Upgrade to SI Premium - Free Trial

Form 8-K WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORP For: Jan 22

January 22, 2015 5:30 PM


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

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): �January�22, 2015

WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
001-32550
88-0365922
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)


One E. Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona��85004
�(Address of principal executive offices)���������������(Zip Code)

(602) 389-3500
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
� Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
� Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
� Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
� Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))





ITEM 2.02. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.
On January�22, 2015, Western Alliance Bancorporation (the Company) issued a press release reporting results for the fiscal quarter ended December�31, 2014 and posted on its website its fourth quarter 2014 Earnings Conference Call Presentation, which contains certain additional historical and forward-looking information relating to the Company.��Copies of the press release and presentation slides are attached hereto as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, respectively.��
The information in this report (including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 hereto) is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is not subject to the liabilities of that section and is not deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(d) Exhibits.
99.1���������Press Release dated January�22, 2015.
99.2���������Fourth Quarter 2014 Earnings Conference Call dated January�23, 2015.





SIGNATURES

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

WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION
(Registrant)
/s/ Dale Gibbons

Dale Gibbons
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Date:
January�22, 2015






Western Alliance Reports Fourth Quarter 2014 Net Income of $40.4 million, or $0.46 Per Share; Full Year Net Income of $148.0 million, or $1.67 Per Share
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--January�22, 2015--Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE: WAL) (the "Company") announced today its financial results for the fourth quarter 2014.
Fourth Quarter 2014 Highlights:
"
Net income of $40.4 million, compared to $40.9 million for the third quarter 2014, and $31.4 million for the fourth quarter 2013

"
Earnings per share of $0.46, compared to $0.46 per share in the third quarter 2014, and $0.36 per share in the fourth quarter 2013

"
Pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings of $52.0 million, up from $51.8 million in third quarter 2014, and up 18.6% from $43.8 million in fourth quarter 20131

"
Net interest margin of 4.44%, compared to 4.43% in the third quarter 2014, and 4.44% in the fourth quarter 2013

"
Total loans of $8.40 billion, an increase of $469 million from September�30, 2014, and an increase of $1.60 billion from December�31, 2013

"
Total deposits of $8.93 billion, an increase of $233 million from September�30, 2014, and an increase of $1.09 billion from December�31, 2013

"
Nonperforming assets (nonaccrual loans and repossessed assets) decreased to 1.18% of total assets, from 1.23% at September�30, 2014, and from 1.53% at December�31, 2013

"
Net loan recoveries (annualized) to average loans outstanding of 0.04%, compared to 0.15% in the third quarter 2014, and net loan charge-offs (annualized) to average loans of 0.13% in the fourth quarter 2013

"
Tier I Leverage capital of 9.7% and Total Risk-Based Capital ratio of 11.7%, compared to 10.1% and 12.2% at September�30, 2014, respectively, and 9.8% and 12.4% at December�31, 2013, respectively, which was driven by the voluntary redemption of $70.5 million of Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) preferred stock

"
Total equity of $1.00 billion, down $2 million from September�30, 2014 as a result of redemption of the SBLF preferred stock, and up $145 million from December�31, 2013

"
Tangible book value per share, net of tax, of $10.21, up 7.1% from $9.53 at September�30, 2014, and up 29.2% from $7.90 at December�31, 2013

Full Year 2014 Highlights:
"
Net income of $148.0 million, compared to $115.0 million for 2013

"
Return on average assets and return on average tangible common equity of 1.50% and 18.52%, compared to 1.35% and 18.28%, respectively, in 2013

"
Earnings per share of $1.67, compared to $1.31 per share for 2013

"
Net interest margin of 4.42%, compared to 4.39% in 2013

"
Total loan and deposit growth of $1.60 billion and $1.09 billion, respectively, from December�31, 2013

"
Net loan recoveries to average loans outstanding of 0.07%, compared to net loan charge-offs to average loans outstanding of 0.14% in 2013

1



Financial Performance
Western Alliance had another strong year with revenue, earnings, loans, and deposits all reaching record levels, commented Robert Sarver, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Western Alliance Bancorporation.� Net income for the quarter and the full year were both up nearly 29% to $40.4 million and $148.0 million compared to last year.� Our teams, from lending and deposit officers to office support, deserve credit for their considerable efforts in gaining market share and maintaining margins and efficiency.� Clearly, our focus on developing bankers who are experts in their markets and industries is fueling our success. Additionally, weve grown without sacrificing asset quality, with net recoveries for 2014 of 0.07% of loans, compared to net charge-offs of 0.14% in the previous year.
Income Statement
Net interest income was $102.1 million in the fourth quarter 2014, an increase of $4.0 million, or 4.1%, from $98.1 million in the third quarter 2014, and an increase of $12.1 million, or 13.4%, compared to the fourth quarter 2013. The Companys net interest margin increased in the fourth quarter 2014 to 4.44%, compared to 4.43% in the third quarter 2014, and remained constant with 4.44% in the fourth quarter 2013. Interest income on the disposition of purchased credit impaired loans was $1.2 million in the fourth quarter 2014, compared to $2.5 million in both the third quarter 2014 and fourth quarter 2013. In addition, other non-recurring payoff gains from organic loans totaled $1.8 million during the fourth quarter 2014.
Operating non-interest income was $6.9 million for the fourth quarter 2014, compared to $5.7 million in the third quarter 2014, and $5.2 million for the fourth quarter 2013.1
Net operating revenue was $109.0 million for the fourth quarter 2014, an increase of $5.3 million compared to $103.7 million for the third quarter 2014, and an increase of $13.8 million compared to $95.2 million for the fourth quarter 2013.1
Operating non-interest expense was $57.0 million for the fourth quarter 2014, compared to $52.0 million for the third quarter 2014, and $51.4 million for the fourth quarter 2013.1 The Companys operating efficiency ratio1 on a tax equivalent basis was 49.4% for the fourth quarter 2014, compared to 47.2% for the third quarter 2014, and an improvement from 51.9% for the fourth quarter 2013.
Non-operating items for the fourth quarter 2014 consisted of a net gain on sales and valuations of repossessed and other assets of $1.1 million, net unrealized gains on assets and liabilities measured at fair value of $1.4 million, and gains on sales of investment securities of $0.4 million.
The Company had 1,131 full-time equivalent employees and 40 offices at December�31, 2014, compared to 1,051 employees and 39 offices at December�31, 2013.
The Company views its pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings as a key metric for assessing the Companys earnings power, which it defines as net operating revenue less operating non-interest expense. For the fourth quarter 2014, the Companys pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings were $52.0 million, up from $51.8 million in the third quarter 2014, and up 18.6% from $43.8 million in the fourth quarter 2013.1

