Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
securities and exchange commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[ X ] quarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
[ ] transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15 (d) of the SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Delaware
95-4274680
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation
(I.R.S. Employer
or organization)
Identification No.)
777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California
90012
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(213) 625-4700
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock
CATY
Nasdaq Global Select Market
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 ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☑
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common stock, $.01 par value, 79,706,517 shares outstanding as of October 31, 2019.
CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARies
3Rd quarter 2019 REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
table of contents
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
3
Item 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
8
Item 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
42
Item 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
66
Item 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
67
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS
68
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
69
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Item 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6.
EXHIBITS
SIGNATURES
70
Forward-Looking Statements
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the term “Bancorp” refers to Cathay General Bancorp and the term “Bank” refers to Cathay Bank. The terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Bancorp and the Bank collectively.
The statements in this report include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the applicable provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding management’s beliefs, projections, and assumptions concerning future results and events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provision for forward-looking statements in these provisions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including statements about anticipated future operating and financial performance, financial position and liquidity, growth opportunities and growth rates, growth plans, acquisition and divestiture opportunities, business prospects, strategic alternatives, business strategies, financial expectations, regulatory and competitive outlook, loan and deposit growth, investment and expenditure plans, financing needs and availability, level of nonperforming assets, and other similar forecasts and statements of expectation and statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Words such as “aims,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “hopes,” “intends,” “may,” “optimistic,” “plans,” “potential,” “possible,” “predicts,” “projects,” “seeks,” “shall,” “should,” “will,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements by us are based on estimates, beliefs, projections, and assumptions of management and are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to:
●
U.S. and international business, economic and market conditions;
possible additional provisions for loan losses and charge-offs;
credit risks of lending activities and deterioration in asset or credit quality;
extensive laws and regulations and supervision that we are subject to, including potential supervisory action by bank supervisory authorities;
increased costs of compliance and other risks associated with changes in laws and regulations;
higher capital requirements from the implementation of the Basel III capital standards;
compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other money laundering statutes and regulations;
potential goodwill impairment;
our ability to attract deposits and other sources of funding or liquidity;
fluctuations in interest rates;
risks associated with acquisitions and the expansion of our business into new markets;
our ability to realize returns on our loans, investments and financings, including in tax-advantaged projects;
inflation and deflation;
environmental liabilities;
our ability to compete with larger competitors;
our ability to retain key personnel;
successful management of reputational risk;
natural disasters and geopolitical events;
general business, economic and market conditions in the local markets where the Bank has operations;
failures, interruptions, or security breaches of our information systems;
our ability to adapt our systems to the expanding use of technology in banking;
risk management processes and strategies;
adverse results in legal proceedings;
the impact of regulatory enforcement actions, if any;
certain provisions in our charter and bylaws that may affect acquisition of the Company;
changes in accounting standards or tax laws and regulations;
market disruption and volatility;
fluctuations in the Bancorp’s stock price;
restrictions on dividends and other distributions by laws and regulations and by our regulators and our capital structure;
issuances of preferred stock;
capital level requirements and successfully raising additional capital, if needed, and the resulting dilution of interests of holders of our common stock; and
the soundness of other financial institutions.
These and other factors are further described in Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (Item 1A in particular), other reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and other filings Bancorp makes with the SEC from time to time. Actual results in any future period may also vary from the past results discussed in this report. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We have no intention and undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or to announce publicly any revision of any forward-looking statement to reflect developments, events, occurrences or circumstances after the date of such statement, except as required by law.
Bancorp’s filings with the SEC are available at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or by request directed to Cathay General Bancorp, 9650 Flair Drive, El Monte, California 91731, Attention: Investor Relations (626) 279-3296.
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2019
December 31, 2018
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Assets
Cash and due from banks
Short-term investments and interest-bearing deposits
Securities available-for-sale (amortized cost of $1,422,431 at September 30, 2019 and $1,267,731 at December 31, 2018)
Loans held for sale
Loans
Less: Allowance for loan losses
Unamortized deferred loan fees, net
Loans, net
Equity securities
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Other real estate owned, net
Affordable housing investments and alternative energy partnerships, net
Premises and equipment, net
Customers’ liability on acceptances
Accrued interest receivable
Goodwill
Other intangible assets, net
Right-of-use assets - operating leases
Other assets
Total assets
Liabilities
Deposits:
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
Interest-bearing deposits:
NOW deposits
Money market deposits
Savings deposits
Time deposits
Total deposits
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank
Other borrowings of affordable housing investments
Long-term debt
Deferred payments from acquisition
Acceptances outstanding
Lease liabilities - operating leases
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 90,041,474 issued and 79,706,511 outstanding at September 30, 2019, and 89,826,317 issued and 80,501,948 outstanding at December 31, 2018
Additional paid-in-capital
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
Retained earnings
Treasury stock, at cost (10,334,963 shares at September 30, 2019, and 9,324,369 shares at December 31, 2018)
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2019
2018
Interest and Dividend Income
Loans receivable, including loan fees
Investment securities
Deposits with banks
Total interest and dividend income
Interest Expense
Other deposits
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
Short-term borrowings
Total interest expense
Net interest income before reversal for credit losses
Reversal for credit losses
Net interest income after reversal for credit losses
Non-Interest Income
Net gains/(losses) from equity securities
Securities losses, net
Letters of credit commissions
Depository service fees
Gain from acquisition
Other operating income
Total non-interest income
Non-Interest Expense
Salaries and employee benefits
Occupancy expense
Computer and equipment expense
Professional services expense
Data processing service expense
FDIC and regulatory assessments
Marketing expense
Other real estate owned expense/(income)
Amortization of investments in low income housing and alternative energy partnerships
Amortization of core deposit intangibles
Acquisition and integration costs
Other operating expense
Total non-interest expense
Income before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net income
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax
Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on securities available-for-sale
Unrealized holding (losses)/gains on cash flow hedge derivatives
Less: reclassification adjustments for losses included in net income
Total other comprehensive gain/(loss), net of tax
Total other comprehensive income
Net Income Per Common Share:
Basic
Diluted
Cash dividends paid per common share
Average Common Shares Outstanding:
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accumulated
Additional
Other
Total
Number of
Paid-in
Comprehensive
Retained
Treasury
Stockholders'
Three months ended
Shares
Amount
Capital
Loss
Earnings
Stock
Equity
(In thousands, except share data)
Balance at June 30, 2019
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Purchases of treasury stock
Stock-based compensation
Cash dividends of $0.31 per share
Change in other comprehensive loss
Balance at September 30, 2019
Balance at June 30, 2018
Warrants exercised
Cash dividends of $0.24 per share
Balance at September 30, 2018
Nine months ended
Balance at December 31, 2018
Restricted stock units vested
Shares withheld related to net share settlement of RSUs
Stock issued to directors
Cash dividends of $0.93 per share
Balance at December 31, 2017
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles
Reclassification of tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the new corporate income tax rate
Stock options exercised
Cash dividends of $0.72 per share
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for losses on other real estate owned
Deferred tax liability
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of right-of-use asset
Change in operating lease liabilities
Net gains on sale and transfer of other real estate owned
Net gains on sale of held-for-sale loans
Proceeds from sales of held-for sale loans
Amortization on alternative energy partnerships, venture capital and other investments
Net (gain)/loss on sales and calls of securities
Amortization/accretion of security premiums/discounts, net
Loss on sales or disposal of fixed assets
Unrealized (gain)/loss on equity securities
Stock based compensation and stock issued to officers as compensation
Net change in accrued interest receivable and other assets
Gain on acquisition
Net change in other liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Decrease in interest-bearing deposits
Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale
Proceeds from sale of investment securities available-for-sale
Proceeds from repayments, maturities and calls of investment securities available-for-sale
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Redemptions of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Net increase in loans
Purchase of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
Net increase in investment in affordable housing and alternative energy partnerships
Net cash used for investing activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase in deposits
Net decrease in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
Cash dividends paid
Repayment of other borrowings
Proceeds from other borrowings
Proceeds from shares issued under Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of RSUs
Net cash provided by financing activities
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of the period
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of the period
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period:
Interest
Income taxes paid
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Net change in unrealized holding loss on securities available-for-sale, net of tax
Net change in unrealized holding loss on cash flow hedge derivatives
Transfers to other real estate owned from loans held for investment
Loans transferred from held for investment to held for sale, net
1. Business
Cathay General Bancorp (“Bancorp”) is the holding company for Cathay Bank (the “Bank” and, together, with Bancorp, the “Company”), ten limited partnerships investing in affordable housing investments in which the Bank is the sole limited partner, Asia Realty Corp. and GBC Venture Capital, Inc. Bancorp also owns 100% of the common stock of five statutory business trusts created for the purpose of issuing capital securities. The Bank was founded in 1962 and offers a wide range of financial services. As of September 30, 2019, the Bank operates 25 branches in Southern California, 13 branches in Northern California, 10 branches in New York State, four in Washington State, three in Illinois, two in Texas, onein Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Jersey, one in Hong Kong, and a representative office in Taipei, Beijing, and Shanghai. Deposit accounts at the Hong Kong branch are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”).
2. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2019. For further information, refer to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
The preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP requires management of the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company expects that the most significant estimates subject to change are the allowance for loan losses.
3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which requires lessees to recognize leases on their balance sheets and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. Topic 842 was subsequently amended by ASU No. 2018-01, “Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842”; ASU No. 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases”; and ASU No. 2018-11, “Targeted Improvements.” The new standard establishes a right-of-use model (“ROU”) that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement.
The Company has adopted this guidance using the modified-retrospective transition method, which allows the adoption of the accounting standard prospectively without adjusting comparative prior period financial information using the effective date as our date of initial application. Consequently, the Company will not update financial information nor provide the disclosures required under the new standard for dates and periods before January 1, 2019.
The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. We have elected the ‘package of practical expedients’, which permits us not to reassess under the new standard our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. We also elected all of the new standard’s available transition practical expedients.
Upon adoption, we recognized an operating lease liability of $41.2 million, and a corresponding ROU asset of $40.6 million based on the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments under current leasing standards for existing operating leases.
We elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify. Consequently, we will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities, for those leases that qualify, including existing short-term leases of those assets in transition. We also elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for all of our leases. See Note 10.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Receivables- Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.” This update amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. The amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. This update affects all entities that hold investments in callable debt securities that have an amortized cost basis in excess of the amount that is repayable by the issuer at the earliest call date. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements since the accounting on the Company’s purchased callable debt securities have been consistent with the requirements of ASU 2017-8.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815),” which targeted improvements to accounting for hedging activities. The amendments in this update are intended to better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. To meet that objective, the amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. ASU 2017-12, which became effective for us on January 1, 2019, did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes.” The amendments in this update permit use of the OIS rate based on SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815 in addition to the interest rates on direct U.S. Treasury obligations, the LIBOR swap rate, the OIS rate based on the Fed Funds Effective Rate and the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Municipal Swap Rate. ASU 2018-16, which became effective for us on January 1, 2019, did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
In March 2019, the FASB amended ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” to align the guidance for fair value of the underlying asset by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers in Topic 842 with that of existing guidance. As a result, the fair value of the underlying asset at lease commencement is its cost, reflecting any volume or trade discounts that may apply. However, if there has been a significant lapse of time between when the underlying asset is acquired and when the lease commences, the definition of fair value (in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement) should be applied. (Issue 1). The ASU also requires lessors within the scope of Topic 942, Financial Services—Depository and Lending, to present all “principal payments received under leases” within investing activities. (Issue 2). Finally, the ASU exempts both lessees and lessors from having to provide certain interim disclosures in the fiscal year in which a company adopts the new leases standard. (Issue 3). The transition and effective date provisions apply to Issue 1 and Issue 2. They do not apply to Issue 3 because the amendments for that Issue are to the original transition requirements in Topic 842. The effective date of those amendments is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has adopted the amendments of this guidance as part of the adoption of Topic 842 on January 1, 2019, using the transition methodology set forth in paragraph 842-10-65-1(c).
Other Accounting Standards
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” This update requires an entity to use a broader range of reasonable and supportable (“R&S”) forecasts, in addition to historical experience and current conditions, to develop an expected credit loss estimate, referred to as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model, for financial assets and net investments that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities should be recorded through an allowance for credit losses to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 becomes effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019.
The Company has established a multidisciplinary project team and implementation plan, reached accounting decisions on various matters, developed a conceptual framework, and engaged an outside firm to develop econometric regression models for net losses during the R&S forecast period. The Company continues to test and refine the CECL models and has completed one preliminary calculation with two more scheduled before adoption. The Company continues to perform testing and sensitivity analysis on its modeling assumptions and results. Our planned approach for estimating expected life-time credit losses is expected to include, among other things, the following key components for all loan portfolio segments: a. The use of a probability of default/loss given default methodology; b. A number of scenarios based on forecasts from an outside economic forecasting company to develop economic forecasts for the R&S period; c. An initial R&S forecast period of six quarters for all loan portfolio segments, which reflects management's expectation of losses based on forward-looking economic scenarios over that time; d. A post-R&S reversion period of six quarters using a linear transition to the historical loss rates for each loan pool; e. A historical loss period that includes the last recession; and f. Prepayments rates based on our historical experience. The ultimate impact is expected to be influenced by, among other things, the macroeconomic conditions and forecasts at adoption; and other management judgments. We plan to adopt this new standard on January 1, 2020. We are not yet able to disclose the quantitative effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations as we are continuing to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this ASU.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” This update simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Adoption of this update is on a prospective basis and the amendments in this update are to be applied to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Adoption of ASU 2017-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-11, “Earnings per Share (Topic 260), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815).” There are two parts to this update. Part I of this update addresses the complexity of accounting for certain financial instruments with down round features. Down round features are features of certain equity-linked instruments that result in the strike price being reduced on the basis of the pricing of future equity offerings. Part II of this update addresses the difficulty in navigating Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, because of the existence of extensive pending content in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. This pending content is the result of the indefinite deferral of accounting requirements about mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of certain nonpublic entities and certain mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for all entities, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The amendments in part I of this update should be applied in either of the following ways: (i) Retrospectively to outstanding financial instruments with a down round feature by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the first fiscal year and interim periods in which the pending content that links to this paragraph is effective; or (ii) Retrospectively to outstanding financial instruments with a down round feature for each prior reporting period presented in accordance with the guidance on accounting changes in paragraphs 250-10-45-5 through 45-10. The amendments to Part II of this update do not require any transition guidance because those amendments do not have an accounting effect. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Disclosure Framework Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This ASU eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Among the changes, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy but will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU No. 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. As ASU No. 2018-13 only revises disclosure requirements, we do not expect it to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments, which clarifies and improves areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses (ASU 2016-13), hedging (ASU 2017-12), and recognition of financial instruments (ASU 2016-01). The amendments generally have the same effective dates as their related standards. If already adopted, the amendments of ASU 2016-01 and ASU 2016-13 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and the amendments of ASU 2017-12 are effective as of the beginning of the Company’s next annual reporting period; early adoption is permitted. The Company previously adopted both ASU 2017-12 and ASU 2016-01 and does not expect the amendments of ASU 2019-04 will have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of ASU 2016-13 and will consider the amendments of ASU 2019-04 as part of that process.
In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05, “Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326); Targeted Transition Relief.” This ASU allows entities to irrevocably elect, upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, the fair value option on financial instruments that (1) were previously recorded at amortized cost and (2) are within the scope of ASC 326-20 if the instruments are eligible for the fair value option under ASC 825-10. The fair value option election does not apply to held-to-maturity debt securities. Entities are required to make this election on an instrument by instrument basis. ASU 2019-05 has the same effective date as ASU 2016-13 (i.e., the first quarter of 2020). The Company does not have financial instruments that were previously recorded at amortized cost, and therefore, ASU 2019-05 is not expected to impact the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
4. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
The Company manages its cash and cash equivalents, which consist of cash on hand, amounts due from banks, and short-term investments with original maturity of three months or less, based upon the Company’s operating, investment, and financing activities. For the purpose of reporting cash flows, these same accounts are included in cash and cash equivalents.
The Company is required to maintain reserves with the Federal Reserve Bank. Reserve requirements are based on a percentage of deposit liabilities. The average reserve balances required were $144 thousand and $5.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and for the year ended December 31, 2018, respectively. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Bancorp had $9.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, on deposit in a cash margin account that serves as collateral for the Bancorp’s interest rate swaps. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company held $27.4 million and $7.8 million, respectively, in a restricted escrow account with a major bank for its alternative energy investments.
In the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, the amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 have been corrected in the current year and differ from the previously reported amounts of zero for decrease in interest-bearing deposits, $806.1 million for net cash used for investing activities, $42.2 million increase in cash and cash equivalents and $539.8 million for cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.
5. Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock and resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in earnings. Outstanding stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) with anti-dilutive effect were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share. The following table sets forth earnings per common share calculations:
Weighted-average shares:
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of weighted-average outstanding common share equivalents
Warrants
RSUs
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
Average stock options and restricted stock units with anti-dilutive effect
Earnings per common share:
6. Stock-Based Compensation
Pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, the Company may grant incentive stock options (employees only), non-statutory stock options, common stock awards, restricted stock, RSUs, stock appreciation rights and cash awards to non-employee directors and eligible employees.
There were 35,880 stock option shares exercised in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 with no stock options outstanding thereafter. The Company received $838 thousand from the exercise of stock options for 35,880 shares at $23.37 per share that had an aggregate intrinsic value of $718 thousand in the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
RSUs are generally granted at no cost to the recipient. RSUs generally vest ratably over three years or cliff vest after one or three years of continued employment from the date of the grant. While a portion of RSUs may be time-vesting awards, others may vest subject to the attainment of specified performance goals and are referred to as “performance-based RSUs.” All RSUs are subject to forfeiture until vested.
Performance-based RSUs are granted at the target amount of awards. Based on the Company’s attainment of specified performance goals and consideration of market conditions, the number of shares that vest can be adjusted to a minimum of zero and to a maximum of 150% of the target. The amount of performance-based RSUs that are eligible to vest is determined at the end of each performance period and is then added together to determine the total number of performance shares that are eligible to vest. Performance-based RSUs generally cliff vest three years from the date of grant.
Compensation costs for the time-based awards are based on the quoted market price of the Company’s stock at the grant date. Compensation costs associated with performance-based RSUs are based on grant date fair value, which considers both market and performance conditions. Compensation costs of both time-based and performance-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis from the grant date until the vesting date of each grant.
The following table presents RSU activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2019:
Time-Based RSUs
Performance-Based RSUs
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
The compensation expense recorded for RSUs was $1.8 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the compensation expense recorded for RSUs was $4.8 million and $5.3 million, respectively. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to RSUs was $11.5 million and $11.8 million as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of September 30, 2019, these costs are expected to be recognized over the next 2.0 years for time-based and performance-based RSU’s.
As of September 30, 2019, 2,389,185 shares were available for future grants under the Company’s 2005 Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.
Tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements reduced income tax expense by $0.6 million and $0.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
7. Investment Securities
The following tables set forth the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and fair value of securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018:
Gross
Amortized
Unrealized
Cost
Gains
Losses
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. government agency entities
U.S. government sponsored entities
Mortgage-backed securities
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Corporate debt securities
U.S. treasury securities
The amortized cost and fair value of securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2019, by contractual maturities, are set forth in the tables below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations with or without call or repayment penalties.
Securities Available-For-Sale
Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less
Due after one year through five years
Due after five years through ten years
Due after ten years
Equity Securities - The adoption of ASU 2016-01 resulted in approximately $8.6 million being reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, representing an increase to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The Company recognized a net gain of $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, due to the increase in fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair values compared to a net gain of $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The Company recognized a net gain of $7.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, due to the increase in fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair values compared to a net loss of $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Equity securities were $32.9 million and $25.1 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
The following tables set forth the gross unrealized losses and related fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual security has been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or Longer
Fair
Value
To the Company’s knowledge, the unrealized losses were primarily attributed to yield curve movement, together with widened liquidity spreads and credit spreads. The issuers have not, to the Company’s knowledge, established any cause for default on these securities. Management believes the gross unrealized losses detailed in the table above are temporary. The Company expects to recover the amortized cost basis of its securities and has no present intent to sell and will not be required to sell available-for-sale securities that have declined below their cost before their anticipated recovery. Accordingly, noother than temporary impairment write-downs were recorded on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.
Securities available-for-sale having a carrying value of $20.8 million and $28.5 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, other borrowings and treasury tax and loan.
8.Loans
Most of the Company’s business activities are with customers located in the high-density Asian-populated areas of Southern and Northern California; New York City, New York; Dallas and Houston, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Edison, New Jersey; Rockville, Maryland; and Las Vegas, Nevada. The Company also has loan customers in Hong Kong. The Company has no specific industry concentration, and generally its loans are secured by real property or other collateral of the borrowers. The Company generally expects loans to be paid off from the operating profits of the borrowers, from refinancing by other lenders, or through sale by the borrowers of the secured collateral.
