Cathay General Bancorp Annual Report 2014

Plain-text annual report

THE ART OF SUCCESS WITH YOU ALL THE WAY 2014 Annual Report Financial Highlights Net Income (in millions) Assets (in millions) Stockholders’ Equity (in millions) $138 110000 $10,645 $10,694 $10,989 $11,517 $1,621 $1,603 $1,507 $1,459 $123 $117 $100 100000 90000 80000 70000 60000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2011 2012 2013 2014 2011 2012 2013 2014 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2014 2013 Amount Percentage Increase/(Decrease) FOR THE YEAR Net income $ 137,830 $ 123,143 $ 14,687 Net income attributable to common stockholders 137,830 113,458 24,372 Net income attributable to common stockholders per common share Cash dividends paid per common share 1.72 0.29 1.43 0.08 0.29 0.21 AT YEAR-END Investment securities Loans, net Assets Deposits Stockholders’ equity Book value per common share PROFITABILITY RATIOS Return on average assets Return on average stockholders’ equity CAPITAL RATIOS Tier 1 capital ratio Total capital ratio Leverage ratio $ 1,318,935 $ 1,586,668 $ (267,733) 843,081 527,560 802,155 143,917 1.76 8,740,268 11,516,846 8,783,460 1,602,888 20.00 1.26% 8.95% 14.96% 16.22% 12.99% 7,897,187 10,989,286 7,981,305 1,458,971 18.24 1.17% 8.00% 15.04% 16.35% 12.48% 11.9% 21.5% 20.3% 262.5% (16.9)% 10.7% 4.8% 10.1% 9.9% 9.6% One 2014 Annual Report Dear Fellow Stockholders: I am pleased to report that 2014 was a very prosperous year on many fronts for Cathay General Bancorp. We made continuous progress in our growth strategy and achieved positive financial results starting with our record breaking net income of $137.8 million. Our steady increase in net income is attributable to strong growth in loans and deposits and improvement in asset quality. Our net income and capital allowed us again to increase our quarterly dividend to 10 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2014, which is the third such increase in the last two calendar years. This year, we also planted the seeds for further expansion, remaining focused on our strategic objectives. We are steadily diversifying and expanding our footprint both in the United States and in Asia through both potential accretive acquisitions as well as de novo branching sites to meet our customer’s needs and to stay ahead of demand. We also remain committed to sustainable loan growth through a high quality and diversified credit portfolio. In January 2015, we signed a definitive agreement to acquire Asia Bancshares, Inc., for a combination of cash and stock. Asia Bancshares is the holding company for Asia Bank, N.A., which operates three branches in New York and one in Maryland. As of December 31, 2014, Asia Bancshares reported total assets of $533 million, total loans of $429 million, and total deposits of $453 million. Subject to approval by Asia Bancshares’ stockholders and regulatory approvals, we expect the acquisition to be completed in the second quarter of 2015. We are excited by the potential synergies of this merger and look forward to welcoming Asia Bank into the Cathay Bank family. We also recently added another full service Cathay Bank branch in the Richmond district of San Francisco. While we explore new opportunities for growth and expansion, we are also cognizant of the regulatory environment and have implemented a number of regulatory compliance measures both in the United States and in Hong Kong. Moreover, our investment in technology, including a full year of operations with our new core data processing system, is facilitating our customers’ ability to bank anywhere, anytime, and thereby increasing our operating efficiency. Two After thirty five years of dedicated service to Cathay Bank, Mr. Peter Wu, our Chief Operating Officer and Vice Chairman, elected to retire from management but will remain as Vice Chairman on the Board of Directors. Mr. Wu was a key member of our management team that has guided our company in its growth and development. Our deep appreciation and many thanks to Mr. Wu. In March, this year, the Board also appointed Mr. Pin Tai as the new President of Cathay Bank and as a Board member of the Bank. At the same time, Mr. Irwin Wong was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer of Cathay Bank. These gentlemen have served the company for 15 and 26 years respectively. We congratulate them on their new positions and look forward to their continuing leadership. As much as we invest in technology and infrastructure, we also invest in talent because our greatest asset is our people. While our customer and revenue base expand, we still provide consistent first-rate service. This year, we rearticulated our company’s Vision, Mission, Core Values, and Culture Statement in order to make what is implicit more explicit. As we look ahead, we continue to celebrate and thank you, our customers and stockholders, for continuing to place your loyalty and faith in us. Cathay Bank is here today because of your support and trust. As we strive to increase stockholder value, our philosophy for growth is to be patiently opportunistic. We are excited about the future and are well positioned to meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that lay ahead. Dunson K. Cheng Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer I would like to share with you some of the notable highlights of Cathay General Bancorp’s financial performance in 2014: Growth in income: • Our net income attributable to common stockholders of $137.8 million in 2014 represents an increase of 21.5% from $113.5 million in 2013. • Each of our major lending units exhibited strong growth leading to our profitability and our branch system generated excellent core deposit growth. Loan and deposit growth: • Commercial mortgage loans grew in 2014 by $463.4 million, or 11.5%, to $4.49 billion, residential mortgage loans grew $214.8 million, or 15.9%, to $1.57 billion, commercial loans grew $83.8 million, or 3.6%, to $2.38 billion, and real estate construction loans grew $77.0 million, or 34.7%, to $298.7 million. • Our core deposits increased 14.5% from $4.52 billion to $5.18 billion in 2014, and the net interest margin improved by 2 basis points, from 3.33% to 3.35%. Improvement in credit quality: • In 2014, our non-performing assets decreased $35.6 million, or 25.9%, to $101.6 million, from $137.2 million in 2013. • Net charge-offs decreased by 79.8% to $1.3 million in 2014. Capital adequacy remains strong: • As of December 31, 2014, our Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 14.96%, total risk-based capital ratio of 16.22%, and Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 12.99% continued to place Cathay General Bancorp in the “well capitalized” category. • These ratios far exceeded the regulatory minimums for “well- capitalized” institutions. Earlier this year, we were saddened by the loss of our last founding member, Mr. George T.M. Ching. However, we also celebrate his life accomplishments, including his great legacy and mission over the years to provide banking services to the Chinese-American community. We are proud to continue his efforts by increasing our footprint to 53 branches in eight states, including 33 in California and nine in New York, one branch in Hong Kong, and two representative offices, one in Shanghai and the other in Taipei. Three 2014 Annual Report 親愛的股東們，我很高興地匯報2014年是國泰萬通金控公司豐收的一年。我們的發展策略不斷取得進展，並錄得破紀錄的一億三千七百八十萬元淨盈利，成績驕人。淨盈利穩步增長歸功於貸款和存款的強勁增長及資產質量的提升。我們的淨盈利和資本讓我們再次提高季度股息，2014年第四季度股息增至每股10美分，這是過去兩年內第三次有如此增長。今年我們籌備進一步擴大服務網絡的同時，亦繼續專注於部署戰略目標。我們通過具增值潛力的併購及更新分行，不斷地實現多元化及擴展我們在美國和亞洲的業務，讓我們可以滿足客戶的需要及在產品和服務上保持領先地位。我們秉持透過高品質及多元化的信貸組合，達到可持續的貸款增長。 2015年1月我們簽署了一份協議以現金加股票方式併購 Asia Bancshares。Asia Bancshares 是亞細亞銀行的控股公司，營運三家紐約分行及一家馬里蘭州分行。截至 2014年12月31日， Asia Bancshares 資產總額五億三千三百萬元，貸款總額四億二千九百萬元，存款總額四億五千三百萬元。併購需獲 Asia Bancshares 股東及監管部門批准，預計將於2015年第二季度完成。我們對此併購將帶來的潛在優勢感到興奮，並期待亞細亞銀行加入國泰銀行大家庭。我們最近另在三藩市列治文區增加了一個全面服務的國泰銀行分行。在我們尋求增長和擴展業務的新機遇的同時，我們也因應監管環境，在美國和香港實施了多項規管措施。此外，我們在技術設備的投資包括已運作一年的核心數據處理系統在內，帶給客戶隨時隨地管理帳戶的體驗，藉此提高我們的營運效率。 2014年國泰萬通金控公司的財務業績摘要：收入增長︰ •本年度全年淨盈利(歸於普通股股東)為一億三千七百八十萬元，較2013年的一億一千三百五十萬元增長21.5%。 •盈利來自各個主要貸款部門的強勁增長，同時分行帶來顯著的核心存款增長。貸款及存款增長︰ •本年度商業房屋貸款錄得11.5%的增長，增加四億六千三百四十萬元至四十四億九千萬元；住宅房屋貸款則增加二億一千四百八十萬元至十五億七千萬元，增幅達15.9%。商業貸款增加八千三百八十萬元至二十三億八千萬元，增幅達3.6%；建築貸款增長34.7%, 增加七千七百萬元至二億九千八百七十萬元。 •核心存款由四十五億二千萬元增加至五十一億八千萬元，增幅為14.5%；淨利差由 3.33%擴大至3.35%，增長了兩個基點。 Four 提高信貸質量︰ •本年度不良貸款資產由2013年的一億三千七百二十萬元減少三千五百六十萬元，至一億零一百六十萬元，大幅減少25.9%。 •淨呆帳沖銷金額亦大幅減少79.8%至一百三十萬元。資本充足率保持強勁︰ •截至2014年12月31日，第一類風險資本比率為14.96%，總風險資本比率為16.22%，第一類槓桿資本比率為12.99%；國泰萬通金控公司繼續處於「資本穩健」類別。 •這些比率遠超過「資本穩健」級別所有法定最低資本比率的規定。今年初，國泰銀行碩果僅存的創辦人程達民先生逝世，我們對此感到無比悲痛。然而，我們讚揚他一生的成就，他多年來以為華裔社區提供銀行服務為使命，這正是他其中一項偉大的遺產。我們榮幸地延續他的努力擴展業務，目前擁有53家分行遍及美國8個州，包括 33家加州分行和9家紐約州分行，另在香港設有一家分行，及於台北及上海設有代表處。在國泰銀行盡心服務35年後，首席營運長暨副董事長吳平原先生從管理職務退休，但將留任董事會副董事長。吳先生是管理層中的重要成員，帶領公司成長和發展。我們由衷地感謝吳先生。今年三月，董事會任命戴斌先生為新任國泰銀行總裁及董事會成員。同時任命 Irwin Wong先生為國泰銀行首席營運長。他們兩位分別在公司服務了15年和26年。我們衷心祝賀他們並期待他們繼續領導公司發展。正如我們大力投資於技術和基礎設施，我們亦注重培養人才，因為員工是我們最重要的資產。儘管我們的客戶和利潤基礎不斷擴展，我們仍持續提供一流的服務。今年我們重申公司的願景、使命、核心價值及文化宣言，更清晰展示公司的發展方向。展望未來，我們將繼續表揚並感謝客戶和股東的忠實支持和信任。您的支持和信任成就了國泰銀行的今天。我們致力增加股東價值，發展理念為耐心地爭取機會。我們對未來充滿期望，並準備好迎接挑戰及善用前面的機遇。鄭家發先生董事長暨總裁兼首席執行長 Five 2014 Annual Report Multicultural Advantage Meeting Customer Needs Navigate the barriers of language, culture, and currency. Cathay Bank, a subsidiary of Cathay General Bancorp (NASDAQ: CATY), offers a unique advantage to customers in the United States and Asia. Our innate understanding of both eastern and western cultures allows us to assist with customers’ financial needs and to help them establish strong foundations and grow. Customers can feel more at ease when speaking in their native language while discussing their financial goals and challenges at our over 50 branches across the U.S., one branch in Hong Kong, and overseas representative offices in Shanghai and Taipei. We also offer foreign exchange services to help our customers better manage their foreign currency risks and facilitate their trade finance transactions. Our experience in international trade finance includes an extensive network of over 600 correspondent relationships with banks around the globe enabling our customers to take advantage of the convenience and opportunities on either side of the North American continent and beyond. Six Start or expand a business in the U.S. or China. When a business in China desires to expand in the United States, Cathay Bank is a gateway to creating success. We have assisted hundreds of new businesses launch quickly. We offer a suite of services that includes business and personal accounts, credit lines, credit cards, international trade financing, a wide variety of loans (including SBA), and much more. Our banking professionals are experienced in helping customers learn the “lay of the land” and make their own footprint on U.S. soil. We can quickly provide customers with an understanding of both countries and help them navigate the cultural and business practice differences. Similarly, businesses looking to launch or expand in China have access to our multicultural knowledge, experience, and exceptional service. We have the tools, resources, and knowledge to help simplify and streamline the process. Did you Know ? Many customers stay with us for generations. Our attitude is “You need it, we get it. Done.” Seven 2014 Annual ReportTap Into New Technologies SENT Make deposits, send money. Anytime, anywhere. Cathay Bank offers solutions that add convenience and simplicity to our customers’ banking experience. With our Mobile Banking App, customers can easily make deposits from their smartphones, send money person-to- person, manage their accounts, and pay bills. We are wherever you are—we are With You All The Way. Eight Tap Into New Technologies Did you Know ? Cathay Bank continues to look ahead by offering new banking products and services to better serve our customers. SENT GOT IT Continuously innovate to build long-term relationships. In addition to serving customer needs, we look ahead for new and better ways to enhance financial relationships with our customers. Starting with a warm and attentive initial contact, we work for you and suggest the products and services that best suit your needs. Whether it is our mobile app, online banking or other products and services, we are leading the way to create lasting relationships. Nine 2014 Annual ReportWe Take Extraordinary Care of Our Customers At Cathay Bank, we believe banking is based on honesty, understanding, and personalized care. We truly put each customer’s needs first. Once we understand what our customers’ banking needs are, we work effectively to customize a plan and deliver effective banking solutions. This relationship-building philosophy has been with us since our inception. Taking care of customers one at a time has enabled us to now service thousands of customers across the United States and in Asia. Charlie Woo, CEO of Megatoys Inc. Ten Charles Woo, the co-founder and CEO of Megatoys Inc., is a brilliant and highly-respected business leader in Southern California. He founded Megatoys as a toy manufacturer and importer in 1989 together with his brother, Peter Woo. Megatoys has since grown to become an international operation with offices in Asia, and one of the strongest and best-performing toy and gift companies in the country. “When I began my business in the late 70’s and came to Cathay Bank for a loan, I was asked for a financial statement. I didn’t know what a financial statement was. I studied physics in school. But George Ching, one of the founding directors of the Bank, showed me an example and guided me through the process.” “I’ve made many friends at Cathay Bank over the years. From getting a car loan to starting a business, I’ve kept coming back for 36 years.” “In business, last minute hurdles invariably take place. Each and every time that happened, Cathay Bank always came through for me. Now, all banks want my business, but I can honestly say that I can only depend on Cathay Bank when the unexpected happens.” Banks often change their business philosophies; however, Cathay Bank’s philosophy remains consistent. That is very important.” Yan Xing is Managing Director of BCEG International Co., Ltd. BCEG International is a sub-division of Beijing Construction Engineering Group which is a 60-year- old company, mainly focus on the oversea business of BCEG. For the past decade, international construction projects and establishing offices of BCEGI covers 27 countries. In 2007, BCEGI established its first U.S. office in Dallas. In 2009, BCEGI expanded to Los Angeles. The U.S. makes up about 15 percent of its international market share. “Our business in the United States is more investment- based. Loans from Cathay Bank have funded our residential and commercial mixed-use project in San Gabriel, CA, which includes a collection of 11 condominiums and retail shops.” “We are grateful to Cathay Bank’s support in helping us enter the U.S. market. We maintain a good working relationship with Cathay Bank’s thorough, sincere and objective corporate finance team.” “Cathay Bank’s team also understands our point of view, takes initiative to introduce us to the investment community, and provide relevant background information and recommendations. This has and will undoubtedly help us deepen our understanding of the U.S. market. Other major banks have not done this for us.” “We are very satisfied in working with Cathay Bank. As we expect to continue to grow in the U.S. market, we want to continue working with Cathay Bank in forging a long-term partnership.” Yan Xing, Managing Director of BCEG International Co., Ltd. Did you Know ? We are more than a bank. We are your resource to business growth and success. Eleven 2014 Annual ReportFocus on Social Responsibility and Sustainability We grew out of a community. Here’s how we give back. Cathay Bank created Cathay Bank Foundation in 2002 with a mission to enhance the growth and success of the communities we serve. The Foundation’s objective is to create opportunities in affordable housing, community and economic development, and education. Together with the Foundation, Cathay Bank is giving back to our communities to help people live better lives. Brooklyn Chinese-American Association Cathay Bank is active in helping people of all ages stay informed about financial issues affecting their lives. In July 2014, Bank volunteers conducted a workshop to teach “Checking Account Fraud Prevention” to 152 senior citizen members of the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association located in Brooklyn, New York. City of Los Angeles Hire LA’s Youth 2014 Program Cathay Bank is a proud sponsor of one of Los Angeles’ most exciting programs to put young adults to work, providing first- time job experience that will set them on the path to success. Ten thousand summer jobs were extended by the program to 14 to 24-year-olds who live in the city of Los Angeles. Centro Latino for Literacy Centro Latino transforms lives through literacy, teaching non-literate adult Spanish speakers reading, writing, and numeracy. Cathay Bank supports Centro Latino through grants, and Cathay Bank volunteers helped teach budgeting and basic financial management in Spanish to their students. Field Trip for South El Monte and El Monte High Schools Students from South El Monte High School and El Monte High School visited Cathay Bank to see “a bank at work” and learn first-hand from experts at the Bank. The students were introduced to basic banking, international trade finance, the global impact of China, treasury operations, foreign exchange, retail strategic planning, and marketing. Twelve Sustainability is a Core Value of Cathay Bank Cathay Bank’s Corporate Center in El Monte (Southern California) was built in 2009 and utilizes many energy-efficient construction technologies. We don’t just talk green. We are proactive and our efforts have achieved the following: 31% REDUCTION IN ENERGY USE 47% SAVINGS IN INTERIOR LIGHTING 15% DECREASE IN EMPLOYEE COMMUTING MILES 65% REDUCTION IN WATER USE 40% REDUCTION IN ENERGY COSTS Did you Know ? This Cathay Bank facility has 2,128 solar panels on the carport and is significantly reducing its energy consumption and carbon footprint. Thirteen Operation Hope “HOPE Business In A Box / Gallup HOPE Index division focuses on inspiring a generation of young people to become future American assets of economic energy, small business, and entrepreneurship.” With the support of Cathay Bank and Cathay Bank volunteers, Operation Hope established a HOPE Business In A Box Academy at Rio Hondo School, teaching financial literacy and entrepreneurship to the students. The Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act Officer serves on Operations Hope’s Southwest Board. 2014 Annual ReportOur experience in international trade finance helps customers connect the dots. China Shanghai Taiwan Taipei China Hong Kong Did you Know ? Cathay Bank has more than 600 correspondent relationships with global banks—more connections to help customers succeed. Fourteen Washington Bellevue Kent Seattle Illinois Chicago Westmont New York Brooklyn Flushing New York Nevada Las Vegas Texas Houston Plano New Jersey Edison Massachusetts Boston Northern California Southern California Cupertino Dublin Millbrae Milpitas Oakland Richmond Sacramento San Francisco San Jose Union City Alhambra Arcadia Cerritos Valley City of Industry Diamond Bar El Monte Fountain Valley Irvine Los Angeles Monterey Park Northridge Ontario Orange Rowland Heights San Diego San Gabriel Torrance West Covina Westminster Fifteen 2014 Annual ReportBoard of Directors Kelly l. Chan Certified Public Accountant Thomas C.T. Chiu Medical Doctor Jane JelenKo Retired Financial Services Partner of KPMG LLP miChael m.y. Chang Retired Attorney and former Secretary of Cathay General Bancorp and Cathay Bank Dunson K. Cheng Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Cathay General Bancorp and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Bank nelson Chung President of Pacific Communities Builder, Inc. Felix s. FernanDez Retired Banker paTriCK s.D. lee Retired Real Estate Developer Ting y. liu Retired Investor Joseph C.h. poon President of Edward Properties, LLC anThony m. Tang Vice Chairman of the Board of Cathay General Bancorp and Cathay Bank peTer Wu Vice Chairman of the Board of Cathay General Bancorp and Cathay Bank Sixteen Corporate Information DIRECTORS Dunson K. Cheng Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Cathay General Bancorp and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Bank CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP Dunson K. Cheng Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer OTHER EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS Eddie Chang EVP and Manager, Corporate Commercial Real Estate and Construction Lending Shu-Yuan Lai EVP and Deputy Chief Lending Officer Allen Peng EVP and Deputy Chief Retail Administrator Peter Wu Vice Chairman of the Board Anthony M. Tang Vice Chairman of the Board Heng W. Chen Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer Lisa L. Kim Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary CATHAY BANK EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Dunson K. Cheng Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Pin Tai President and Director Irwin Wong Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Heng W. Chen Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Donald S. Chow Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer Kim R. Bingham Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer Peter Wu Vice Chairman of the Board of Cathay General Bancorp and Cathay Bank Anthony M. Tang Vice Chairman of the Board of Cathay General Bancorp and Cathay Bank Michael M.Y. Chang Retired Attorney and former Secretary of Cathay General Bancorp and Cathay Bank Kelly L. Chan Certified Public Accountant Thomas C.T. Chiu Medical Doctor Nelson Chung President of Pacific Communities Builder, Inc. Felix S. Fernandez Retired Banker Jane Jelenko Retired Financial Services Partner of KPMG LLP Patrick S.D. Lee Retired Real Estate Developer Ting Y. Liu Retired Investor Joseph C.H. Poon President of Edward Properties, LLC IN MEMORIAM George T.M. Ching Seventeen 2014 Annual ReportCorporate Headquarter 777 N. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012 Tel: (213) 625-4700 Fax: (213) 625-1368 Los Angeles 777 N. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012 Tel: (213) 625-4791 Fax: (213) 625-1368 Westminster 9121 Bolsa Ave. Westminster, CA 92683 Tel: (714) 890-7118 Fax: (714) 892-8420 San Jose - Brokaw 1708 Oakland Rd., Suite 400, San Jose, CA 95131 Tel: (408) 437-6188 Fax: (408) 437-6180 Monterey Park 250 S. Atlantic Blvd. Monterey Park, CA 91754 Tel: (626) 588-1911 Fax: (626) 281-2956 Northridge 9045 Corbin Ave. Suite 100, Northridge, CA 91324 Tel: (818) 886-3578 Fax: (818) 886-8057 Ontario 2000A S. Grove Ave. Unit 103, Ontario, CA 91761 Tel: (909) 923-8081 Fax: (909) 923-5378 Orange 2263 N. Tustin St. Orange, CA 92865 Tel: (714) 283-8688 Fax: (714) 283-1988 Rowland Heights 17432 Colima Rd. Rowland Heights, CA 91748 Tel: (626) 333-8533 Fax: (626) 336-4227 San Diego 4688 Convoy St. San Diego, CA 92111 Tel: (858) 277-2030 Fax: (858) 277-3339 San Gabriel 825 E. Valley Blvd. San Gabriel, CA 91776 Tel: (626) 573-1000 Fax: (626) 573-0983 Torrance 23211 Hawthorne Blvd. Suite 108, Torrance, CA 90505 Tel: (310) 373-9070 Fax: (424) 212-5091 Valley - Stoneman 43 E. Valley Blvd. Alhambra, CA 91801 Tel: (626) 576-7600 Fax: (626) 576-5831 West Covina 2672 E. Garvey Ave. South, West Covina, CA 91791 Tel: (626) 646-1156 Fax: (626) 430-3077 Northern California Branches Berkeley-Richmond 3288 Pierce St., Suite D-101, Richmond, CA 94804 Tel: (510) 526-8898 Fax: (510) 526-0639 Clement 919 Clement St. San Francisco, CA 94118 Tel: (415) 831-1288 Fax: (415) 422-0917 Cupertino 10480 S. De Anza Blvd. Cupertino, CA 95014 Tel: (408) 255-8300 Fax: (408) 255-8373 Dublin 7190 Regional St. Dublin, CA 94568 Tel: (925) 551-8300 Fax: (925) 551-8310 Millbrae 1095 El Camino Real Millbrae, CA 94030 Tel: (650) 652-0188 Fax: (650) 652-0180 Milpitas 1759 N. Milpitas Blvd. Milpitas, CA 95035 Tel: (408) 262-0280 Fax: (408) 262-0780 Oakland 710 Webster St. Oakland, CA 94607 Tel: (510) 208-3700 Fax: (510) 208-3727 Sacramento 4970 Freeport Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95822 Tel: (916) 428-4890 Fax: (916) 428-4966 San Francisco 540 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94111 Tel: (415) 398-3122 Fax: (415) 398-3117 San Jose 2010 Tully Rd. San Jose, CA 95122 Tel: (408) 238-8880 Fax: (408) 238-2302 Union City 1701 Decoto Rd. Union City, CA 94587 Tel: (510) 675-9190 Fax: (510) 675-9312 New York Branches Bensonhurst 6912 18th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11204 Tel: (718) 306-5355 Fax: (718) 256-3605 Brooklyn 5402 8th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11220 Tel: (718) 435-0800 Fax: (718) 633-0128 Chatham Square 16-18 E. Broadway New York, NY 10002 Tel: (212) 941-8500 Fax: (212) 941-8493 New York Chinatown 45 E. Broadway New York, NY 10002 Tel: (212) 732-0200 Fax: (212) 732-7389 Flushing 40 - 14/16 Main St. Flushing, NY 11354 Tel: (718) 886-5225 Fax: (718) 961-7680 Flushing (North) 36-54 Main St. Flushing, NY 11354 Tel: (718) 683-3800 Fax: (718) 460-4509 Flushing (South) 41-48 Main St. Flushing, NY 11355 Tel: (718) 886-7500 Fax: (718) 886-6938 Midtown 235 5th Ave. New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 725-3800 Fax: (212) 683-7822 Soho 129 Lafayette St. New York, NY 10013 Tel: (646) 307-8300 Fax: (646) 613-8025 Corporate Center 9650 Flair Dr. El Monte, CA 91731 Tel: (626) 279-3298 Fax: (626) 279-3295 Southern California Branches Alhambra 601 N. Atlantic Blvd. Alhambra, CA 91801 Tel: (626) 284-6556 Fax: (626) 282-3496 Arcadia 1139 W. Huntington Dr. Arcadia, CA 91007 Tel: (626) 574-7767 Fax: (626) 574-3075 Cerritos Valley 18643 S. Pioneer Blvd. Artesia, CA 90701 Tel: (562) 809-1300 Fax: (562) 809-1415 City of Industry 1250 S. Fullerton Rd. City of Industry, CA 91748 Tel: (626) 810-1088 Fax: (626) 810-2188 Diamond Bar 1195 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Tel: (909) 860-8299 Fax: (909) 861-0920 El Monte 9650 Flair Dr. El Monte, CA 91731 Tel: (626) 279-3298 Fax: (626) 279-3295 Fountain Valley 17860 Newhope St. Suite 104, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 Tel: (714) 619-0268 Fax: (714) 619-0278 Irvine 15323 Culver Dr. Irvine, CA 92604 Tel: (949) 559-7500 Fax: (949) 559-7508 Irvine - Barranca 4010 Barranca Pkwy. Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92604 Tel: (949) 551-1991 Fax: (949) 551-2438 Eighteen Illinois Branches Nevada Branch Las Vegas 6110 Spring Mountain Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89146 Tel: (702) 453-8889 Fax: (702) 263-8889 New Jersey Branch Edison 1775 Route 27 Edison, NJ 08817 Tel: (732) 985-8880 Fax: (732) 985-6689 Edison Walk-Up 1775 Route 27 Edison, NJ 08817 Overseas Branch Hong Kong 503 Central Tower No. 28 Queen’s Rd. Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3710-1333 Fax: (852) 2810-1652 Overseas Representative Offices Shanghai Room 2610-A, Shanghai Kerry Centre, 1515 Nanjing West Rd. Shanghai 200040, People’s Republic of China Tel: (86-21) 5298-5656 Fax: (86-21) 5298-6161 Taipei 6/F, Suite 3, 146 Sung Chiang Rd. Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. Tel: (886-2) 2537-5057 Fax: (886-2) 2537-5059 Registrar and Transfer Agent American Stock Transfer and Trust Company 6201 15th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11219 Tel: (800) 937-5449 Broadway 4928 N. Broadway St. Chicago, IL 60640 Tel: (773) 561-2300 Fax: (773) 561-3003 Chicago Chinatown 222 W. Cermak Rd. Chicago, IL 60616 Tel: (312)-225-5991 Fax: (312) 225-2627 Westmont 665 Pasquinelli Dr., #B104, Westmont, IL 60559 Tel: (630) 325-7988 Fax: (630) 325-7442 Chicago Chinatown Drive-Up & Walk-Up 250 W. Cermak Rd. Chicago, IL 60616 Washington Branches Bellevue 13238 NE 20th St. Suite 200, Bellevue, WA 98005 Tel: (425) 644-8822 Fax: (425) 644-6818 Kent 18030 E. Valley Hwy. Kent, WA 98032 Tel: (425) 656-0278 Fax: (425) 656-0687 Seattle 621 S. Lane St. Seattle, WA 98104 Tel: (206) 223-2890 Fax: (206) 223-3735 Texas Branches Houston 9440 Bellaire Blvd. Suite 118, Houston, TX 77036 Tel: (713) 278-9599 Fax: (713) 278-9699 Plano 4100 Legacy Dr. Suite 403, Plano, TX 75024 Tel: (972) 618-2000 Fax: (972) 618-7345 Massachusetts Branch Boston Main 621 Washington St. Boston, MA 02111 Tel: (617) 338-4700 Fax: (617) 338-1674 Cathay Bank is honored to be of service to you. We will continue to be WITH YOU ALL THE WAY. Visit us online at www.cathaybank.com 10-K Nineteen 2014 Annual ReportUNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-K (cid:1408) (cid:1407) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Commission file number 001-31830 Cathay General Bancorp (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California (Address of principal executive offices) 95-4274680 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 90012 (Zip Code) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (213) 625-4700 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, $.01 par value Warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock (expiring December 5, 2018) The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes (cid:1408) No (cid:1407) Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes (cid:1407) No (cid:1408) 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 (cid:1408) No (cid:1407) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes (cid:1408) No (cid:1407) Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. (cid:1407) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer (cid:1408) Non-accelerated filer (cid:1407) (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Accelerated filer (cid:1407) Smaller reporting company (cid:1407) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes (cid:1407) No (cid:1408) The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2014) was $1,862,531,231. This value is estimated solely for the purposes of this cover page. The market value of shares held by Registrant’s directors, executive officers, and Employee Stock Ownership Plan have been excluded because they may be considered to be affiliates of the Registrant. As of February 17, 2015, there were 79,821,331 shares of common stock outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE • Portions of Registrant’s definitive proxy statement relating to Registrant’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which will be filed within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, are incorporated by reference into Part III. CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I .................