2



Balance Sheet
Gross loans totaled $8.40 billion at December�31, 2014, an increase of $469 million from $7.93 billion at September�30, 2014, and an increase of $1.60 billion from $6.80 billion at December�31, 2013. At December�31, 2014, the allowance for credit losses was 1.31% of total loans, compared to 1.38% at September�30, 2014, and 1.47% at December�31, 2013, reflecting an improvement in the Companys asset quality profile and historical losses.
Deposits totaled $8.93 billion at December�31, 2014, an increase of $233 million from $8.70 billion at September�30, 2014, and an increase of $1.09 billion from $7.84 billion at December�31, 2013. Non-interest bearing deposits were $2.29 billion at December�31, 2014, compared to $2.25 billion at September�30, 2014, and $2.20 billion at December�31, 2013. Non-interest bearing deposits comprised 25.6% of total deposits at December�31, 2014, compared to 25.8% at September�30, 2014, and 28.1% at December�31, 2013. The proportion of savings and money market accounts increased to 43.3% from 42.4% at September�30, 2014, and from 42.2% at December�31, 2013. Certificates of deposit as a percentage of total deposits were 21.5% at December�31, 2014, compared to 22.5% at September�30, 2014, and 20.6% at December�31, 2013. The Companys ratio of loans to deposits was 94.0% at December�31, 2014, compared to 91.2% at September�30, 2014, and 86.8% at December�31, 2013.
Stockholders equity at December�31, 2014 remained constant at $1.00 billion, compared to September�30, 2014 and increased from $856 million at December�31, 2013. There were several significant items that had offsetting effects on stockholders' equity during the fourth quarter 2014, which include: a reduction for the redemption of preferred stock and increases related to at-the-money (ATM) issuances, exercise of stock options, and unrealized gains on investment securities. In December 2014, the Company redeemed 70,500 shares of its 141,000 outstanding shares of Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B. The shares were redeemed at their liquidation value of $1,000 per share plus accrued dividends for a total redemption price of $70.7 million. In the second quarter 2014, the Company began issuing common stock under a $100 million ATM public offering. During the fourth quarter 2014, we raised $11.2 million in net proceeds from the issuance of 432,256 shares of common stock. In total, during fiscal 2014, we raised $13.7 million in net proceeds from the issuance of 548,122 shares of common stock. Also in the fourth quarter 2014, there were $5.5 million in stock option exercises, resulting in the issuance of 409,429 shares of common stock. Accumulated other comprehensive income increased $7.1 million from September�30, 2014 as a result of unrealized gains on investment securities.
At December�31, 2014, tangible common equity, net of tax, was 8.6% of tangible assets1 and total risk-based capital was 11.7% of risk-weighted assets. The Companys tangible book value per share1 was $10.21 at December�31, 2014, up 29.2% from December�31, 2013.
Total assets increased 3.0% to $10.60 billion at December�31, 2014 from $10.29 billion at September�30, 2014, and increased 13.9% from $9.31 billion at December�31, 2013.
Asset Quality
The provision for credit losses was $0.3 million for the fourth quarter 2014, compared to $0.4 million in the third quarter 2014, and $4.3 million for the fourth quarter 2013. Net loan recoveries in the fourth quarter 2014 were $0.8 million, or 0.04% of average loans (annualized), compared to 0.15% for the third quarter 2014. Net loan charge-offs for the fourth quarter 2013 were $2.1 million, or 0.13% of average loans (annualized).
Nonaccrual loans decreased $7.4 million to $67.7 million during the quarter. Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest totaled $5.1 million at December�31, 2014, compared to $3.6 million at September�30, 2014, and $1.5 million at December�31, 2013. Loans past due 30-89 days and still accruing interest totaled $9.8 million at quarter end, down from $16.5 million at September�30, 2014, and down from $13.4 million at December�31, 2013.
As the Companys asset quality improved and its capital increased, the ratio of classified assets to Tier I capital plus the allowance for credit losses, a common regulatory measure of asset quality, improved to 20% at December�31, 2014 from 27% at December�31, 2013.1

3



Segment Highlights
On December 31, 2013, the Company consolidated its three bank subsidiaries under one charter, Western Alliance Bank. As a result, the Company redefined its operating segments to reflect the new organizational and internal reporting structure. Prior year segment information has not been recast to conform to the new segmentation methodology due to the impracticability of restating segments because of the change in legal structure at December 31, 2013. The new operating segments are as follows: Arizona, Nevada, California, Central Business Lines, and Corporate & Other.

The Company's reportable segments are aggregated primarily based on geographic location, services offered, and markets served. The Arizona, Nevada, and California segments provide full service banking and related services to their respective markets. The Company's Central Business Lines (CBL) segment provides banking services to niche markets. These CBLs are managed centrally and are broader in geographic scope, though still predominately within our core market areas. The Corporate & Other segment consists of corporate-related items, income and expense items not allocated to our other reportable segments, and inter-segment eliminations.

Key management metrics for evaluating the performance of the Company's Arizona, Nevada, California, and CBL segments include loan and deposit growth, asset quality, and pre-tax income.

Arizona reported a gross loan balance of $2.34 billion at December�31, 2014, an increase of $137 million during the quarter, and an increase of $317 million during the twelve months ended December�31, 2014. Deposits were $2.18 billion at December�31, 2014, an increase of $101 million during the quarter, and an increase of $178 million during the twelve months ended December�31, 2014. Pre-tax income was $14.1 million and $58.8 million for the three and twelve months ended December�31, 2014, respectively.

Nevada reported a gross loan balance of $1.67 billion at December�31, 2014, a decrease of $11 million during the quarter, and a decrease of $86 million during the twelve months ended December�31, 2014. Deposits were $3.23 billion at December�31, 2014, an increase of $37 million during the quarter, and an increase of $308 million during the twelve months ended December�31, 2014. Pre-tax income was $18.9 million and $74.3 million for the three and twelve months ended December�31, 2014, respectively.

California reported a gross loan balance of $1.75 billion at December�31, 2014, an increase of $26 million during the quarter, and an increase of $137 million during the twelve months ended December�31, 2014. Deposits were $2.33 billion at December�31, 2014, a decrease of $21 million during the quarter, and an increase of $384 million during the twelve months ended December�31, 2014. Pre-tax income was $14.6 million and $52.3 million for the three and twelve months ended December�31, 2014, respectively.

CBL reported a gross loan balance of $2.59 billion at December�31, 2014, an increase of $325 million during the quarter, and an increase of $1.24 billion during the twelve months ended December�31, 2014. Deposits were $947 million at December�31, 2014, an increase of $41 million during the quarter, and an increase of $179 million during the twelve months ended December�31, 2014. Pre-tax income was $11.9 million and $33.6 million for the three and twelve months ended December�31, 2014, respectively.
Attached to this press release is summarized financial information for the quarter ended December�31, 2014.

4



Conference Call and Webcast
Western Alliance Bancorporation will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss its fourth quarter 2014 financial results at 12:00 p.m. ET on Friday, January 23, 2015. Participants may access the call by dialing 1-888-317-6003 and using passcode: 2324705 or via live audio webcast using the website link: http://services.choruscall.com/links/wal150123.html. The webcast is also available via the Companys website at www.westernalliancebancorp.com. Participants should log in at least 15 minutes early to receive instructions. The call will be recorded and made available for replay after 2:00 p.m. ET January 23rd through February 24th at 9:00 a.m. ET by dialing 1-877-344-7529 passcode: 10057230.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
This press release contains both financial measures based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and non-GAAP based financial measures, which are used where management believes it to be helpful in understanding the Companys results of operations or financial position. Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure, as well as the reconciliation to the comparable GAAP financial measure, can be found in this press release. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.
Early Adoption of Accounting Standards
Effective as of the first quarter 2014, the Company elected early adoption of Accounting Standards Codification 323-740, an amended Financial Accounting Standards Board standard related to accounting for low income housing tax credit investments. Under this amended standard, the amortization of the investment may now be calculated under the proportional amortization method and is included in income tax expense rather than as a separate line item in non-interest income. Prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the adoption of this new accounting guidance, which has resulted in an increase in non-interest income and income tax expense. See the supplemental schedule at the end of the Company's Q1 2014 press release for additional detail on the impact that adoption of this standard has had on prior period financial information.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements that relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding guidance, outlook or expectations relating to our business, financial and operating results, and future economic performance. The forward-looking statements contained herein reflect our current views about future events and financial performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause our actual results to differ significantly from historical results and those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical or expected results include, among others: the risk factors discussed in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December�31, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission; changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in the areas in which we conduct or will conduct our business; inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations; increases in competitive pressures among financial institutions and businesses offering similar products and services; higher defaults on our loan portfolio than we expect; changes in managements estimate of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; legislative or regulatory changes or changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines; supervisory actions by regulatory agencies which may limit our ability to pursue certain growth opportunities; managements estimates and projections of interest rates and interest rate policy; the execution of our business plan; and other factors affecting the financial services industry generally or the banking industry in particular.
Any forward-looking statement made by us in this release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We do not intend and disclaim any duty or obligation to update or revise any industry information or forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, set forth in this press release to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.
About Western Alliance Bancorporation
Driving growth in assets and earnings, top-performing, Phoenix-based Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE: WAL) has more than $10 billion in assets and is one of the fastest growing bank holding companies in the U.S.� Its primary subsidiary, Western Alliance Bank, is the go-to bank for business and succeeds with local teams of experienced bankers who deliver superior, personalized services and a full spectrum of deposit, lending, treasury management and online banking products and services. Western Alliance Bank operates through these full-service banking divisions: Alliance Bank of Arizona, Bank of Nevada, First Independent Bank (Nevada) and Torrey Pines Bank (California). The company also serves business customers through a robust national platform of specialized financial services including Alliance Association Bank, Western Alliance Corporate Finance, Western Alliance Equipment Finance, Western Alliance Public Finance, Western Alliance Resort Finance, and Western Alliance Warehouse Lending. For more information�visit westernalliancebancorp.com.