The types of loans in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, were as follows:
Commercial loans
Residential mortgage loans
Commercial mortgage loans
Equity lines
Real estate construction loans
Installment and other loans
Gross loans
Allowance for loan losses
Total loans, net
As of September 30, 2019, recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $88.8 million and was comprised of non-accrual loans of $47.2 million and accruing troubled debt restructured loans (“TDRs”) of $41.6 million. As of December 31, 2018, recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $106.9 million and was comprised of non-accrual loans of $41.8 million and accruing TDRs of $65.1 million. For impaired loans, the amounts previously charged off represent 1.9% and 9.3% of the contractual balances for impaired loans as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
The following table presents the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Average Recorded Investment
Interest Income Recognized
Residential mortgage loans and equity lines
Total impaired loans
The following table presents impaired loans and the related allowance for loan losses as of the dates indicated:
Unpaid Principal Balance
Recorded Investment
Allowance
With no allocated allowance
Subtotal
With allocated allowance
The following tables present the aging of the loan portfolio by type as of September 30, 2019, and as of December 31, 2018:
30-59 Days Past Due
60-89 Days Past Due
90 Days or More Past Due
Non-accrual Loans
Total Past Due
Loans Not Past Due
Total loans
The determination of the amount of the allowance for loan losses for impaired loans is based on management’s current judgment about the credit quality of the loan portfolio and takes into consideration known relevant internal and external factors that affect collectability when determining the appropriate level for the allowance for loan losses. The nature of the process by which the Bank determines the appropriate allowance for loan losses requires the exercise of considerable judgment. This allowance evaluation process is also applied to TDRs since they are considered to be impaired loans. The allowance for loan losses and the reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments are significant estimates that can and do change based on management’s process in analyzing the loan portfolio and on management’s assumptions about specific borrowers, underlying collateral, and applicable economic, market and environmental conditions, among other factors.
A TDR is a formal modification of the terms of a loan when the lender, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower. The concessions may be granted in various forms, including a change in the stated interest rate, a reduction in the loan balance or accrued interest, or an extension of the maturity date that causes significant delay in payment.
TDRs on accrual status are comprised of the loans that have, pursuant to the Bank’s policy, performed under the restructured terms and have demonstrated sustained performance under the modified terms for six months before being returned to accrual status. The sustained performance considered by management pursuant to its policy includes the periods prior to the modification if the prior performance met or exceeded the modified terms. This would include cash paid by the borrower prior to the restructure to set up interest reserves.
As of September 30, 2019, accruing TDRs were $41.6 million and non-accrual TDRs were $19.8 million compared to accruing TDRs of $65.1 million and non-accrual TDRs of $24.2 million as of December 31, 2018. The Company allocated specific reserves of $1.2 million to accruing TDRs and $141 thousand to non-accrual TDRs as of September 30, 2019, and $1.5 million to accruing TDRs and $826 thousand to non-accrual TDRs as of December 31, 2018. The following tables set forth TDRs that were modified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, their specific reserves as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, and charge-offs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
No. of Contracts
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Charge-offs
Specific Reserve
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
September 30, 2018
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Modifications of the loan terms in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were in the form of extensions of maturity dates, which ranged generally from three to twelve months from the modification date.
We expect that the TDRs on accruing status as of September 30, 2019, which were all performing in accordance with their restructured terms, will continue to comply with the restructured terms because of the reduced principal or interest payments on these loans. A summary of TDRs by type of concession and by type of loan, as of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, is set forth in the table below:
Payment Deferral
Rate
Reduction
Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral
Accruing TDRs
Total accruing TDRs
Non-accrual TDRs
Total non-accrual TDRs
The activity within TDRs for the periods indicated is set forth below:
Beginning balance
New restructurings
Restructured loans restored to accrual status
Payments
Restructured loans placed on non-accrual status
Ending balance
The Company considers a loan to be in payment default once it is 60 to 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms. The Company did not have any loans that were modified as a TDR during the previous twelve months and which had subsequently defaulted as of September 30, 2019.
Under the Company’s internal underwriting policy, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification in order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty.
As of September 30, 2019, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to those borrowers whose loans had been restructured, were considered impaired, or were on non-accrual status.
As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of our loan portfolio, the Company utilizes a risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each loan. The risk rating categories can be generally described by the following grouping for non-homogeneous loans:
Pass/Watch – These loans range from minimal credit risk to lower than average, but still acceptable, credit risk.
Special Mention – Borrower is fundamentally sound, and loan is currently protected but adverse trends are apparent that, if not corrected, may affect ability to repay. Primary source of loan repayment remains viable but there is increasing reliance on collateral or guarantor support.
Substandard – These loans are inadequately protected by current sound net worth, paying capacity, or collateral. Well-defined weaknesses exist that could jeopardize repayment of debt. Loss may not be imminent, but if weaknesses are not corrected, there is a good possibility of some loss.
Doubtful – The possibility of loss is extremely high, but due to identifiable and important pending events (which may strengthen the loan), a loss classification is deferred until the situation is better defined.
Loss – These loans are considered uncollectible and of such little value that to continue to carry the loan as an active asset is no longer warranted.
The following tables set forth the loan portfolio by risk rating as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
Pass/Watch
Special
Mention
Substandard
Doubtful
Total gross loans
The following tables set forth the balance in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
Real Estate
Commercial
Residential
Installment
Construction
Mortgage
Mortgage Loans
and
and Equity Lines
Other Loans
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Balance
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Total allowance
Total balance
The following tables set forth activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, and September 30, 2018. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.
Three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018
and Other
Equity Lines
June 30, 2019 Ending Balance
Provision/(reversal) for possible credit losses
Recoveries
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries
September 30, 2019 Ending Balance
June 30, 2018 Ending Balance
Net recoveries
September 30, 2018 Ending Balance
Nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018
2019 Beginning Balance
Reserve for impaired loans
Reserve for non-impaired loans
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments
2018 Beginning Balance
Loans Held-for-Sale
At the time of commitment to originate or purchase a loan, the loan is determined to be held for investment if it is in the Company’s intent to hold the loan to maturity or for the “foreseeable future,” subject to periodic reviews under the Company’s evaluation processes, including asset/liability and credit risk management. When the Company subsequently changes its intent to hold certain loans, the loans are transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale at the lower of cost or fair value. As of September 30, 2019, there were approximately $36.8 million of loans held-for-sale, which were all comprised of residential mortgage loans. There were no loans held-for-sale as of December 31, 2018.
Loans Purchases, Transfers and Sales
The Company purchases and sells loans in the secondary market in the ordinary course of business. From time to time, purchased loans may be transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale, and write-downs to the allowance for loan losses are recorded, when appropriate. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company reclassified $75.3 million of residential mortgages from held-for-investment to held-for-sale. Net gains on sales of loans, excluding the lower of cost or fair value adjustments, were $0.8 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. The Company recorded a lower of cost or fair value adjustment of $120 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. Noloan transfers were made during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.
9. Commitments and Contingencies
From time to time, Bancorp and its subsidiaries are parties to litigation that arise in the ordinary course of business or otherwise are incidental to various aspects of its operations. Based upon information available to the Company and its review of any such litigation with counsel, management believes that the liability relating to such litigation, if any, would not be expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity taken as a whole.
Although the Company establishes accruals for legal proceedings when information related to the loss contingencies represented by those matters indicates both that a loss is probable and that the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company does not have accruals for all legal proceedings where there is a risk of loss. In addition, amounts accrued may not represent the ultimate loss to the Company from the legal proceedings in question. Thus, ultimate losses may be higher or lower, and possibly significantly so, than the amounts accrued for legal loss contingencies.
In the normal course of business, the Company from time to time becomes a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit in the form of loans, or through commercial or standby letters of credit and financial guarantees. These instruments represent varying degrees of exposure to risk in excess of the amounts included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The contractual or notional amount of these instruments indicates a level of activity associated with a particular class of financial instrument and is not a reflection of the level of expected losses, if any.
The Company’s unfunded commitments related to investments in qualified affordable housing and alternative energy partnerships were $131.4 million and $113.0 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
10. Leases
The Company determines if a contract arrangement is a lease at inception and primarily enters into operating lease contracts for its branch locations, office space and certain equipment. As part of its property lease agreements, the Company may seek to include options to extend or terminate at lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise those options. The ROU lease asset also includes any lease payments made and lease incentives. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company does not possess any leases that have variable lease payments or residual value guarantees as of September 30, 2019.
Accounting Policy Elections - The Company has elected the package of practical expedients that permits the Company to not reassess our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The Company also elected all of the new standard’s available transition practical expedients, including the short-term lease recognition exemption that includes not recognizing ROU assets or lease liabilities for existing short-term leases, and the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for all of our leases.
Significant Assumptions - The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of its lease liabilities. The Company calculated a weighted average borrowing rate of 3.14% and a weighted average remaining lease term of 5.47 years as of September 30, 2019.
As of September 30, 2019, the Company recorded a ROU asset of $34.5 million, net of accumulated amortization of $6.2 million. Operating lease expense was $3.3 million and $10.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and includes short-term leases that were immaterial. Operating cash flows from operating leases were $2.1 million and $6.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The below maturity schedule represents the undiscounted lease payments for the 5-year period and thereafter as of September 30, 2019.
As of September 30, 2019
Operating Leases
Remaining 2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter
Total lease payments
Less amount of payment representing interest
Total present value of lease payments
The following table shows future minimum payments under operating leases with terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2018.
As of December 31, 2018
Total minimum lease payments
11. Borrowed Funds
Borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) - As of September 30, 2019, over-night borrowings from the FHLB were $330 million at an average rate of 2.08% compared to $200 million at an average rate of 2.56% as of December 31, 2018. Advances from the FHLB were $270 million at an average rate of 2.15% as of September 30, 2019 and $330 million at an average rate of 2.42% as of December 31, 2018. As of September 30, 2019, FHLB advances of $50 million will mature in December 2019, $75 million in May 2021, $50 million in June 2021, $75 million in July 2021, and $20 million in May 2023.
Other Borrowings - The Company owes a residual payable balance of $7.6 million to Bank SinoPac Co. related to the Company’s acquisition of SinoPac Bancorp, the parent of Far East National Bank. The remaining balance of $7.0 million, due in July 2020, has an interest rate of 3.60% (three month LIBOR rate plus 150 basis points) as of September 30, 2019.
Long-term Debt - On October 12, 2017, the Bank entered into a term loan agreement of $75.0 million with U.S. Bank. The loan has a floating rate of one-month LIBOR plus 175 basis points. As of September 30, 2019, the term loan has a remaining balance of $41.3 million and an interest rate of 3.875% compared to 4.125% at December 31, 2018. The principal amount of the long-term debt from U.S. Bank is due and payable in consecutive quarterly installments of $4.7 million each on the last day of each calendar quarter commencing December 31, 2018, with the final installment due and payable on October 12, 2020. We used the U.S. Bank loan proceeds to fund a portion of our acquisition of SinoPac Bancorp.
The Company established three special purpose trusts in 2003 and two in 2007 for the purpose of issuing Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in their Subordinated Debentures to outside investors (“Capital Securities”). The proceeds from the issuance of the Capital Securities as well as our purchase of the common stock of the special purpose trusts were invested in Junior Subordinated Notes of the Company (“Junior Subordinated Notes”). The trusts exist for the purpose of issuing the Capital Securities and investing in Junior Subordinated Notes. Subject to some limitations, payment of distributions out of the monies held by the trusts and payments on liquidation of the trusts, or the redemption of the Capital Securities, are guaranteed by the Company to the extent the trusts have funds on hand at such time. The obligations of the Company under the guarantees and the Junior Subordinated Notes are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all indebtedness of the Company and are structurally subordinated to all liabilities and obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company has the right to defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Notes at any time or from time to time for a period of up to twenty consecutive quarterly periods with respect to each deferral period. Under the terms of the Junior Subordinated Notes, the Company may not, with certain exceptions, declare or pay any dividends or distributions on its capital stock or purchase or acquire any of its capital stock if it has deferred payment of interest on any Junior Subordinated Notes.