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Item 1. Business. ........................................................................................................................................................... 2 Item 1A. Risk Factors. ..................................................................................................................................................... 15 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. ............................................................................................................................ 25 Properties. ......................................................................................................................................................... 25 Item 2. Legal Proceedings. ............................................................................................................................................ 26 Item 3. Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. .................................................................................................................................. 26 Executive Officers of the Registrant. .................................................................................................................................... 26 PART II ................................................................................................................................................................................. 27 Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. ...................................................................................................................................................... 27 Item 6. Selected Financial Data. .................................................................................................................................... 28 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. ........................... 30 Item 7. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. .......................................................................... 59 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. ................................................................................................ 63 Item 8. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. .......................... 63 Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. .................................................................................................................................. 63 Item 9B. Other Information. ............................................................................................................................................ 66 PART III ............................................................................................................................................................................... 66 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. ............................................................................... 66 Item 10. Executive Compensation. .................................................................................................................................. 66 Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.......... 66 Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. ................................................. 66 Item 13. Principal Accounting Fees and Services. .......................................................................................................... 67 Item 14. PART IV ............................................................................................................................................................................... 67 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. ......................................................................................................... 67 Item 15. SIGNATURES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 71 i This page intentionally left blank Forward-Looking Statements In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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, investment and expenditure plans, financing needs and availability, and other similar forecasts and statements of expectation and statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Words such as “aims,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “hopes,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “seeks,” “shall,” “should,” “will,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “possible,” “optimistic,” 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 and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Such risks and uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, adverse developments or conditions related to or arising from: (cid:404) U.S. and international business and economic conditions; (cid:404) possible additional provisions for loan losses and charge-offs; (cid:404) (cid:404) (cid:404) credit risks of lending activities and deterioration in asset or credit quality; current and potential future supervisory action by bank supervisory authorities; increased costs of compliance and other risks associated with changes in regulation; (cid:404) higher capital requirements from the implementation of the Basel III capital standards; (cid:404) compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other money laundering statutes and regulations; (cid:404) potential goodwill impairment; (cid:404) (cid:404) (cid:404) (cid:404) (cid:404) (cid:404) liquidity risk; fluctuations in interest rates; risks associated with acquisitions and the expansion of our business into new markets; inflation and deflation; real estate market conditions and the value of real estate collateral; environmental liabilities; (cid:404) our ability to compete with larger competitors; (cid:404) our ability to retain key personnel; (cid:404) successful management of reputational risk; (cid:404) natural disasters and geopolitical events; (cid:404) general economic or business conditions in Asia, and other regions where the Bank has operations; 1 (cid:404) failures, interruptions, or security breaches of our information systems; (cid:404) our ability to adapt our systems to technological changes; (cid:404) risk management processes and strategies; (cid:404) adverse results in legal proceedings; (cid:404) (cid:404) certain provisions in our charter and bylaws that may affect acquisition of the Company; changes in accounting standards or tax laws and regulations; (cid:404) market disruption and volatility; (cid:404) (cid:404) (cid:404) restrictions on dividends and other distributions by laws and regulations and by our regulators and our capital structure; issuance of preferred stock; successfully raising additional capital, if needed, and the resulting dilution of interests of holders of our common stock; and (cid:404) the soundness of other financial institutions. These and other factors are further described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (at Item 1A in particular), the Company’s other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and other filings the Company 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, which speak to the date of this report. We have no intention and undertake no obligation to update any forward- looking statement or to publicly announce any revision of any forward-looking statement to reflect future developments or events, except as required by law. PART I Item 1. Business. Business of Bancorp Overview Cathay General Bancorp is a corporation that was organized in 1990 under the laws of the State of Delaware. We are the holding company of Cathay Bank, a California state-chartered commercial bank (“Cathay Bank” or the “Bank”), seven limited partnerships investing in affordable housing investments in which the Bank is the sole limited partner, and GBC Venture Capital, Inc. We also own 100% of the common stock of five statutory business trusts created for the purpose of issuing capital securities. In the future, we may become an operating company or acquire savings institutions, other banks, or companies engaged in bank-related activities and may engage in such other activities or acquire such other businesses as may be permitted by applicable law. Our principal place of business is currently located at 777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90012, and our telephone number at that location is (213) 625-4700. In addition, certain of our administrative offices are located in El Monte, California, and our address there is 9650 Flair Drive, El Monte, California 91731. Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and our trading symbol is “CATY”. We are regulated as a bank holding company by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”). Cathay Bank is regulated as a California commercial bank by the California Department of Business Oversight (“DBO”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Subsidiaries of Bancorp In addition to its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, the Bancorp has the following subsidiaries: 2 Cathay Capital Trust I, Cathay Statutory Trust I, Cathay Capital Trust II, Cathay Capital Trust III and Cathay Capital Trust IV. The Bancorp established Cathay Capital Trust I in June 2003, Cathay Statutory Trust I in September 2003, Cathay Capital Trust II in December 2003, Cathay Capital Trust III in March 2007, and Cathay Capital Trust IV in May 2007 (collectively, the “Trusts”) as wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Trusts are statutory business trusts. The Trusts issued capital securities representing undivided preferred beneficial interests in the assets of the Trusts. The Trusts exist for the purpose of issuing the capital securities and investing the proceeds thereof, together with proceeds from the purchase of the common securities of the Trusts by the Bancorp, in a certain series of securities issued by us, with similar terms to the relevant series of securities issued by each of the Trusts, which we refer to as “Junior Subordinated Notes.” The Bancorp guarantees, on a limited basis, payments of distributions on the capital securities of the Trusts and payments on redemption of the capital securities of the Trusts. The Bancorp is the owner of all the beneficial interests represented by the common securities of the Trusts. The purpose of issuing the capital securities was to provide the Company with a cost-effective means of obtaining Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes. Because the Bancorp is not the primary beneficiary of the Trusts, the financial statements of the Trusts are not included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. GBC Venture Capital, Inc. The business purpose of GBC Venture Capital, Inc. is to hold equity interests (such as options or warrants) received as part of business relationships and to make equity investments in companies and limited partnerships subject to applicable regulatory restrictions. Competition Our primary business is to act as the holding company for the Bank. Accordingly, we face the same competitive pressures as those expected by the Bank. For a discussion of those risks, see “Business of the Bank — Competition” below under this Item 1. Employees Due to the limited nature of the Bancorp’s activities as a bank holding company, the Bancorp currently does not employ any persons other than Bancorp’s management, which includes the Chief Executive Officer and President, the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice Presidents, the Secretary and General Counsel, and the Assistant Secretary. See also “Business of the Bank — Employees” below under this Item 1. Business of the Bank General Cathay Bank was incorporated under the laws of the State of California on August 22, 1961, was licensed by the California Department of Business Oversight (“DBO”), previously known as the California Department of Financial Institutions or California State Banking Department, and commenced operations as a California state-chartered bank on April 19, 1962. Cathay Bank is an insured bank under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act by the FDIC, but it is not a member of the Federal Reserve. The Bank’s head office is located in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles, at 777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90012. In addition, as of December 31, 2014, the Bank had branch offices in Southern California (21 branches), Northern California (12 branches), New York (nine branches), Massachusetts (one branch), Texas (two branches), Washington (three branches), Illinois (three branch locations and one drive-through location), New Jersey (one branch), Nevada (one branch), and Hong Kong (one branch) and a representative office in Shanghai and in Taipei. Deposit accounts at the Hong Kong branch are not insured by the FDIC. Each branch has loan approval rights subject to the branch manager’s authorized lending limits. Current activities of the Shanghai and Taipei representative offices are limited to coordinating the transportation of documents to the Bank’s head office and performing liaison services. Our primary market area is defined by the Community Reinvestment Act (the “CRA”) delineation, which includes the contiguous areas surrounding each of the Bank’s branch offices. It is the Bank’s policy to reach out and actively offer services to low and moderate income groups in the delineated branch service areas. Many of the Bank’s employees speak both English and one or more Chinese dialects or Vietnamese, and are thus able to serve the Bank’s Chinese, Vietnamese, and English speaking customers. 3 As a commercial bank, the Bank accepts checking, savings, and time deposits, and makes commercial, real estate, personal, home improvement, automobile, and other installment and term loans. From time to time, the Bank invests available funds in other interest-earning assets, such as U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency securities, state and municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, corporate bonds, and other security investments. The Bank also provides letters of credit, wire transfers, forward currency spot and forward contracts, traveler’s checks, safe deposit, night deposit, Social Security payment deposit, collection, bank-by-mail, drive-up and walk-up windows, automatic teller machines (“ATM”), Internet banking services, and other customary bank services. The Bank primarily services individuals, professionals, and small to medium-sized businesses in the local markets in which its branches are located and provides commercial mortgage loans, commercial loans, Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans, residential mortgage loans, real estate construction loans, home equity lines of credit, and installment loans to individuals for automobile, household, and other consumer expenditures. Through Cathay Wealth Management business unit, the Bank provides its customers the ability to trade securities online and to purchase mutual funds, annuities, equities, bonds, and short-term money market instruments. All securities and insurance products provided by Cathay Wealth Management are offered by, and all Financial Consultants are registered with, Cetera Financial Services, a registered securities broker/dealer and licensed insurance agency and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and Security Investor Protection Corporation. Cetera Financial Services and Cathay Bank are independent entities. These products are not insured by the FDIC. Securities The Bank’s securities portfolio is managed in accordance with a written Investment Policy which addresses strategies, types, and levels of allowable investments, and which is reviewed and approved by our Board of Directors on an annual basis. Our investment portfolio is managed to meet our liquidity needs through proceeds from scheduled maturities and is also utilized for pledging requirements for deposits of state and local subdivisions, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances. The portfolio is comprised of U.S. government securities, mortgage- backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, corporate debt instruments, and mutual funds. Information concerning the carrying value, maturity distribution, and yield analysis of the Company’s securities portfolio as well as a summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Bank’s securities by contractual maturity is included in Part II — Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Loans The Bank’s Board of Directors and senior management establish, review, and modify the Bank’s lending policies. These policies include (as applicable) an evaluation of a potential borrower’s financial condition, ability to repay the loan, character, secondary repayment sources (such as guaranties), quality and availability of collateral, capital, leverage capacity, and regulatory guidelines, market conditions for the borrower’s business or project, and prevailing economic trends and conditions. Loan originations are obtained through a variety of sources, including existing customers, walk-in customers, referrals from brokers or existing customers, and advertising. While loan applications are accepted at all branches, the Bank’s centralized document department supervises the application process including documentation of loans, review of appraisals, and credit reports. Commercial Mortgage Loans. Commercial mortgage loans are typically secured by first deeds of trust on commercial properties. Our commercial mortgage portfolio includes primarily commercial retail properties, shopping centers, and owner- occupied industrial facilities, and, secondarily, office buildings, multiple-unit apartments, hotels, and multi-tenanted industrial properties. The Bank also makes medium-term commercial mortgage loans which are generally secured by commercial or industrial buildings where the borrower uses the property for business purposes or derives income from tenants. Commercial Loans. The Bank provides financial services to diverse commercial and professional businesses in its market areas. Commercial loans consist primarily of short-term loans (normally with a maturity of up to one year) to support general business purposes, or to provide working capital to businesses in the form of lines of credit to finance trade. The Bank continues to focus primarily on commercial lending to small-to-medium size businesses within the Bank’s geographic 4 market areas. The Bank participates or syndicates loans, typically more than $25 million in principal amount, with other financial institutions to limit its credit exposure. Commercial loan pricing is generally at a rate tied to the prime rate, as quoted in The Wall Street Journal, or the Bank’s reference rate. SBA Loans. The Bank originates U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans under the national “preferred lender” status. Preferred lender status is granted to a lender that has made a certain number of SBA loans and which, in the opinion of the SBA, has staff qualified and experienced in small business loans. As a preferred lender, the Bank’s SBA Lending Group has the authority to issue, on behalf of the SBA, the SBA guaranty on loans under the 7(a) program which may result in shortening the time it takes to process a loan. In addition, under this program, the SBA delegates loan underwriting, closing, and most servicing and liquidation authority and responsibility to selected lenders. The Bank utilizes both the 504 program, which is focused on long-term financing of buildings and other long-term fixed assets, and the 7(a) program, which is the SBA’s primary loan program and which can be used for financing of a variety of general business purposes such as acquisition of land, buildings, equipment and inventory and working capital needs of eligible businesses generally over a 5- to 25-year term. The collateral position in the SBA loans is enhanced by the SBA guaranty in the case of 7(a) loans, and by lower loan-to-value ratios under the 504 program. The Bank has sold, and may in the future sell, the guaranteed portion of certain of its SBA 7(a) loans in the secondary market. SBA loan pricing is generally at a rate tied to the prime rate, as quoted in The Wall Street Journal. Residential Mortgage Loans. The Bank originates single-family-residential mortgage loans. The single-family- residential mortgage loans are comprised of conforming, nonconforming, and jumbo residential mortgage loans, and are secured by first or subordinate liens on single (one-to-four) family residential properties. The Bank’s products include a fixed-rate residential mortgage loan and an adjustable-rate residential mortgage loan. Mortgage loans are underwritten in accordance with the Bank’s and regulatory guidelines, on the basis of the borrower’s financial capabilities, an independent appraisal of the value of the property, historical loan quality, and other factors deemed relevant by the Bank’s underwriting personnel. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 58% of the Bank’s residential mortgages were for properties located in California. It is the current practice of the Bank to sell all conforming fixed rate residential first mortgages that meet Government Sponsored Agency guidelines to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation on a cash basis as they are originated. The Bank retains all other mortgage loans it originates in its portfolio. As such, the Bank was not impacted by the rule pertaining to risk retention implementing the risk retention requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), since the Bank does not securitize any of the loans it sells or retains. Real Estate Construction Loans. The Bank’s real estate construction loan activity focuses on providing short-term loans to individuals and developers, primarily for the construction of multi-unit projects. Residential real estate construction loans are typically secured by first deeds of trust and guarantees of the borrower. The economic viability of the projects, borrower’s credit worthiness, and borrower’s and contractor’s experience are primary considerations in the loan underwriting decision. The Bank utilizes approved independent licensed appraisers and monitors projects during the construction phase through construction inspections and a disbursement program tied to the percentage of completion of each project. The Bank also occasionally makes unimproved property loans to borrowers who intend to construct a single-family residence on their lots generally within twelve months. In addition, the Bank makes commercial real estate construction loans to high net worth clients with adequate liquidity for construction of office and warehouse properties. Such loans are typically secured by first deeds of trust and are guaranteed by the borrower. Home Equity Lines of Credit. The Bank offers variable-rate home equity lines of credit that are secured by the borrower’s home. The pricing on the variable-rate home equity line of credit is generally at a rate tied to the prime rate, as quoted in The Wall Street Journal, or the Bank’s reference rate. Borrowers may use this line of credit for home improvement financing, debt consolidation and other personal uses. Installment Loans. Installment loans tend to be fixed rate and longer-term (one-to-six year maturities). These loans are funded primarily for the purpose of financing the purchase of automobiles and other personal uses of the borrower. Distribution and Maturity of Loans. Information concerning types, distribution, and maturity of loans is included in Part II — Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 5 Asset Quality The Bank’s lending and credit policies require management to regularly review the Bank’s loan portfolio so that the Bank can monitor the quality of its assets. If during the ordinary course of business, management becomes aware that a borrower may not be able to meet the contractual payment obligations under a loan, then that loan is supervised more closely with consideration given to placing the loan on non-accrual status, the need for an additional allowance for loan losses, and (if appropriate) partial or full charge-off. Under the Bank’s current policy, a loan will generally be placed on a non-accrual status if interest or principal is past due 90 days or more, or in cases where management deems the full collection of principal and interest unlikely. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, 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 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. A non-accrual loan may also be returned to accrual status if all principal and interest contractually due are reasonably assured of repayment within a reasonable period and there has been a sustained period of payment performance, generally six months. Information concerning non-performing loans, restructured loans, allowance for credit losses, loans charged-off, loan recoveries, and other real estate owned is included in Part II — Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in Note 5 and Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Deposits The Bank offers a variety of deposit products in order to meet its customers’ needs. As of December 31, 2014, the Bank offered passbook accounts, checking accounts, money market deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts, college certificates of deposit, and public funds deposits. These products are priced in order to promote growth of deposits. The Bank’s deposits are generally obtained from residents within its geographic market area. The Bank utilizes traditional marketing methods to attract new customers and deposits, by offering a wide variety of products and services and utilizing various forms of advertising media. From time to time, the Bank may offer special deposit promotions. Information concerning types of deposit accounts, average deposits and rates, and maturity of time deposits of $100,000 or more is included in Part II — Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Borrowings Borrowings from time to time include securities sold under agreements to repurchase, the purchase of federal funds, funds obtained as advances from the FHLB, borrowing from other financial institutions, and the issuance of Junior Subordinated Notes. Information concerning the types, amounts, and maturity of borrowings is included in Note 10 and Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Return on Equity and Assets Information concerning the return on average assets, return on average stockholders’ equity, the average equity to assets ratio and the dividend payout ratio is included in Part II — Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Interest Rates and Differentials Information concerning the interest-earning asset mix, average interest-earning assets, average interest-bearing liabilities, and the yields on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is included in Part II — Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income An analysis of changes in net interest income due to changes in rate and volume is included in Part II — Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” 6 Commitments and Letters of Credit Information concerning the Bank’s outstanding loan commitments and letters of credit is included in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Expansion We have engaged in expansion through acquisitions and may consider acquisitions in the future in order to compete for new deposits and loans, and to be able to serve our customers more effectively. In January 2015, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire Asia Bancshares, Inc., headquartered in Flushing, New York. Asia Bancshares has $533.3 million in total assets at December 31, 2014, and operates four branches. The Company expects the acquisition of Asia Bancshares to close in the second quarter of 2015. Subsidiaries of Cathay Bank Cathay Community Development Corporation (“CCDC”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank and was incorporated in September 2006. The primary mission of CCDC is to help in the development of low-income neighborhoods in the Bank's California and New York service areas by providing or facilitating the availability of capital to businesses and real estate developers working to renovate these neighborhoods. In October 2006, CCDC formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Cathay New Asia Community Development Corporation (“CNACDC”), for the purpose of assuming New Asia Bank’s pre- existing New Markets Tax Credit activities in the greater Chicago area by providing or facilitating the availability of capital to businesses and real estate developers working to renovate these neighborhoods. Cathay Holdings LLC (“CHLLC”) was incorporated in December 2007, Cathay Holdings 2 LLC (“CHLLC2”) was incorporated in January 2008, and Cathay Holdings 3 LLC (“CHLLC3”) was incorporated in December 2008. They are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Bank. The purpose of these subsidiaries is to hold other real estate owned in the state of Texas that was transferred from the Bank. As of December 31, 2014, CHLLC owned two properties with a carrying value of $1.6 million. CHLLC2 and CHLLC3 did not own property at December 31, 2014. Competition We face substantial competition for deposits, loans and other banking services, as well as acquisitions, throughout our market area from the major banks and financial institutions that dominate the commercial banking industry. We also compete for loans and deposits, as well as other banking services, such as payment services, with savings and loan associations, savings banks, brokerage houses, insurance companies, mortgage companies, credit unions, credit card companies and other financial and non-financial institutions and entities. In California, one larger Chinese-American bank competes for loans and deposits with the Bank and at least two super- regional banks compete with the Bank for deposits. In addition, there are many other Chinese-American banks in both Southern and Northern California. Banks from the Pacific Rim countries, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China also continue to open branches in the Los Angeles area, thus increasing competition in the Bank’s primary markets. See discussion below in Part I — Item 1A — “Risk Factors To compete with other financial institutions in its primary service areas, the Bank relies principally upon local promotional activities, personal contacts by its officers, directors, employees, and stockholders, extended hours on weekdays, Saturday banking in certain locations, Internet banking, an Internet website (www.cathaybank.com), and certain other specialized services. The content of our website is not incorporated into and is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If a proposed loan exceeds the Bank’s internal lending limits, the Bank has, in the past, and may in the future, arrange the loan on a participation or syndication basis with correspondent banks. The Bank also assists customers requiring other services not offered by the Bank to obtain these services from its correspondent banks. Employees As of December 31, 2014, the Bank and its subsidiaries employed approximately 1,074 persons, including 505 banking officers. None of the employees are represented by a union. We believe that our employer-employee relations are good. 7 Available Information We invite you to visit our website at www.cathaygeneralbancorp.com, to access free of charge the Bancorp's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, all of which are made available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with or furnish it to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The content of our website is not incorporated into and is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, you can write to us to obtain a free copy of any of those reports at Cathay General Bancorp, 9650 Flair Drive, El Monte, California 91731, Attn: Investor Relations. These reports are also available through the SEC’s Public Reference Room, located at 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549 and online at the SEC’s website, located at www.sec.gov. Investors can obtain information about the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room by calling 800-SEC-0330. Regulation and Supervision General The Bancorp and the Bank are subject to significant regulation and restrictions by federal and state laws and regulatory agencies. This regulation is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the deposit insurance fund, secondarily for the stability of the U.S. banking system, and not for the protection of stockholders. The following discussion of statutes and regulations is a summary and does not purport to be complete nor does it address all applicable statutes and regulations. This discussion is also qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text and to the implementation and enforcement of the statutes and regulations referred to in this discussion. Additional initiatives may be proposed or introduced before Congress, the California Legislature, and other governmental bodies in the future. Such proposals, if enacted, may further alter the structure, regulation, and competitive relationship among financial institutions and may subject us to increased supervision and disclosure and reporting requirements. In addition, the various bank regulatory agencies often adopt new rules and regulations and policies to implement and enforce existing legislation. It cannot be predicted whether, or in what form, any such legislation or regulatory changes in policy may be enacted or the extent to which the business of the Bank would be affected thereby. In addition, the outcome of examinations, any litigation, or any investigations initiated by state or federal authorities may result in necessary changes in our operations and increased compliance costs. The implementation and impact of legislation and regulations enacted since 2008 in response to the U.S. economic downturn and financial industry instability continued in 2014 as modest recovery returned to many institutions in the banking sector. Many institutions have repaid and redeemed U.S. Treasury loans and investments under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”). The Company participated in the TARP Capital Purchase Program and in 2013 fully redeemed the $258 million of preferred stock it had issued to the U.S. Treasury. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act The Dodd-Frank Act financial reform legislation significantly revised and expanded the rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority of the federal bank regulatory agencies. The numerous rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act have significantly impacted our operations and compliance costs. Various provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are now effective and have been fully implemented, including the revisions in the deposit insurance assessment base for FDIC insurance and the permanent increase in coverage to $250,000; the permissibility of paying interest on business checking accounts; the removal of barriers to interstate branching; and required disclosure and shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation. Implementation in 2014 of additional Dodd-Frank Act regulatory provisions included aspects of (i) the final new capital rules, and (ii) the so called “Volcker Rule” restrictions on certain proprietary trading and investment activities. Capital Adequacy Requirements Bank holding companies and banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. New capital rules described below were effective on January 1, 2015, but many elements are being phased in over multiple future years. Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations (See “Prompt Corrective Action Provisions” below), involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weighting, and other factors. The risk-based capital guidelines for bank holding companies and banks require capital ratios that vary based on the perceived degree of risk 8 associated with a banking organization’s operations for both transactions reported on the balance sheet as assets, such as loans, and those recorded as off-balance sheet items, such as commitments, letters of credit and recourse arrangements. The risk-based capital ratio is determined by classifying assets and certain off-balance sheet financial instruments into weighted categories, with higher levels of capital being required for those categories perceived as representing greater risks and dividing its qualifying capital by its total risk-adjusted assets and off-balance sheet items. Bank holding companies and banks engaged in significant trading activity may also be subject to the market risk capital guidelines and be required to incorporate additional market and interest rate risk components into their risk-based capital standards. To the extent that the new rules are not fully phased in, the prior capital rules continue to apply. Under the risk-based capital guidelines in place prior to the effectiveness of the new capital rules, there were three fundamental capital ratios: a total risk-based capital ratio, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and a Tier 1 leverage ratio. To be deemed “well capitalized” a bank must have a total risk-based capital ratio, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least ten percent, six percent and five percent, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the Bancorp’s and the Bank’s total risk-based capital ratios were, respectively, 16.22% and 16.35%; their Tier 1 risk-based capital ratios were, respectively, 14.96% and 15.04%; and the Bancorp’s leverage capital ratio was 12.99%, all of which ratios exceeded the minimum percentage requirements to be deemed “well-capitalized” for regulatory purposes. The federal banking agencies may require banks and bank holding companies subject to enforcement actions to maintain capital ratios in excess of the minimum ratios otherwise required to be deemed “well-capitalized.” Failure to meet statutorily mandated capital guidelines or more restrictive ratios separately established for a financial institution could subject a bank or bank holding company to a variety of enforcement remedies, including issuance of a capital directive, the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, a prohibition on accepting or renewing brokered deposits, limitations on the rates of interest that the institution may pay on its deposits and other restrictions on its business. Significant additional restrictions can be imposed on FDIC-insured depository institutions that fail to meet applicable capital requirements under the regulatory agencies’ prompt corrective action authority. New Capital Rules The federal bank regulatory agencies adopted final regulations in July 2013, which revised their risk-based and leverage capital requirements for banking organizations to meet requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act and to implement Basel III international agreements reached by the Basel Committee. Although many of the rules contained in these final regulations are applicable only to large, internationally active banks, some of them will apply on a phased in basis to all banking organizations, including the Bancorp and the Bank. The following are among the new requirements that are phased in beginning January 1, 2015: • An increase in the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio from 4.00% to 6.00% of risk-weighted assets. • A new category and a required 4.50% of risk-weighted assets ratio is established for “common equity Tier 1” as a subset of Tier 1 capital limited to common equity. • A minimum non-risk-based leverage ratio is set at 4.00% eliminating a 3.00% exception for higher rated banks. • Changes in the permitted composition of Tier 1 capital to exclude trust preferred securities, mortgage servicing rights and certain deferred tax assets and include unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt and equity securities. • A new additional capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk weighted assets over each of the required capital ratios that will be phased in from 2016 to 2019 must be met to avoid limitations in the ability of the Bank to pay dividends, repurchase shares or pay discretionary bonuses. • The risk-weights of certain assets for purposes of calculating the risk-based capital ratios are changed for high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development and construction loans, certain past due non-residential mortgage loans and certain mortgage-backed and other securities exposures. • An additional “countercyclical capital buffer” is required for larger and more complex institutions. 9 Final Volcker Rule In December 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies adopted final rules that implement a part of the Dodd-Frank Act commonly referred to as the “Volcker Rule.” Under these rules and subject to certain exceptions, banking entities, including the Company and the Bank, will be restricted from engaging in activities that are considered proprietary trading and from sponsoring or investing in certain entities, including hedge or private equity funds that are considered “covered funds.” These rules became effective on April 1, 2014 although certain provisions are subject to delayed effectiveness under rules promulgated by the Federal Reserve. The Company held limited partnership interests totaling approximately $5.5 million at December 31, 2014, which are considered covered funds under the final rule. Therefore, these new rules require us to sell or restructure these limited partnership interests before July 21, 2017. Except for discontinuing such investments, we believe that the new rules will not require any material changes in our operations or business. CFPB Actions The Dodd-Frank Act provided for the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) as an independent entity within the Federal Reserve with broad rulemaking, supervisory, and enforcement authority over consumer financial products and services, including deposit products, residential mortgages, home-equity loans and credit cards. The CFPB’s functions include investigating consumer complaints, conducting market research, rulemaking, supervising and examining bank consumer transactions, and enforcing rules related to consumer financial products and services. CFPB regulations and guidance apply to all financial institutions and banks with $10 billion or more in assets, which are also subject to examination by the CFPB. As the Bank has more than $10 billion in assets, it is now examined for compliance with CFPB regulation by the CFPB in addition to examinations of the Bank by the FDIC and the DBO. In 2014, the CFPB adopted revisions to Regulation Z, which implement the Truth in Lending Act, pursuant to the Dodd- Frank Act, and apply to all consumer mortgages (except home equity lines of credit, timeshare plans, reverse mortgages, or temporary loans). The revisions mandate specific underwriting criteria for home loans in order for creditors to make a reasonable, good faith determination of a consumer's ability to repay and establish certain protections from liability under this requirement for “qualified mortgages” meeting certain standards. In particular, it will prevent banks from making “no doc” and “low doc” home loans, as the rules require that banks determine a consumer’s ability to pay based in part on verified and documented information. We do originate certain “low doc” loans that meet specific underwriting criteria. Given the small volume of such loans, we do not believe that this regulation will have a significant impact on our operations. Bank Holding Company and Bank Regulation The Bancorp is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act and is registered as such with the Federal Reserve. The Bancorp is also a bank holding company within the meaning of Section 1280 of the California Financial Code. Therefore, the Bancorp and any of its subsidiaries are subject to examination by, and may be required to file reports with, the DBO. As a California commercial bank the deposits of which are insured by the FDIC, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision, and regular examination by the DBO and by the FDIC, as the Bank’s primary federal regulator, and must additionally comply with certain applicable regulations of the Federal Reserve. Bank holding companies and their bank and non-bank subsidiaries are subject to significant regulation and restrictions by federal and state laws and regulatory agencies. These laws, regulations and restrictions, which may affect the cost of doing business, limit permissible activities and expansion or impact the competitive balance between banks and other financial services providers, are intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund, and secondarily for the stability of the U.S. banking system. They are not intended for the benefit of stockholders of financial institutions. The following discussion of key statutes and regulations to which the Bancorp and the Bank are subject is a summary and does not purport to be complete nor does it address all applicable statutes and regulations. This discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full statutes and regulations. The wide range of requirements and restrictions contained in both federal and state banking laws include: (cid:404) Requirements that bank holding companies and banks file periodic reports. (cid:404) Requirements that bank holding companies and banks meet or exceed minimum capital requirements. 10 (cid:404) Requirements that bank holding companies serve as a source of financial and managerial strength for their banking subsidiaries. In addition, the regulatory agencies have “prompt corrective action” authority to limit activities and require a limited guaranty of a required bank capital restoration plan by a bank holding company if the capital of a bank subsidiary falls below capital levels required by the regulators. (cid:404) Limitations on dividends payable to stockholders. The Bancorp’s ability to pay dividends is subject to legal and regulatory restrictions. A substantial portion of the Bancorp’s funds to pay dividends or to pay principal and interest on our debt obligations is derived from dividends paid by the Bank. (cid:404) Limitations on dividends payable by bank subsidiaries. These dividends are subject to various legal and regulatory restrictions. The federal banking agencies have indicated that paying dividends that deplete a depositary institution’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. Moreover, the federal agencies have issued policy statements that provide that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings. (cid:404) Safety and soundness requirements. Banks must be operated in a safe and sound manner and meet standards applicable to internal controls, information systems, internal audit, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, and compensation, as well as other operational and management standards. These safety and soundness requirements give bank regulatory agencies significant latitude in exercising their supervisory authority and the authority to initiate informal or formal enforcement actions. (cid:404) Requirements for notice, application and approval, or non-objection of acquisitions and certain other activities conducted directly or in subsidiaries of the Bancorp or the Bank. (cid:404) Compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”). The CRA requires that banks help meet the credit needs in their communities, including the availability of credit to low and moderate income individuals. If the Bank fails to adequately serve its communities, restrictions may be imposed, including denials of applications for branches, for adding subsidiaries or affiliate companies, for engaging in new activities or for the merger with or purchase of other financial institutions. In its last reported examination by the FDIC in July 2013, the Bank received a CRA rating of “Satisfactory.” (cid:404) Compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, the USA Patriot Act, and other anti-money laundering laws. These laws and regulations require financial institutions to assist U.S. government agencies in detecting and preventing money laundering and other illegal acts by maintaining policies, procedures and controls designed to detect and report money laundering, terrorist financing, and other suspicious activity. (cid:404) Limitations on the amount of loans to one borrower and its affiliates and to executive officers and directors. (cid:404) Limitations on transactions with affiliates. (cid:404) Restrictions on the nature and amount of any investments in, and the ability to underwrite, certain securities. (cid:404) Requirements for opening of intra- and interstate branches. (cid:404) Compliance with truth in lending and other consumer protection and disclosure laws to ensure equal access to credit and to protect consumers in credit transactions. (cid:404) Compliance with provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLB Act”) and other federal and state laws dealing with privacy for nonpublic personal information of customers. Additional Restrictions on Bancorp and Bank Activities Subject to prior notice or Federal Reserve approval, bank holding companies may generally engage in, or acquire shares of companies engaged in, activities determined by the Federal Reserve to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Bank holding companies which elect and retain “financial holding company” status pursuant to the GLB Act may engage in these nonbanking activities and broader securities, insurance, merchant banking and other activities that are determined to be “financial in nature” or are incidental or complementary to activities that are financial in nature without prior Federal Reserve approval. Pursuant to the GLB Act and the Dodd-Frank Act, in order to elect and retain financial holding company status, a bank holding company and all depository institution 11 subsidiaries of a bank holding company must be well capitalized and well managed, and, except in limited circumstances, depository subsidiaries must be in satisfactory compliance with the CRA. Failure to sustain compliance with these requirements or correct any non-compliance within a fixed time period could lead to divestiture of subsidiary banks or require all activities to conform to those permissible for a bank holding company. The Bancorp has not elected financial holding company status and does not believe it has engaged in any activities determined by the Federal Reserve to be financial in nature or incidental or complementary to activities that are financial in nature, which would, in the absence of financial holding company status, require notice or Federal Reserve approval. Pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDI Act”) and the California Financial Code, California state chartered commercial banks may generally engage in any activity permissible for national banks. Therefore, the Bank may form subsidiaries to engage in the many so-called “closely related to banking” or “nonbanking” activities commonly conducted by national banks in operating subsidiaries or subsidiaries of bank holding companies. Further, pursuant to the GLB Act, California banks may conduct certain “financial” activities in a subsidiary to the same extent as a national bank, provided the bank is and remains “well-capitalized,” “well-managed” and in satisfactory compliance with the CRA. The Bank currently has no financial subsidiaries. Regulation of the Bank As a California commercial bank whose deposits are insured by the FDIC, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision, and regular examination by the DBO and the FDIC, as the Bank’s primary Federal regulator, and must also comply with certain applicable regulations of the Federal Reserve. Specific federal and state laws and regulations which are applicable to banks regulate, among other things, the scope of their business, their investments, their reserves against deposits, the timing of the availability of deposited funds, their activities relating to dividends, the nature and amount of and collateral for certain loans, servicing and foreclosing on loans, borrowings, capital requirements, certain check-clearing activities, branching, and mergers and acquisitions. California banks are also subject to statutes and regulations including Federal Reserve Regulation O and Federal Reserve Act Sections 23A and 23B and Regulation W, which restrict or limit loans or extensions of credit to “insiders,” including officers, directors, and principal shareholders, and affiliates, and purchases of assets from affiliates, including parent bank holding companies, except pursuant to certain exceptions and only on terms and conditions at least as favorable to those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated parties. The Dodd-Frank Act expanded definitions and restrictions on transactions with affiliates and insiders under Sections 23A and 23B, and also lending limits for derivative transactions, repurchase agreements and securities lending, and borrowing transactions. The Bank operates branches and/or loan production offices in California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington, Nevada, and New Jersey. While the DBO remains the Bank’s primary state regulator, the Bank’s operations in these jurisdictions are subject to examination and supervision by local bank regulators, and transactions with customers in those jurisdictions are subject to local laws, including consumer protection laws. The Bank also operates a branch in Hong Kong and a representative office in Taipei and in Shanghai. The operations of these foreign offices and branches (and limits on the scope of their activities) are subject to local law and regulatory authorities in addition to regulation and supervision by the DBO and the Federal Reserve. Enforcement Authority The federal and California regulatory structure gives the bank regulatory agencies extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. The regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines to assist in identifying and addressing potential safety and soundness concerns before an institution’s capital becomes impaired. The guidelines establish operational and managerial standards generally relating to: (i) internal controls, information systems, and internal audit systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) interest-rate exposure; (v) asset growth and asset quality; and (vi) compensation, fees, and benefits. Further, the regulatory agencies have adopted safety and soundness guidelines for asset quality and for evaluating and monitoring earnings to ensure that earnings are sufficient for the maintenance of adequate capital and reserves. If, as a result of an examination, the DBO or the FDIC should determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, or other aspects of the Bank’s operations are unsatisfactory or that the Bank or its management is violating or has violated any law or regulation, the DBO and the FDIC have residual authority to: (cid:404) Require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice; (cid:404) Direct an increase in capital and the maintenance of higher specific minimum capital ratios, which may preclude the Bank from being deemed “well-capitalized” and restrict its ability to accept certain brokered deposits, among other things; 12 (cid:404) Restrict the Bank’s growth geographically, by products and services, or by mergers and acquisitions; (cid:404) Enter into or issue informal or formal enforcement actions, including required Board resolutions, memoranda of understanding, written agreements and consent or cease and desist orders or prompt corrective action orders to take corrective action and cease unsafe and unsound practices; (cid:404) Require prior approval of senior executive officer or director changes, remove officers and directors, and assess civil monetary penalties; and (cid:404) Terminate FDIC insurance, revoke the Bank’s charter, take possession of, close and liquidate the Bank, or appoint the FDIC as receiver. The Federal Reserve has similar enforcement authority over bank holding companies and commonly takes parallel action in conjunction with actions taken by a subsidiary bank’s regulators. In the exercise of their supervisory and examination authority, the regulatory agencies have recently emphasized corporate governance, stress testing, enterprise risk management and other board responsibilities; anti-money laundering compliance and enhanced high risk customer due diligence; vendor management; cyber security and fair lending and other consumer compliance obligations. Deposit Insurance The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures deposits, up to prescribed statutory limits, of federally insured banks and savings institutions and safeguards the safety and soundness of the banking and savings industries. The FDIC insures our customer deposits through the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”) up to prescribed limits of $250,000 for each depositor pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act. The amount of FDIC assessments paid by each DIF member institution is based on its relative risk of default as measured by regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory factors. All FDIC-insured institutions are also required to pay assessments to the FDIC to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation (“FICO"), an agency of the federal government established to recapitalize the predecessor to the DIF. These assessments will continue until the FICO bonds mature in 2017. We are generally unable to control the amount of assessments that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures or if the FDIC otherwise determines, we may be required to pay even higher FDIC