1 See Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures beginning on page 15

5



Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Summary Consolidated Financial Data
Unaudited
�At or for the Three Months Ended December 31,
For the Twelve Months Ended�December 31,
2014
2013
Change %
2014
2013
Change %
Selected Balance Sheet Data:
(dollars in millions)
Total assets
$
10,600.5

$
9,307.4

13.9
�%
Loans, net of deferred fees
8,398.3

6,801.4

23.5

Securities and money market investments
1,547.8

1,689.6

(8.4
)
Total deposits
8,931.0

7,838.2

13.9

Borrowings
390.3

341.1

14.4

Junior subordinated debt
40.4

41.9

(3.6
)
Stockholders' equity
1,000.9

855.5

17.0

Selected Income Statement Data:
(dollars in thousands)
Interest income
$
110,151

$
97,582

12.9
�%
$
416,379

$
362,655

14.8
�%
Interest expense
8,006

7,601

5.3

31,486

29,760

5.8

Net interest income
102,145

89,981

13.5

384,893

332,895

15.6

Provision for credit losses
300

4,300

(93.0
)
4,726

13,220

(64.3
)
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
101,845

85,681

18.9

380,167

319,675

18.9

Non-interest income
8,607

1,557

NM

25,441

22,247

14.4

Non-interest expense
55,932

51,131

9.4

208,109

196,266

6.0

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
54,520

36,107

51.0

197,499

145,656

35.6

Income tax expense
14,111

3,992

NM

48,390

29,830

62.2

Income from continuing operations
40,409

32,115

25.8

149,109

115,826

28.7

Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax


(701
)
(100.0
)
(1,158
)
(861
)
34.5

Net income
$
40,409

$
31,414

28.6

$
147,951

$
114,965

28.7

Diluted net income per common share from continuing operations
$
0.46

$
0.37

24.3

$
1.69

$
1.32

28.0

Diluted net loss per common share from discontinued operations, net of tax
$


$
(0.01
)
$
(0.02
)
$
(0.01
)
Diluted net income per common share
$
0.46

$
0.36

27.8

$
1.67

$
1.31

27.5

Common Share Data:
Diluted net income per common share
$
0.46

$
0.36

27.8
�%
$
1.67

$
1.31

27.5
�%
Book value per common share
$
10.49

$
8.20

27.9

Tangible book value per share, net of tax (1)
$
10.21

$
7.90

29.2

Average shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic
87,279

85,939

1.6
�%
86,693

85,682

1.2
�%
Diluted
87,987

86,877

1.3

87,506

86,541

1.1

Common shares outstanding
88,691

87,186

1.7

(1) See Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
NM: Percentage change greater than 100% is not meaningful.



6



Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Summary Consolidated Financial Data (continued)
Unaudited
At or for the Three Months Ended December 31,
For the Twelve Months Ended�December 31,
2014
2013
Change %
2014
2013
Change %
Selected Performance Ratios:
Return on average assets (1)
1.56
�%
1.38
%
13.0
�%
1.50
�%
1.35
%
11.1
�%
Return on average tangible common equity (2)
18.15

18.33

(1.0
)
18.52

18.28

1.3

Net interest margin (1)
4.44

4.44



4.42

4.39

0.7

Net interest spread
4.31

4.28

0.7

4.29

4.24

1.2

Efficiency ratio - tax equivalent basis (2)
49.38

51.92

(4.9
)
49.22

52.50

(6.2
)
Loan to deposit ratio
94.04

86.77

8.4

Capital Ratios:
Tangible equity (2)
9.2
�%
8.9
%
3.4
�%
Tangible common equity (2)
8.6

7.4

16.2

Tier 1 common equity (2)
9.3

8.8

5.7

Tier 1 Leverage ratio (3)
9.7

9.8

(1.0
)
Tier 1 Risk Based Capital (3)
10.5

11.1

(5.4
)
Total Risk Based Capital (3)
11.7

12.4

(5.6
)
Asset Quality Ratios:
Net (recoveries) charge-offs to average loans outstanding (1)
(0.04
)%
0.13
%
(130.8
)%
(0.07
)%
0.14
%
(150.0
)%
Nonaccrual loans to gross loans
0.81

1.11

(27.0
)
Nonaccrual loans and repossessed assets to total assets
1.18

1.53

(22.9
)
Loans past due 90 days and still accruing to total loans
0.06

0.02

200.0

Allowance for credit losses to gross loans
1.31

1.47

(10.9
)
Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans
162.90

132.20

23.2

(1) Annualized for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
(2) See Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(3) Capital ratios are preliminary until the Call Reports are filed.




















7



Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements
Unaudited
Three Months Ended December 31,
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2014
2013
(dollars in thousands)
Interest income:
Loans
$
99,099

$
86,902

$
370,922

$
326,714

Investment securities
10,455

10,137

43,209

34,403

Federal funds sold and other
597

543

2,248

1,538

Total interest income
110,151

97,582

416,379

362,655

Interest expense:
Deposits
5,245

4,442

20,012

16,335

Borrowings
2,314

2,717

9,720

11,602

Junior subordinated debt
447

442

1,754

1,823

Total interest expense
8,006

7,601

31,486

29,760

Net interest income
102,145

89,981

384,893

332,895

Provision for credit losses
300

4,300

4,726

13,220

Net interest income after provision for credit losses
101,845

85,681

380,167

319,675

Non-interest income:
Service charges
2,750

2,512

10,451

9,920

Bank owned life insurance
1,464

905

4,508

4,809

Gains (losses) on sales of investment securities, net
373

342

757

(1,195
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net
1,357

(2,618
)
1,212

(6,483
)
Bargain purchase gain






10,044

Loss on extinguishment of debt


(1,387
)
(502
)
(1,387
)
Other
2,663

1,803

9,015

6,539

Total non-interest income
8,607

1,557

25,441

22,247

Non-interest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits
33,094

30,071

126,630

113,434

Occupancy
4,682

4,626

18,192

19,126

Legal, professional and directors' fees
3,425

4,623

14,278

13,633

Insurance
2,386

1,744

8,862

8,094

Data Processing
1,997

2,040

9,181

7,952

Loan and repossessed asset expenses
1,553

793

4,721

4,246

Customer service
866

860

3,082

2,897

Marketing
857

619

2,300

2,581

Intangible amortization
281

597

1,461

2,388

Net gain on sales and valuations of repossessed and other assets
(1,102
)
(2,153
)
(5,421
)
(2,387
)
Merger / restructure expense


