal Reserve System and, as part of its membership, is required to maintain stock in the FRB in a specified ratio to its capital. In addition, WAB is a member of the FHLB system and, accordingly, maintains an investment in capital stock of the FHLB based on the borrowing capacity used. The Company also maintains an investment in its primary correspondent bank. All of these investments are considered equity securities with no actively traded market. Therefore, the shares are considered restricted investment securities. These investments are carried at cost, which is equal to the value at which they may be redeemed. The dividend income received from the stock is reported in interest income. The Company conducts a periodic review and evaluation of its restricted stock to determine if any impairment exists. No impairment has been recorded to date.

Loans, held for investment

The Company generally holds loans for investment and has the intent and ability to hold loans until their maturity. Therefore, they are reported at book value. Net loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, reduced by net deferred fees and costs, purchase accounting fair value adjustments, and an allowance for credit losses. In addition, the book value of loans that are subject to a fair value hedge is adjusted for changes in value attributable to the effective portion of the hedged benchmark interest rate risk. Purchased loans are recorded at estimated fair value on the date of purchase, comprised of unpaid principal less estimated credit losses and interest rate fair value adjustments.

The Company may acquire loans through a business combination or in a purchase for which differences may exist between the contractual cash flows and the cash flows expected to be collected, which are due, at least in part, to credit quality. Loans are evaluated individually to determine if there has been credit deterioration since origination. Such loans may then be aggregated and accounted for as a pool of loans based on common characteristics. When the Company acquires such loans, the yield that may be accreted (accretable yield) is limited to the excess of the Company’s estimate of undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected over the Company’s initial investment in the loan. The excess of contractual cash flows over the cash flows expected to be collected may not be recognized as an adjustment to yield, loss, or a valuation allowance. Subsequent increases in cash flows expected to be collected generally are recognized prospectively through adjustment of the loan’s yield over the remaining life. Subsequent decreases to cash flows expected to be collected are recognized as impairment. The Company may not carry over or create a valuation allowance in the initial accounting for loans acquired under these circumstances. For purchased loans that are not deemed impaired, fair value adjustments attributable to both credit and interest rates are accreted (or amortized) over the contractual life of the individual loan. For additional information, see "Note 4. Loans, Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Loan fees collected for the origination of loans less direct loan origination costs (net deferred loan fees) are amortized over the contractual life of the loan through interest income. If the loan has scheduled payments, the amortization of the net deferred loan fee is calculated using the interest method over the contractual life of the loan. If the loan does not have scheduled payments, such as a line of credit, the net deferred loan fee is recognized as interest income on a straight-line basis over the contractual life of the loan commitment. Commitment fees based on a percentage of a customer’s unused line of credit and fees related to standby letters of credit are recognized over the commitment period. When loans are repaid, any remaining unamortized balances of premiums, discounts, or net deferred fees are recognized as interest income.

Non-accrual loans: For all loan types except credit cards, when a borrower discontinues making payments as contractually required by the note, the Company must determine whether it is appropriate to continue to accrue interest. The Company ceases accruing interest income when the loan has become delinquent by more than 90 days or when management determines that the full repayment of principal and collection of interest according to contractual terms is no longer likely. The Company may decide to continue to accrue interest on certain loans more than 90 days delinquent if the loans are well secured by collateral and in the process of collection. Credit card loans and other personal loans are typically charged off no later than 180 days delinquent.

For all loan types, when a loan is placed on non-accrual status, all interest accrued but uncollected is reversed against interest income in the period in which the status is changed and, the Company makes a loan-level decision to apply either the cash basis or cost recovery method. The Company recognizes income on a cash basis only for those non-accrual loans for which the collection of the remaining principal balance is not in doubt. Under the cost recovery method, subsequent payments received

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from the customer are applied to principal and generally no further interest income is recognized until the principal has been paid in full or until circumstances have changed such that payments are again consistently received as contractually required.