assessments than the recently increased levels. These increases in FDIC insurance assessments may have a material and adverse effect on our earnings and could have a material adverse effect on the value of, or market for, our common stock. Prompt Corrective Action Provisions The FDI Act requires the federal bank regulatory agencies to take “prompt corrective action” with respect to a depository institution if that institution does not meet certain capital adequacy standards, including requiring the prompt submission of an acceptable capital restoration plan. Depending on the bank’s capital ratios, the agencies’ regulations define five categories in which an insured depository institution will be placed: well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. At each successive lower capital category, an insured bank is subject to more restrictions, including restrictions on the bank's activities, operational practices or the ability to pay dividends. Based upon its capital levels, a bank that is classified as well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, or undercapitalized may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if the appropriate federal banking agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound condition, or an unsafe or unsound practice, warrants such treatment. The prompt corrective action standards were changed when the new capital rule ratios became effective on January 1, 2015. Under the new standards, in order to be considered well-capitalized, the Bank is required to have met the new common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5%, an increased Tier 1 ratio of 8% (increased from 6%), a total capital ratio of 10% (unchanged) and a leverage ratio of 5% (unchanged). Dividends Holders of the Bancorp’s common stock are entitled to receive dividends as and when declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available therefore under the laws of the State of Delaware. Delaware corporations such as the Bancorp may make distributions to their stockholders out of their surplus, or in case there is no surplus, out of their net profits for the 13 fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. However, dividends may not be paid out of a corporation’s net profits if, after the payment of the dividend, the corporation’s capital would be less than the capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets. It is the Federal Reserve’s policy that bank holding companies should generally pay dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. It is also the Federal Reserve’s policy that bank holding companies should not maintain dividend levels that undermine their ability to be a source of strength to their banking subsidiaries. The Federal Reserve also discourages dividend policy payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels unless both asset quality and capital are very strong. The terms of our Junior Subordinated Notes also limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. If we are not current on our payment of interest on our Junior Subordinated Notes, we may not pay dividends on our common stock. The amount of future dividends by the Bancorp will depend on our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors, and will be determined by our board of directors in accordance with the capital management and dividend policy. The Bank is a legal entity that is separate and distinct from its holding company. The Bancorp is dependent on the performance of the Bank for funds which may be received as dividends from the Bank for use in the operation of the Bancorp and the ability of the Bancorp to pay dividends to stockholders. Future cash dividends by the Bank will also depend upon management’s assessment of future capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors. When phased in, the new capital rules will restrict dividends by the Bank if the capital conservation buffer is not achieved. The power of the board of directors of the Bank to declare cash dividends to the Bancorp is subject to California law, which restricts the amount available for cash dividends to the lesser of a bank’s retained earnings or net income for its last three fiscal years (less any distributions to stockholders made during such period). Where the above test is not met, cash dividends may still be paid, with the prior approval of the DBO in an amount not exceeding the greatest of (i) retained earnings of the Bank; (ii) the net income of the Bank for its last fiscal year; or (iii) the net income of the Bank for its current fiscal year. Future cash dividends by the Bank will also depend upon management’s assessment of future capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors. Operations and Consumer Compliance Laws The Bank must comply with numerous federal anti-money laundering and consumer protection statutes and implementing regulations, including the USA Patriot Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, the CRA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, as amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the National Flood Insurance Act, and various federal and state privacy protection laws. The Bank and the Company are also subject to federal and state laws prohibiting unfair or fraudulent business practices, untrue or misleading advertising, and unfair competition. These laws and regulations also mandate certain disclosure and reporting requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must deal with customers when taking deposits, making loans, collecting loans, and providing other services. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations can subject the Bank to lawsuits and penalties, including enforcement actions, injunctions, fines or criminal penalties, punitive damages to consumers, and the loss of certain contractual rights. Federal Home Loan Bank System The Bank is a member of the FHLB of San Francisco. Among other benefits, each FHLB serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region. Each FHLB is financed primarily from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB system. Each FHLB makes available loans or advances to its members in compliance with the policies and procedures established by the board of directors of the individual FHLB. Each member of the FHLB of San Francisco is required to own stock in an amount equal to the greater of (i) a membership stock requirement with an initial cap of $25 million (100% of “membership asset value” as defined), or (ii) an activity based stock requirement (based on a percentage of outstanding advances). There can be no assurance that the FHLB will pay dividends at the same rate it has paid in the past, or that it will pay any dividends in the future. 14 Impact of Monetary Policies The earnings and growth of the Bank are largely dependent on its ability to maintain a favorable differential or spread between the yield on its interest-earning assets and the rates paid on its deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities. As a result, the Bank’s performance is influenced by general economic conditions, both domestic and foreign, the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government, and the policies of the regulatory agencies. The Federal Reserve implements national monetary policies (such as seeking to curb inflation and combat recession) by its open-market operations in U.S. government securities, by adjusting the required level of reserves for financial institutions subject to its reserve requirements, and by varying the discount rate applicable to borrowings by banks from the Federal Reserve Banks. The actions of the Federal Reserve in these areas influence the growth of bank loans, investments, and deposits, and also affect interest rates charged on loans and deposits. The nature and impact of any future changes in monetary policies cannot be predicted. Securities and Corporate Governance The Bancorp is subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, both as administered by the SEC. As a company listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the Company is subject to NASDAQ listing standards for listed companies. The Bancorp is also subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, and other federal and state laws and regulations which address, among other issues, required executive certification of financial presentations, corporate governance requirements for board audit and compensation committees and their members, and disclosure of controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information. NASDAQ has also adopted corporate governance rules, which are intended to allow stockholders and investors to more easily and efficiently monitor the performance of companies and their directors. Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, management and the Bancorp’s independent registered public accounting firm are required to assess the effectiveness of the Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. These assessments are included in Part II — Item 9A — “Controls and Procedures.” Audit Requirements The Bank is required to have an annual independent audit, alone or as a part of its bank holding company’s audit, and to prepare all financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Bank and the Bancorp are also each required to have an audit committee comprised entirely of independent directors. As required by NASDAQ, the Bancorp has certified that its audit committee has adopted formal written charters and meets the requisite number of directors, independence, and other qualification standards. As such, among other requirements, the Bancorp must maintain an audit committee that includes members with banking or related financial management expertise, has access to its own outside counsel, and does not include members who are large customers of the Bank. In addition, because the Bank has more than $3 billion in total assets, it is subject to the FDIC requirements for audit committees of large institutions. Regulation of Non-Bank Subsidiaries Non-bank subsidiaries are subject to additional or separate regulation and supervision by other state, federal and self- regulatory bodies. Additionally, any foreign-based subsidiaries would also be subject to foreign laws and regulations. Item 1A. Risk Factors. Difficult business and economic conditions can adversely affect our industry and business. Our financial performance generally, and the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay the principal of outstanding loans and the value of the collateral securing those loans, is highly dependent upon the business and economic conditions in the markets in which we operate and in the United States as a whole. Although the U.S. economy has recently showed signs of improvement, consumer spending and gross domestic product growth have been less robust than expected and unemployment remains historically high. Some local governments have been experiencing financial difficulties. There remains uncertainty over the federal debt ceiling and the direction and long-term effects of the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing and tapering of it. In addition, concerns about the performance of international economies, especially in Europe and emerging markets, and economic conditions in Asia, particularly the economies of China and Taiwan, can impact the economy and financial markets here in the United States. Concerns about the economy have also resulted in decreased lending 15 by financial institutions to their customers and to each other. These economic pressures on consumers and businesses may continue to adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price. In particular, we may face the following risks in connection with these events: (cid:404) We face increased regulation of our industry, including changes by Congress or federal regulatory agencies to the banking and financial institutions regulatory regime and heightened legal standards and regulatory requirements that may be adopted in the future. Compliance with such regulation may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities. (cid:404) The process we use to estimate losses inherent in our credit exposure requires difficult, subjective, and complex judgments, including forecasts of economic conditions and how these economic conditions might impair the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans. The level of uncertainty concerning economic conditions may adversely affect the accuracy of our estimates which may, in turn, impact the reliability of the process. Our banking operations are concentrated primarily in California, and secondarily in New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, New Jersey, Nevada, and Hong Kong. Adverse economic conditions in these regions in particular could impair borrowers’ ability to service their loans, decrease the level and duration of deposits by customers, and erode the value of loan collateral. These conditions include the effects of the general decline in real estate sales and prices in many markets across the United States, the economic recession of recent years, and higher rates of unemployment. These conditions could increase the amount of our non-performing assets and have an adverse effect on our efforts to collect our non-performing loans or otherwise liquidate our non-performing assets (including other real estate owned) on terms favorable to us, if at all, and could also cause a decline in demand for our products and services, or a lack of growth or a decrease in deposits, any of which may cause us to incur losses, adversely affect our capital, and hurt our business. We may be required to make additional provisions for loan losses and charge off additional loans in the future, which could adversely affect our results of operations. At December 31, 2014, our allowance for loan losses totaled $161.4 million and we had total charge-offs of $1.3 million for 2014. Although economic conditions in the real estate market in portions of Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties and the Central Valley of California where many of our commercial real estate and construction loan customers are based, have improved, the economic recovery in these areas of California is uneven and in some areas rather slow, with relatively high and persistent unemployment. Moreover, rising interest rates may adversely affect real estate sales. As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately $4.8 billion in commercial real estate and construction loans. Any deterioration in the real estate market generally and in the commercial real estate and residential building segments in particular could result in additional loan charge-offs and provisions for loan losses in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, net income, and capital. The allowance for credit losses is an estimate of probable credit losses. Actual credit losses in excess of the estimate could adversely affect our results of operations and capital. A significant source of risk arises from the possibility that we could sustain losses because borrowers, guarantors, and related parties may fail to perform in accordance with the terms of their loans and leases. The underwriting and credit monitoring policies and procedures that we have adopted to address this risk may not prevent unexpected losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. The allowance for credit losses is based on management’s estimate of the probable losses from our credit portfolio. If actual losses exceed the estimate, the excess losses could adversely affect our results of operations and capital. Such excess losses could also lead to larger allowances for credit losses in future periods, which could in turn adversely affect results of operations and capital in those periods. If economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in the estimate or adverse developments arise with respect to our credits, future losses may occur, and increases in the allowance may be necessary. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the adequacy of our allowance. These agencies may require us to establish additional allowances based on their judgment of the information available at the time of their examinations. No assurance can be given that we will not sustain credit losses in excess of present or future levels of the allowance for credit losses. We may become subject to supervisory action by bank supervisory authorities that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and the value of our common stock. Under federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the safety and soundness of financial institutions, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (the “FRB SF”) has authority over the Bancorp and separately the DBO and FDIC have authority over the Bank to compel or restrict certain actions if the Bancorp or the Bank should violate any laws or regulations, 16 if its capital should fall below adequate capital standards as a result of operating losses, or if these regulators otherwise determine that the Bancorp or the Bank have engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, including failure to exercise proper risk oversight over the many areas of Bancorp’s and the Bank’s operations. These regulators, as well as the CFPB, also have authority over the Bancorp’s and the Bank’s compliance with various statutes and consumer protection and other regulations. Among other matters, the corrective actions that may be required of the Bancorp or the Bank following the occurrence of any of the foregoing may include, but are not limited to, requiring the Bancorp and/or the Bank to enter into informal or formal enforcement orders, including board resolutions, memoranda of understanding, written agreements, supervisory letters, commitment letters, and consent or cease and desist orders to take corrective action and refrain from unsafe and unsound practices; removing officers and directors; assessing civil monetary penalties; and taking possession of, closing and liquidating the Bank. If we are unable to meet the requirements of any corrective actions, we could become subject to supervisory action. The terms of any such supervisory action could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our common stock. Additional requirements imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act could adversely affect us. Recent government efforts to strengthen the U.S. financial system have resulted in the imposition of additional regulatory requirements, including expansive financial services regulatory reform legislation. The Dodd-Frank Act provided for sweeping regulatory changes and the establishment of strengthened capital and liquidity requirements for banks and bank holding companies, including minimum leverage and risk-based capital requirements no less than the strictest requirements in effect for depository institutions as of the date of enactment; the requirement that bank holding companies serve as a source of financial strength for their depository institution subsidiaries; enhanced regulation of financial markets, including the derivative and securitization markets, and the elimination of certain proprietary trading activities by banks; additional corporate governance and executive compensation requirements; enhanced financial institution safety and soundness regulations; revisions in FDIC insurance assessment fees; and the establishment of new regulatory bodies, such as the CFPB and the Financial Services Oversight Counsel, to identify emerging systemic risks and improve interagency cooperation. In addition, we are required to conduct stress testing based on certain macroeconomic scenarios to reflect the impact on our income, revenues, balance sheets, and capital levels, the results of which could require us to take certain actions, including being required to raise additional capital. Current and future legal and regulatory requirements, restrictions, and regulations, including those imposed under the Dodd-Frank Act, may adversely impact our profitability, make it more difficult to attract and retain key executives and other personnel, may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our common stock, and may require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes required by the legislation and related regulations. We are subject to stringent capital requirements, including those required by Basel III. The U.S. federal bank regulators have jointly adopted new capital requirements on banks and bank holding companies as required by the Dodd-Frank Act, which became effective on January 1, 2015, incorporate the elements of Basel Committee’s Basel III accords and have the effect of raising our capital requirements and imposing new capital requirements beyond those previously required. Increased regulatory capital requirements (and the associated compliance costs) whether due to the adoption of new laws and regulations, changes in existing laws and regulations, or more expansive or aggressive interpretations of existing laws and regulations, may require us to raise additional capital, or impact our ability to pay dividends or pay compensation to our executives, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our common stock. We are subject to extensive laws, regulations and supervision, and may become subject to additional laws, regulations and supervision that may be enacted and that could limit or restrict our activities, hamper our ability to increase our assets and earnings, and materially and adversely affect our profitability. We operate in a highly regulated industry and are or may become subject to regulation by federal, state, and local governmental authorities and various laws, regulations, regulatory guidelines, and judicial and administrative decisions imposing requirements or restrictions on part or all of our operations, capitalization, payment of dividends, mergers and acquisitions, investments, loans and interest rates charged, interest rates paid on deposits, and locations of offices. We also must comply with numerous federal anti-money laundering, tax withholding and reporting, and consumer protection statutes and regulations. A considerable amount of management time and resources have been devoted to the oversight of, and the development and implementation of controls and procedures relating to, compliance with these laws and regulations, and we expect that significant time and resources will be devoted to compliance in the future. These laws and regulations mandate certain disclosure and reporting requirements and regulate the manner in which we must deal with our customers when taking deposits, making loans, collecting loans, and providing other services. We also are, or may become subject to, examination, supervision, and additional comprehensive regulation by various federal, state, and local authorities with regard to compliance with these laws and regulations. 17 Because our business is highly regulated, the laws, rules, regulations, and supervisory guidance and policies applicable to us are subject to regular modification and change. Perennially, various laws, rules and regulations are proposed, which, if adopted, could impact our operations, increase our capital requirements or substantially restrict our growth and adversely affect our ability to operate profitably by making compliance much more difficult or expensive, restricting our ability to originate or sell loans, or further restricting the amount of interest or other charges or fees earned on loans or other products. In addition, further regulation could increase the assessment rate we are required to pay to the FDIC, adversely affecting our earnings. Furthermore, recent changes to Regulation Z promulgated by the CFPB may make it more difficult for us to underwrite consumer mortgages and to compete with large national mortgage service providers. It is very difficult to predict the competitive impact that any such changes would have on the banking and financial services industry in general or on our business in particular. Such changes may, among other things, increase the cost of doing business, limit permissible activities, or affect the competitive balance between banks and other financial institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act instituted major changes to the banking and financial institutions regulatory regimes in light of the recent performance of and government intervention in the financial services sector. Other changes to statutes, regulations, or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations, or policies, could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could, among other things, subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer, and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products. Failure to comply with laws, regulations, or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties, and/or reputation damage, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our common stock. See Part I — Item 1 — “Business — Regulation and Supervision.” We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations. The Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. The federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with federal banking regulators, as well as with the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Internal Revenue Service. We are also subject to increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control and compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. In addition, our Hong Kong Branch is subject to the anti-money laundering laws and regulations of Hong Kong. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions, which may include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan, including our acquisition plans. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us. Any of these results could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our common stock. We may experience goodwill impairment. Goodwill is initially recorded at fair value and is not amortized, but is reviewed at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. If our estimates of goodwill fair value change, we may determine that impairment charges are necessary. Estimates of fair value are determined based on a complex model using cash flows and company comparisons. If management’s estimates of future cash flows are inaccurate, the fair value determined could be inaccurate and impairment may not be recognized in a timely manner. Liquidity risk could impair our ability to fund operations and jeopardize our financial condition. Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans, and other sources could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity due to a market downturn or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to acquire deposits or borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a severe disruption of the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole. 18 Our business is subject to interest rate risk, and fluctuations in interest rates could reduce our net interest income and adversely affect our business. A substantial portion of our income is derived from the differential, or “spread,” between the interest earned on loans, investment securities, and other interest-earning assets, and the interest paid on deposits, borrowings, and other interest- bearing liabilities. The interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investing, and deposit taking activities is a significant market risk to us and our business. Income associated with interest earning assets and costs associated with interest-bearing liabilities may not be affected uniformly by fluctuations in interest rates. The magnitude and duration of changes in interest rates, events over which we have no control, may have an adverse effect on net interest income. Prepayment and early withdrawal levels, which are also impacted by changes in interest rates, can significantly affect our assets and liabilities. Increases in interest rates may adversely affect the ability of our floating rate borrowers to meet their higher payment obligations, which could in turn lead to an increase in non-performing assets and net charge-offs. Generally, the interest rates on our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities do not change at the same rate, to the same extent, or on the same basis. Even assets and liabilities with similar maturities or periods of re-pricing may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in general market interest rates, while interest rates on other types of assets and liabilities may lag behind changes in general market rates. Certain assets, such as fixed and adjustable rate mortgage loans, have features that limit changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. We seek to minimize the adverse effects of changes in interest rates by structuring our asset-liability composition to obtain the maximum spread. We use interest rate sensitivity analysis and a simulation model to assist us in estimating the optimal asset-liability composition. However, such management tools have inherent limitations that impair their effectiveness. Moreover, the long-term effects of the Federal Reserve’s unprecedented quantitative easing and tapering of it is unknown. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in minimizing the adverse effects of changes in interest rates. We have engaged in expansion through acquisitions and may consider additional acquisitions in the future, which could negatively affect our business and earnings. We have engaged in expansion through acquisitions and may consider acquisitions in the future. There are risks associated with any such expansion. These risks include, among others, incorrectly assessing the asset quality of a bank acquired in a particular transaction, encountering greater than anticipated costs in integrating acquired businesses, facing resistance from customers or employees, and being unable to profitably deploy assets acquired in the transaction. Additional country- and region-specific risks are associated with transactions outside the United States, including in China. To the extent we issue capital stock in connection with additional transactions, if any, these transactions and related stock issuances may have a dilutive effect on earnings per share and share ownership. Our earnings, financial condition, and prospects after a merger or acquisition depend in part on our ability to successfully integrate the operations of the acquired company. We may be unable to integrate operations successfully or to achieve expected cost savings. Any cost savings which are realized may be offset by losses in revenues or other charges to earnings. In addition, our ability to grow may be limited if we cannot make acquisitions. We compete with other financial institutions with respect to proposed acquisitions. We cannot predict if or when we will be able to identify and attract acquisition candidates or make acquisitions on favorable terms. Inflation and deflation may adversely affect our financial performance. The Consolidated Financial Statements and related financial data presented in this report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These principles require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation or deflation. The primary impact of inflation on our operations is reflected in increased operating costs. Conversely, deflation will tend to erode collateral values and diminish loan quality. Virtually all of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on our performance than the general levels of inflation or deflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the price of goods and services. 19 As we expand our business outside of California markets, we will encounter risks that could adversely affect us. We primarily operate in California markets with a concentration of Chinese-American individuals and businesses; however, one of our strategies is to expand beyond California into other domestic markets that have concentrations of Chinese-American individuals and businesses. We currently have operations in seven other states (New York, Texas, Washington, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, and Nevada) and in Hong Kong. In the course of this expansion, we will encounter significant risks and uncertainties that could have a material adverse effect on our operations. These risks and uncertainties include increased expenses and operational difficulties arising from, among other things, our ability to attract sufficient business in new markets, to manage operations in noncontiguous market areas, to comply with all of the various local laws and regulations, and to anticipate events or differences in markets in which we have no current experience. To the extent that we expand through acquisitions, such acquisitions may also adversely harm our business if we fail to adequately address the financial and operational risks associated with such acquisitions. For example, risks can include difficulties in assimilating the operations, technology, and personnel of the acquired company; diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns; inability to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures, and policies; potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities; the incurring of additional debt and contingent liabilities; use of cash resources; large write-offs; and amortization expenses related to other intangible assets with finite lives. Our loan portfolio is largely secured by real estate, which has adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect our results of operations. The downturn in the real estate markets in recent years hurt our business because many of our loans are secured by real estate. The real estate collateral securing our borrowers’ obligations is principally located in California, and to a lesser extent, in New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, New Jersey, and Nevada. The value of such collateral depends upon conditions in the relevant real estate markets. These include general or local economic conditions and neighborhood characteristics, unemployment rates, real estate tax rates, the cost of operating the properties, governmental regulations and fiscal policies, acts of nature including earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes (which may result in uninsured losses), and other factors beyond our control. The direction of real estate sales and prices in many markets across the United States is not currently predictable and reductions in the value of our real estate collateral could cause us to have to foreclose on the real estate. If we are not able to realize a satisfactory amount upon foreclosure sales, we may have to own the properties, subjecting us to exposure to the risks and expenses associated with ownership. Continued declines in real estate sales and prices coupled with any weakness in the economy and continued high unemployment will result in higher than expected loan delinquencies or problem assets, a decline in demand for our products and services, or a lack of growth or a decrease in deposits, which may cause us to incur losses, adversely affect our capital, and hurt our business. The risks inherent in construction lending may continue to affect adversely our results of operations. Such risks include, among other things, the possibility that contractors may fail to complete, or complete on a timely basis, construction of the relevant properties; substantial cost overruns in excess of original estimates and financing; market deterioration during construction; and lack of permanent take-out financing. Loans secured by such properties also involve additional risk because they have no operating history. In these loans, loan funds are advanced upon the security of the project under construction (which is of uncertain value prior to completion of construction) and the estimated operating cash flow to be generated by the completed project. There is no assurance that such properties will be sold or leased so as to generate the cash flow anticipated by the borrower. The current general decline in real estate sales and prices across the United States, the decline in demand for residential real estate, economic weakness, high rates of unemployment, and reduced availability of mortgage credit, are all factors that can adversely affect the borrowers’ ability to repay their obligations to us and the value of our security interest in collateral, and thereby adversely affect our results of operations and financial results. Our use of appraisals in deciding whether to make a loan on or secured by real property does not ensure the value of the real property collateral. In considering whether to make a loan secured by real property, we require an appraisal of the property. However, an appraisal is only an estimate of the value of the property at the time the appraisal is made. If the appraisal does not reflect the amount that may be obtained upon any sale or foreclosure of the property, we may not realize an amount equal to the indebtedness secured by the property. Liabilities from environmental regulations could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition. In the course of the Bank’s business, the Bank may foreclose and take title to real estate, and could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. The Bank may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with 20 environmental contamination, or may be required to investigate or clear up hazardous or toxic substances, or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, as the owner or former owner of any contaminated site, the Bank may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages, and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. If the Bank ever becomes subject to significant environmental liabilities, its business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our common stock could be materially and adversely affected. We face substantial competition from our competitors. We face substantial competition for deposits, loans, and for other banking services, as well as acquisitions, throughout our market area from the major banks and financial institutions that dominate the commercial banking industry. This may cause our cost of funds to exceed that of our competitors. These banks and financial institutions, including those with foreign ownership, have greater resources than we do, including the ability to finance advertising campaigns and allocate their investment assets to regions of higher yield and demand and make acquisitions. By virtue of their larger capital bases, they have substantially greater lending limits than we do and perform certain functions, including trust services, which are not presently offered by us. We also compete for loans and deposits, as well as other banking services, such as payment services, with savings and loan associations, savings banks, brokerage houses, insurance companies, mortgage companies, credit unions, credit card companies and other financial and non-financial institutions and entities. These factors and ongoing consolidation among insured institutions in the financial services industry may materially and adversely affect our ability to market our products and services. Significant increases in the costs of monitoring and ensuring compliance with new banking regulations and the necessary costs of upgrading information technology and data processing capabilities can have a disproportionate impact on our ability to compete with larger institutions. We are dependent on key personnel and the loss of one or more of those key personnel may materially and adversely affect our prospects. Competition for qualified employees and personnel in the banking industry is intense and there are a limited number of qualified persons with knowledge of, and experience in, the communities that we serve. The process of recruiting personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to carry out our strategies is often lengthy. Our success depends to a significant degree upon our ability to attract and retain qualified management, loan origination, finance, administrative, marketing, and technical personnel and upon the continued contributions of our management and personnel. In particular, our success has been and continues to be highly dependent upon the abilities of key executives and certain other employees, including, but not limited to, our Chief Executive Officer, Dunson K. Cheng, and our Chief Financial Officer, Heng W. Chen. Managing reputational risk is important to attracting and maintaining customers, investors, and employees. Threats to our reputation can come from many sources, including adverse sentiment about financial institutions generally, unethical practices, employee misconduct, failure to deliver minimum standards of service or quality, compliance deficiencies, and questionable, illegal, or fraudulent activities of our customers. We have policies and procedures in place that seek to protect our reputation and promote ethical conduct, but these policies and procedures may not be fully effective. Negative publicity regarding our business, employees, or customers, with or without merit, may result in the loss of customers, investors, and employees, costly litigation, a decline in revenues, and increased governmental regulation. Natural disasters and geopolitical events beyond our control could adversely affect us. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, wildfires, extreme weather conditions, hurricanes, floods, and other acts of nature and geopolitical events involving civil unrest, changes in government regimes, terrorism, or military conflict could adversely affect our business operations and those of our customers and cause substantial damage and loss to real and personal property. These natural disasters and geopolitical events could impair our borrowers’ ability to service their loans, decrease the level and duration of deposits by customers, erode the value of loan collateral, and result in an increase in the amount of our non-performing loans and a higher level of non-performing assets (including real estate owned), net charge- offs, and provision for loan losses, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our common stock. Adverse conditions in Asia and elsewhere could adversely affect our business. A substantial number of our customers have economic and cultural ties to Asia and, as a result, we are likely to feel the effects of adverse economic and political conditions in Asia, including the effects of rising inflation or slowing growth in China and other regions. Additionally, we maintain a branch in Hong Kong. U.S. and global economic policies, military tensions, and unfavorable global economic conditions may adversely impact the Asian economies. In addition, pandemics 21 and other public health crises or concerns over the possibility of such crises could create economic and financial disruptions in the region. A significant deterioration of economic conditions in Asia could expose us to, among other things, economic and transfer risk, and we could experience an outflow of deposits by those of our customers with connections to Asia. Transfer risk may result when an entity is unable to obtain the foreign exchange needed to meet its obligations or to provide liquidity. This may adversely impact the recoverability of investments with or loans made to such entities. Adverse economic conditions in Asia, and in China or Taiwan in particular, may also negatively impact asset values and the profitability and liquidity of our customers who operate in this region. Our information systems may experience failures, interruptions, or breaches in security, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our common stock. We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Any failure, interruption, or breach of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan, and other systems. In the course of providing financial services, we store personally identifiable data concerning customers and employees of customers. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption, or breaches of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions, or breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. Privacy laws and regulations are matters of growing public concern and are continually changing in the states in which we operate. In recent periods, there has been a rise in electronic fraudulent activity, security breaches, and cyber-attacks within the financial services industry, especially in the banking sector. Some financial institutions have reported breaches of their websites and systems, some of which have involved sophisticated and targeted attacks intended to misappropriate sensitive or confidential information, destroy or corrupt data, disable or degrade service, disrupt operations or sabotage systems. These breaches can remain undetected for an extended period of time. The secure maintenance and transmission of confidential information, as well as the secure execution of transactions over our systems, are essential to protect us and our customers against fraud and security breaches and to maintain our customers’ confidence. Increases in criminal activity levels and sophistication, advances in computer capabilities, and other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the technology, processes, and controls that we use to prevent fraudulent transactions or to protect data about us, our customers, and underlying transactions, as well as the technology used by our customers to access our systems. These risks will likely continue to increase in the future as we continue to increase our offerings of mobile services and other Internet or web-based products. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions, or breaches could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customers, cause us to incur additional costs (including remediation and cyber security protection costs), disrupt our operations, affect our ability to grow our online and mobile banking services, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our common stock. Our need to continue to adapt our information technology systems to allow us to provide new and expanded service could present operational issues, require significant capital spending, and disrupt our business. As we continue to offer Internet banking and other online and mobile services to our customers, and continue to expand our existing conventional banking services, we will need to adapt our information technology systems to handle these changes in a way that meets constantly changing industry and regulatory standards. This can be very expensive and may require significant capital expenditures. In addition, our success will depend on, among other things, our ability to provide secure and reliable services, anticipate changes in technology, and efficiently develop and introduce services that are accepted by our customers and cost effective for us to provide. We may incur significant losses as a result of ineffective risk management processes and strategies. We seek to monitor and control our risk exposure through a risk and control framework encompassing a variety of separate but complementary financial, credit, operational and compliance systems, and internal control and management review processes. However, these systems and review processes and the judgments that accompany their application may not be effective and, as a result, we may not anticipate every economic and financial outcome in all market environments or the specifics and timing of such outcomes, particularly in the event of the kinds of dislocations in market conditions experienced during the recession, which highlight the limitations inherent in using historical data to manage risk. If those systems and review processes prove to be ineffective in identifying and managing risks, our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our common stock could be materially and adversely affected. 22 Our business and financial results could be impacted materially by adverse results in legal proceedings. Various aspects of our operations involve the risk of legal liability. We have been, and expect to continue to be, named or threatened to be named as defendants in legal proceedings arising from our business activities. We establish accruals for legal proceedings when information related to the loss contingencies represented by those proceedings indicates both that a loss is probable and that the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, but we do not have accruals for all legal proceedings where we face a risk of loss. In addition, amounts accrued may not represent the ultimate loss to us from those legal proceedings. Thus, our ultimate losses may be higher or lower, and possibly significantly so, than the amounts accrued for loss contingencies arising from legal proceedings, and these losses could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our common stock. Certain provisions of our charter and bylaws could make the acquisition of our company more difficult. Certain provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and our restated bylaws, as amended, could make the acquisition of our company more difficult. These provisions include authorized but unissued shares of preferred and common stock that may be issued without stockholder approval; three classes of directors serving staggered terms; special requirements for stockholder proposals and nominations for director; and super-majority voting requirements in certain situations including certain types of business combinations. Our financial results could be adversely affected by changes in accounting standards or tax laws and regulations. From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the SEC will change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. In addition, from time to time, federal and state taxing authorities will change the tax laws and regulations, and their interpretations. These changes and their effects can be difficult to predict and can materially and adversely impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and this may make it difficult for you to sell shares of common stock owned by you at times or at prices you find attractive. The trading price of our common stock may fluctuate widely as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside our control. In addition, the stock market is subject to fluctuations in the share prices and trading volumes that affect the market prices of the shares of many companies. These broad market fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Among the factors that could affect our stock price are: (cid:404) (cid:404) (cid:404) (cid:404) (cid:404) (cid:404) (cid:404) (cid:404) actual or anticipated quarterly fluctuations in our operating results and financial condition; changes in revenue or earnings estimates or publication of research reports and recommendations by financial analysts; failure to meet analysts’ revenue or earnings estimates; speculation in the press or investment community; strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions or restructurings; acquisitions of other banks or financial institutions, through FDIC-assisted transactions or otherwise; actions by institutional stockholders; fluctuations in the stock price and operating results of our competitors; (cid:404) general market conditions and, in particular, developments related to market conditions for the financial services industry; (cid:404) proposed or adopted regulatory changes or developments; (cid:404) anticipated or pending investigations, proceedings, or litigation that involve or affect us; 23 (cid:404) successful management of reputational risk; and (cid:404) domestic and international economic factors unrelated to our performance. The stock market and, in particular, the market for financial institution stocks, has experienced significant volatility. As a result, the market price of our common stock may be volatile. In addition, the trading volume in our common stock may fluctuate more than usual and cause significant price variations to occur. The trading price of the shares of our common stock and the value of our other securities will depend on many factors, which may change from time to time, including, without limitation, our financial condition, performance, creditworthiness and prospects, future sales of our equity or equity related securities, and other factors identified above in “Forward-Looking Statements,” and in this Item 1A — “Risk Factors.” The capital and credit markets can experience volatility and disruption. Such volatility and disruption can reach unprecedented levels, resulting in downward pressure on stock prices and credit availability for certain issuers without regard to their underlying financial strength. A significant decline in our stock price could result in substantial losses for individual stockholders and could lead to costly and disruptive securities litigation. Statutory restrictions and restrictions by our regulators on dividends and other distributions from the Bank may adversely impact us by limiting the amount of distributions the Bancorp may receive. Statutory and contractual restrictions and our regulators may also restrict the Bancorp’s ability to pay dividends. The ability of the Bank to pay dividends to us is limited by various regulations and statutes, including California law, and our ability to pay dividends on our outstanding stock is limited by various regulations and statutes, including Delaware law. A substantial portion of the Bancorp’s cash flow comes from dividends that the Bank pays to us. Various statutory provisions restrict the amount of dividends that the Bank can pay to us without regulatory approval. The Federal Reserve Board has previously issued Federal Reserve Supervision and Regulation Letter SR-09-4 that states that bank holding companies are expected to inform and consult with the Federal Reserve supervisory staff prior to taking any actions that could result in a diminished capital base, including any payment or increase in the rate of dividends. In addition, if we are not current in our payment of dividends on our Junior Subordinated Notes, we may not pay dividends on our common stock. Further, new capital conservation buffer requirements will limit the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Bancorp if we are not compliant with those capital cushions. If the Bank were to liquidate, the Bank’s creditors would be entitled to receive distributions from the assets of the Bank to satisfy their claims against the Bank before the Bancorp, as a holder of the equity interest in the Bank, would be entitled to receive any of the assets of the Bank as a distribution or dividend. The restrictions described above, together with the potentially dilutive impact of the warrant initially issued to the U.S. Treasury in connection with our participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program and subsequently sold by the U.S. Treasury in a secondary public offering, could have a negative effect on the value of our common stock. Moreover, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends only when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors. Although we have historically paid cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and our Board of Directors could reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future. The issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect holders of common stock, which may negatively impact their investment. Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue preferred stock without any action on the part of the stockholders. The board of directors also has the power, without stockholder approval, to set the terms of any such classes or series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting rights, dividend rights and preferences over the common stock with respect to dividends or upon the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of our business and other terms. If we issue preferred stock in the future that has a preference over the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of the common stock, the rights of holders of the common stock or the market price of the common stock could be adversely affected. Our outstanding debt securities restrict our ability to pay dividends on our capital stock. We have issued an aggregate of $119.1 million in trust preferred securities (collectively, the “Trust Preferred Securities”). Payments to investors in respect of the Trust Preferred Securities are funded by distributions on certain series of securities issued by us, with similar terms to the relevant series of Trust Preferred Securities, which we refer to as the “Junior 24 Subordinated Notes.” If we are unable to pay interest in respect of the Junior Subordinated Notes (which will be used to make distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities), or if any other event of default occurs, then we will generally be prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends or other distributions, or redeeming, purchasing or acquiring, any of our capital securities, including the common stock, during the next succeeding interest payment period applicable to any of the Junior Subordinated Notes. Moreover, any other financing agreements that we enter into in the future may limit our ability to pay cash dividends on our capital stock, including the common stock. In the event that any other financing agreements in the future restrict our ability to pay such dividends, we may be unable to pay dividends in cash on the common stock unless we can refinance amounts outstanding under those agreements. We may need to raise additional capital which may dilute the interests of holders of our common stock or otherwise have an adverse effect on their investment. Should economic conditions deteriorate, particularly in the California commercial real estate and residential real estate markets where our business is concentrated, we may need to raise more capital to support any additional provisions for loan losses and loan charge-offs. In addition, we may need to raise more capital to meet other regulatory requirements, including new required capital standards, if our losses are higher than expected, if we are unable to meet our capital requirements, or if additional capital is required for our growth. There can be no assurance that we would succeed in raising any such additional capital, and any capital we obtain may dilute the interests of holders of our common stock, or otherwise have an adverse effect on their investment. The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us. Financial institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, and other institutions. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the financial instrument exposure due us. The failure of financial institutions can also result in increased FDIC assessments for the Deposit Insurance Fund. Any such losses or increased assessments could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. The Company has not received written comments regarding its periodic or current reports from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission that were issued not less than 180 days before the end of its 2014 fiscal year and that remain unresolved. Item 2. Properties. Cathay General Bancorp The Bancorp currently neither owns nor leases any real or personal property. The Bancorp uses the premises, equipment, and furniture of the Bank at 777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90012 and at 9650 Flair Drive, El Monte, California 91731 in exchange for payment of a management fee to the Bank. Cathay Bank The Bank’s head office is located in a 36,727 square foot building in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles. The Bank owns both the building and the land upon which the building is situated. The Bank maintains certain of its administrative offices at a seven-story 102,548 square foot office building located at 9650 Flair Drive, El Monte, California 91731. The Bank also owns this building and land in El Monte. The Bank owns its branch offices in Monterey Park, Alhambra, Westminster, San Gabriel, City of Industry, Cupertino, Artesia, New York City, Flushing (2 locations), and Chicago. In addition, the Bank has certain operating and administrative departments located at 4128 Temple City Boulevard, Rosemead, California, where it owns the building and land with approximately 27,600 square feet of space. 25 The other branch and representative offices and other properties are leased by the Bank under leases with expiration dates ranging from May 2015 to November 2024, exclusive of renewal options. As of December 31, 2014, the Bank’s investment in premises and equipment totaled $99.7 million, net of accumulated depreciation. See Note 8 and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Item 3. Legal Proceedings. The Company and its subsidiaries and their property are not currently a party or subject to any material pending legal proceeding. Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. Not Applicable. Executive Officers of the Registrant. The table below sets forth the names, ages, and positions at the Bancorp and the Bank of all executive officers of the Company as of February 17, 2015. Name Age Present Position and Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years Dunson K. Cheng ......... 70 Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bancorp and the Bank since 1994; Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Bancorp since 1990; President of the Bank since 1985; Director of the Bank since 1982. Heng W. Chen .............. 62 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer of Bancorp since June 2003; Executive Vice President of the Bank since June 2003; Chief Financial Officer of the Bank since January 2004. Irwin Wong .................. 66 Pin Tai .......................... 60 Senior Executive Vice President, and Chief Retail Administration and Regulatory Affairs Officer of the Bank since January 2014; Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of the Bank from 2011 to December 2013; Executive Vice President- Branch Administration of the Bank from 1999 to 2011. Chief Lending Officer of the Bank since October 2013; Executive Vice President of the Bank since 2006; Deputy Chief Lending Officer and General Manager of Eastern Regions of the Bank from 2010 to September 2013; General Manager of Eastern Regions of the Bank from 2006 to 2009. Kim R. Bingham .......... 58 Chief Risk Officer of the Bank since January 2014; Executive Vice President of the Bank since 2004; Chief Credit Officer of the Bank from 2004 to December 2013. Donald S. Chow ........... 64 Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Bank since January 2014; Consultant of the Office of the President from August to December 2013; Executive Vice President and Senior Credit Supervisor of East West Bank from 2009 to 2013; and President of Desert Community Bank, a division of East West Bank, from 2007 to 2009. 26 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. Market Information Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CATY.” The closing price of our common stock on February 17, 2015, was $26.24 per share, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 High Low High Low First quarter .................................................................. $ Second quarter .............................................................. Third quarter ................................................................ Fourth quarter ............................................................... 26.37 $ 26.47 26.81 27.02 22.76 $ 23.10 24.81 24.04 20.66 $ 20.99 24.68 27.63 19.06 18.37 21.05 22.95 Holders As of February 17, 2015, there were approximately 1,541 holders of record of our common stock. Dividends The cash dividends per share declared by quarter were as follows: First quarter ...................................................................................................... $ Second quarter ................................................................................................. Third quarter .................................................................................................... Fourth quarter ................................................................................................... Total ................................................................................................................. $ Year Ended December 31, 2013 2014 0.05 $ 0.07 0.07 0.10 0.29 $ 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.08 For information concerning restrictions on the payment of dividends, see Part II — Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Capital Resources — Dividend Policy,” and Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Performance Graph The graph and accompanying information furnished below shows the cumulative total stockholder return over the past five years assuming the investment of $100 on December 31, 2009 (and the reinvestment of dividends thereafter) in each of our common stock, the SNL Western Bank Index and the S&P 500 Index. The SNL Western Bank Index is a market- weighted index comprised of publicly traded banks and bank holding companies (including the Company) most of which are based in California and the remainder of which are based in eight other western states, including Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. We will furnish, without charge, on the written request of any person who is a stockholder of record as of the record date for the 2015 annual meeting of stockholders, a list of the companies included in the SNL Western Bank Index. Requests for this information should be addressed to Lisa L. Kim, Secretary, Cathay General Bancorp, 777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90012. 27 NOTE: The comparisons in the graph below are based upon historical data and are not indicative of, nor intended to forecast, the future performance of, or returns on, our common stock. Such information furnished herewith shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” under the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission except to the extent that the Company specifically requests that such information be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporates it by reference into a filing under the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act. Index Cathay General Bancorp ... SNL Western Bank ........... S&P 500 ............................ 12/31/09 100.00 100.00 100.00 12/31/10 222.01 113.31 115.06 12/31/11 199.02 102.37 117.49 12/31/12 12/31/13 260.96 129.18 136.30 358.32 181.76 180.44 12/31/14 347.01 218.14 205.14 Period Ending Source: SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA © 2014 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities There were no sales of any equity securities by the Company during the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that were not registered under the Securities Act. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities As of December 31, 2014, Bancorp may repurchase up to 622,500 shares of common stock under the November 2007 stock repurchase program, subject to regulatory limitations. No shares were repurchased from 2008 through 2014. Item 6. Selected Financial Data. The following table presents our selected historical consolidated financial data, and is derived in part from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements. The selected historical consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included elsewhere herein and with Part II — Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” 28 Selected Consolidated Financial Data 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2012 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data) 2011 2013 2010 Income Statement Interest income ........................................................ $ Interest expense ....................................................... Net interest income before provision for credit losses .................................................................. (Reversal)/Provision for credit losses ..................... Net interest income after provision for credit losses ............................................................................ Securities gains ....................................................... Other non-interest income ....................................... Non-interest expense ............................................... Income/(loss) before income tax expense ............... Income tax expense/(benefit) .................................. Net income/(loss) .................................................... Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest ............................................................ Net income attributable to Cathay General Bancorp Dividends on preferred stock .................................. Net income/(loss) attributable to common 418,647 $ 75,866 406,996 $ 82,300 429,744 $ 108,491 453,571 $ 139,881 489,594 191,688 342,781 (10,800) 324,696 (3,000) 321,253 (9,000) 313,690 27,000 297,906 156,900 353,581 327,696 330,253 286,690 141,006 6,748 33,779 174,313 219,795 81,965 137,830 - 137,830 - 27,362 32,945 193,833 194,170 70,435 123,735 592 123,143 (9,685) 18,026 28,481 192,589 21,131 29,761 185,566 184,171 66,128 118,043 152,016 51,261 100,755 605 117,438 (16,488) 605 100,150 (16,437) 18,695 13,556 175,711 (2,454) (14,629) 12,175 610 11,565 (16,388) stockholders ........................................................ $ 137,830 $ 113,458 $ 100,950 $ 83,713 $ (4,823) Net income/(loss) attributable to common stockholders per common share Basic ................................................................... $ Diluted ................................................................ $ Cash dividends paid per common share .................. $ Weighted-average common shares 1.73 $ 1.72 $ 0.29 $ 1.44 $ 1.43 $ 0.08 $ 1.28 $ 1.28 $ 0.04 $ 1.06 $ 1.06 $ 0.04 $ (0.06) (0.06) 0.04 Basic ................................................................... 79,661,571 78,954,898 78,719,133 78,633,317 Diluted ................................................................ 80,106,895 79,137,983 78,723,297 78,640,652 77,073,954 77,073,954 Statement of Condition 2,065,248 $ 2,447,982 $ Investment securities ............................................... $ 6,844,483 7,235,587 Net loans (1) ........................................................... 760 - Loans held for sale .................................................. Total assets ............................................................. 11,516,846 10,989,286 10,694,089 10,644,864 Deposits ................................................................. 7,229,131 Federal funds purchased and securities sold under 1,318,935 $ 8,740,268 973 1,586,668 $ 7,897,187 - 7,383,225 8,783,460 7,981,305 2,843,669 6,615,769 2,873 10,801,986 6,991,846 agreements to repurchase .................................. Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank ....... Long-term debt ...................................................... Total equity ............................................................ 450,000 425,000 119,136 1,602,888 800,000 521,200 121,136 1,458,971 1,250,000 146,200 171,136 1,629,504 1,400,000 225,000 171,136 1,515,633 1,561,000 550,000 171,136 1,436,105 Common Stock Data Shares of common stock outstanding ..................... 79,814,553 79,589,869 78,778,288 78,652,557 15.75 $ Book value per common share ............................... $ 17.12 $ 20.00 $ 18.24 $ 78,531,783 14.80 Profitability Ratios Return on average assets ........................................ Return on average stockholders' equity .................. Dividend payout ratio ............................................ Average equity to average assets ratio ................... Efficiency ratio ...................................................... 1.26% 8.95 16.76 14.04 45.48 1.17% 8.00 5.15 14.73 50.35 1.11% 7.48 2.68 14.87 52.37 0.94% 6.78 3.14 13.98 50.90 0.10% 0.81 27.16 12.45 53.22 (1) Net loans represent gross loans net of loan participations sold, allowance for loan losses, and unamortized deferred loan fees. 29 Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. General The following discussion is intended to provide information to facilitate the understanding and assessment of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Bancorp and its subsidiaries. It should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Bank offers a wide range of financial services. It currently operates 21 branches in Southern California, 12 branches in Northern California, nine branches in New York State, one branch in Massachusetts, two branches in Texas, three branches in Washington State, three branches in Illinois, one branch in New Jersey, one branch in Nevada, one branch in Hong Kong and two representative offices (one in Shanghai, China, and one in Taipei, Taiwan). The Bank is a commercial bank, servicing primarily individuals, professionals, and small to medium-sized businesses in the local markets in which its branches are located. The financial information presented herein includes the accounts of the Bancorp, its subsidiaries, including the Bank, and the Bank’s consolidated subsidiaries. All material transactions between these entities are eliminated. Critical Accounting Policies The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these 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 our Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by management which have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities; management considers such accounting policies to be critical accounting policies. The judgments and assumptions used by management are based on historical experience and other factors, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management believes the following are critical accounting policies that require the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements: Allowance for Credit Losses The determination of the amount of the provision for credit losses charged to operations reflects management’s current judgment about the credit quality of the loan portfolio and takes into consideration changes in lending policies and procedures, changes in economic and business conditions, changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and in the terms of loans, changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management, changes in the volume and severity of past due, non- accrual, and adversely classified or graded loans, changes in the quality of the loan review system, changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans, the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and the effect of competition, legal and regulatory requirements, and other external factors. The nature of the process by which we determine the appropriate allowance for loan losses requires the exercise of considerable judgment. The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by charge-offs when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. 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 loan losses in future periods. The total allowance for credit losses consists of two components: specific allowances and general allowances. To determine the adequacy of the allowance in each of these two components, we employ two primary methodologies, the individual loan review analysis methodology and the classification migration methodology. These methodologies support the basis for determining allocations between the various loan categories and the overall adequacy of our allowance to provide for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. These methodologies are further supported by additional analysis of relevant factors such as the historical losses in the portfolio, and environmental factors which include trends in delinquency and non- accrual, and other significant factors, such as the national and local economy, the volume and composition of the portfolio, strength of management and loan staff, underwriting standards, and the concentration of credit. 30 The Bank’s management allocates a specific allowance for “Impaired Credits,” in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Section 310-10-35. For non-Impaired Credits, a general allowance is established for those loans internally classified and risk graded Pass, Minimally Acceptable, Special Mention, or Substandard based on historical losses in the specific loan portfolio and a reserve based on environmental factors determined for that loan group. The level of the general allowance is established to provide coverage for management’s estimate of the credit risk in the loan portfolio by various loan segments not covered by the specific allowance. The allowance for credit losses is discussed in more detail in “Risk Elements of the Loan Portfolio — Allowance for Credit Losses” below. Investment Securities The classification and accounting for investment securities are discussed in detail in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Under ASC Topic 320, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, investment securities must be classified as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading. The appropriate classification is based partially on our ability to hold the securities to maturity and largely on management's intentions with respect to either holding or selling the securities. The classification of investment securities is significant since it directly impacts the accounting for unrealized gains and losses on securities. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities flow directly through earnings during the periods in which they arise, whereas available-for-sale securities are recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity (accumulated other comprehensive income or loss) and do not affect earnings until realized. The fair values of our investment securities are generally determined by reference to quoted market prices and reliable independent sources. We are obligated to assess, at each reporting date, whether there is an "other-than-temporary" impairment to our investment securities. ASC Topic 320 requires us to assess whether we have the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. Other-than-temporary impairment related to credit losses will be recognized in earnings. Other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors will be recognized in other comprehensive income. Income Taxes The provision for income taxes is based on income reported for financial statement purposes, and differs from the amount of taxes currently payable, since certain income and expense items are reported for financial statement purposes in different periods than those for tax reporting purposes. Taxes are discussed in more detail in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Accrued taxes represent the net estimated amount due or to be received from taxing authorities. In estimating accrued taxes, we assess the relative merits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment of transactions taking into account statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance in the context of our tax position. We account for income taxes using the asset and liability approach, the objective of which is to establish deferred tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Goodwill and Goodwill Impairment Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations (Revised 2007)”, requires an entity to recognize the assets, liabilities, and any non-controlling interest at fair value as of the acquisition date. Contingent consideration is required to be recognized and measured at fair value on the date of acquisition rather than at a later date when the amount of that consideration may be determinable beyond a reasonable doubt. ASC Topic 805 also requires an entity to expense acquisition-related costs as incurred rather than allocating such costs to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Contingent considerations are to be recognized at fair value on the acquisition date in a business combination and would be subject to the probable and estimable recognition criteria of ASC Topic 450, “Accounting for Contingencies.” Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 350. ASC Topic 350 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 360, “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Our 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. Accounting standards require management to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit in making the assessment of impairment at least annually. 31 The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in ASC Topic 350. The two-step impairment testing process conducted by us, if needed, begins by assigning net assets and goodwill to our reporting units. We then complete “step one” of the impairment test by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit (as determined in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) with the recorded book value (or “carrying amount”) of its net assets, with goodwill included in the computation of the carrying amount. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of that reporting unit is not considered impaired, and “step two” of the impairment test is not necessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, step two of the impairment test is performed to determine the amount of impairment. Step two of the impairment test compares the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the “implied fair value” of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is computed by assuming all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit would be adjusted to the current fair value, with the offset as an adjustment to goodwill. This adjusted goodwill balance is the implied fair value used in step two. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. Valuation of Other Real Estate Owned (OREO) Real estate acquired in the settlement of loans is initially recorded at fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Specific valuation allowances on other real estate owned are recorded through charges to operations to recognize declines in fair value subsequent to foreclosure. Gains on sales are recognized when certain criteria relating to the buyer’s initial and continuing investment in the property are met. Results of Operations Overview For the year ended December 31, 2014, we reported net income attributable to common stockholders of $137.8 million, or $1.72 per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to common stockholders of $113.5 million, or $1.43 per share, in 2013, and net income attributable to common stockholders of $101.0 million, or $1.28 per share, in 2012. The $24.4 million increase in net income from 2013 to 2014 was primarily the result of increases in net interest income, the elimination of dividends on preferred stock, a higher negative provision for credit losses, decreases in costs associated with debt redemption, decreases in amortization of core deposit premiums, decreases in professional services expense, and decreases in OREO expense. These were partially offset by decreases in gains on sale of securities, increases in salaries and incentive compensation expense, increases in litigation expenses, and increases in FDIC and state assessments. The return on average assets in 2014 was 1.26%, improving from 1.17% in 2013, and from 1.11% in 2012. The return on average stockholders’ equity was 8.95% in 2014, improving from 8.0% in 2013, and from 7.48% in 2012. Highlights (cid:404) Diluted earnings per share increased 20.3% to $1.72 per share for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $1.43 per share for the year ended December 31, 2013. (cid:404) Strong growth in loans – Total loans increased $829.5 million, or 10.3%, excluding loans held for sale, during 2014, to $8.9 billion at December 31, 2014, compared to $8.1 billion at December 31, 2013. 32 Net income available to common stockholders and key financial performance ratios are presented below for the three years indicated: Year Ended December 31, 2013 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2012 2014 Net income .................................................................................. $ Dividends on preferred stock ...................................................... Net income available to common stockholders ........................... $ Basic earnings per common share .............................................. $ Diluted earnings per common share ........................................... $ Return on average assets ............................................................ Return on average stockholders' equity ...................................... Total average assets .................................................................... $ Total average equity ................................................................... $ Efficiency ratio ........................................................................... Effective income tax rate ............................................................ 137,830 $ - 137,830 $ 1.73 $ 1.72 $ 1.26% 8.95% 10,974,890 $ 1,540,564 $ 45.48% 37.29% 123,143 $ (9,685) 113,458 $ 1.44 $ 1.43 $ 1.17% 8.00% 10,506,842 $ 1,548,179 $ 50.35% 36.39% 117,438 (16,488) 100,950 1.28 1.28 1.11% 7.48% 10,617,004 1,579,195 52.37% 36.02% Net Interest Income Net interest income increased $18.1 million, or 5.6%, from 324.7 million in 2013 to $342.8 million in 2014. Interest income on tax-exempt securities was zero in 2014 compared to $1.0 million, or $1.5 million on a tax-equivalent basis, in 2013. The increase in net interest income was due primarily to the the increase in loan interest income and the decrease in interest expense from securities sold under agreements to repurchase, offset by the decrease in interest income from available- for-sale securities. Average loans for 2014 were $8.53 billion, a $901.7 million, or an 11.8%, increase from $7.63 billion in 2013. Compared with 2013, average commercial mortgage loans increased $411.4 million, or 10.6%, average residential mortgage loans increased $222.8 million, or 15.7%, average commercial loans increased $173.8 million, or 8.1%, and average real estate construction loans increased $95.4 million, or 53.9%. Average investment securities were $1.42 billion in 2014, a decrease of $515.6 million, or 26.7%, from 2013, due primarily to decreases in agency mortgage-backed securities of $483.4 million, or 38.6%. Average interest bearing deposits were $6.92 billion in 2014, an increase of $586.1 million, or 9.3%, from $6.33 billion in 2013, primarily due to increases of $264.2 million, or 6.6%, in time deposits, $191.7 million, or 15.8%, in money market deposits, $86.9 million, or 13.7% in interest bearing demand deposits, and $43.3 million, or 8.9%, in saving deposits. Average securities sold under agreements to repurchase decreased $343.0 million, or 35.3%, to $629.3 million in 2014 from $972.3 million in 2013, primarily due to mature and prepayments of securities sold under agreements to repurchase in 2014. Average other borrowings increased $73.4 million, or 101%, to $146.1 million in 2014 from $72.7 million in 2013, primarily due to increases in FHLB advances. Average long term debt decreased $49.7 million, or 29.3%, to $119.8 million in 2014 from $169.5 million in 2013. Taxable-equivalent interest income increased $11.1 million, or 2.7%, to $418.6 million in 2014 from $407.5 million in 2013, primarily due to increases in volume of loans offset by a decline in volume of investment securities and by a change in the mix of interest-earning assets as discussed below: (cid:404) Changes in volume: Average interest-earning assets increased $439.5 million, or 4.5%, to $10.22 billion in 2014, compared with the average interest-earning assets of $9.78 billion in 2013. The increase in average loans of $901.7 million in 2014 offset by a decrease in average investment securities of $515.6 million primarily contributed to the increase in interest income. The increase of $30.5 million in interest income due to volume were primarily contributed from a $41.5 million increases in interest income from loan volume increase offset by a $9.7 million decrease in interest income caused by the decrease in investment securities volume. (cid:404) Decrease in rate: The average yield of interest bearing assets decreased 7 basis points to 4.10% in 2014 from 4.17% in 2013. The rate on taxable investment securities decreased 57 basis points to 1.71% in 2014 from 2.28% in 2013. The decrease in taxable investment securities yields caused a $9.5 million decline in interest income. The rate on loans decreased 14 basis points to 4.58% in 2014 from 4.72% in 2013. The decrease in loan yield caused a $11.0 million decline in interest income. 