1,919

198

5,752

Other
7,893

5,392

24,625

18,550

Total non-interest expense
55,932

51,131

208,109

196,266

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
54,520

36,107

197,499

145,656

Income tax expense
14,111

3,992

48,390

29,830

Income from continuing operations
$
40,409

$
32,115

$
149,109

$
115,826

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax


(701
)
(1,158
)
(861
)
Net income
$
40,409

$
31,414

$
147,951

$
114,965

Preferred stock dividends
329

352

1,387

1,410

Net income available to common stockholders
$
40,080

$
31,062

$
146,564

$
113,555

Diluted net income per share
$
0.46

$
0.36

$
1.67

$
1.31




8



Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Five Quarter Condensed Consolidated Income Statements
Unaudited
Three Months Ended
Dec�31, 2014
Sep�30, 2014
Jun�30, 2014
Mar�31, 2014
Dec�31, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)
Interest income:
Loans
$
99,099

$
94,436

$
90,583

$
86,804

$
86,902

Investment securities
10,455

10,535

10,894

11,325

10,137

Federal funds sold and other
597

583

496

572

543

Total interest income
110,151

105,554

101,973

98,701

97,582

Interest expense:
Deposits
5,245

5,172

4,930

4,665

4,442

Borrowings
2,314

1,866

2,702

2,838

2,717

Junior subordinated debt
447

443

443

421

442

Total interest expense
8,006

7,481

8,075

7,924

7,601

Net interest income
102,145

98,073

93,898

90,777

89,981

Provision for credit losses
300

419

507

3,500

4,300

Net interest income after provision for credit losses
101,845

97,654

93,391

87,277

85,681

Non-interest income:
Service charges
2,750

2,434

2,737

2,530

2,512

Bank owned life insurance
1,464

1,136

959

949

905

Gains (losses) on sales of investment securities, net
373

181

(163
)
366

342

Unrealized gains (losses) on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net
1,357

896

235

(1,276
)
(2,618
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt


(502
)




(1,387
)
Other
2,663

2,081

2,005

2,266

1,803

Total non-interest income
8,607

6,226

5,773

4,835

1,557

Non-interest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits
33,094

32,230

31,751

29,555

30,071

Occupancy
4,682

4,500

4,328

4,682

4,626

Legal, professional, and directors' fees
3,425

3,022

4,192

3,639

4,623

Insurance
2,386

1,996

2,087

2,393

1,744

Data Processing
1,997

2,109

2,401

2,674

2,040

Loan and repossessed asset expenses
1,553

1,007

927

1,234

793

Customer service
866

888

708

620

860

Marketing
857

378

506

559

619

Intangible amortization
281

281

302

597

597

Net (gain) loss on sales and valuations of repossessed and other assets
(1,102
)
(1,956
)
184

(2,547
)
(2,153
)
Merger / restructure expense


15

26

157

1,919

Other
7,893

5,542

5,004

6,186

5,392

Total non-interest expense
55,932

50,012

52,416

49,749

51,131

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
54,520

53,868

46,748

42,363

36,107

Income tax expense
14,111

12,949

10,706

10,624

3,992

Income from continuing operations
$
40,409

$
40,919

$
36,042

$
31,739

$
32,115

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax




(504
)
(654
)
(701
)
Net income
$
40,409

$
40,919

$
35,538

$
31,085

$
31,414

Preferred stock dividends
329

353

352

353

352

Net Income available to common stockholders
$
40,080

$
40,566

$
35,186

$
30,732

$
31,062

Diluted net income per share
$
0.46

$
0.46

$
0.40

$
0.35

$
0.36




9



Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Five Quarter Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Unaudited
Dec�31, 2014
Sep�30, 2014
Jun�30, 2014
Mar�31, 2014
Dec�31, 2013
(in millions)
Assets:
Cash and due from banks
$
164.4

$
258.8

$
379.3

$
354.8

$
305.5

Securities purchased under agreement to resell






111.1



Cash and cash equivalents
164.4

258.8

379.3

465.9

305.5

Securities and money market investments
1,547.8

1,597.3

1,606.7

1,671.2

1,689.6

Loans held for investment:
Commercial
3,531.9

3,292.1

3,027.7

2,723.4

2,478.2

Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
2,058.6

1,998.9

1,940.0

1,849.2

1,841.1

Commercial real estate - owner occupied
1,734.6

1,621.9

1,605.0

1,606.2

1,561.9

Construction and land development
754.2

677.1

612.4

553.7

535.7

Residential real estate
298.9

316.9

328.1

344.9

350.3

Consumer
32.6

33.0

40.9

38.3

43.1

Deferred fees, net
(12.5
)
(10.5
)
(9.6
)
(7.1
)
(8.9
)
Gross loans and deferred fees, net
8,398.3

7,929.4

7,544.5

7,108.6

6,801.4

Allowance for credit losses
(110.2
)
(109.2
)
(105.9
)
(103.9
)
(100.1
)
Loans, net
8,288.1

7,820.2

7,438.6

7,004.7

6,701.3

Premises and equipment, net
113.8

112.1

109.6

106.6

105.6

Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
57.1

51.8

59.3

56.5

66.7

Bank owned life insurance
142.0

143.2

142.5

141.5

140.6

Goodwill and other intangibles, net
25.9

26.2

26.5

26.8

27.4

Other assets
261.4

279.2

261.1

273.4

270.7

Total assets
$
10,600.5

$
10,288.8

$
10,023.6

$
9,746.6

$
9,307.4

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
$
2,288.0

$
2,246.7

$
2,278.8

$
2,093.6

$
2,200.0

Interest bearing:
Demand
854.9

809.4

794.8

750.4

709.8

Savings and money market
3,869.7

3,685.0

3,637.4

3,672.3

3,310.4

Time certificates
1,918.4

1,956.5

1,758.5

1,632.7

1,618.0

Total deposits
8,931.0

8,697.6

8,469.5

8,149.0

7,838.2

Customer repurchase agreements
54.9

53.0

53.7

57.4

71.2

Total customer funds
8,985.9

8,750.6

8,523.2

8,206.4

7,909.4

Securities sold short






109.8



Borrowings
390.3

330.8

337.5

342.8

341.1

Junior subordinated debt
40.4

41.8

42.7

42.8

41.9

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
183.0

162.5

162.5

150.0

159.5

Total liabilities
9,599.6

9,285.7

9,065.9

8,851.8

8,451.9

Stockholders' Equity
Common stock and additional paid-in capital
828.3

807.2

803.4

795.3

797.2

Preferred stock
70.5

141.0

141.0

141.0

141.0

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
85.5

45.4

4.8

(30.4
)
(61.2
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
16.6

9.5

8.5

(11.1
)
(21.5
)
Total stockholders' equity
1,000.9

1,003.1

957.7

894.8

855.5

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
10,600.5

$
10,288.8

$
10,023.6

$
9,746.6

$
9,307.4




10




Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Changes in the Allowance For Credit Losses
Unaudited
Three Months Ended
Dec�31, 2014
Sep�30, 2014
Jun�30, 2014
Mar�31, 2014
Dec�31, 2013
(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
109,161

$
105,937

$
103,899

$
100,050

$
97,851

Provision for credit losses
300

419

507

3,500

4,300

Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
Commercial and industrial
1,499

1,053

1,254

922

666

Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
229

1,226

1,052

83

395

Commercial real estate - owner occupied
43

553

196

477

297

Construction and land development
1,268

182

498

211

273

Residential real estate
261

768

314

553

549

Consumer
64

34

191

170

179

Total recoveries
3,364

3,816

3,505

2,416

2,359

Loans charged-off:
Commercial and industrial
1,743

110

1,039

1,478

621

Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied


158

99

160

2,268

Commercial real estate - owner occupied
270

35

230

11

238

Construction and land development
8



78



686

Residential real estate
377

423

523

406

281

Consumer
211

285

5

12

366

Total loans charged-off
2,609

1,011

1,974

2,067

4,460

Net loan (recoveries) charge-offs
(755
)
(2,805
)
(1,531
)
(349
)
2,101

Balance, end of period
$
110,216

$
109,161

$
105,937

$
103,899

$
100,050

Net (recoveries) charge-offs to average loans outstanding - annualized
(0.04
)%
(0.15
)%
(0.09
)%
(0.02
)%
0.13
%
Allowance for credit losses to gross loans
1.31