Impaired loans: A loan is identified as impaired when it is no longer probable that interest and principal will be collected according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement. Generally, impaired loans are classified as non-accrual. However, in certain instances, impaired loans may continue on an accrual basis, if full repayment of all principal and interest is expected and the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. Impaired loans are measured for reserve requirements in accordance with ASC 310, Receivables, based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less applicable disposition costs if the loan is collateral dependent. The amount of an impairment reserve, if any, and any subsequent changes are recorded as a provision for credit losses. Losses are recorded as a charge-off when losses are confirmed. In addition to management's internal loan review process, regulators may from time to time direct the Company to modify loan grades, loan impairment calculations, or loan impairment methodology.

Troubled Debt Restructured Loans: A TDR loan is a loan on which the Company, for reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that the Company would not otherwise consider. The loan terms that have been modified or restructured due to a borrower’s financial situation include, but are not limited to, a reduction in the stated interest rate, an extension of the maturity or renewal of the loan at an interest rate below current market, a reduction in the face amount of the debt, a reduction in the accrued interest, or deferral of interest payments. A TDR loan is also considered impaired. A TDR loan may be returned to accrual status when the loan is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual restructured terms for a reasonable period of time (generally six months) and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual restructured principal and interest is no longer in doubt. However, such loans continue to be considered impaired. Consistent with regulatory guidance, a TDR loan that is subsequently modified in another restructuring agreement but has shown sustained performance and classification as a TDR, will be removed from TDR status provided that the modified terms were market-based at the time of modification.

Allowance for credit losses

Credit risk is inherent in the business of extending loans and leases to borrowers, for which the Company must maintain an adequate allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses recorded to expense. Loans are charged against the allowance for credit losses when management believes that the contractual principal or interest will not be collected. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance is an amount believed adequate to absorb estimated probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectable, based on evaluation of the collectability of loans and prior credit loss experience, together with other factors. The Company formally re-evaluates and establishes the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses on a quarterly basis.

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific allowance applies to impaired loans. For impaired collateral dependent loans, the reserve is calculated based on the collateral value, net of estimated disposition costs. Generally, the Company obtains independent collateral valuation analysis for each loan every twelve months. Loans not collateral dependent are evaluated based on the expected future cash flows discounted at the original contractual interest rate. The Company's impairment analysis also incorporates various valuation considerations, including loan type, loss experience, and geographic criteria.

The general allowance covers all non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for the various qualitative and quantitative factors listed above.

The Company’s allowance for credit loss methodology incorporates several quantitative and qualitative risk factors used to establish the appropriate allowance for credit losses at each reporting date. Quantitative factors include: 1) the Company's historical loss experience; 2) levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; 3) levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; 4) trends in volume and terms of loans; 5) changes in underwriting standards or lending policies; 6) experience, ability, depth of lending staff; 7) national and local economic trends and conditions; 8) changes in credit concentrations; 9) out-of-market exposures; 10) changes in quality of loan review system; and 11) changes in the value of underlying collateral.

An internal ten-year loss history is also incorporated into the allowance calculation model. Due to the credit concentration of our loan portfolio in real estate secured loans, the value of collateral is heavily dependent on real estate values in Nevada, Arizona, and California. While management uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic or other conditions. In addition, regulators, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review the Bank's allowance for credit losses, and may require us to make additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination. Management regularly reviews the assumptions and formulae used in determining the allowance and makes adjustments if required to reflect the current risk profile of the portfolio.

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Other assets acquired through foreclosure

Other assets acquired through foreclosure consist primarily of properties acquired as a result of, or in-lieu-of, foreclosure. Properties or other assets (primarily repossessed assets formerly leased) are classified as OREO and other repossessed property and are initially reported at fair value of the asset less estimated selling costs. Subsequent adjustments are based on the lower of carrying value or fair value less estimated costs to sell the property. Costs related to the development or improvement of the assets are capitalized and costs related to holding the assets are charged to non-interest expense. Property is evaluated regularly to ensure the recorded amount is supported by its current fair value and valuation allowances.