At September 30, 2019, Junior Subordinated Notes totaled $119.1 million with a weighted average interest rate of 4.29%, compared to $119.1 million with a weighted average rate of 4.96% at December 31, 2018. The Junior Subordinated Notes have a stated maturity term of 30 years.
12. Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2019 was 20.3% compared to 19.0% for the first nine months of 2018. The effective tax rate includes the impact of low-income housing and alternative energy investment tax credits. Income tax expense for the first nine months of 2019 was reduced by $0.6 million in benefits from the distribution of restricted stock units.
The Company’s tax returns are open for audit by the Internal Revenue Service back to 2016 and by the California Franchise Tax Board back to 2014. The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for 2017.
It is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits could change significantly over the next twelve months. The Company does not expect that any such changes would have a material impact on its annual effective tax rate.
13. Fair Value Measurements
The Company determined the fair values of our financial instruments based on the following:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Observable prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; directly observable market inputs for substantially the full term of the asset and liability; market inputs that are not directly observable but are derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own judgment about the assumptions that a market participant would use.
The Company uses the following methodologies to measure the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities on a recurring basis:
Securities Available for Sale - For certain U.S. Treasury securities, the Company measures the fair value based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets at the reporting date, a Level 1 measurement. The Company also measures securities by using quoted market prices for similar securities or dealer quotes, a Level 2 measurement. This category generally includes U.S. Government agency securities, U.S. Government sponsored entities, state and municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), collateralized mortgage obligations and corporate bonds.
Equity Securities – The Company measures the fair value based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets at the reporting date, a level 1 measurement. Equity securities are comprised of mutual funds, preferred stock of government-sponsored entities and other equity securities.
Foreign Exchange Contracts - The Company measures the fair value of foreign exchange contracts based on dealer quotes, a Level 2 measurement.
Warrants - The Company measures the fair value of warrants based on unobservable inputs based on assumptions and management judgment, a Level 3 measurement.
Interest Rate Swaps - Fair value of interest rate swaps is derived from third party models with observable market data, a Level 2 measurement.
Assets measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis:
Certain assets or liabilities are required to be measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to initial recognition. Generally, these adjustments are the result of lower-of-cost-or-fair value or other impairment write-downs of individual assets. In determining the estimated fair values during the period, the Company determined that substantially all the changes in estimated fair value were due to declines in market conditions versus instrument specific credit risk. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were no material adjustments to fair value for the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP.
The following tables present the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018:
Fair Value Measurements Using
Total Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Measurements
Securities available-for-sale
Total securities available-for-sale
Mutual funds
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities
Other equity securities
Total equity securities
Interest rate swaps
Foreign exchange contracts
Option contracts
U.S. Treasury securities
The Company measured the fair value of its warrants on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs. The fair value adjustment of warrants was included in other operating income in the third quarter of 2019. The significant unobservable inputs in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the fair value of warrants are their expected life ranging from 1 to 6 years, risk-free interest rate from 1.77% to 1.87%, and stock volatility from 13.86% to 20.46%.
For financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis that were still reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2019, the following tables set forth the level of valuation assumptions used to determine each adjustment, the carrying value of the related individual assets as of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, and the total losses for the periods indicated:
Total Losses
Total Fair
For the Three Months Ended
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Impaired loans by type:
Loans held-for-sale
Other real estate owned (1)
Investments in venture capital and private company stock
(1) Other real estate owned balance of $11.3 million in the condensed consolidated balance sheet is net of estimated disposal costs.
Total Losses/(Gains)
For the Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2017
(1) Other real estate owned balance of $12.7 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheets is net of estimated disposal costs.
The significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs used in the fair value measurement of collateral for collateral-dependent impaired loans are primarily based on the appraised value of collateral adjusted by estimated sales cost and commissions. The Company generally obtains new appraisal reports every twelve months as appropriate. As the Company’s primary objective in the event of default would be to monetize the collateral to settle the outstanding balance of the loan, less marketable collateral would receive a larger discount. During the 2018 reported period, collateral discounts ranged from 55% in the case of accounts receivable collateral to 65% in the case of inventory collateral. In the current year, the Company began using borrower specific collateral discounts with various discount levels.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of other real estate owned (“OREO”) are primarily based on the appraised value of OREO adjusted by estimated sales cost and commissions. The Company applies estimated sales cost and commissions ranging from 3% to 6% of the collateral value of impaired loans, quoted price, or loan sale price of loans held for sale, and appraised value of OREO.
14. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - For cash and cash equivalents, the carrying amount is assumed to be a reasonable estimate of fair value, a Level 1 measurement.
Short-term Investments and interest-bearing deposits - For short-term investments and interest-bearing deposits, the carrying amount is assumed to be a reasonable estimate of fair value, a Level 1 measurement.
Loans - Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and by performing and non-performing categories. The fair values are based primarily on third-party vendor pricing to determine fair values based on the exit price notion.
The fair value of performing loans is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan, a Level 3 measurement.
The fair value of impaired loans is calculated based on the net realizable fair value of the collateral or the observable market price of the most recent sale or quoted price from loans held for sale. The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral dependent impaired loans are recorded based on the current appraised value or adjusted appraised value of the collateral, a Level 2 or Level 3 measurement.
Loans Held-for-Sale – The Company records loans held for sale at fair value based on quoted prices from third party sale analysis, existing sale agreements, or appraisal reports adjusted by sales commission assumption, a Level 3 measurement.
FHLB Stock - These securities can only be redeemed or sold at their par value and only to the respective issuing government-supported institution or to another member institution. Management considers these non-marketable equity securities to be long-term investments. Accordingly, when evaluating these securities for impairment, management considers the ultimate recoverability of the par value rather than recognizing temporary declines in value.
Deposit Liabilities - The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and certain money market deposits is assumed to be the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities, a Level 3 measurement.
Advances from FHLB - The fair value of the advances is based on quotes from the FHLB to settle the advances, a Level 2 measurement.
Other Borrowings - This category includes borrowings from other financial institutions. The fair value of other borrowings is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest rate risk, a Level 3 measurement.
Long-term Debt - The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices or dealer quotes, a Level 2 measurement.
Currency Option and Foreign Exchange Contracts - The Company measures the fair value of currency option and foreign exchange contracts based on dealer quotes, a Level 2 measurement.
Off-Balance-Sheet Financial Instruments - The fair value of commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, and financial guarantees written is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. The fair value of guarantees and letters of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date. The fair value of off-balance-sheet financial instruments is based on the assumptions that a market participant would use, a Level 3 measurement.
Fair value is estimated in accordance with ASC Topic 825. Fair value estimates are made at specific points in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Bank’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Bank’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
The following table sets forth the carrying and notional amounts and estimated fair value of financial instruments as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
Carrying
Financial Assets
Short-term investments
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Notional
Financial Liabilities
Deposits
Other borrowings
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
Commitments to extend credit
Standby letters of credit
Other letters of credit
Bill of lading guarantees
The following tables set forth the level in the fair value hierarchy for the estimated fair values of financial instruments as of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018.
Estimated
15. Goodwill and Goodwill Impairment
The Company’s policy is to assess goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis or between annual assessments if a triggering event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Impairment is the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.
As of September 30, 2019, the Company’s market capitalization was above book value and there was no triggering event that required the Company to assess goodwill for impairment as of an interim date.
16. Financial Derivatives
It is our policy not to speculate on the future direction of interest rates. However, from time to time, we may enter into financial derivatives in order to seek mitigation of exposure to interest rate risks related to our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. We believe that these transactions, when properly structured and managed, may provide a hedge against inherent interest rate risk in our assets or liabilities and against risk in specific transactions. In such instances, we may enter into interest rate swap contracts or other types of financial derivatives. Prior to considering any hedging activities, we seek to analyze the costs and benefits of the hedge in comparison to other viable alternative strategies. All hedges must be approved by the Bank’s Investment Committee.
The Company follows ASC Topic 815 that establishes accounting and reporting standards for financial derivatives, including certain financial derivatives embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities. It requires the recognition of all financial derivatives as assets or liabilities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and measurement of those financial derivatives at fair value. The accounting treatment of changes in fair value is dependent upon whether or not a financial derivative is designated as a hedge and, if so, the type of hedge. Fair value is determined using third-party models with observable market data. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income and are reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction is reflected in earnings. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reflected in current earnings, together with changes in the fair value of the related hedged item if there is a highly effective correlation between changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps and changes in the fair value of the underlying asset or liability that is intended to be hedged. If there is not a highly effective correlation between changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap and changes in the fair value of the underlying asset or liability that is intended to be hedged, then only the changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company offers various interest rate derivative contracts to its customers. When derivative transactions are executed with its customers, the derivative contracts are offset by paired trades with third-party financial institutions including with central counterparties (“CCP”). Certain derivative contracts entered with CCPs are settled-to-market daily to the extent the CCP’s rulebooks legally characterize the variation margin as settlement. Derivative contracts are intended to allow borrowers to lock in attractive intermediate and long-term fixed rate financing while not increasing the interest rate risk to the Company. These transactions are generally not linked to specific Company assets or liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets or to forecasted transactions in a hedging relationship and, therefore, are economic hedges. The contracts are marked to market at each reporting period. The changes in fair values of the derivative contracts traded with third-party financial institutions are expected to be largely comparable to the changes in fair values of the derivative transactions executed with customers throughout the terms of these contracts, except for the credit valuation adjustment component. The Company records credit valuation adjustments on derivatives to properly reflect the variances of credit worthiness between the Company and the counterparties, considering the effects of enforceable master netting agreements and collateral arrangements.
In May 2014, the Bancorp entered into interest rate swap contracts in the notional amount of $119.1 million for a period of ten years. The objective of these interest rate swap contracts, which were designated as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges, was to hedge the quarterly interest payments on the Bancorp’s $119.1 million of Junior Subordinated Debentures that had been issued to five trusts, throughout the ten-year period beginning in June 2014 and ending in June 2024, from the risk of variability of these payments resulting from changes in the three-month LIBOR interest rate. The Bancorp pays a weighted average fixed interest rate of 2.61% and receives a variable interest rate of the three-month LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.37%. The notional amount of cash flow interest rate swaps was $119.1 million as of both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and their unrealized loss of $4.4 million and $241 thousand, net of taxes, was included in other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The amount of periodic net settlement of interest rate swaps included in interest expense was $78 thousand and $83 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The amount of periodic net settlement of interest rate swaps included in interest expense was a net interest expense of $41 thousand and a net interest expense of $480 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of September 30, 2019, and 2018, the ineffective portion of these interest rate swaps was not significant.