1.38

1.40

1.46

1.47

Nonaccrual loans
$
67,659

$
75,092

$
64,345

$
70,401

$
75,681

Repossessed assets
57,150

51,787

59,292

56,450

66,719

Loans past due 90 days, still accruing
5,132

3,558

3,001

167

1,534

Loans past due 30 to 89 days, still accruing
9,804

16,500

5,123

11,087

13,425

Classified loans on accrual
90,393

107,776

133,220

125,903

128,586

Special mention loans
97,504

98,265

90,534

117,540

129,965



11



Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Analysis of Average Balances, Yields and Rates
Unaudited
Three Months Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Average
Balance
Interest
Average Yield /
Cost
Average
Balance
Interest
Average Yield /
Cost
($ in millions)
($ in thousands)
($ in millions)
($ in thousands)
Interest earning assets
Loans (1)
$
7,997.5

$
99,099

5.20
%
$
6,515.2

$
86,902

5.48
%
Securities (1)
1,574.7

10,455

3.07

1,488.8

10,137

3.11

Federal funds sold and other
217.2

597

1.10

447.5

543

0.49

Total interest earning assets
9,789.4

110,151

4.77

8,451.5

97,582

4.79

Non-interest earning assets
Cash and due from banks
121.3

132.7

Allowance for credit losses
(111.1
)
(98.4
)
Bank owned life insurance
142.1

140.0

Other assets
450.8

465.6

Total assets
$
10,392.5

$
9,091.4

Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing transaction accounts
$
805.0

$
354

0.18
%
$
676.8

$
360

0.21
%
Savings and money market
3,767.7

2,789

0.30

3,175.1

2,390

0.30

Time certificates of deposit
1,945.9

2,102

0.43

1,592.4

1,692

0.43

Total interest-bearing deposits
6,518.6

5,245

0.32

5,444.3

4,442

0.33

Short-term borrowings
170.3

1,772

4.16

176.2

137

0.31

Long-term debt
210.1

542

1.03

323.1

2,580

3.19

Junior subordinated debt
41.8

447

4.28

39.5

442

4.48

Total interest-bearing liabilities
6,940.8

8,006

0.46

5,983.1

7,601

0.51

Non-interest-bearing liabilities
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
2,270.4

2,091.8

Other liabilities
133.6

162.1

Stockholders equity
1,047.7

854.4

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
10,392.5

$
9,091.4

Net interest income and margin
$
102,145

4.44
%
$
89,981

4.44
%
Net interest spread
4.31
%
4.28
%
(1) Yields on loans and securities have been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis. The taxable-equivalent adjustment was $6,489 and $3,728 for the fourth quarter 2014 and 2013, respectively.


12



Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Analysis of Average Balances, Yields and Rates
Unaudited
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Average
Balance
Interest
Average Yield /
Cost
Average
Balance
Interest
Average Yield /
Cost
($ in millions)
($ in thousands)
($ in millions)
($ in thousands)
Interest earning assets
Loans (1)
$
7,432.1

$
370,922

5.23
%
$
6,136.2

$
326,714

5.43
%
Securities (1)
1,607.7

43,209

3.10

1,342.0

34,403

3.07

Federal funds sold & other
230.7

2,248

0.97

409.4

1,538

0.38

Total interest earnings assets
9,270.5

416,379

4.76

7,887.6

362,655

4.77

Non-interest earning assets
Cash and due from banks
133.7

128.5

Allowance for credit losses
(106.1
)
(97.5
)
Bank owned life insurance
141.9

139.8

Other assets
451.1

441.9

Total assets
$
9,891.1

$
8,500.3

Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest bearing transaction accounts
$
793.1

$
1,522

0.19
%
$
640.1

$
1,334

0.21
%
Savings and money market
3,616.8

10,852

0.30

2,936.1

8,553

0.29

Time certificates of deposits
1,758.3

7,638

0.43

1,488.0

6,448

0.43

Total interest-bearing deposits
6,168.2

20,012

0.32

5,064.2

16,335

0.32

Short-term borrowings
173.2

2,336

1.35

202.8

1,279

0.63

Long-term debt
265.8

7,384

2.78

323.1

10,323

3.19

Junior subordinated debt
42.3

1,754

4.15

38.1

1,823

4.78

Total interest-bearing liabilities
6,649.5

31,486

0.47

5,628.2

29,760

0.53

Non-interest-bearing liabilities
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
2,153.7

1,954.2

Other liabilities
123.8

119.4

Stockholders equity
964.1

798.5

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
9,891.1

$
8,500.3

Net interest income and margin
$
384,893

4.42
%
$
332,895

4.39
%
Net interest spread
4.29
%
4.24
%
(1) Yields on loans and securities have been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis. The taxable-equivalent adjustment was $24,571 and $13,312 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.















13



Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Operating Segment Results
Unaudited
Arizona
Nevada
California
Central Business Lines
Corporate & Other
Consolidated Company
At December 31, 2014
(dollars in millions)
Assets:
Cash, cash equivalents, and investment securities
$
2.3

$
5.0

$
2.5

$


$
1,702.4

$
1,712.2

Gross loans and deferred fees, net
2,341.9

1,668.7

1,751.7

2,590.0

46.0

8,398.3

Less: allowance for credit losses
(30.7
)
(21.9
)
(23.0
)
(34.0
)
(0.6
)
(110.2
)
Loans, net
2,311.2

1,646.8

1,728.7

2,556.0

45.4

8,288.1

Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net
15.5

21.0





20.6

57.1

Goodwill and other intangibles, net


25.9







25.9

Other assets
34.8

64.2

21.5

22.9

373.8

517.2

Total assets
$
2,363.8

$
1,762.9

$
1,752.7

$
2,578.9

$
2,142.2

$
10,600.5

Liabilities:
Deposits (1)
$
2,178.0

$
3,230.6

$
2,328.5

$
946.6

$
247.3

$
8,931.0

Borrowings








390.3

390.3

Other liabilities
17.4

40.8

9.1

72.4

138.6

278.3

Total liabilities
2,195.4

3,271.4

2,337.6

1,019.0

776.2

9,599.6

Allocated equity
250.8

209.0

197.7

232.9

110.5

1,000.9

Liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
2,446.2

$
3,480.4

$
2,535.3

$
1,251.9

$
886.7

$
10,600.5

Excess funds provided (used)
82.4

1,717.5

782.6

(1,327.0
)
(1,255.5
)


No. of branches
11

18

11





40

No. of full-time equivalent employees
215

295

227

99

295

1,131

Three Months Ended December 31, 2014:
(in thousands)
Net interest income (expense)
$
27,892

$
29,674

$
26,899

$
21,959

$
(4,279
)
$
102,145

Provision for credit losses
192

(1,607
)
(717
)
2,434

(2
)
300

Net interest income (expense) after provision for credit losses
27,700

31,281

27,616

19,525

(4,277
)
101,845

Non-interest income
1,119

2,530

1,217

504

3,237

8,607

Non-interest expense
(14,715
)
(14,901
)
(14,275
)
(8,179
)
(3,862
)
(55,932
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
14,104

18,910

14,558

11,850

(4,902
)
54,520

Income tax expense (benefit)
5,532

6,617

6,121

4,444

(8,603
)
14,111

�����Net income (loss)
$
8,572

$
12,293

$
8,437

$
7,406

$
3,701

$
40,409

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014:
(in thousands)
Net interest income (expense)
$
112,128

$
117,508

$
100,223

$
71,010

$
(15,976
)
$
384,893

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses
2,083

(7,542
)
(1,638
)
11,365

458

4,726

Net interest income (expense) after provision for credit losses
110,045

125,050

101,861

59,645

(16,434
)
380,167

Non-interest income
3,713

9,410

4,394

1,742

6,182

25,441

Non-interest expense
(54,986
)
(60,149
)
(53,914
)
(27,804
)
(11,256
)
(208,109
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
58,772

74,311

52,341

33,583

(21,508
)
197,499

Income tax expense (benefit)
23,053

26,009

22,007

12,594

(35,273
)
48,390

Income (loss) from continuing operations
35,719

48,302

30,334

20,989

13,765

149,109

Loss from discontinued operations, net








(1,158
)
(1,158
)
�����Net income (loss)
$
35,719

$
48,302

$
30,334

$
20,989

$
12,607

$
147,951

(1) Certain centrally-managed deposits from prior periods were re-allocated to specific regions to conform to current presentation.