Derivative financial instruments

The Company uses interest-rate swaps to mitigate interest-rate risk associated with changes to 1) the fair value of certain fixed-rate financial instruments (fair value hedges) and 2) certain cash flows related to future interest payments on variable rate financial instruments (cash flow hedges).

The Company recognizes derivatives as assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at their fair value in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge. Derivative instruments designated in a hedge relationship to mitigate exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or liability attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivative instruments designated in a hedge relationship to mitigate exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges.

Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a fair value hedge, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk are recorded in current-period earnings. For a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in AOCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a cash flow hedge is recognized immediately in non-interest income in the Consolidated Income Statement. Under both the fair value and cash flow hedge scenarios, changes in the fair value of derivatives not considered to be highly effective in hedging the change in fair value or the expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized in earnings as non-interest income during the period of the change.

The Company documents its hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction at the time the derivative contract is executed. Both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, the Company assesses whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective (as defined in the guidance) in offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. Retroactive effectiveness is assessed, as well as the continued expectation that the hedge will remain effective prospectively. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that a hedge is no longer highly effective. When hedge accounting is discontinued on a fair value hedge that no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the derivative continues to be reported at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, but the carrying amount of the hedged item is no longer adjusted for future changes in fair value. The adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged item that existed at the date hedge accounting is discontinued is amortized over the remaining life of the hedged item into earnings.

Derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges, so called free-standing derivatives, are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognized in earnings as non-interest income during the period of change.

The Company may in the normal course of business purchase a financial instrument or originate a loan that contains an embedded derivative instrument. Upon purchasing the instrument or originating the loan, the Company assesses whether the economic characteristics of the embedded derivative are clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the remaining component of the financial instrument (i.e., the host contract) and whether a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded instrument would meet the definition of a derivative instrument. When it is determined that 1) the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract and 2) a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is separated from the host contract and carried at fair value. However, in cases where 1) the host contract is measured at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in current earnings, or 2) the Company is unable to reliably identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value and is not designated as a hedging instrument.

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Income taxes

The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and files a consolidated federal income tax return with all of its subsidiaries, with the exception of BW Real Estate, Inc. Deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their income tax bases using enacted tax rates that are expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes.

Net deferred tax assets are recorded to the extent that these assets will more-likely-than-not be realized. In making these determinations, all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies, projected future taxable income, and recent operating results. If it is determined that deferred income tax assets to be realized in the future are in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance will be recorded, which will reduce the Company's provision for income taxes.

A tax benefit from an unrecognized tax benefit may be recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including related appeals or litigation, based on technical merits. Income tax benefits must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized.

Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as part of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Income Statement. Accrued interest and penalties are included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Off-balance sheet instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into off-balance sheet financial instrument arrangements consisting of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements when they are funded. They involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Losses would be experienced when the Company is contractually obligated to make a payment under these instruments and must seek repayment from the borrower, which may not be as financially sound in the current period as they were when the commitment was originally made. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The Company enters into credit arrangements that generally provide for the termination of advances in the event of a covenant violation or other event of default. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the party. The commitments are collateralized by the same types of assets used as loan collateral.

As with outstanding loans, the Company applies qualitative factors and utilization rates to its off-balance sheet obligations in determining an estimate of losses inherent in these contractual obligations. The estimate for credit losses on off-balance sheet instruments is included in other liabilities and the charge to income that establishes this liability is included in non-interest expense.

Fair values of financial instruments

The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities. ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurement as well as enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The Company uses various valuation approaches, including market, income and/or cost approaches. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors market participants would consider in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs, as follows:


•	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

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•

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, volatilities, etc.) or model-based valuation techniques where all significant assumptions are observable, either directly or indirectly, in the market.