As of September 30, 2019, the Bank’s outstanding interest rate swap contracts had a notional amount of $584.0 million for various terms from three to ten years. The Bank entered into these interest rate swap contracts that are matched to individual fixed-rate commercial real estate loans in the Bank’s loan portfolio. These contracts have been designated as hedging instruments to hedge the risk of changes in the fair value of the underlying commercial real estate loans due to changes in interest rates. The swap contracts are structured so that the notional amounts reduce over time to match the contractual amortization of the underlying loan and allow prepayments with the same pre-payment penalty amounts as the related loan. The Bank pays a weighted average fixed rate of 4.71% and receives a variable rate of the one-month LIBOR rate plus a weighted average spread of 261 basis points, or at a weighted average rate of 5.01%. As of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the notional amount of fair value interest rate swaps was $584.0 million and $613.4 million, respectively, with net unrealized losses of $9.8 million and net unrealized gains of $6.6 million, respectively, included in other non-interest income. The amount of periodic net settlement of interest rate swaps increased interest income by $205 thousand and $96 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The amount of periodic net settlement of interest rate swaps increased interest income by $1.4 million and decreased interest income by $132 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of September 30, 2019, and 2018, the ineffective portion of these interest rate swaps was not significant.
Interest rate swap contracts involve the risk of dealing with institutional derivative counterparties and their ability to meet contractual terms. Institutional counterparties must have a strong credit profile and be approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company’s credit exposure on interest rate swaps is limited to the net favorable value and interest payments of all swaps by each counterparty. Credit exposure may be reduced by the amount of collateral pledged by the counterparty. The Bancorp’s interest rate swaps have been assigned by the counterparties to a derivative clearing organization and daily margin is indirectly maintained with the derivative clearing organization. Cash posted as collateral by the Bancorp related to derivative contracts totaled $9.1 million as of September 30, 2019 and $1.8 million as of December 31, 2018.
The Company from time to time enters into foreign exchange forward contracts with various counterparties to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for foreign exchange certificates of deposit or foreign exchange contracts entered into with our clients. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and are recorded at fair value in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of these contracts as well as the related foreign exchange certificates of deposit and foreign exchange contracts are recognized immediately in net income as a component of non-interest income. Period end gross positive fair values are recorded in other assets and gross negative fair values are recorded in other liabilities. As of September 30, 2019, the notional amount of option contracts totaled $1.2 million with a net negative fair value of $6 thousand. As of September 30, 2019, spot, forward, and swap contracts in the total notional amount of $71.0 million had a positive fair value of $965 thousand. Spot, forward, and swap contracts in the total notional amount of $121.8 million had a negative fair value of $2.4 million at September 30, 2019. As of December 31, 2018, the notional amount of option contracts totaled $1.2 million with a net negative fair value of $6 thousand. As of December 31, 2018, spot, forward, and swap contracts in the total notional amount of $86.9 million had a positive fair value of $397 thousand. Spot, forward, and swap contracts in the total notional amount of $95.0 million had a negative fair value of $1.8 million at December 31, 2018.
17. Balance Sheet Offsetting
Certain financial instruments, including resell and repurchase agreements, securities lending arrangements and derivatives, may be eligible for offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and/or subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements. The Company’s securities sold with agreements to repurchase and derivative transactions with upstream financial institution counterparties are generally executed under International Swaps and Derivative Association master agreements that include “right of set-off” provisions. In such cases, there is generally a legally enforceable right to offset recognized amounts and there may be an intention to settle such amounts on a net basis. Nonetheless, the Company does not generally offset such financial instruments for financial reporting purposes.
Financial instruments that are eligible for offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, as of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, are set forth in the following table:
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Amounts
Recognized
Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Balance Sheet
Net Amounts
Presented in the
Financial
Instruments
Collateral
Posted
Net Amount
Assets:
Derivatives
Liabilities:
18. Revenue from Contracts with Customers
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Topic 606 and all subsequent ASUs that modified ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. The new standard did not materially impact the timing or measurement of the Company’s revenue recognition as it is consistent with the Company’s existing accounting for contracts within the scope of the new standard. There was no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as a result of adopting this new standard.
The following is a summary of revenue from contracts with customers that are in-scope and not in-scope under ASC 606:
Three months Ended September 30,
Nine months Ended September 30,
Non-interest income, in-scope:
Fees and service charges on deposit accounts
Wealth management fees
Other service fees(1)
Total noninterest income
Noninterest income, not in-scope(2)
(1) Other service fees comprise of fees related to letters of credit, wire fees, fees on foreign exchange transactions and other immaterial individual revenue streams.
(2) These amounts primarily represent revenue from contracts with customers that are out of the scope of ASC 606.
The major revenue streams by fee type that are within the scope of ASC 606 presented in the above tables are described in additional detail below:
Fees and Services Charges on Deposit Accounts
Fees and service charges on deposit accounts include charges for analysis, overdraft, cash checking, ATM, and safe deposit activities executed by our deposit clients, as well as interchange income earned through card payment networks for the acceptance of card based transactions. Fees earned from our deposit clients are governed by contracts that provide for overall custody and access to deposited funds and other related services and can be terminated at will by either party. Fees received from deposit clients for the various deposit activities are recognized as revenue by the Company once the performance obligations are met. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 had no impact to the recognition of fees and service charges on deposit accounts.
Wealth Management Fees
The Company employs financial consultants to provide investment planning services for customers including wealth management services, asset allocation strategies, portfolio analysis and monitoring, investment strategies, and risk management strategies. The fees the Company earns are variable and are generally received monthly by the Company. The Company recognizes revenue for the services performed at quarter end based on actual transaction details received from the broker dealer the Company engages.
Practical Expedients and Exemptions
The Company applies the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-50-14 and does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations as the Company’s contracts with customers generally have a term that is less than one year, are open-ended with a cancellation period that is less than one year, or allow the Company to recognize revenue in the amount to which the Company has the right to invoice.
In addition, given the short term nature of the contracts, the Company also applies the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-32-18 and does not adjust the consideration from customers for the effects of a significant financing component, if at contract inception the period between when the entity transfers the goods or services and when the customer pays for that good or service is one year or less.
19. Stockholders’ Equity
Total equity was $2.25 billion as of September 30, 2019, an increase of $124.0 million, from $2.12 billion as of December 31, 2018, primarily due to net income of $211.8 million, increases in other comprehensive income of $17.2 million, and proceeds from dividend reinvestment of $2.5 million, and partially offset by common stock cash dividends of $74.4 million and repurchases of the Company’s common stock of $36.3 million.
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, and reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, and September 30, 2018, was as follows:
Three months ended September 30, 2019
Three months ended September 30, 2018
Pre-tax
Tax expense/
(benefit)
Net-of-tax
Cash flow hedge derivatives
Net unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period
Reclassification adjustment for net losses in net income
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)
Ending balance, gain/(loss), net of tax
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
Nine months ended September 30, 2018
Reclassification adjustment for equity securities (2)
These amounts were recorded as of January 1, 2018 as a result of the adoption of ASU 2018-2.
This amount was recorded as of January 1, 2018 as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-1.
20. Stock Repurchase Program
In May 2019, the Company completed the October 2018 stock repurchase program with the repurchase of 1,182,060 shares in total for approximately $45.0 million at an average cost of $38.07 per share of the Company’s common stock.
Thereafter, on May 7, 2019, the Company announced that its Board of Directors adopted a new stock repurchase program to buy back up to $50.0 million of the Company’s common stock. As of September 30, 2019, the Company repurchased 741,934 shares for approximately $26.4 million, at an average cost of $35.59 per share, and may repurchase up to an additional $23.6 million of its common stock under the May 2019 stock repurchase program.
21. Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated the effect of events that have occurred subsequent to September 30, 2019, through the date of issuance of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and, based on such evaluation, the Company believes that there have been no material events during such period that would require recognition in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosure in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion is based on the assumption that the reader has access to and has read the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Critical Accounting Policies
The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon its unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues, and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Critical accounting policies involve significant judgments, assumptions and uncertainties and are essential to understanding the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. Management of the Company considers the following to be critical accounting policies:
Accounting for the allowance for loan losses involves significant judgments and assumptions by management, which have a material impact on, among other things, the carrying value of net loans. The judgments and assumptions used by management are based on historical experience and other factors, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances as described in “Allowance for Credit Losses” under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Highlights
Total loans, including loans held for sale, increased $171.8 million, or 4.9% annualized, to $14.8 billion for the quarter.
Total deposits increased $295.3 million, or 8.6% annualized, to $14.7 billion for the quarter.
Quarterly Statement of Operations Review
Net Income
Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, was $72.8 million, an increase of $3.0 million, or 4.3%, compared to net income of $69.8 million for the same quarter a year ago. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 was $0.91 compared to $0.85 for the same quarter a year ago.
Return on average stockholders’ equity was 12.98% and return on average assets was 1.65% for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, compared to a return on average stockholders’ equity of 13.19% and a return on average assets of 1.72% for the same quarter a year ago.
Financial Performance
Net income (in millions)
Basic earnings per common share
Diluted earnings per common share
Return on average assets
Return on average total stockholders' equity
Efficiency ratio
Net Interest Income Before Provision for Credit Losses
Net interest income before provision for credit losses increased $1.9 million, or 1.3%, to $147.0 million during the third quarter of 2019, compared to $145.1 million during the same quarter a year ago. The increase was due primarily to a $3.1 million increase in interest recoveries and prepayment penalties, offset in part by an increase in interest expense from time deposits.
The net interest margin was 3.56% for the third quarter of 2019 compared to 3.83% for the third quarter of 2018 and 3.58% for the second quarter of 2019.
For the third quarter of 2019, the yield on average interest-earning assets was 4.80%, the cost of funds on average interest-bearing liabilities was 1.65%, and the cost of interest-bearing deposits was 1.60%. In comparison, for the third quarter of 2018, the yield on average interest-earning assets was 4.67%, the cost of funds on average interest-bearing liabilities was 1.15%, and the cost of interest-bearing deposits was 1.05%. The increase in the yield on average interest-earning assets resulted primarily from the higher interest recoveries and prepayment penalties discussed above. The net interest spread, defined as the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of funds on average interest-bearing liabilities, was 3.15% for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, compared to 3.52% for the same quarter a year ago.
The following table sets forth information concerning average interest-earning assets, average interest-bearing liabilities, and the average yields and rates paid on those assets and liabilities for the three months ended September 30, 2019, and 2018. Average outstanding amounts included in the table are daily averages.
Interest-Earning Assets and Interest-Bearing Liabilities
Average
Income/
Yield/
Expense
Rate (1)(2)
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Total loans and leases (1)
Interest-bearing deposits
Total interest-earning assets
Non-interest earning assets:
Other non-earning assets
Total non-interest earning assets
Deferred loan fees
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand accounts
Money market accounts
Savings accounts
Total interest-bearing deposits
Total interest-bearing liabilities
Non-interest bearing liabilities:
Demand deposit
Net interest spread
Net interest income
Net interest margin
Yields and amounts of interest earned include loan fees. Non-accrual loans are included in the average balance.