14



Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Operating Earnings by Quarter
Three Months Ended
Dec�31, 2014
Sep�30, 2014
Jun�30, 2014
Mar�31, 2014
Dec�31, 2013
(in thousands)
Total non-interest income
$
8,607

$
6,226

$
5,773

$
4,835

$
1,557

Less:
Gains (losses) on sales of investment securities, net
373

181

(163
)
366

342

Unrealized gains (losses) on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net
1,357

896

235

(1,276
)
(2,618
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt


(502
)




(1,387
)
Total operating non-interest income
6,877

5,651

5,701

5,745

5,220

Add: net interest income
102,145

98,073

93,898

90,777

89,981

Net operating revenue (1)
$
109,022

$
103,724

$
99,599

$
96,522

$
95,201

Total non-interest expense
$
55,932

$
50,012

$
52,416

$
49,749

$
51,131

Less:
Net (gain) loss on sales and valuations of repossessed and other assets
(1,102
)
(1,956
)
184

(2,547
)
(2,153
)
Merger / restructure expense


15

26

157

1,919

Total operating non-interest expense (1)
$
57,034

$
51,953

$
52,206

$
52,139

$
51,365

Pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings (2)
$
51,988

$
51,771

$
47,393

$
44,383

$
43,836

Tangible Common Equity
Dec�31, 2014
Sep�30, 2014
Jun�30, 2014
Mar�31, 2014
Dec�31, 2013
(dollars and shares in thousands)
Total stockholders' equity
$
1,000,928

$
1,003,122

$
957,664

$
894,805

$
855,498

Less: goodwill and intangible assets
25,913

26,194

26,475

26,777

27,374

Total tangible stockholders' equity
975,015

976,928

931,189

868,028

828,124

Less: preferred stock
70,500

141,000

141,000

141,000

141,000

Total tangible common equity
904,515

835,928

790,189

727,028

687,124

Add: deferred tax - attributed to intangible assets
1,006

1,138

1,138

1,243

1,452

Total tangible common equity, net of tax
$
905,521

$
837,066

$
791,327

$
728,271

$
688,576

Total assets
$
10,600,498

$
10,288,824

$
10,023,587

$
9,746,624

$
9,307,342

Less: goodwill and intangible assets, net
25,913

26,194

26,475

26,777

27,374

Tangible assets
10,574,585

10,262,630

9,997,112

9,719,847

9,279,968

Add: deferred tax - attributed to intangible assets
1,006

1,138

1,138

1,243

1,452

Total tangible assets, net of tax
$
10,575,591

$
10,263,768

$
9,998,250

$
9,721,090

$
9,281,420

Tangible equity ratio (3)
9.2
%
9.5
%
9.3
%
8.9
%
8.9
%
Tangible common equity ratio (3)
8.6
%
8.2
%
7.9
%
7.5
%
7.4
%
Common shares outstanding
88,691

87,849

87,774

87,554

87,186

Tangible book value per share, net of tax (4)
$
10.21

$
9.53

$
9.02

$
8.32

$
7.90



15



Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
Efficiency Ratio by Quarter
Three Months Ended
Dec�31, 2014
Sep�30, 2014
Jun�30, 2014
Mar�31, 2014
Dec�31, 2013
(in thousands)
Total operating non-interest expense
$
57,034

$
51,953

$
52,206

$
52,139

$
51,365

Divided by: total net interest income
102,145

98,073

93,898

90,777

89,981

Add:
Tax equivalent interest adjustment
6,489

6,348

6,029

5,705

3,728

Operating non-interest income
6,877

5,651

5,701

5,745

5,220

$
115,511

$
110,072

$
105,628

$
102,227

$
98,929

Efficiency ratio - tax equivalent basis (5)
49.4
%
47.2
%
49.4
%
51.0
%
51.9
%
Efficiency Ratio
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2014
2013
(in thousands)
Total operating non-interest expense
$
213,332

$
192,901

Divided by: total net interest income
384,893

332,895

Add:
Tax equivalent interest adjustment
24,571

13,312

Operating non-interest income
23,974

21,230

$
433,438

$
367,437

Efficiency ratio - tax equivalent basis (5)
49.2
%
52.5
%
Tier 1 Common Equity
December 31,
2014
2013
(in thousands)
Stockholders' equity
$
1,000,928

$
855,498

Less:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
16,639

(21,546
)
Non-qualifying goodwill and intangibles
24,907

25,991

Other non-qualifying assets




Disallowed unrealized losses on equity securities
296

8,059

Add: qualifying trust preferred securities
48,192

48,485

Tier 1 capital (regulatory) (6) (9)
1,007,278

891,479

Less:
Qualifying trust preferred securities
48,192

48,485

Preferred stock
70,500

141,000

Estimated Tier 1 common equity (7) (9)
$
888,586

$
701,994

Divided by: estimated risk-weighted assets (regulatory (7) (9)
$
9,567,379

$
8,016,500

Tier 1 common equity ratio (7) (9)
9.3
%
8.8
%
Tier 1 Capital
December 31,
2014
2013
(in thousands)
Classified assets
$
225,739

$
270,375

Divide: Tier 1 capital (regulatory) (6) (9)
1,007,278

891,479

Plus: Allowance for credit losses
110,216

100,050

Total Tier 1 capital plus allowance for credit losses
$
1,117,494

$
991,529

Classified assets to Tier 1 capital plus allowance (8) (9)
20
%
27
%

16



(1) We believe these non-GAAP measurements provide a useful indication of the cash generating capacity of the Company.
(2) We believe this non-GAAP measurement is a key indicator of the earnings power of the Company.
(3) We believe these non-GAAP ratios provide an important metric with which to analyze and evaluate financial condition and capital strength.
(4) We believe this non-GAAP ratio improves the comparability to other institutions that have not engaged in acquisitions that resulted in recorded goodwill and other intangibles.
(5) We believe this non-GAAP ratio provides a useful metric to measure the operating efficiency of the Company.
(6) Under the current guidelines of the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Tier 1 capital consists of common stock, retained earnings, non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, trust preferred securities up to a certain limit, and minority interests in certain subsidiaries, less most other intangible assets.
(7) Tier 1 common equity is often expressed as a percentage of risk-weighted assets. Under the risk-based capital framework, a bank's balance sheet assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet items are assigned to one of four broad risk categories. The aggregated dollar amount in each category is then multiplied by the risk weighting assigned to that category. The resulting weighted values from each of the four categories are added together and this sum is the risk-weighted assets total that, as adjusted, comprises the denominator (risk-weighted assets) to determine the Tier 1 capital ratio. Adjustments are made to Tier 1 capital to arrive at Tier 1 common equity. Tier 1 common equity is divided by the risk-weighted assets to determine the Tier 1 common equity ratio. We believe this non-GAAP ratio provides an important metric with which to analyze and evaluate financial condition and capital strength.
(8) We believe this non-GAAP ratio provides an important regulatory metric to analyze asset quality.
(9) Current quarter is preliminary until Call Reports are filed.
CONTACT:
Western Alliance Bancorporation
Dale Gibbons, 602-952-5476