•

Level 3 - Valuation is generated from model-based techniques where one or more significant inputs are not observable, either directly or indirectly, in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques may include use of matrix pricing, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques.

The availability of observable inputs varies based on the nature of the specific financial instrument. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. When market assumptions are available, ASC 820 requires the Company to make assumptions regarding the assumptions that market participants would use to estimate the fair value of the financial instrument at the measurement date.

ASC 825, Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value.

Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent limitations in any estimation technique. Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The estimated fair value amounts for September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 have been measured as of period-end, and have not been reevaluated or updated for purposes of these Consolidated Financial Statements subsequent to those dates. As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the reporting date may be different than the amounts reported at period-end.

The information in "Note 14. Fair Value Accounting" in these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only required for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities.

Due to the wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimate, comparisons between the Company’s disclosures and those of other companies or banks may not be meaningful.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents

The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and due from banks approximate their fair value.

Money market investments

The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for money market investments approximate their fair value.

Investment securities

The fair values of CRA investments, mutual funds, and exchange-listed preferred stock are based on quoted market prices and are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

The fair values of other investment securities were determined based on matrix pricing. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique that utilizes observable market inputs including, for example, yield curves, credit ratings, and prepayment speeds. Fair values determined using matrix pricing are generally categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

The Company owns certain CDOs for which quoted prices are not available. Quoted prices for similar assets are also not available for these investment securities. In order to determine the fair value of these securities, the Company engages a third

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party to estimate the future cash flows and discount rate using third party quotes adjusted based on assumptions a market participant would assume necessary for each specific security. As a result of the lack of an active market, the resulting fair values have been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Restricted stock

WAB is a member of the Federal Reserve System and the FHLB and, accordingly, maintains investments in the capital stock of the FRB and the FHLB. WAB also maintains an investment in its primary correspondent bank. These investments are carried at cost since no ready market exists for them, and they have no quoted market value. The Company conducts a periodic review and evaluation of its restricted stock to determine if any impairment exists. The fair values of these investments have been categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Loans

The fair value of loans is estimated based on discounted cash flows using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers with similar credit quality and adjustments that the Company believes a market participant would consider in determining fair value based on a third party independent valuation. As a result, the fair value for certain loans is categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, excluding impaired loans which are categorized as Level 3.

Accrued interest receivable and payable

The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for accrued interest receivable and payable approximate their fair value.

Derivative financial instruments

All derivatives are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. The fair value for derivatives is determined based on market prices, broker-dealer quotations on similar products, or other related input parameters. As a result, the fair values have been categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Deposits

The fair value disclosed for demand and savings deposits is by definition equal to the amount payable on demand at their reporting date (that is, their carrying amount), which the Company believes a market participant would consider in determining fair value. The carrying amount for variable-rate deposit accounts approximates their fair value. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on these deposits. The fair value measurement of the deposit liabilities is categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

FHLB advances, other borrowings, and subordinated debt

The fair values of the Company’s borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the market rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The FHLB advances have been categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy due to their short durations. Other borrowings have been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Junior subordinated debt

Junior subordinated debt is valued by comparing the BB Financial over SWAP index and discounting the contractual cash flows on the Company's debt using these market rates. Junior subordinated debt has been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Off-balance sheet instruments

The fair value of the Company’s off-balance sheet instruments (lending commitments and standby letters of credit) is based on quoted fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements, and the counterparties’ credit standing.

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Recent accounting pronouncements

In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 to Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, provide explicit guidance on whether to treat a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition that affects vesting or as a nonvesting condition that affects the grant-date fair value of an award. The amendments are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. An entity may elect to apply the amendments either prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern. The amendments in ASU 2014-15 to Subtopic 205-40, Going Concern, provide guidance about management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The amendments require management to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. The amendments are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. The amendments in ASU 2015-02 to Topic 810, Consolidation, change the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. Specifically, the amendments modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities, eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with variable interest entities, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships, and provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. An entity may apply the amendments in this Update using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption or, may apply the amendments retrospectively. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently adopted accounting guidance

In the second quarter of 2015, the Company adopted the amended guidance within ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amendments in ASU 2015-03 to Subtopic 835-30, Interest - Imputation of Interest, require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. On June 29, 2015, the Company issued $150.0 million in subordinated debt. As a result of the adoption of this amended guidance, subordinated debt was recorded net of related issuance costs of $1.9 million. Prior period balances were not adjusted for the change in accounting principle as unamortized debt issuance costs were not significant.