33 (cid:404) Change in the mix of interest-earning assets: Average gross loans, which generally have a higher yield than other types of investments, comprised 83.5% of total average interest-earning assets in 2014, an increase from 78.1% in 2013. Average investment securities comprised 13.9% of total average interest-bearing assets in 2014, a decrease from 19.8% in 2013. Interest expense decreased by $6.4 million, or 7.8%, to $75.9 million in 2014, compared with $82.3 million in 2013, primarily due to decreased cost from securities sold under agreements to repurchase offset by increased cost from time deposits and money market deposits. The overall decrease in interest expense was primarily due to decreases in volume on securities sold under agreements to repurchase offset by increases on rate and volume on interest bearing deposits as discussed below: (cid:404) Changes in volume: Average securities sold under agreements to repurchase decreased $343.0 million, or 35.3% in 2014 and contributed to $13.5 million decrease in interest expense. Average time deposits increased $264.2 million, or 6.6%, and average money market deposits increased $191.7 million, or 15.8%, causing interest expense to increase by $3.3 million. The changes in volume contributed to decreases in interest expense of $10.8 million Increase in rate: The average cost of interest bearing deposits increased to 0.66% in 2014 from 0.64% in 2013. The average cost securities sold under agreements to repurchase increased to 3.92% in 2014 from 3.88% in 2013. The average cost of long-term debt increased to 3.73% in 2014 from 2.18% in 2013. The increase in rate caused interest expense to increase by $4.3 million. (cid:404) (cid:404) Change in the mix of interest-bearing liabilities: Average interest bearing deposits of $6.92 billion increased to 88.5% of total interest-bearing liabilities in 2014 compared to 83.9% in 2013. Offsetting the increase, average securities sold under agreements to repurchase decreased to 8.1% of total interest-bearing liabilities in 2014 compared to 12.9% in 2013. Our taxable-equivalent net interest margin, defined as taxable-equivalent net interest income to average interest-earning assets, increased to 3.35% in 2014 from 3.33% in 2013. The increase in the net interest margin was due to the impact from increases in loans and decreases in securities sold under agreements to repurchase offset by decreases in investment securities. Net interest income increased $3.4 million, or 1.1%, from $321.3 million in 2012 to $324.7 million in 2013. Taxable- equivalent net interest income, using a statutory federal income tax rate of 35%, totaled $325.2 million in 2013, compared with $323.5 million in 2012, an increase of $1.7 million, or 0.5%. Interest income on tax-exempt securities was $1.0 million, or $1.5 million on a tax-equivalent basis, in 2013 compared to $4.2 million, or $6.4 million on a tax-equivalent basis, in 2012. The increase in net interest income was due primarily to the decrease in interest expense from securities sold under agreements to repurchase and interest expense from time deposits offset by the decrease in interest income from investment securities. Average loans for 2013 were $7.63 billion, a $535.5 million, or a 7.6%, increase from $7.10 billion in 2012. Compared with 2012, average commercial loans increased $201.8 million, or 10.4%, average residential mortgage loans increased $187.8 million, or 15.2%, and average commercial mortgage loans increased $167.2 million, or 4.52%. Offsetting the above increases was a decrease of $21.3 million, or 10.7%, in average real estate construction loans. Average investment securities were $1.93 billion in 2013, a decrease of $415.8 million, or 17.7%, from 2012, due primarily to decreases of U.S. agency securities of $252.7 million, corporate bonds of $166.3 million, municipal bonds of $100.7 million, trading securities of $47.4 million, and mortgage-backed securities of $32.5 million, offset by increases of U.S. Treasury notes of $214.4 million. Average interest bearing deposits were $6.33 billion in 2013, an increase of $107.3 million, or 1.7%, from $6.23 billion in 2012, primarily due to increases of $311.7 million in interest-bearing demand deposits, money market deposits, and saving deposits offset primarily by decreases of $204.4 million in time deposits. Average securities sold under agreements to repurchase decreased $389.1 million, or 28.6%, to $972.3 million in 2013 from $1.36 billion in 2012, primarily due to prepayments of securities sold under agreements to repurchase in 2013. Average other borrowings increased $35.0 million, or 92.7%, to $72.7 million in 2013 from $37.7 million in 2012, primarily due to increases in FHLB advances. 34 Taxable-equivalent interest income decreased $24.5 million, or 5.7%, to $407.5 million in 2013, primarily due to a decline in volume on investment securities and decreases in loan yields and by a change in the mix of interest-earning assets as discussed below: (cid:404) Changes in volume: Average interest-earning assets decreased $92.3 million, or 0.9%, to $9.78 billion in 2013, compared with the average interest-earning assets of $9.87 billion in 2012. The decreases in average investment securities of $415.8 million and decreases in average interest bearing deposits of $182.5 million, offset by an increase in average loans balance of $535.5 million in 2013, caused the decreases in interest income. The increase in loan volume contributed to a $26.2 million increase in interest income, offset by the decrease in investment securities volume which caused a $13.5 million decrease in interest income. (cid:404) Decrease in rate: The average yield of interest bearing assets decreased 21 basis points to 4.17% in 2013 from 4.38% in 2012. The rate on taxable investment securities decreased 53 basis points to 2.28% in 2013 from 2.81% in 2012. The decrease in taxable investment securities yields caused a $10.9 million decline in interest income. The rate on loans decreased 36 basis points to 4.72% in 2013 from 5.08% in 2012. The decrease in loan yield caused a $26.9 million decline in interest income. (cid:404) Change in the mix of interest-earning assets: Average gross loans, which generally have a higher yield than other types of investments, comprised 78.1% of total average interest-earning assets in 2013, an increase from 71.9% in 2012. Average investment securities comprised 19.8% of total average interest-bearing assets in 2013, a decrease from 23.8% in 2012. Interest expense decreased by $26.2 million to $82.3 million in 2013, compared with $108.5 million in 2012, primarily due to decreased cost from time deposits and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The overall decrease in interest expense was primarily due to a net decrease in rate and a net decrease in volume as discussed below: (cid:404) Decrease in volume: Average interest-bearing liabilities decreased $248.5 million in 2013, due primarily to the decrease in time deposits and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The decrease in volume caused interest expense to decline by $15.8 million. (cid:404) Decrease in rate: The average cost of interest bearing liabilities decreased 30 basis points from 1.39% in 2012 to 1.09% in 2013 due primarily to a decrease of 16 basis points in the average cost of time deposits to 0.80% in 2013 from 0.96% in 2012 and a decrease of 21 basis points in average cost of securities sold under agreements to repurchase to 3.88% in 2013 from 4.09% in 2012. The decline in rate caused interest expense to decline by $10.4 million. (cid:404) Change in the mix of interest-bearing liabilities: Average interest bearing deposits of $6.33 billion increased to 83.9% of total interest-bearing liabilities in 2013 compared to 79.9% in 2012. Offsetting the increases, average securities sold under agreements to repurchase decreased to 12.9% of total interest-bearing liabilities in 2013 compared to 17.5% in 2012. Our taxable-equivalent net interest margin, defined as taxable-equivalent net interest income to average interest-earning assets, increased 5 basis points to 3.33% in 2013 from 3.28% in 2012. The increase in net interest margin from the prior year primarily resulted from decreases in the rate on interest bearing deposits and the prepayment of securities sold under agreements to repurchase. 35 The following table sets forth information concerning average interest-earning assets, average interest-bearing liabilities, and the yields and rates paid on those assets and liabilities. Average outstanding amounts included in the table are daily averages. Interest-Earning Assets and Interest-Bearing Liabilities 2014 Average Balance Interest Income/ Expense Average Yield/ Rate (4) (1)(2) 2013 Average Balance Interest Income/ Expense (4) Average Yield/ Rate (1)(2) (Dollars in thousands) 2012 Average Balance Interest Income/ Expense (4) Average Yield/ Rate (1)(2) 2,322,563 $ 1,643,239 4,280,255 89,994 77,231 207,235 3.87% $ 4.70 4.84 2,148,763 $ 1,420,434 3,868,837 84,680 66,229 198,904 3.94% $ 4.66 5.14 1,946,986 $ 1,232,573 3,701,613 81,684 60,644 207,541 Interest-Earning Assets: Commercial loans ......... $ Residential mortgages ... Commercial mortgages . Real estate construction loans ......................... Other loans .................... Loans (1) .......................... Taxable securities ............ Tax-exempt securities (3) FHLB stock ...................... Federal funds sold & securities purchased under agreements to resell ............................. Interest-bearing deposits . Total interest-earning 272,479 13,712 8,532,248 1,417,007 - 29,487 15,889 91 390,440 24,237 - 1,974 - 242,037 1,996 5.83 0.66 4.58 1.71 - 6.69 - 0.82 177,093 15,403 7,630,530 1,903,541 29,076 33,446 10,010 136 359,959 43,412 1,531 1,480 5.65 0.88 4.72 2.28 5.27 4.43 198,363 15,541 7,095,076 2,216,857 131,530 47,938 10,440 334 360,643 62,395 6,401 485 - 184,654 - 1,150 - 0.62 14,986 367,138 18 2,042 0.12 0.56 4.20% 4.92 5.61 5.26 2.15 5.08 2.81 4.87 1.01 assets ........................... $ 10,220,779 $ 418,647 4.10 $ 9,781,247 $ 407,532 4.17 $ 9,873,525 $ 431,984 4.38 Non-interest Earning Assets: .......................... Cash and due from banks ....................... 177,129 Other non-earning assets ....................... 762,535 Total non-interest earning assets ........................... Less: Allowance for loan losses ........................... Deferred loan fees ........... Total Assets .................... $ 939,664 (172,377) (13,176) 10,974,890 Interest-Bearing Liabilities: Interest-bearing demand deposits ................... $ Money market deposits . Savings deposits ............ Time deposits ............... Total interest-bearing deposits ........................ Federal funds purchased . Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ................... FHLB advances and other borrowings .................. Long-term debt ............... Total interest-bearing 721,435 $ 1,407,053 532,184 4,257,736 1,229 8,627 802 35,111 6,918,408 - 45,769 - 0.17 0.61 0.15 0.82 0.66 - 149,196 769,388 918,584 (181,272) (11,717) 10,506,842 634,506 $ 1,215,347 488,932 3,993,508 1,017 7,034 374 31,964 6,332,293 - 40,389 - 0.16 0.58 0.08 0.80 0.64 - 126,476 819,986 946,462 (194,385) (8,598) 10,617,004 516,246 $ 1,059,841 451,022 4,197,906 792 5,938 365 40,278 6,225,015 - 47,373 - 0.15 0.56 0.08 0.96 0.76 - $ $ $ $ 629,315 24,685 3.92 972,329 37,692 3.88 1,361,475 55,699 4.09 146,120 119,785 945 4,467 0.65 3.73 72,687 169,492 528 3,691 0.73 2.18 37,717 171,136 270 5,149 0.72 3.01 liabilities ...................... 7,813,628 75,866 0.97 7,546,801 82,300 1.09 7,795,343 108,491 1.39 Non-interest Bearing Liabilities: Demand deposits ............ Other liabilities ............... Stockholders' equity ....... Total liabilities and 1,535,461 85,237 1,540,564 1,325,781 86,081 1,548,179 1,157,343 85,123 1,579,195 stockholders' equity ..... $ 10,974,890 $ 10,506,842 $ 10,617,004 $ Net interest spread (4) ..... Net interest income (4) .... Net interest margin (4) .... ____________ (1) Yields and amounts of interest earned include loan fees. Non-accrual loans are included in the average balance. (2) Calculated by dividing net interest income by average outstanding interest-earning assets. (3) The average yield has been adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis for certain securities of states and political 325,232 323,493 342,781 3.13% 3.35% 3.08% 3.33% 2.99% 3.28% $ $ subdivisions and other securities held using a statutory federal income tax rate of 35%. (4) Net interest income, net interest spread, and net interest margin on interest-earning assets have been adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis using a statutory federal income tax rate of 35%. 36 Taxable-Equivalent Net Interest Income — Changes Due to Rate and Volume(1) 2014 - 2013 Increase/(Decrease) in Net Interest Income Due to: 2013 - 2012 Increase/(Decrease) in Net Interest Income Due to: Change in Change in Volume Rate Total Change Change in Change in Total Volume Change Rate Interest-Earning Assets Deposits with other banks ..... $ Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell ........... Taxable securities ................... Tax-exempt securities (2) ...... FHLB stock ............................ Loans ...................................... Total increase (decrease) in (In thousands) 414 $ 432 $ 846 $ (1,113) $ 221 $ (892) - (9,694) (1,531) (192) 41,521 - (9,481) - 686 (11,040) - (19,175) (1,531) 494 30,481 (9) (8,104) (5,356) (187) 26,215 (9) (10,879) 486 1,182 (26,899) (18) (18,983) (4,870) 995 (684) interest income .................. 30,518 (19,403) 11,115 11,446 (35,898) (24,452) Interest-Bearing Liabilities Interest-bearing demand deposits ............................. Money market deposits ......... Savings deposits .................... Time deposits ........................ Securities sold under 145 1,157 36 2,159 67 436 392 988 212 1,593 428 3,147 188 895 30 (1,887) 37 201 (21) (6,427) 225 1,096 9 (8,314) agreements to repurchase .. (13,450) 443 (13,007) (15,215) (2,792) (18,007) FHLB advances and other borrowings ........................ Long-term debt ...................... Total decrease in interest 481 (1,307) (64) 2,083 417 776 253 (49) 5 (1,409) 258 (1,458) expense .............................. (10,779) 4,345 (6,434) (15,785) (10,406) (26,191) Change in net interest income $ _________ (1) Changes in interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in both volume and rate have been allocated (25,492) $ (23,748) $ 27,231 $ 17,549 $ 41,297 $ 1,739 proportionately to changes due to volume and changes due to rate. (2) The amount of interest earned has been adjusted to a fully tax-equivalent basis for certain securities of states and political subdivisions and other securities held using a statutory federal income tax rate of 35%. Provision for Credit Losses The provision for credit losses represents the charge against current earnings that is determined by management, through a credit review process, as the amount needed to maintain an allowance for loan losses and an allowance for off-balance sheet unfunded credit commitments that management believes to be sufficient to absorb credit losses inherent in the Bank’s loan portfolio and credit commitments. The Bank recorded a negative $10.8 million provision for credit losses in 2014 compared with a negative $3.0 million in 2013, and a negative $9.0 million in 2012. Net charge-offs for 2014 were $1.3 million, or 0.02% of average loans, compared to net charge-offs for 2013 of $6.4 million, or 0.08% of average loans, and compared to net charge-offs for 2012 of $14.7 million, or 0.2% of average loans. The decreases in provision for credit losses and net charge-offs in 2014 were primarily due to decreases in the level of classified and impaired loans. Non-interest Income Non-interest income decreased $19.8 million, or 32.8%, to $40.5 million for 2014, from $60.3 million for 2013, and compared to $46.5 million for 2012. Non-interest income includes depository service fees, letters of credit commissions, securities gains (losses), gains (losses) from loan sales, gains from sale of premises and equipment, and other sources of fee income. These other fee-based services include wire transfer fees, safe deposit fees, fees on loan-related activities, fee income from our Wealth Management division, and foreign exchange fees. 37 The decrease in non-interest income from 2013 to 2014 was primarily due to a $20.6 million decrease in securities gains offset by a $1.4 million increase in wealth management commissions. We sold securities of $859.0 million in 2014 compared to $1.0 billion in 2013. In 2014, gains of $18.0 million and losses of $10.5 million were realized on sales of investment securities compared with gains of $29.0 million and losses of $1.6 million realized in 2013. The increase in non-interest income from 2012 to 2013 was primarily due to a combination of the following: (cid:404) A $9.4 million increase in securities gains. We sold securities of $1.0 billion and recorded net gains on sale of securities of $27.4 million in 2013 compared to security sales of $544.2 million and recorded net gains on sale of securities of $18.0 million in 2012. (cid:404) A $2.3 million increase in wealth management commissions. (cid:404) A $1.1 million increase in miscellaneous loan fees and loan service fees. (cid:404) A $398,000 increase in commission on foreign exchange transactions, a $333,000 increase in trading security revenue, and a $288,000 decrease in net losses on interest rate swaps. Non-interest Expense Non-interest expense includes expenses related to salaries and benefits of employees, occupancy expenses, marketing expenses, computer and equipment expenses, amortization of core deposit intangibles, and other operating expenses. Non- interest expense totaled $174.3 million in 2014 compared to $193.8 million in 2013. The decrease of $19.5 million, or 10.1%, in non-interest expense in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to a combination of the following: (cid:404) Costs associated with debt redemptions due to prepayment penalties on securities sold under agreements to repurchase and advances from Federal Home Loan Bank decreased $19.2 million, or 85%, to $3.3 million in 2014 from $22.6 million in 2013. (cid:404) Amortization of core deposit intangibles decreased $3.8 million, or 84%, to $719,000 in 2014 from $4.5 million in 2013 as a result of the full amortization of the core deposit premium from the General Bank acquisition. (cid:404) Professional service expense decreased $1.9 million, or 7.9%, due primarily to the decreases in legal collection expense and consulting expense. (cid:404) OREO expense decreased $1.1 million primarily due to gains on sale of OREO in 2014. (cid:404) Offsetting the above decreases were a $1.6 million increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $1.5 million increase in litigation expense, and a $1.4 million increase in FDIC and state assessments. The efficiency ratio, defined as non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income before provision for loan losses plus non-interest income, decreased to 45.48% in 2014 compared to 50.35% in 2013 due primarily to lower non- interest expense as explained above. Non-interest expense totaled $193.8 million in 2013 compared with $192.6 million in 2012. The increase of $1.2 million, or 0.6%, in non-interest expense in 2013 compared to 2012 was primarily due to a combination of the following: (cid:404) Costs associated with debt redemptions due to prepayment penalties on securities sold under agreements to repurchase increased $10.5 million, or 86%, to $22.6 million in 2013 from $12.1 million in 2012. (cid:404) Salaries and employee benefits increased $9.9 million, or 12.6%, primarily due to the hiring of new employees as well as the addition of temporary employees related to our core system conversion completed in July 2013. (cid:404) Professional service expense increased $2.8 million, or 12.9%, due primarily to the increases in legal collection expense, consulting expense and data processing service expense. (cid:404) Offsetting the above increases were a decrease of $15.4 million in OREO expenses primarily due to decreases in OREO operating expense, and write-down provision and a decrease of $5.8 million in litigation expense. The efficiency ratio, defined as non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income before provision for loan losses plus non-interest income, decreased to 50.35% in 2013 compared to 52.37% in 2012 due primarily to higher non- interest income as explained above. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense was $82.0 million in 2014, compared to $70.4 million in 2013, and $66.1 million in 2012. The effective tax rate was 37.3% for 2014, 36.4% for 2013, and 36.0% for 2012. The effective tax rate differed from the composite statutory composite rate of 42% primarily as a result of low income housing and other tax credits totaling $10.2 million recognized in 2014, $10.1 million recognized in 2013, and $9.4 million recognized in 2012. 38 Our tax returns are open for audits by the Internal Revenue Service back to 2011 and by the California Franchise Tax Board back to 2003. The Company is under audit by the California Franchise Tax Board for the years 2003 to 2007. From time to time, there may be differences of opinion with respect to the tax treatment accorded transactions. When, and if, such differences occur and the related tax effects become probable and estimable, such amounts will be recognized. Financial Condition Total assets were $11.5 billion at December 31, 2014, an increase of $527.6 million, or 4.8%, from $11.0 billion at December 31, 2013, primarily due to increases of $829.5 million in gross loans, excluding loans held for sale, offset by decreases of $267.7 million in investment securities. Investment Securities Investment securities were $1.3 billion and represented 11.5% of total assets at December 31, 2014, compared with $1.6 billion and 14.4% of total assets at December 31, 2013. During the first quarter of 2013, due to the ongoing discussions regarding corporate income tax rates which could have a negative impact on the after-tax yields and fair values of the Company’s portfolio of municipal securities, the Company determined it may sell such securities in response to market conditions. As a result, the Company reclassified its municipal securities from securities held-to-maturity to securities available-for-sale. Concurrent with this reclassification, the Company also reclassified all other securities held-to-maturity, which together with the municipal securities had an amortized cost on the date of transfer of $722.5 million, to securities available-for-sale. At the reclassification date, a net unrealized gain was recorded in other comprehensive income for these securities totaling $40.5 million. The following table summarizes the carrying value of our portfolio of securities for each of the past two years: Securities Available-for-Sale: U.S. treasury securities ................................................................................................ $ Mortgage-backed securities ......................................................................................... Collateralized mortgage obligations ............................................................................ Asset-backed securities ............................................................................................... Corporate debt securities ............................................................................................. Mutual funds ................................................................................................................ Preferred stock of government sponsored entities ....................................................... Other equity securities .................................................................................................. Total securities available-for-sale ............................................................................. $ As of December 31, 2014 2013 (In thousands) 664,004 $ 544,303 45 - 94,472 5,866 3,224 7,021 1,318,935 $ 460,193 952,814 6,106 123 150,304 5,725 11,403 - 1,586,668 ASC Topic 320 requires an entity to assess whether it has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is met, an entity must recognize an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) to its investment securities. If an entity does not intend to sell the debt security and will not be required to sell the debt security, the entity must consider whether it will recover the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis of the security, OTTI shall be considered to have occurred. OTTI is then separated into the amount of the total impairment related to credit losses and the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. An entity determines the impairment related to credit losses by comparing the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. OTTI related to the credit loss is thereafter recognized in earnings. OTTI related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. OTTI not related to the credit loss for a held-to-maturity security should be recognized separately in a new category of other comprehensive income and amortized over the remaining life of the debt security as an increase in the carrying value of the security only when the entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis. The Company has both the ability and the intent to hold and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell those securities with unrealized losses before recovery of their amortized cost basis. At December 31, 2014, all of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities were rated as investment grade except for one non-agency issue. Total unrealized losses of $6.4 million from all mortgage-backed securities resulted from increases in interest rates subsequent to the date that these securities were purchased. Total unrealized losses of $1.2 million on corporate 39 bonds relates to four issues of investments in bonds of financial institutions, all of which were investment grade at the date of acquisition and as of December 31, 2014. The unrealized losses were primarily caused by the widening of credit and liquidity spreads since the dates of acquisition. The contractual terms of those investments do not permit the issuers to settle the security at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. The Company currently does not believe it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the investments. Therefore, it is expected that these mortgage-backed securities and corporate bonds would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. Because the Company does not intend to sell and would not be required to sell these investments until a recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, it does not consider its investments in these mortgaged-backed securities and corporate bonds to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014. During the third quarter of 2014, the Company wrote down the carrying value of its portfolio of agency preferred stock by $820,000. As of December 31, 2014, agency preferred stock with a cost of $6.2 million had an unrealized loss of $3.7 million, which the Company believes to be temporary. The temporarily impaired securities represent 66.1% of the fair value of investment securities as of December 31, 2014. Unrealized losses for securities with unrealized losses for less than twelve months represent 1.1%, and securities with unrealized losses for twelve months or more represent 1.6%, of the historical cost of these securities. Unrealized losses on these securities generally resulted from increases in interest rates or spreads subsequent to the date that these securities were purchased. At December 31, 2014, 22 issues of securities had unrealized losses for 12 months or longer and 8 issues of securities had unrealized losses of less than 12 months. At December 31, 2014, management believed the impairment was temporary and, accordingly, no impairment loss on debt securities has been recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company expects to recover the amortized cost basis of its debt securities, and has no intent to sell and will not be required to sell available-for-sale debt securities that have declined below their cost before their anticipated recovery. The tables below show the fair value and unrealized losses of the temporarily impaired securities in our investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013: As of December 31, 2014 Temporarily Impaired Securities Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total Fair Value Losses Unrealized No. of Fair Issuances Value Losses Unrealized No. of Fair Issuances Value Unrealized No. of Losses Issuances (Dollars in thousands) Securities Available-for- Sale U.S. treasury securities ..... $ 374,153 $ Mortgage-backed 265 6 $ - $ - - $ 374,153 $ 265 securities ...................... Collateralized mortgage obligations ................... Corporate debt securities .. Mutual funds .................... Preferred stock of government sponsored entities .......................... Total securities - - - - - - - - - 425,090 6,386 16 425,090 6,386 - - - 45 63,753 5,866 34 1,247 134 1 45 4 63,753 5,866 1 34 1,247 134 2,448 3,733 2 - - - 2,448 3,733 6 16 1 4 1 2 available-for-sale ..... $ 376,601 $ 3,998 8 $ 494,754 $ 7,801 22 $ 871,355 $ 11,799 30 40 As of December 31, 2013 Temporarily Impaired Securities Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total Fair Value Losses Unrealized No. of Fair Issuances Value Losses Unrealized No. of Fair Issuances Value Unrealized No. of Losses Issuances (Dollars in thousands) Securities Available-for- Sale U.S. treasury securities ..... $ 75,064 $ Mortgage-backed 1 1 $ - $ securities ...................... 