17
(NYSE: WAL) January�23, 2015 Western Alliance Bancorporation 4th Quarter Earnings Call


2 Financial Highlights Q4 2014 Highlights q Q4 2014 net income of $40.4 million, EPS of $0.46, net operating revenue of $109.0 million q Net operating revenue growth quarter-over-quarter of $5.3 million, compared to an increase in operating expenses of $5.0 million q Loan growth quarter-over-quarter of $469 million to $8.40 billion, deposit growth of $233 million to $8.93 billion, and asset growth of $312 million to $10.60 billion q Tangible book value per share rose $0.68 from $9.53 to $10.21 during the current quarter q Nonperforming assets (nonaccrual loans and repossessed assets) to total assets was 1.18%. Net loan recoveries to average loans outstanding was 0.04% (annualized) q Tier 1 Leverage Capital ratio of 9.7% and Total Risk Based Capital ratio of 11.7% q ROA of 1.56% and ROTCE of 18.15% 2014 Annual Highlights q Total loan and deposit growth of $1.60 billion and $1.09 billion, respectively, from December�31, 2013 q Net income of $148.0 million and EPS of $1.67, compared to $115.0 million and $1.31 for 2013, respectively q Tangible book value per share of $10.21, up 29.2% from $7.90 at December�31, 2013 q ROA of 1.50% and ROTCE of 18.52%


3 Quarterly Consolidated Financial Results Highlights q Year over year improvements in net operating revenue of 14.5% and pre-tax pre-provision income of 18.7% resulted in a 28.7% increase in net income q Provision for credit losses declined as the Company realized net recoveries during the current quarter q Debt valuation gains of $1.4 million related to the trust preferred securities $ in millions, except EPS Q4-14 Q3-14 Q4-13 Net Interest Income $ 102.1 $ 98.1 $ 90.0 Operating Non-Interest Income 6.9 5.6 5.2 Net Operating Revenue $ 109.0 $ 103.7 $ 95.2 Operating Non-Interest Expense (57.0) (52.0) (51.4) Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Income $ 52.0 $ 51.8 $ 43.8 Provision for Credit Losses (0.3) (0.4) (4.3) Gains on OREO and Other Assets 1.1 2.0 2.2 Debt Valuation and Other Fair Market Value Adjustments 1.4 0.9 (2.6) Loss on Extinguishment of Debt  (0.5) (1.4) Other 0.3 0.1 (1.6) Pre-tax Income $ 54.5 $ 53.9 $ 36.1 Income Tax (14.1) (12.9) (4.0) Discontinued Operations   (0.7) Net Income $ 40.4 $ 40.9 $ 31.4 Preferred Dividend (0.3) (0.3) (0.3) Net Income Available to Common $ 40.1 $ 40.6 $ 31.1 Average Diluted Shares Outstanding 88.0 87.6 86.9 Earnings Per Share $ 0.46 $ 0.46 $ 0.36


4 Annual Consolidated Financial Results Highlights q Net operating revenue increased 15.5%, while expenses increased 10.6%, resulting in improved operating leverage q Pre-tax, pre-provision income increased 21.4% and net income increased 28.7%, substantially as a result of improved operating leverage q Provision for credit losses declined as the Company reported net recoveries for each quarter of 2014 $ in millions, except EPS 2014 2013 Net Interest Income $ 384.9 $ 332.9 Operating Non-Interest Income 24.0 21.1 Net Operating Revenue $ 408.9 $ 354.0 Operating Non-Interest Expense (213.3) (192.9) Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Income $ 195.6 $ 161.1 Provision for Credit Losses (4.7) (13.2) Gains on OREO and Other Assets 5.4 2.4 Debt Valuation and Other Fair Market Value Adjustments 1.2 (6.5) Loss on Extinguishment of Debt (0.5) (1.4) Bargain Purchase Gain 0.0 10.0 Merger / Restructure Expense (0.2) (5.8) Other 0.7 (0.9) Pre-tax Income $ 197.5 $ 145.7 Income Tax (48.3) (29.8) Discontinued Operations (1.2) (0.9) Net Income $ 148.0 $ 115.0 Preferred Dividend (1.4) (1.4) Net Income Available to Common $ 146.6 $ 113.6 Average Diluted Shares Outstanding 87.5 86.5 Earnings Per Share $ 1.67 $ 1.31


5 Cash and Due from Banks Net Interest Drivers Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 $306 $355 $379 $259 $164 $ in billions Loans and Yield Total Investments and Yield Interest Bearing Deposits and Cost of Funds $ in millions Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 3.11% 3.15% 3.08% 3.11% 3.07% $1.7 $1.7 $1.6 $1.6 $1.5 Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 0.33% 0.32% 0.32% 0.33% 0.32% $5.6 $6.1 $6.2 $6.5 $6.6 Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 5.48% 5.27% 5.29% 5.18% 5.20% $6.8 $7.1 $7.5 $7.9 $8.4


6 Net Interest Income and Accretion $ in millions Note: Disposition Accretion is the recognition of incremental credit and interest rate marks upon sale, disposition or transfer to OREO of a PCI loan; Normal Accretion is scheduled amortization of interest rate marks over the estimated remaining life of the loan pool Highlights q Net Interest Income increased $4.0 million quarter over quarter, which includes a $1.3 million reduction in disposition accretion q PCI adjusted Net Interest Margin (NIM) was 4.39% for the quarter, reported NIM of 4.44% benefited from $1.8 million of non-recurring payoff gains from organic loans Net Interest Income and NIM Purchased Credit Impaired Loan Accretion Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 4.44% 4.41% 4.39% 4.43% 4.44% Q4-13 Q1-13 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 4.34% 4.37% 4.26% 4.33% 4.39% Disposition Accretion Normal Accretion Adjusted Net Interest Margin, excluding disposition accretion " $90.0 $90.8 $93.9 $98.1 $102.1 $2.5 $1.0 $3.1 $2.5 $1.2 $2.2 $2.4 $1.8 $1.6 $1.4


7 Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 $6.4 $7.1 $6.4 $6.5 $7.1 $6.7 $6.3 $6.6 $5.1 $5.4 $8.2 $9.1 $7.4 $8.2 $11.4 Operating Expenses and Efficiency $ in millions Highlights q Other expenses increased quarter over quarter as a result of a contribution to the WAL charitable foundation and increased marketing, business development, and loan and repossessed asset expenses Operating Expenses and Efficiency Ratio Breakdown of Operating Expenses Other Professional Fees + Data Processing Occupancy + Insurance Compensation Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 51.9% 51.0% 49.4% 47.2% 49.4% $51.4 $52.1 $52.2 $52.0 $57.0 $33.1 $30.1 $29.6 $31.8 $32.2


8 Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Operating Income, Net Income, and ROA $ in millions Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Operating Income and ROA Net Income and ROA Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 $43.8 $44.4 $47.4 $51.8 $52.0 1.93% 1.90% 1.95% 2.06% 2.00% Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 $31.4 $31.1 $35.5 $40.9 $40.4 1.38% 1.33% 1.46% 1.63% 1.56%