Calculated by dividing net interest income by average outstanding interest-earning assets.
The following table summarizes the changes in interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in volume and changes in interest rates:
Changes in
Volume
Change
Loans and leases
Deposits with other banks
Total changes in interest income
Other borrowed funds
Total changes in interest expense
Changes in net interest income
Changes in interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in both volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to changes due to volume and changes due to rate.
Provision/(reversal) for credit losses
The Company recorded a reversal for credit losses of $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2019 compared to a reversal for credit losses of $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2018, based on our management’s review of the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively. The following table summarizes the charge-offs and recoveries for the periods indicated:
Charge-offs:
Real estate loans (1)
Total charge-offs
Recoveries:
Construction loans
Total recoveries
Real estate loans include commercial mortgage loans, residential mortgage loans, and equity lines.
Non-interest income, which includes revenues from depository service fees, letters of credit commissions, equity securities gains (losses), wire transfer fees, and other sources of fee income, was $10.4 million for the third quarter of 2019, an increase of $2.6 million, or 33.3%, compared to $7.8 million for the third quarter of 2018. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $1.5 million in the valuation of interest rate swap contracts and an increase of $0.8 million from the sale of residential mortgages, when compared to the same quarter a year ago.
Non-interest expense decreased $0.4 million, or 0.6%, to $65.6 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to $66.0 million in the same quarter a year ago. The decrease was primarily due to a $4.1 million decrease in the amortization of low income housing and alternative energy partnerships, which was partially offset by a $1.4 million increase in salary and employee benefits and a $1.2 million increase in marketing expense, when compared to the same quarter a year ago. The efficiency ratio was 41.7% in the third quarter of 2019 compared to 43.1% for the same quarter a year ago.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2019 was 22.4% compared to 21.1% for the third quarter of 2018. The income tax expense for the third quarter of 2019 included a $1.4 million adjustment to reflect the impact of the delay in installation of solar systems and $0.8 million adjustment for lower than expected low income housing tax credits. The effective tax rate for both quarters includes the impact of low-income housing and alternative energy investment tax credits.
Year-to-Date Statement of Operations Review
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, was $211.8 million, an increase of $4.6 million, or 2.2%, compared to net income of $207.2 million for the same period a year ago. Diluted earnings per share was $2.64 compared to $2.53 per share for the same period a year ago. The net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, was 3.61% compared to 3.80% for the same period a year ago.
Return on average stockholders’ equity was 12.94% and return on average assets was 1.65% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to a return on average stockholders’ equity of 13.56% and a return on average assets of 1.75% for the same period a year ago. The efficiency ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, was 43.87% compared to 43.05% for the same period a year ago.
The following table sets forth information concerning average interest-earning assets, average interest-bearing liabilities, and the average yields and rates paid on those assets and liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, and 2018. Average outstanding amounts included in the table are daily averages.
Time deposit
Demand deposits
Balance Sheet Review
Total assets were $18.0 billion as of September 30, 2019, an increase of $1.2 billion, or 7.1%, from $16.8 billion as of December 31, 2018, primarily due to loan growth and increases in investment securities offset in part by decreases in short-term investments.
Securities Available for Sale
Securities available-for-sale represented 7.9% of total assets as of September 30, 2019, compared to 7.4% of total assets as of December 31, 2018. Securities available-for-sale were $1.4 billion as of September 30, 2019, compared to $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2018.
For additional information, see Note 7 to the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Securities available-for-sale having a carrying value of $20.8 million as of September 30, 2019, and $28.5 million as of December 31, 2018, were pledged to secure public deposits, other borrowings and treasury tax and loan.
Equity Securities
The adoption of ASU 2016-01 resulted in approximately $8.6 million being reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, representing an increase to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The Company recognized a net gain of $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, due to the increase in fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair values compared to a net gain of $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The Company recognized a net gain of $7.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, due to the increase in fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair values compared to a net loss of $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Equity securities were $32.9 million and $25.1 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Gross loans, including loans held for sale, were $14.8 billion at September 30, 2019, an increase of $769.5 million, or 5.5%, from $14.0 billion at December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily due to increases of $353.7 million, or 9.6%, in residential mortgage loans, including loans held for sale, $411.4 million, or 6.1%, in commercial mortgage loans, $65.3 million, or 26.1%, in home equity loans, and $12.4 million, or 2.1%, in real estate construction loans, offset by a decrease of $73.9 million, or 2.7%, in commercial loans. The loan balances and composition at September 30, 2019, compared to December 31, 2018 are set forth below:
% of Gross
% Change
Unamortized deferred loan fees
Non-performing Assets
Non-performing assets include loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest, non-accrual loans, and other real estate owned (“OREO”). The Company’s policy is to place loans on non-accrual status if interest and/or principal is past due 90 days or more, or in cases where management deems the full collection of principal and interest unlikely. After a loan is placed on non-accrual status, any previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed and charged against current income and subsequent payments received are generally first applied towards the outstanding principal balance of the loan. Depending on the circumstances, management may elect to continue the accrual of interest on certain past due loans if partial payment is received and/or the loan is well collateralized and in the process of collection. The loan is generally returned to accrual status when the borrower has brought the past due principal and interest payments current and, in the opinion of management, the borrower has demonstrated the ability to make future payments of principal and interest as scheduled.
Management reviews the loan portfolio regularly to seek to identify problem loans. From time to time during the ordinary course of business, management may become aware of borrowers that may not be able to meet the contractual requirements of their loan agreements. Such loans generally are placed under closer supervision with consideration given to placing the loans on non-accrual status, the need for an additional allowance for loan losses, and (if appropriate) partial or full charge-off.
The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 0.3% at September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018. Total non-performing assets increased $0.9 million, or 1.5%, to $59.2 million at September 30, 2019, compared to $58.3 million at December 31, 2018, primarily due to an increase of $5.4 million, or 12.9%, in non-accrual loans, offset in part by a decrease of $1.3 million, or 10.6%, in other real estate owned and a decrease of $3.1 million, or 81.9%, in accruing loans past due 90 days or more.
As a percentage of gross loans, excluding loans held for sale, plus OREO, our non-performing assets was 0.40% as of September 30, 2019, compared to 0.42% as of December 31, 2018. The non-performing loan portfolio coverage ratio, defined as the allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans, decreased to 272.5% as of September 30, 2019, from 273.4% as of December 31, 2018.
The following table sets forth the changes in non-performing assets and troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) as of September 30, 2019, compared to December 31, 2018, and to September 30, 2018:
Non-performing assets
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
Non-accrual loans:
Total non-accrual loans
Total non-performing loans
Other real estate owned
Total non-performing assets
Accruing troubled debt restructurings
Total gross loans outstanding, at period-end (1)
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans, at period-end (2)
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans, at period-end (1)
Excludes loans held for sale at period-end.
Excludes non-accrual loans held for sale at period-end.
At September 30, 2019, total non-accrual loans were $47.2 million, an increase of $5.4 million, or 12.9%, from $41.8 million at December 31, 2018, and an increase of $4.8 million, or 11.3%, from $42.4 million at September 30, 2018. The allowance for the collateral-dependent loans is calculated based on the difference between the outstanding loan balance and the value of the collateral as determined by recent appraisals, sales contracts, or other available market price information, less cost to sell. The allowance for collateral-dependent loans varies from loan to loan based on the collateral coverage of the loan at the time of designation as non-performing. We continue to monitor the collateral coverage of these loans, based on recent appraisals, on a quarterly basis and adjust the allowance accordingly. Non-accrual loans also include those TDRs that do not qualify for accrual status.
The following tables set forth the type of properties securing the non-accrual portfolio loans and the type of businesses the borrowers engaged in as of the dates indicated:
Real
Estate (1)
Type of Collateral
Single/multi-family residence
Commercial real estate
Personal property (UCC)
Real estate includes commercial mortgage loans, real estate construction loans, residential mortgage loans and equity lines.
Type of Business
Real estate development
Wholesale/Retail
Import/Export
Impaired Loans
We consider a loan to be impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement based on current circumstances and events. The assessment for impairment occurs when and while such loans are on non-accrual as a result of delinquency status of over 90 days or our receipt of information otherwise indicating that full collection of principal is doubtful, or when the loan has been restructured in a TDRs. Those loans with a balance less than our defined selection criteria, generally a loan amount less than $500 thousand, are treated as a homogeneous portfolio. If loans meeting the defined criteria are not collateral dependent, we measure the impairment based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. If loans meeting the defined criteria are collateral dependent, we measure the impairment by using the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral. We generally obtain an appraisal to determine the amount of impairment at the date that the loan becomes impaired. The appraisals are generally based on “as is” or bulk sale valuations. To ensure that appraised values remain current, we generally obtain an updated appraisal every twelve months from qualified independent appraisers. If the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell, is less than the recorded amount of the loan, we then recognize impairment by creating or adjusting an existing valuation allowance with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses. If an impaired loan is expected to be collected through liquidation of the collateral, the amount of impairment, excluding disposal costs (which generally range between 3% to 6% of the fair value, depending on the size of the impaired loan), is charged off against the allowance for loan losses. Non-accrual impaired loans, including TDRs, are not returned to accrual status unless the unpaid interest has been brought current and full repayment of the recorded balance is expected or if the borrower has made six consecutive monthly payments of the scheduled amounts due, and TDRs are reviewed for continued impairment until they are no longer reported as TDRs.
As of September 30, 2019, recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $88.8 million and was comprised of non-accrual loans of $47.2 million and accruing TDRs of $41.6 million. As of December 31, 2018, recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $106.9 million and was comprised of non-accrual loans of $41.8 million and accruing TDRs of $65.1 million. For impaired loans, the amounts previously charged off represent 1.9% as of September 30, 2019, and 9.3% as of December 31, 2018, of the contractual balances for impaired loans. As of September 30, 2019, $24.2 million, or 51.3%, of the $47.2 million of non-accrual loans were secured by real estate compared to $23.0 million, or 55.0%, of the $41.8 million of non-accrual loans that were secured by real estate as of December 31, 2018. The Bank generally seeks to obtain current appraisals, sales contracts, or other available market price information intended to provide updated factors in evaluating potential loss.
As of September 30, 2019, $1.5 million of the $125.9 million allowance for loan losses was allocated for impaired loans and $124.4 million was allocated to the general allowance. As of December 31, 2018, $3.8 million of the $122.4 million allowance for loan losses was allocated for impaired loans and $118.6 million was allocated to the general allowance.
The allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans was 263.0% as of September 30, 2019, compared to 268.5% as of December 31, 2018, primarily due to an increase in the non-accrual loans. Non-accrual loans also include those TDRs that do not qualify for accrual status.