In the third quarter 2015, the Company elected early adoption of the amended guidance within ASU 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. Under current GAAP, the acquirer is required to retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date with a corresponding adjustment to goodwill and is also required to revise comparative information for prior periods presented in the financial statements. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 to Topic 805, Business Combinations, require that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments in this Update also require that the acquirer record, in the same period's financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. An entity is required to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustments to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. As a result of the adoption of this amended guidance, all measurement period adjustments identified during the quarter have been recognized in the current reporting period. As the closing date of the Bridge acquisition was June 30, 2015, Bridge's results of operations were not included in the Company's results until July 1, 2015. Accordingly, there are no amounts recorded in current-period earnings that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustments to the

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provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. See Note 2. Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions for further discussion of the measurement period adjustments identified and recognized during the current reporting period.

2. MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

Acquisition of Bridge Capital Holdings

On June 30, 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of Bridge Capital Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridge Bank, headquartered in San Jose, California. Under the terms of the acquisition, each outstanding share of Bridge common stock was exchanged for 0.8145 shares of WAL's common stock plus $2.39 in cash. The Company paid $36.5 million in cash and issued 12.5 million common shares for all equity interests in Bridge. The merger was undertaken, in part, because Bridge strengthens the Company's Northern California presence and provides new avenues for growth in technology and international services.

Bridge’s results of operations have been included in the Company’s results beginning July 1, 2015. Acquisition / restructure expenses related to the Bridge acquisition of $0.8 million and $8.8 million for three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, have been included in non-interest expense, of which, approximately $0.9 million are acquisition related costs as defined by ASC 805. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805. Assets purchased and liabilities assumed were recorded at their respective acquisition date estimated fair values. The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to adjustment during the first twelve months after the acquisition date if additional information becomes available to indicate a more accurate or appropriate value for an asset or liability.

The following table shows the recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their as adjusted acquisition date fair values, which include all measurement period adjustments identified and recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2015:



	As Adjusted
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	378,966
Investment securities - AFS	61,297
Investments in restricted stock	7,015
Loans	1,439,995
Premises and equipment	1,519
Other assets acquired through foreclosure	1,407
Bank owned life insurance	17,385
Investment in LIHTC	5,354
Intangible assets	14,997
Deferred tax assets, net	18,664
Other assets	19,993
Total assets	$	1,966,592
Liabilities:
Deposits	$	1,742,031
Qualifying debt	11,287
Other liabilities	11,828
Total liabilities	1,765,146
Net assets acquired	$	201,446
Consideration paid
Common stock (12,451,240 shares at $33.76 per share)	$	420,354
Fair value of equity awards related to pre-combination vesting	10,676
Cash	36,539
Fair value of total consideration	467,569
Goodwill	$	266,123


(1)	Cash and cash equivalents is net of a $6.2 million payment made by Bridge related to the cash out of vested, unexercised stock options at the date of closing. Cash acquired, less cash consideration paid of $36.5 million, resulted in net cash and cash equivalents increasing by $342.4 million following the acquisition.