9 Consolidated Balance Sheet $ in millions q Allowance for Credit Losses increased $10 million year over year as net recoveries augmented the provision in boosting the reserve q Shareholders' Equity declined $2 million quarter over quarter as the increase from retained earnings and OCI was offset by the payoff of half ($70.5 million) the SBLF Preferred Stock HighlightsQ4-14 Q3-14 Q4-13 Investments & Cash $ 1,712 $ 1,856 $ 1,996 Total Loans 8,398 7,929 6,801 Allowance for Credit Losses (110) (109) (100) Other Assets 601 613 610 Total Assets $ 10,601 $ 10,289 $ 9,307 Deposits $ 8,931 $ 8,698 $ 7,838 Other Liabilities 669 588 614 Total Liabilities $ 9,600 $ 9,286 $ 8,452 Shareholders' Equity 1,001 1,003 856 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 10,601 $ 10,289 $ 9,307 Tangible Book Value Per Share $ 10.21 $ 9.53 $ 7.90


10 Consumer 1% Community Association Lending 1% Leasing 1% Unsecured 1% Hotel 1% Multifamily 2% Loan Portfolio Distribution Q4 2014 Public Finance 10% CRE Investor CRE Owner- Occupied Commercial Other 3% Retail 7% Office 6% Industrial 5% Other 4% Retail 4% Office 4% Industrial 4% Revolving Lines 4% Secured 8% SBA 3% < Non-Profit 4% Resort Finance 3% Mortgage Warehouse Lending 4% Corporate Finance 5% Equipment Finance 3% Construction 4% Land 4% 1-4 Residential Mortgage 4%


11 Distribution by Geography In-Footprint Out-of-Footprint Total Arizona 25.8% 2.2% 28.0% California 19.1 1.8 20.9 Nevada 19.7 0.3 20.0 Public Finance 8.6 0.9 9.5 Corporate Finance 1.0 4.4 5.4 Equipment Finance 3.1 1.2 4.3 Mortgage Warehouse Lending 3.2 1.1 4.3 Non-Profit 1.4 2.1 3.5 Resort Finance 2.3 1.0 3.3 Community Association Lending 0.1 0.7 0.8 Total 84.3% 15.7% 100.0% Weighted Grade (Scale of 1 to 9) 4.0 3.5 3.9 Weighted Term to Maturity (Years) 5.0 4.2 4.9 Weighted Term to Reprice (Years) 3.1 1.3 2.8 Loan Portfolio Distribution Q4 2014


12 Loan Growth and Portfolio Composition $ in millions Commercial & Industrial CRE, Non- Owner Occupied CRE, Owner Occupied Residential and Consumer Construction & Land Highlights q Total proportion of CRE loans in the portfolio has decreased nearly 10% year over year, primarily due to the accelerated growth in C&I loans q Quarter over quarter loan growth driven by C&I (7.2%, or $238 million) and Construction & Land (11.3%, or $76 million), while Residential and Consumer continues to roll off as planned $1.60 Billion Year Over Year Growth $6,801 $7,109 $7,545 $7,930 $8,398 Growth: +308 +436 +385 +469 Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 $2,478 $2,723 $3,028 $3,294 $3,532 $1,562 $1,606 $1,603 $1,620 $1,733 $1,832 $1,842 $1,934 $1,993 $2,053$536 $554 $609 $672 $748 5.8% 23.0% 26.9% 36.4% 7.9% 4.0% 20.6% 24.4% 42.1% 8.9% $393 $383 $370 $351 $332


13 Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 $2,200 $2,094 $2,279 $2,247 $2,288 $710 $750 $795 $809 $855 $3,310 $3,672 $3,637 $3,685 $3,870 $1,618 $1,633 $1,759 $1,957 $1,918 Deposit Growth and Composition $ in millions NOW CDS Non-Int Bearing DDA $7,838 $8,149 $8,470 $8,698 $8,931 Growth: +311 +321 +228 +233 Highlights q Total deposits increased 13.9% (or $1.09 billion year over year), mainly Savings & MMDA (16.9%, or $560 million) q Deposits grew $233 million quarter over quarter driven by Savings and MMDA (5.0% or $185 million) 9.1% 20.6% 28.1% 42.2% 9.6% 21.5% 25.6% 43.3% $1.09 Billion Year Over Year Growth Savings and MMDA


14 Tangible Book Value Walkforward Q4 2013 - Q4 2014 Components of Changes in Tangible Book Value Per Share (net of tax) Q4 2013 EPS OCI ATM Equity Q4 2014 $7.90 $1.67 $0.43 $0.11 $0.10 $10.21 TBV/Share TBV/ShareOffering Compensation


15 Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 $56 $48 $51 $43 $46 $74 $70 $64 $75 $68 $79 $85 $101 $86 $72 $93 $91 $72 $78 $78 Adversely Graded Loans and Non-Performing Assets Organic Acquired* NPAs Adversely Graded Loans * Net of credit and interest rate discounts from acquisitions of $9 million and $19 million, respectively, as of 12/31/2014 $282 $48 Accruing TDRs total $85 million as of 12/31/2014 $302 $294 $288 $51 $264 $ in millions Special Mention Loans Classified Accruing Loans Non-Performing Loans OREO $60 $76 $98


16 Charge-Offs and Provision Q4 2014 Highlights Gross Charge Offs and Recoveries Net Charge Offs (Recoveries) and Rate Provision for Credit Losses q Recoveries of $3.4 million exceeded gross charge-offs of $2.6 million, resulting in net recoveries of $0.8 million q Annualized net recovery rate was 0.04%, compared to a net charge-off rate of 0.13% in 2013 q Provision for credit losses of $0.3 million was the result of continued improvement in historical credit losses and favorable recovery trends $ in millions Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 1.47% 1.46% 1.40% 1.38% 1.31% Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 0.13% (0.02)% (0.09)% (0.15)% (0.04)% $4.5 $2.1 $2.0 $1.0 $2.6 $(2.4) $(2.4) $(3.5) $(3.8) $(3.4) $4.3 $3.5 $0.5 $0.4 $0.3 $2.1 $(0.3) $(1.5) $(2.8) $(0.8) " " Loan Loss Provision ALLL/Total LoansNet Charge Offs (Recoveries)Net Charge Off (Recovery) Rate Gross Charge Offs Recoveries


17 13% 12% 11% 10% 9% 8% 7% Q4-13 Q1-14 Q2-14 Q3-14 Q4-14 12.4% 12.4% 12.4% 12.2% 11.7% 8.8% 8.8% 9.0% 9.0% 9.3% 7.4% 7.5% 7.9% 8.2% 8.6% Regulatory Capital Common Equity Capital Ratios $ in millions Total RBC Common Equity Tier 1 Tangible Common Equity Highlights q Tangible common equity improved more than 120 basis points year over year to 8.6% despite a 13.9% increase in total assets q Total Risk Based Capital ratio declined 70 basis points year over year to 11.7%, primarily as a result of the payoff of $70.5 million of SBLF Preferred Stock q Basel III Capital Ratios effective in 2015 are expected to reduce regulatory ratios by approximately 0.20%


18 Outlook 1st Quarter 2015 q Loan and Deposit Growth q Interest Margin q Operational Efficiency q Asset Quality


19 Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains forward-looking statements that relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding guidance, outlook, or expectations relating to loan and deposit growth, interest margin, operating efficiency, and asset quality. The forward- looking statements contained herein reflect our current views about future events and financial performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause our actual results to differ significantly from historical results and those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical or expected results include, among others: the risk factors discussed in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission; changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in the areas in which we conduct or will conduct our business; inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations; increases in competitive pressures among financial institutions and businesses offering similar products and services; higher defaults on our loan portfolio than we expect; changes in managements estimate of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; legislative or regulatory changes or changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines; supervisory actions by regulatory agencies which may limit our ability to pursue certain growth opportunities; managements estimates and projections of interest rates and interest rate policy; the execution of our business plan; and other factors affecting the financial services industry generally or the banking industry in particular. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this presentation is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We do not intend and disclaim any duty or obligation to update or revise any industry information or forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, set forth in this presentation to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.


Categories

SEC Filings

Next Articles