The following table sets forth impaired loans and the related allowance as of the dates indicated:
Unpaid
Principal
Recorded
Investment
Loan Interest Reserves
In accordance with customary banking practice, we originate construction loans and land development loans where interest on the loan is disbursed from pre-established interest reserves included in the total original loan commitment. Our construction loans and land development loans generally include optional renewal terms after the maturity of the initial loan term. New appraisals are obtained prior to extension or renewal of these loans in part to determine the appropriate interest reserve to be established for the new loan term. Loans with interest reserves are generally underwritten to the same criteria, including loan to value and, if applicable, pro forma debt service coverage ratios, as loans without interest reserves. Construction loans with interest reserves are monitored on a periodic basis to gauge progress towards completion. Interest reserves are frozen if it is determined that additional draws would result in a loan to value ratio that exceeds policy maximums based on collateral property type. Our policy limits in this regard are consistent with supervisory limits and range from 50% in the case of land to 85% in the case of one to four family residential construction projects.
As of September 30, 2019, construction loans of $555.3 million were disbursed with pre-established interest reserves of $66.7 million, compared to $524.4 million with pre-established interest reserves of $65.2 million at December 31, 2018. The balance for construction loans with interest reserves that have been extended was $146.3 million with pre-established interest reserves of $4.2 million at September 30, 2019, compared to $88.8 million with pre-established interest reserves of $3.9 million at December 31, 2018. Land loans of $46.5 million were disbursed with pre-established interest reserves of $1.5 million at September 30, 2019, compared to $24.1 million of land loans disbursed with pre-established interest reserves of $770 thousand at December 31, 2018. The balance for land loans with interest reserves that have been extended was $1.7 million at September 30, 2019 with pre-established interest reserves of $2 thousand, compared to $5.6 million in land loans with pre-established interest reserves of $71 thousand at December 31, 2018.
At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Bank had no loans on non-accrual status with available interest reserves. At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $4.6 million and $4.9 million of non-accrual non-residential construction loans had been originated with pre-established interest reserves, respectively. While we typically expect loans with interest reserves to be repaid in full according to the original contractual terms, some loans may require one or more extensions beyond the original maturity before full repayment. Typically, these extensions are required due to construction delays, delays in the sale or lease of the property, or some combination of these two factors.
Loan Concentration
Most of the Company’s business activities are with customers located in the high-density Asian-populated areas of Southern and Northern California; New York City, New York; Dallas and Houston, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Edison, New Jersey; Rockville, Maryland; and Las Vegas, Nevada. The Company also has loan customers in Hong Kong. The Company has no specific industry concentration, and generally its loans are collateralized with real property or other pledged collateral of the borrowers. The Company generally expects loans to be paid off from the operating profits of the borrowers, refinancing by another lender, or through sale by the borrowers of the collateral. There were no loan concentrations to multiple borrowers in similar activities that exceeded 10% of total loans as of September 30, 2019, or as of December 31, 2018.
The federal banking regulatory agencies issued final guidance on December 6, 2006, regarding risk management practices for financial institutions with high or increasing concentrations of commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans on their balance sheets. The regulatory guidance reiterates the need for sound internal risk management practices for those institutions that have experienced rapid growth in CRE lending, have notable exposure to specific types of CRE, or are approaching or exceeding the supervisory criteria used to evaluate the CRE concentration risk, but the guidance is not to be construed as a limit for CRE exposure. The supervisory criteria are: (1) total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land represent 100% of the institution’s total risk-based capital, and (2) total CRE loans represent 300% or more of the institution’s total risk-based capital and the institution’s CRE loan portfolio has increased 50% or more within the last thirty-six months. Total loans for construction, land development, and other land represented 34% of the Bank’s total risk-based capital as of September 30, 2019, and 33% as of December 31, 2018. Total CRE loans represented 277% of total risk-based capital as of September 30, 2019, and 268% as of December 31, 2018 and were below the Bank’s internal limit for CRE loans of 400% of total capital at both dates.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Bank maintains the allowance for credit losses at a level that the Bank considers appropriate to absorb the estimated and known risks in the loan portfolio and off-balance sheet unfunded credit commitments. Allowance for credit losses is comprised of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for off-balance sheet unfunded credit commitments. With this risk management objective, the Bank’s management has an established monitoring system that it believes is designed to identify impaired and potential problem loans, and to permit periodic evaluation of impairment and the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses in a timely manner.
In addition, the Bank’s Board of Directors has established a written credit policy that includes a credit review and control system that the Board of Directors believes should be effective in ensuring that the Bank maintains an appropriate allowance for credit losses. The Board of Directors provides oversight for the allowance evaluation process, including quarterly evaluations, and determines whether the allowance is appropriate to absorb losses in the credit portfolio. The determination of the amount of the allowance for credit losses and the provision for credit losses are based on management’s current judgment about the credit quality of the loan portfolio and take into consideration known relevant internal and external factors that affect collectability when determining the appropriate level for the allowance for credit losses. The nature of the process by which the Bank determines the appropriate allowance for credit losses requires the exercise of considerable judgment. Additions to the allowance for credit losses are made by charges to the provision for credit losses. While management utilizes its business judgment based on the information available, the ultimate appropriateness of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the Bank’s control, including but not limited to the performance of the Bank’s loan portfolio, the economy and market conditions, changes in interest rates, and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications. Identified credit exposures that are determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for credit losses. Recoveries of previously charged off amounts, if any, are credited to the allowance for credit losses. A weakening of the economy or other factors that adversely affect asset quality could result in an increase in the number of delinquencies, bankruptcies, or defaults, and a higher level of non-performing assets, net charge-offs, and provision for credit losses in future periods.
The allowance for loan losses was $125.9 million and the allowance for off-balance sheet unfunded credit commitments was $4.6 million at September 30, 2019, which represented the amount believed by management to be appropriate to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio, including unfunded credit commitments. The $125.9 million allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2019, increased $3.5 million, or 2.9%, from $122.4 million at December 31, 2018. The allowance for loan losses represented 0.85% of period-end gross loans, excluding loans held for sale, and 263.0% of non-performing loans at September 30, 2019. The comparable ratios were 0.87% of period-end gross loans, excluding loans held for sale, and 268.5% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2018.
The following table sets forth information relating to the allowance for loan losses, charge-offs, recoveries, and the reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments for the periods indicated:
Balance at beginning of period
Real estate loans
Balance at end of period
Provision for credit losses
Average loans outstanding during the period (1)
Total non-performing loans, at period-end (2)
Ratio of net (recoveries)/charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period (1)
Provision for credit losses to average loans outstanding during the period (1)
Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans, at period-end (2)
Allowance for credit losses to gross loans, at period-end (1)
Excludes loans held for sale.
Excludes non-accrual loans held for sale.
Our allowance for loan losses consists of the following:
•
Specific allowance: For impaired loans, we provide specific allowances for loans that are not collateral dependent based on an evaluation of the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate and for loans that are collateral dependent based on the fair value of the underlying collateral determined by the most recent valuation information received, which may be adjusted based on factors such as changes in market conditions from the time of valuation. If the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the deficiency will be charged off against the allowance for loan losses or, alternatively, a specific allocation will be established.
General allowance: The unclassified portfolio is segmented on a group basis. Segmentation is determined by loan type and common risk characteristics. The non-impaired loans are grouped into 19 segments: two commercial segments, ten commercial real estate segments, one residential construction segment, one non-residential construction segment, one SBA segment, one installment loans segment, one residential mortgage segment, one equity lines of credit segment, and one overdrafts segment. The allowance is provided for each segmented group based on the group’s historical loan loss experience aggregated based on loan risk classifications which take into account, among other things, the current financial condition of the borrowers and guarantors, the prevailing value of the underlying collateral if collateral dependent, charge-off history, management’s knowledge of the portfolio, general economic conditions, environmental factors, trends in delinquency and non-accrual, and other significant factors, such as the national and local economy, volume and composition of the portfolio, strength of management and loan staff, underwriting standards, and concentration of credit. In addition, management reviews reports on past-due loans to check for appropriate classification.
The table set forth below reflects management’s allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category and the ratio of each loan category to the average gross loans as of the dates indicated:
Percentage of
Loans in Each
Category
to Average
Gross Loans
Type of Loan:
The allowance allocated to commercial loans increased $3.5 million, or 6.5%, to $58.5 million at September 30, 2019, from $55.0 million at December 31, 2018. The increase is due primarily to an increase in the allowance for trade finance loans as a result of the additional tariffs imposed on imports from China during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
The allowance allocated to real estate construction loans increased $2.1 million, or 10.7%, to $21.7 million at September 30, 2019 from $19.6 million at December 31, 2018. The increase is due primarily to an increase in non-residential construction loan volume during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
The allowance allocated to commercial mortgage loans remained flat at $33.5 million at September 30, 2019, from December 31, 2018.
The allowance allocated for residential mortgage loans decreased by $2.1 million, or 14.7%, to $12.2 million as of September 30, 2019, from $14.3 million at December 31, 2018. The decrease is due primarily to decreases in the environmental reserve factors during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
Total deposits were $14.7 billion at September 30, 2019, an increase of $955.9 million, or 7.0%, from $13.7 billion at December 31, 2018. The following table sets forth the deposit mix as of the dates indicated:
Percentage
Interest bearing demand deposits
The following table sets forth the maturity distribution of time deposits at September 30, 2019:
At September 30, 2019
Time Deposits -
under $100,000
$100,000 and over
Total Time
Less than three months
Three to six months
Six to twelve months
Over one year
Percent of total deposits
Borrowings
Borrowings include federal funds purchased, funds obtained as advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of San Francisco, and borrowings from other financial institutions.
Borrowings from the FHLB - As of September 30, 2019, over-night borrowings from the FHLB were $330 million at an average rate of 2.08%, compared to $200 million at an average rate of 2.56% as of December 31, 2018. Advances from the FHLB were $270 million at an average rate of 2.15% as of September 30, 2019 and $330 million at an average rate of 2.42% as of December 31, 2018. As of September 30, 2019, FHLB advances of $50 million will mature in December 2019, $75 million in May 2021, $50 million in June 2021, $75 million in July 2021, and $20 million in May 2023.
Other Borrowings - The Company owes a residual payable balance of $7.6 million to Bank SinoPac Co. related to the Company’s acquisition of SinoPac Bancorp, the parent of Far East National Bank. The remaining balance of $7.0 million, due in July 2020, has an interest rate of 3.60% (three-month LIBOR rate plus 150 basis points) as of September 30, 2019.
At September 30, 2019, Junior Subordinated Notes totaled $119.1 million with a weighted average interest rate of 4.29%, compared to $119.1 million with a weighted average rate of 4.96% at December 31, 2018. The Junior Subordinated Notes have a stated maturity term of 30 years. The trusts are not consolidated with the Company in accordance with an accounting pronouncement that took effect in December 2003.