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The Company identified $6.5 million in measurement period adjustments during the three months ended September 30, 2015, which has been reflected as an adjustment to goodwill. The significant measurement period adjustments relate to loans, net deferred tax assets, and other liabilities. The fair value of loans decreased as interest and credit marks on Bridge loans were adjusted after review of the Company's third party valuation report to account for known conditions that existed at June 30, 2015. This decrease was partially offset by loan recoveries received shortly after June 30, 2015 as a loan balance equal to the recovery amount was established for loans that were previously fully-charged off. The net deferred tax assets balance was adjusted to account for the tax effects of all the changes in the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Other liabilities also increased to accrue for unrecorded expenses and other liabilities incurred prior to acquisition. Although further measurement period adjustments are not expected to be significant, the estimated fair value of net assets acquired are still preliminary and are subject to additional measurement period adjustments.

Loans acquired in the Bridge acquisition consist of loans that are not considered impaired (non-PCI loans) and loans that have shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination (PCI loans) as of the acquisition date. All loans were recorded net of fair value adjustments (interest rate and credit marks), which were determined using discounted contractual cash flow models. The fair value of non-PCI loans acquired totals $1.43 billion, which is net of interest and credit marks of $26.0 million. The fair value of PCI loans totals $10.9 million, which is net of interest and credit marks of $5.7 million. See "Note 4. Loans, Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional detail of the acquired loans.

In connection with the Bridge acquisition, the Company acquired intangible assets of $15.0 million, consisting primarily of core deposit intangibles. The core deposit intangible asset balance has been allocated to the Northern California and CBL segments based on their respective core deposit balances at June 30, 2015, and is subject to amortization over its estimated useful life of 10 years.

Goodwill related to the acquisition totaled $266.1 million, which includes $6.5 million of measurement period adjustments identified and recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2015. Goodwill has been allocated to the newly formed Northern California and CBL segments based on their proportionate loan and deposit balances as of June 30, 2015. Management believes this methodology allocates goodwill to the reporting units in a manner consistent with the expected synergies of the combination. None of the goodwill recognized as part of the acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Qualifying debt assumed from Bridge is comprised of junior subordinated debt with a contractual balance of $17.5 million and is recorded net of a $6.2 million fair value mark that will be amortized over the remaining life of the trusts. See "Note 7. Qualifying Debt" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail and discussion of the debt.

In connection with the acquisition, the Company assumed Bridge's SERP, an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan. The SERP provides retirement benefits to certain Bridge executives based on years of service and final average salary. Pursuant to the terms of the SERP agreements, if the executive officer's service is terminated by Bridge or by the executive officer for "good reason" (as defined in the SERP agreements) within 24 months following a change in control, such as the Bridge acquisition, the executive officer is entitled to full vesting of the normal benefit under the SERP agreement, and such SERP benefits will be made in installment payments commencing on the first business day of January of the year following the executive officer's attainment of age 55 or, if the executive officer is already age 55 as of such termination of employment, on the first business day of January of the year following the executive officer's termination of employment. As of June 30, 2015, a $7.1 million liability included in other liabilities was recorded in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the SERP. A discount rate of 5.75% and an employee compensation rate increase of 4.00% were used in determining the SERP liability as of June 30, 2015.

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The following table presents pro forma information as if the Bridge acquisition was completed on January 1, 2014. The pro forma information includes adjustments for interest income on loans and securities acquired, amortization of intangibles arising from the transaction and interest expense on deposits acquired. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations as they would have been had the transactions been effected on the assumed dates.



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Interest income	$	141,386	$	126,576	$	412,888	$	365,648
Non-interest income	13,826		10,609		24,873		27,491
Net income available to common stockholders (1)	56,791		45,997		147,163		119,898
Earnings per share - basic	$	0.56	$	0.46	$	1.39	$	1.20
Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.56	$	0.45	$	1.37	$	1.18


(1)	Excludes acquisition / restructure related costs incurred by the Company of $0.8 million and $8.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and acquisition / restructure related costs incurred by Bridge of zero and $6.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and related tax effects.

PartnersFirst Discontinued Operations

The Company discontinued its affinity credit card business and presented these activities as discontinued operations. During the second quarter 2014, the Company shut down its remaining affinity credit card operations. Therefore, no additional discontinued operations have been reported.

The following table summarizes the operating results of the discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014:



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
Operating revenue	$	(358	)
Non-interest expenses	(1,369		)
Loss before income taxes	(1,727		)
Income tax benefit	(569		)
Net loss	$	(1,158	)

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3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The carrying amounts and fair values of investment securities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows:



	September 30, 2015
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Available-for-sale
Collateralized debt obligations	$	50	$	10,160	$	—		$	10,210
Commercial MBS issued by GSEs	19,241		358		—			19,599
Corporate debt securities	12,770		660		—			13,430
CRA investments	34,596		166		—			34,762
Municipal obligations	320,358		13,875		(168		)	334,065
Preferred stock	110,462		1,819		(2,151		)	110,130
Private label commercial MBS	4,861		55		—			4,916
Private label residential MBS	244,625		816		(1,293		)	244,148
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	1,098,920		17,161		(671		)	1,115,410
Trust preferred securities	32,000		—		(7,351		)	24,649
U.S. government sponsored agency securities	18,700		—		(67		)	18,633
U.S. treasury securities	2,997		31		—			3,028
Total AFS securities	$	1,899,580	$	45,101	$	(11,701	)	$	1,932,980

Securities measured at fair value
Residential MBS issued by GSEs								$	1,537



	December 31, 2014
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Available-for-sale
Collateralized debt obligations	$	50	$	11,395	$	—		$	11,445
Commercial MBS issued by GSEs	2,047		100		—			2,147
Corporate debt securities	52,773		717		(1,001		)	52,489
CRA investments	24,302		30		—			24,332
Municipal obligations	285,398		13,688		(49		)	299,037
Mutual funds	37,449		500		(247		)	37,702
Preferred stock	83,192		2,099		(2,679		)	82,612
Private label commercial MBS	5,017		132		—			5,149
Private label residential MBS	70,985		379		(1,121		)	70,243
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	881,734		11,440		(1,985		)	891,189
Trust preferred securities	32,000		—		(6,454		)	25,546
U.S. government-sponsored agency securities	18,701		—		(355		)	18,346
Total AFS securities	$	1,493,648	$	40,480	$	(13,891	)	$	1,520,237

Securities measured at fair value
Residential MBS issued by GSEs								$	1,858

For additional information on the fair value changes of securities measured at fair value, see the trading securities table in "Note 14. Fair Value Accounting" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company conducts an OTTI analysis on a quarterly basis. The initial indication of OTTI for both debt and equity securities is a decline in the market value below the amount recorded for an investment, and taking into account the severity and duration of the decline. Another potential indication of OTTI is a downgrade below investment grade. In determining whether an

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impairment is OTTI, the Company considers the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been below cost, recent events specific to the issuer, including investment downgrades by rating agencies and economic conditions of its industry, and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery. For marketable equity securities, the Company also considers the issuer’s financial condition, capital strength, and near-term prospects.

For debt securities, for the purpose of an OTTI analysis, the Company also considers the cause of the price decline (general level of interest rates and industry and issuer-specific factors), the issuer’s financial condition, near-term prospects, and current ability to make future payments in a timely manner, as well as the issuer’s ability to service debt, and any change in agencies’ ratings at the evaluation date from the acquisition date and any likely imminent action. For ARPS with a fair value below cost that is not attributable to the credit deterioration of the issuer, such as a decline in cash flows from the security or a downgrade in the security’s rating below investment grade, a loss is recorded in other comprehensive income rather than earnings when the Company determines that it has the intent and ability to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

The Company has reviewed securities for which there is an unrealized loss in accordance with its accounting policy for OTTI described above and determined that there were no impairment charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The Company does not consider any securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. No assurance can be made that OTTI will not occur in future periods.