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations to make future payments as of September 30, 2019. Payments for deposits and borrowings do not include interest. Payments related to leases are based on actual payments specified in the underlying contracts.
Payment Due by Period
More than
3 years or
1 year but
more but
1 year
less than
5 years
or less
3 years
or more
Contractual obligations:
Deposits with stated maturity dates
Operating leases
Total contractual obligations and other commitments
In the normal course of business, we enter into various transactions, which, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, are not included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We enter into these transactions to meet the financing needs of our customers. These transactions include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Loan Commitments - We enter into contractual commitments to extend credit, normally with fixed expiration dates or termination clauses, at specified rates and for specific purposes. Substantially all of our commitments to extend credit are contingent upon customers maintaining specific credit standards at the time of loan funding. We seek to minimize our exposure to loss under these commitments by subjecting them to credit approval and monitoring procedures. Management assesses the credit risk associated with certain commitments to extend credit in determining the level of the allowance for credit losses.
Standby Letters of Credit - Standby letters of credit are written conditional commitments issued by us to secure the obligations of a customer to a third party. In the event the customer does not perform in accordance with the terms of an agreement with the third party, we would be required to fund the commitment. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make is represented by the contractual amount of the commitment. If the commitment is funded, we would be entitled to seek reimbursement from the customer. Our policies generally require that standby letter of credit arrangements contain security and debt covenants similar to those contained in loan agreements.
Capital Resources
The following table summarizes changes in total equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2019:
Proceeds from shares issued through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan
RSUs distributed
Purchase of treasury stock
Share-based compensation
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders
Other comprehensive income
Net increase in total equity
Capital Adequacy Review
Management seeks to maintain the Company’s capital at a level sufficient to support future growth, protect depositors and stockholders, and comply with various regulatory requirements.
The following tables set forth actual and required capital ratios as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 for Bancorp and the Bank under the Basel III Capital Rules. The Basel III Capital Rules became fully phased-in on January 1, 2019. The minimum required capital amounts presented as of December 31, 2018 include the minimum required capital levels applicable as of that date as well as the minimum required capital levels as of January 1, 2019 when the Basel III Capital Rules became fully phased-in. Capital levels required to be considered well capitalized are based upon prompt corrective action regulations, as amended to reflect the changes under the Basel III Capital Rules. See the 2018 Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the Basel III Capital Rules.
Actual
Minimum Capital
Required - Basel III
Required to be Considered
Well Capitalized
Capital Amount
Ratio
Common Equity Tier 1 to Risk-Weighted Assets
Cathay General Bancorp
Cathay Bank
Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
Leverage Ratio
As of September 30, 2019, capital levels at Bancorp and the Bank exceed all capital adequacy requirements under the fully phased-in Basel III Capital Rules. Based on the ratios presented above, capital levels as of September 30, 2019 at Bancorp and the Bank exceed the minimum levels necessary to be considered “well capitalized.”
Dividend Policy
Holders of common stock are entitled to dividends as and when declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. Although we have historically paid cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so. The amount of future dividends, if any, will depend on our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors, and will be determined by our Board of Directors. The terms of our Junior Subordinated Notes also limit our ability to pay dividends. We increased the common stock dividend from $0.21 per share in the fourth quarter of 2016, to $0.24 per share in the fourth quarter of 2017, and to $0.31 per share in the fourth quarter of 2018.
The Company declared a cash dividend of $0.31 per share on 79,683,166 shares outstanding on September 3, 2019, for distribution to holders of our common stock on September 13, 2019, $0.31 per share on 79,850,454 shares outstanding on June 3, 2019, for distribution to holders of our common stock on June 13, 2019, and $0.31 per share on 80,537,962 shares outstanding on March 4, 2019, for distribution to holders of our common stock on March 14, 2019. The Company paid total cash dividends of $74.4 million in the first nine months of 2019.
Financial Derivatives
The Company follows ASC Topic 815 that establishes accounting and reporting standards for financial derivatives, including certain financial derivatives embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities. It requires the recognition of all financial derivatives as assets or liabilities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and measurement of those financial derivatives at fair value. The accounting treatment of changes in fair value is dependent upon whether or not a financial derivative is designated as a hedge and, if so, the type of hedge. Fair value is determined using third-party models with observable market data. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income and are reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction is reflected in earnings. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reflected in current earnings, together with changes in the fair value of the related hedged item if there is a highly effective correlation between changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps and changes in the fair value of the underlying asset or liability that is intended to be hedged. If there is not a highly effective correlation between changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap and changes in the fair value of the underlying asset or liability that is intended to be hedged, then only the changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
As of September 30, 2019, the Bank’s outstanding interest rate swap contracts had a notional amount of $584.0 million for various terms from three to ten years. The Bank entered into these interest rate swap contracts that are matched to individual fixed-rate commercial real estate loans in the Bank’s loan portfolio. These contracts have been designated as hedging instruments to hedge the risk of changes in the fair value of the underlying commercial real estate loans due to changes in interest rates. The swap contracts are structured so that the notional amounts reduce over time to match the contractual amortization of the underlying loan and allow prepayments with the same pre-payment penalty amounts as the related loan. The Bank pays a weighted average fixed rate of 4.71% and receives a variable rate of the one-month LIBOR rate plus a weighted average spread of 261 basis points, or at a weighted average rate of 5.01%. As of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the notional amount of fair value interest rate swaps was $584.0 million and $613.4 million, respectively with net unrealized losses of $9.8 million and net unrealized gains of $6.6 million, respectively, included in other non-interest income. The amount of periodic net settlement of interest rate swaps increased interest income by $205 thousand and $96 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The amount of periodic net settlement of interest rate swaps increased interest income by $1.4 million and decreased interest income by $132 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of September 30, 2019, and 2018, the ineffective portion of these interest rate swaps was not significant.
Liquidity
Liquidity is our ability to maintain sufficient cash flow to meet maturing financial obligations and customer credit needs, and to take advantage of investment opportunities as they are presented in the marketplace. Our principal sources of liquidity are growth in deposits, proceeds from the maturity or sale of securities and other financial instruments, repayments from securities and loans, federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and advances from the FHLB. As of September 30, 2019, our average monthly liquidity ratio (defined as net cash plus short-term and marketable securities to net deposits and short-term liabilities) was 12.7% compared to 12.0% as of December 31, 2018.
The Bank is a shareholder of the FHLB, which enables the Bank to have access to lower-cost FHLB financing when necessary. At September 30, 2019, the Bank had an approved credit line with the FHLB of San Francisco totaling $4.4 billion. Total advances from the FHLB of San Francisco were $600.0 million and standby letter of credits issued by the FHLB on the Company’s behalf were $368.1 million as of September 30, 2019. These borrowings bear fixed rates and are secured by the Bank’s loans. See Note 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. At September 30, 2019, the Bank pledged $22.7 million of its commercial loans to the Federal Reserve Bank’s Discount Window under the Borrower-in-Custody program. The Bank had borrowing capacity of $24.3 million from the Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window at September 30, 2019.
Liquidity can also be provided through the sale of liquid assets, which consist of federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell, and securities available-for-sale. At September 30, 2019, investment securities totaled $1.4 billion, with $20.8 million pledged as collateral for borrowings and other commitments. The remaining $1.4 billion was available as additional liquidity or to be pledged as collateral for additional borrowings.
Approximately 90% of our time deposits mature within one year or less as of September 30, 2019. Management anticipates that there may be some outflow of these deposits upon maturity due to the keen competition in the Bank’s marketplace. However, based on our historical runoff experience, we expect the outflow will not be significant and can be replenished through our normal growth in deposits. Management believes all the above-mentioned sources will provide adequate liquidity during the next twelve months for the Bank to meet its operating needs.
The business activities of Bancorp consist primarily of the operation of the Bank and limited activities in other investments. The Bank paid dividends to Bancorp totaling $176.5 million and $94.8 million during the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We use a net interest income simulation model to measure the extent of the differences in the behavior of the lending and funding rates to changing interest rates, so as to project future earnings or market values under alternative interest rate scenarios. Interest rate risk arises primarily through the Company’s traditional business activities of extending loans and accepting deposits. Many factors, including but not limited to economic, market and financial conditions, movements in interest rates, and consumer preferences, affect the spread between interest earned on assets and interest paid on liabilities. The net interest income simulation model is designed to measure the volatility of net interest income and net portfolio value, defined as net present value of assets and liabilities, under immediate rising or falling interest rate scenarios in 100 basis point increments.
Although the modeling can be helpful in managing interest rate risk, it does require significant assumptions for the projection of loan prepayment rates on mortgage related assets, loan volumes and pricing, and deposit and borrowing volume and pricing, that might prove inaccurate. Because these assumptions are inherently uncertain, the model cannot precisely estimate net interest income, or precisely predict the effect of higher or lower interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to the timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes, the differences between actual experience and the assumed volume, changes in market conditions, and management strategies, among other factors. The Company monitors its interest rate sensitivity and seeks to reduce the risk of a significant decrease in net interest income caused by a change in interest rates.
We have established a tolerance level in our policy to define and limit net interest income volatility to a change of plus or minus 5% when the hypothetical rate change is plus or minus 200 basis points. When the net interest rate simulation projects that our tolerance level will be met, or exceeded, we seek corrective action after considering, among other things, market conditions, customer reaction, and the estimated impact on profitability. The Company’s simulation model also projects the net economic value of our portfolio of assets and liabilities. We have established a tolerance level in our policy to limit the loss in the net economic value of our portfolio of assets and liabilities to zero when the hypothetical rate change is plus or minus 200 basis points.
The table below shows the estimated impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income and market value of equity as of September 30, 2019:
Net Interest
Market Value
Income
of Equity
Change in Interest Rate (Basis Points)
Volatility (1)
Volatility (2)
+200
+100
The percentage change in this column represents net interest income of the Company for 12 months in a stable interest rate environment versus the net interest income in the various rate scenarios.
The percentage change in this column represents the net portfolio value of the Company in a stable interest rate environment versus the net portfolio value in the various rate scenarios.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the third quarter of 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS.
The Company is not aware of any material change to the risk factors as previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price. The risk factors disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes not to be material, could also materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations and stock price.
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
(a) Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased
(b) Average
Price Paid
per Share
(or Unit)
(c) Total Number
of Shares (or
Units)
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
(d) Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or Units) that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
Month #1 (July 1, 2019 - July 31, 2019)
Month #2 (August 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019)
Month #3 (September 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019)
For a discussion of limitations on the payment of dividends, see “Dividend Policy” and “Liquidity” under Part I—Item 2— “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
Not applicable.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
Item 6. EXHIBITS.
Exhibit 31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.+
Exhibit 32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.++
Exhibit 32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.++
Exhibit 101.INS
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document*
Exhibit 101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
Exhibit 101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
Exhibit 101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*
Exhibit 101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
Exhibit 101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*
____________________
+ Filed herewith.
++ Furnished herewith.
*
Filed electronically herewith.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.