Information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position follows:



	September 30, 2015
	Less Than Twelve Months				More Than Twelve Months				Total
	Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Available-for-sale
Municipal obligations	$	168	$	24,403	$	—	$	—	$	168	$	24,403
Preferred stock	688		41,142		1,463		17,593		2,151		58,735
Private label residential MBS	919		84,594		374		21,360		1,293		105,954
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	51		8,393		620		41,352		671		49,745
Trust preferred securities	—		—		7,351		24,649		7,351		24,649
U.S. government sponsored agency securities	—		—		67		18,633		67		18,633
Total AFS securities	$	1,826	$	158,532	$	9,875	$	123,587	$	11,701	$	282,119



	December 31, 2014
	Less Than Twelve Months				More Than Twelve Months				Total
	Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Available-for-sale
Corporate debt securities	$	139	$	9,860	$	862	$	29,139	$	1,001	$	38,999
Municipal obligations	—		—		49		4,430		49		4,430
Mutual funds	247		25,855		—		—		247		25,855
Preferred stock	232		13,811		2,447		28,109		2,679		41,920
Private label residential MBS	157		24,056		964		26,614		1,121		50,670
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	227		49,217		1,758		97,296		1,985		146,513
Trust preferred securities	—		—		6,454		25,546		6,454		25,546
U.S. government sponsored agency securities	—		—		355		18,346		355		18,346
Total AFS securities	$	1,002	$	122,799	$	12,889	$	229,480	$	13,891	$	352,279

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s unrealized losses relate primarily to interest rate fluctuations, credit spread widening, and reduced liquidity in applicable markets. The total number of securities in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015 was 92, compared to 109 at December 31, 2014. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition,

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management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and industry analysis reports. Since material downgrades have not occurred and management does not intend to sell the debt securities in an unrealized loss position in the foreseeable future, none of the securities described in the above table or in this paragraph were deemed to be OTTI.

The preferred stock and trust preferred securities have yields based on floating rate LIBOR, which are highly correlated to the federal funds rate and have been negatively affected by the low rate environment. This has resulted in unrealized losses for these securities.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities as of September 30, 2015, by contractual maturities, are shown below. MBS are shown separately as individual MBS are comprised of pools of loans with varying maturities. Therefore, these securities are listed separately in the maturity summary.



	September 30, 2015
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Available-for-sale
Due in one year or less	$	59,766	$	60,191
After one year through five years	80,638		84,117
After five years through ten years	87,171		90,576
After ten years	304,358		314,023
Mortgage-backed securities	1,367,647		1,384,073
Total AFS securities	$	1,899,580	$	1,932,980

The following tables summarize the carrying amount of the Company’s investment ratings position as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:



	September 30, 2015
	AAA		Split-rated AAA/AA+		AA+ to AA-		A+ to A-		BBB+ to BBB-		BB+ and below		Unrated		Totals
	(in thousands)
Available-for-sale
Collateralized debt obligations	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	10,210	$	—	$	10,210
Commercial MBS issued by GSEs	—		19,599		—		—		—		—		—		19,599
Corporate debt securities	—		—		2,737		10,693		—		—		—		13,430
CRA investments	—		—		—		—		—		—		34,762		34,762
Municipal obligations	8,023		—		180,915		138,640		6,302		185		—		334,065
Preferred stock	—		—		—		—		77,364		22,953		9,813		110,130
Private label commercial MBS	4,916		—		—		—		—		—		—		4,916
Private label residential MBS	236,042		—		45		2,480		2,762		2,819		—		244,148
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	—		1,115,410		—		—		—		—		—		1,115,410
Trust preferred securities	—		—		—		—		24,649		—		—		24,649
U.S. government sponsored agency securities	—		18,633		—		—		—		—		—		18,633
U.S. treasury securities	—		3,028		—		—		—		—		—		3,028
Total AFS securities (1)	$	248,981	$	1,156,670	$	183,697	$	151,813	$	111,077	$	36,167	$	44,575	$	1,932,980

Securities measured at fair value
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	$	—	$	1,537	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,537


(1)	The Company uses the average credit rating of the combination of S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch, where ratings differ.

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