792,012 64,526 25 272 Mortgage-backed securities-Non-agency . 94 Collateralized mortgage obligations ................... Corporate debt securities .. Mutual funds .................... 68 9,970 - 1 4 30 - Total securities - 2 - - $ 75,064 $ 1 7 792,284 64,528 - 94 1 1 - 301 2 1 100,081 5,724 - 50 4,919 275 369 3 8 110,051 5,724 1 54 4,949 275 1 32 1 5 9 1 available-for-sale ..... $ 877,208 $ 64,562 30 $ 106,378 $ 5,246 19 $ 983,586 $ 69,808 49 The scheduled maturities and taxable-equivalent yields by security type are presented in the following tables: Securites Portfolio Maturity Distribution and Yield Analysis: As of December 31, 2014 One Year or Less After One Year to Five Years After Five Years to Over Ten Ten Years Years Total (Dollars in thousands) Maturity Distribution: Securities Available-for-Sale: U.S. treasury securities ................................................. $ Mortgage-backed securities (1) .................................... Collateralized mortgage obligations (1) ....................... Corporate debt securities .............................................. Mutual funds (2) ........................................................... Preferred stock of government sponsored entities (2) ... Other equity securities (2) ............................................. 115,068 $ - - - - - - 548,936 $ 11,262 - 10,173 - - - - $ 798 - 84,299 - - - - $ 532,243 45 - 5,866 3,224 7,021 664,004 544,303 45 94,472 5,866 3,224 7,021 Total securities available-for-sale ............................. $ 115,068 $ 570,371 $ 85,097 $ 548,399 $ 1,318,935 Weighted-Average Yield: Securities Available-for-Sale: U.S. treasury securities.................................................. Mortgage-backed securities (1) .................................... Collateralized mortgage obligations (1) ....................... Corporate debt securities ............................................... Mutual funds (2) ........................................................... Total securities available-for-sale ............................. 0.20% - - - - 0.20% 0.50% 4.69 - 1.24 - 0.60% - 5.88 - 1.46 - 1.50% - 2.54 3.50 - 4.72 2.51% 0.45% 2.59 3.50 1.43 4.72 1.43% (1) Securities reflect stated maturities and do not reflect the impact of anticipated prepayments. (2) There is no stated maturity for mutual funds and equity securities. 41 Loans Loans represented 83.5% of average interest-earning assets during 2014, compared with 78.0% during 2013. Gross loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased by $829.5 million, or 10.3%, to $8.91 billion at December 31, 2014, compared with $8.08 billion at December 31, 2013. The increase in gross loans was primarily attributable to the following: • Commercial loans increased $83.8 million, or 3.6%, to $2.38 billion at December 31, 2014, compared to $2.30 billion at December 31, 2013. Commercial loans consist primarily of short-term loans (typically with a maturity of one year or less) to support general business purposes, or to provide working capital to businesses in the form of lines of credit, trade-finance loans, loans for commercial purposes secured by cash, and SBA loans. • Total residential mortgage loans increased by $214.8 million, or 15.9%, to $1.57 billion at December 31, 2014, compared to $1.36 billion at December 31, 2013, primarily due to the low level of interest rates and the rebound in housing sales. • Commercial mortgage loans increased $463.4 million, or 11.5%, to $4.49 billion at December 31, 2014, compared to $4.02 billion at December 31, 2013. Total commercial mortgage loans accounted for 50.3% of gross loans at December 31, 2014, compared to 49.8% at December 31, 2013. Commercial mortgage loans consist primarily of commercial retail properties, shopping centers, and owner-occupied industrial facilities, and, secondarily, of office buildings, multiple-unit apartments, hotels, and multi-tenanted industrial properties, and are typically secured by first deeds of trust on such commercial properties. In addition, the Bank provides medium-term commercial real estate loans secured by commercial or industrial buildings where the borrower either uses the property for business purposes or derives income from tenants. • Real estate construction loans increased $77.0 million, or 34.7%, to $298.7 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $221.7 million at December 31, 2013. Our lending relates predominantly to activities in the states of California, Nevada, New York, Texas, Washington, Massachusetts, Illinois, and New Jersey, although we have some loans to domestic clients who are engaged in international trade. Loans outstanding in our branch in Hong Kong were $227.6 million as of December 31, 2014, compared to $255.6 million as of December 31, 2013. The classification of loans by type and amount outstanding as of December 31 for each of the past five years is presented below: Loan Type and Mix 2014 2013 As of December 31, 2012 (In thousands) 2011 2010 Commercial loans ................................................ $ 2,382,493 $ 2,298,724 $ 2,127,107 $ 1,868,275 $ 1,441,167 Residential mortgage loans and equity lines ........ 1,742,938 1,526,532 1,340,082 1,186,969 1,061,330 Commercial mortgage loans ................................ 4,486,443 4,023,051 3,768,452 3,748,897 3,940,061 409,986 298,654 Real estate construction loans ............................. 16,077 3,552 Installment and other loans ................................. 180,950 12,556 237,372 17,699 221,701 14,555 Gross loans .......................................................... 8,914,080 8,084,563 7,429,147 7,059,212 6,868,621 Less: (245,231) (161,420) Allowance for loan losses ................................... Unamortized deferred loan fees .......................... (7,621) (12,392) Total loans and leases, net ................................... $ 8,740,268 $ 7,897,187 $ 7,235,587 $ 6,844,483 $ 6,615,769 2,873 Loans held for sale .............................................. $ (183,322) (10,238) (206,280) (8,449) (173,889) (13,487) 760 $ 973 $ - $ - $ 42 The loan maturities in the table below are based on contractual maturities. As is customary in the banking industry, loans that meet underwriting criteria can be renewed by mutual agreement between us and the borrower. Because we are unable to estimate the extent to which our borrowers will renew their loans, the table is based on contractual maturities. As a result, the data shown below should not be viewed as an indication of future cash flows. Contractual Maturity of Loan Portfolio Within One Year One to Five Years Over Five Years Total (In thousands) Commercial loans Floating rate ........................................................................ $ 1,042,719 $ Fixed rate ............................................................................. 296,565 Residential mortgage loans and equity lines Floating rate ........................................................................ Fixed rate ............................................................................. Commercial mortgage loans Floating rate ........................................................................ Fixed rate .............................................................................. Real estate construction loans Floating rate ........................................................................ Fixed rate ............................................................................. Installment and other loans Floating rate ........................................................................ Fixed rate ............................................................................. 215,011 11,983 422,284 133,121 - 3,160 27 3,035 732,323 $ 102,573 193,146 $ 15,167 1,968,188 414,305 297,614 1,030 15,135 1,426,097 298,671 1,444,267 1,121,888 1,509,279 321,129 978,742 3,053,451 1,432,992 65,818 5,842 - 392 - - - Total Loans .................................................................... $ 2,127,905 $ 3,023,743 $ 3,762,432 $ Floating rate ........................................................................ $ 1,680,041 $ 1,921,059 $ 2,000,039 $ 1,102,684 1,762,393 Fixed rate ............................................................................. 3,023,743 3,762,432 Total Loans .................................................................... Allowance for loan losses ................................................... Unamortized deferred loan fees .......................................... Net loans ............................................................................. Loans held for sale ............................................................... 447,864 2,127,905 $ $ 280,829 17,825 - 3,552 8,914,080 5,601,139 3,312,941 8,914,080 (161,420) (12,392) 8,740,268 973 Deposits The Bank primarily uses customer deposits to fund its operations, and to a lesser extent borrowings in the form of securities sold under agreements to repurchase, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank, and other borrowings. The Bank’s deposits are generally obtained from the Bank’s geographic market area. The Bank utilizes traditional marketing methods to attract new customers and deposits, by offering a wide variety of products and services and utilizing various forms of advertising media. Although the vast majority of the Bank’s deposits are retail in nature, the Bank does engage in certain wholesale activities, primarily accepting deposits generated by brokers or Internet listing services. The Bank considers wholesale deposits to be an alternative borrowing source rather than a customer relationship and, as such, their levels are determined by management’s decisions as to the most economic funding sources. Brokered-deposits totaled $497.4 million, or 5.7%, of total deposits, at December 31, 2014, compared to $318.2 million, or 4.0%, at December 31, 2013. The Company’s total deposits increased $802.2 million, or 10.1%, to $8.78 billion at December 31, 2014, from $7.98 billion at December 31, 2013, primarily due to a $251.8 million, or 19.6%, increase in money market deposits, a $231.3 million, or 24.8%, increase in time deposits under $100,000, a $223.1 million, or 15.4%, increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits, a $94.8 million, or 13.9%, increase in NOW deposits, and a $34.4 million, or 6.9%, increase in savings deposits. 43 The following table displays the deposit mix for the past three years: Deposit Mix 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2013 2012 Amount Percentage Amount Percentage Amount Percentage (Dollars in thousands) Demand deposits .................... $ 1,664,914 778,691 NOW deposits ........................ Money market deposits .......... 1,538,187 Saving deposits ...................... 533,940 Time deposits under $100,000 1,162,547 Time deposits of $100,000 or more ................................... 3,105,181 Total .................................... $ 8,783,460 19.0% $ 1,441,858 683,873 1,286,338 499,520 931,204 8.9 17.5 6.1 13.2 8.6 18.1% $ 1,269,455 593,133 16.1 1,186,771 473,805 644,191 6.2 11.7 17.2% 8.0 16.1 6.4 8.7 35.3 3,138,512 100.0 % $ 7,981,305 39.3 3,215,870 100.0% $ 7,383,225 43.6 100.0% Average total deposits increased $795.8 million, or 10.4%, to $8.45 billion in 2014 compared with average total deposits of $7.66 billion in 2013. The following table displays average deposits and rates for the past five years: Average Deposits and Average Rates 2014 2013 Amount % Amount Year Ended December 31, 2012 Amount % (Dollars in thousands) % 2011 2010 Amount % Amount % Demand deposits ........ $1,535,461 -% NOW deposits ........... 721,435 0.17 634,506 0.16 516,246 0.15 426,252 0.18 397,434 0.23 Money market -% $ 911,351 -% $ 996,215 -% $1,325,781 -% $1,157,343 deposits ................. 1,407,053 0.61 1,215,347 0.58 1,059,841 0.56 979,253 0.75 966,888 0.90 Saving deposits .......... 532,184 0.15 488,932 0.08 451,022 0.08 411,953 0.12 369,190 0.19 Time deposits ............ 4,257,736 0.82 3,993,508 0.80 4,197,906 0.96 4,323,833 1.24 4,765,632 1.55 Total ........................ $8,453,869 0.54% $7,658,074 0.53% $7,382,358 0.64% $7,137,506 0.87% $7,410,495 1.14% Management considers the Bank’s time deposits of $100,000 or more (Jumbo CDs) to be generally less volatile than other wholesale funding sources primarily because: • approximately 69% of the Bank’s Jumbo CDs have been on deposit with the Bank for two years or more; • • the Jumbo CD portfolio is widely-held with 13,980 individual accounts averaging approximately $255,000 per account owned by 8,956 individual depositors as of December 31, 2014; and the ratio of relatively higher percentage of Jumbo CDs to total deposits exists in most of the Asian-American banks in our California market because of a higher savings rate within the communities we serve. Management monitors the Jumbo CD portfolio to identify any changes in the deposit behavior in the market and of the customers the Bank is serving. Of our Jumbo CDs, approximately 83.8% mature within one year as of December 31, 2014. The following tables display time deposits of $100,000 or more by maturity: 44 Time Deposits of $100,000 or More by Maturity Less than three months ......................................................................................................................... $ Three to six months .............................................................................................................................. Six to twelve months ............................................................................................................................ Over one year ....................................................................................................................................... Total ................................................................................................................................................. $ 920,803 604,743 1,075,596 504,039 3,105,181 The following table displays time deposits with a remaining term of more than one year at December 31, 2014: At December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Maturities of Time Deposits with a Remaining Term of More Than One Year for Each of the Five Years Following December 31, 2014 2016 .......................................................................................................................................................... $ 2017 .......................................................................................................................................................... 2018 .......................................................................................................................................................... 2019 .......................................................................................................................................................... 2020 .......................................................................................................................................................... (In thousands) 325,513 347,635 178,412 42,486 11 Borrowings Borrowings include securities sold under agreements to repurchase, Federal funds purchased, funds obtained as advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of San Francisco, and borrowings from other financial institutions. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase were $450.0 million with a weighted average rate of 3.85% at December 31, 2014, compared to $800.0 million with a weighted average rate of 3.87% at December 31, 2013. In 2014, the Company prepaid securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaling $100 million with a weighted average rate of 3.5% and incurred prepayment penalties of $3.4 million. In 2013, the Company prepaid securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaling $450 million with a weighted average rate of 3.79% and incurred prepayment penalties of $22.6 million. Four floating-to-fixed rate agreements totaling $200.0 million have initial floating rates for one year, with floating rates of three-month LIBOR minus 340 basis points. Thereafter, the rates are fixed for the remainder of the term, with interest rates ranging from 4.89% to 5.07%. After the initial floating rate term, the counterparties have the right to terminate the transaction at par at the fixed rate reset date and quarterly thereafter. One fixed-to-floating rate agreement of $50.0 million has an initial fixed rate of 1.00% with initial fixed rate term of nine months. For the remaining term, the rate floats at 8% minus the three- month LIBOR with a maximum rate of 3.50% and a minimum rate of 0.0%. After the initial fixed rate term, the counterparties have the right to terminate the transaction at par at the floating rate reset date and quarterly thereafter. The table below provides summary data for the $250.0 million of callable securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of December 31, 2014: (Dollars in millions) Rate type Rate index Maximum rate ........................................................... Minimum rate ............................................................ No. of agreements ..................................................... Amount ..................................................................... $ Weighted average rate ............................................... Final maturity ............................................................ Fixed-to-floating Float Rate 8% minus 3 month LIBOR Floating-to-fixed Fixed Rate Total 3.50% 0.0% 1 50.0 $ 3.50% 2015 4 200.0 $ 5.00% 2017 5 250.0 4.70% 45 The table below provides summary data for non-callable fixed rate securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of December 31, 2014: Maturity 1 year to 3 years ............................................................... 3 years to 5 years .............................................................. Total ................................................................................. No. of Agreements 2 2 4 $ $ $ Amount (In thousands) Weighted Average Interest Rate 100,000 100,000 200,000 2.71% 2.86% 2.78% These transactions are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded at the amounts at which the securities were sold. The Company may have to provide additional collateral for the repurchase agreements, as necessary. The underlying collateral pledged for the repurchase agreements consists of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency securities, and mortgage-backed securities with a fair value of $516.3 million as of December 31, 2014, and $906.1 million as of December 31, 2013. The table below provides comparative data for securities sold under agreements to repurchase for the years indicated: 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) 2012 Average amount outstanding during the year (1) ....................... $ Maximum amount outstanding at month-end (2) ....................... Balance, December 31 ............................................................... Rate, December 31 ..................................................................... Weighted average interest rate for the year ................................ 629,315 $ 700,000 450,000 3.85% 3.92% 972,329 $ 1,200,000 800,000 3.87% 3.88% 1,361,475 1,400,000 1,250,000 3.84% 4.09% (1) Average balances were computed using daily averages. (2) Highest month-end balances were January 2014, January 2013, and January 2012. Advances from the FHLB were $425.0 million with a weighted average rate of 0.32% at December 31, 2014, compared to $521.2 million with weighted average rate of 0.17% at December 31, 2013. The Company prepaid $171.2 million at a rate of 1.08% with prepayment penalties of $527,000 in 2014 and did not prepay any advances from the FHLB in 2013. The following relates to the outstanding advances at December 31, 2014, and 2013: 2014 2013 Amount Weighted Average Amount Weighted Average Maturity Within 90 days .................................................... $ 4 - 5 years ............................................................. Total ..................................................................... $ (In thousands) Interest Rate (In thousands) Interest Rate 400,000 25,000 425,000 0.27% $ 1.13% 0.32% $ 475,000 46,200 521,200 0.06% 1.24% 0.17% Long-term Debt On September 29, 2006, the Bank issued $50.0 million in subordinated debt in a private placement transaction (the “Bank Subordinated Debt”). The debt had an original maturity term of 10 years, was unsecured and bore interest at a rate of three- month LIBOR plus 110 basis points, payable on a quarterly basis. In March 2011, the maturity term was extended for an additional year. As part of the extension agreement, the rate was increased from LIBOR plus 110 basis points to LIBOR plus 330 basis points for 2011 and 2012, after which it reverts to LIBOR plus 110 basis points. In December 2013, the subordinated debt was prepaid in full with a prepayment penalty of $2,000. We 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 46 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 will be 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 December 31, 2014, Junior Subordinated Notes totaled $119.1 million with a weighted average interest rate of 2.42% compared to $121.1 million with a weighted average rate of 2.40% at December 31, 2013. The Company prepaid Junior Subordinated Notes of $2 million and incurred income of $555,000 in April 2014. The Junior Subordinated Notes have a stated maturity term of 30 years. The Junior Subordinated Notes qualify as Tier 1 capital for regulatory reporting purposes. The trusts are not consolidated with the Company in accordance with an accounting pronouncement that took effect in December 2003. Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments, Guarantees, and Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments to make future payments as of December 31, 2014. Payments for deposits and borrowings do not include interest. Payments related to leases are based on actual payments specified in the underlying contracts. Loan commitments and standby letters of credit are presented at contractual amounts; however, since many of these commitments are expected to expire unused or only partially used, the total amounts of these commitments do not necessarily reflect future cash requirements. Payment Due by Period More than 3 years or 1 year but more but 1 year or less less than 3 years less than 5 years (In thousands) 5 years or more Total Contractual obligations: 50,000 $ Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (1) ..... $ - Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (2) ..... 400,000 Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank .............. - Other borrowings ......................................................... - Long-term debt ............................................................. Operating leases ........................................................... 6,767 Deposits with stated maturity dates .............................. 3,373,672 Total contractual obligations and other commitments . $ 3,830,439 $ Other commitments: Commitments to extend credit ..................................... 1,244,443 50,390 Standby letters of credit ................................................ 48,142 Commercial letters of credit ......................................... 108 Bill of lading guarantees .............................................. Total contractual obligations and other commitments . $ 1,343,083 $ 200,000 $ 100,000 - - - 10,189 673,148 983,337 $ 631,484 3,062 - - 634,546 $ - $ 100,000 25,000 - - 6,319 220,897 352,216 $ 103,668 - - - 103,668 $ - $ 250,000 200,000 - 425,000 - 19,934 19,934 119,136 119,136 28,827 5,552 11 4,267,728 144,633 $5,310,625 92,171 2,071,766 53,910 48,142 108 92,629 $2,173,926 458 - - (1) These repurchase agreements have a final maturity of 7-years and 10-years from origination date but are callable on a quarterly basis after six months, 12 months, or one year for the 7-year term and one year for the 10-year term. (2) These repurchase agreements are non-callable. 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 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets. 47 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 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 Stockholders’ Equity Total equity of $1.60 billion at December 31, 2014, increased $143.9 million, or 9.9%, compared to $1.46 billion at December 31, 2013, primarily due to increases in net income of $137.8 million and decreases in unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale of $24.2 million offset by common stock cash dividends of $23.1 million. The Company paid cash dividends of $0.29 per common share in 2014 and $0.08 per common share in 2013. We participated in the U.S. Treasury TARP Capital Purchase Program under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. Pursuant to this program, on December 5, 2008, the U.S. Treasury purchased 258,000 shares of our Series B preferred stock in the amount of $258.0 million. In conjunction with the purchase of our preferred shares, the U.S. Treasury received warrants to purchase 1,846,374 shares of our common stock at the exercise price of $20.96 with an aggregate exercise price equal to $38.7 million, 15% of the amount the U.S. Treasury invested. In 2013, the Company redeemed all $258 million Series B preferred stock issued under the U.S. Treasury’s TARP Capital Purchase Program. On December 9, 2013, the U.S. Treasury sold all of the warrants it held for a total $13.1 million, or $7.20 per warrant, through a secondary public offering. As of December 31, 2014, the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under our November 2007 stock repurchase program was 622,500 shares. No shares were repurchased during the years from 2008 to 2014. Capital Adequacy Management seeks to retain our capital at a level sufficient to support future growth, protect depositors and stockholders, and comply with various regulatory requirements. The primary measure of capital adequacy is based on the ratio of risk- based capital to risk-weighted assets. At December 31, 2014, our Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 14.96%, total risk-based capital ratio of 16.22%, and Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 12.99%, continued to place the Bancorp in the “well capitalized” category, which is defined as institutions with Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio equal to or greater than 6.00%, total risk-based capital ratio equal to or greater than 10.00%, and Tier 1 leverage capital ratio equal to or greater than 5.00%. The comparable ratios for the Bancorp at December 31, 2013, were Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 15.04%, total risk-based capital ratio of 16.35%, and Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 12.48%. A table displaying the Bancorp’s and the Bank’s capital and leverage ratios at December 31, 2014, and 2013, is included in Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 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. Commencing with the second quarter of 2009, our Board of Directors reduced our common stock dividend to $.08 per share and to $.01 per share thereafter. We increased the common stock dividend to $.05 per share in the fourth quarter of 2013, to $.07 per share in the second quarter of 2014, and to $.10 per share in the fourth quarter of 2014. The amount of future dividends 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. If we are not current in our payment of dividends on our Junior Subordinated Notes, we may not pay dividends on our common stock. 48 Substantially all of the revenues of the Company available for payment of dividends derive from amounts paid to it by the Bank. The Bank paid dividends to Bancorp totaling $30.0 million during 2014, $138.0 million during 2013, and $154.7 million during 2012. The Federal Reserve Board issued Federal Reserve Supervision and Regulation Letter SR-09-4 that states that bank holding companies are expected to inform and consult with the Federal Reserve supervisory staff prior to declaring and paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period for which the dividend is being paid. On December 17, 2009, the Bancorp entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB SF”). Although the memorandum of understanding was terminated effective April 5, 2013, we remain subject to Federal Reserve supervisory policies, including informing and consulting with the FRB SF sufficiently in advance of any planned capital actions (i.e. increased dividend payments or stock redemptions). Under California State banking law, the Bank may not without regulatory approval pay a cash dividend which exceeds the lesser of the Bank’s retained earnings or its net income for the last three fiscal years, less any cash distributions made during that period. Under this regulation, the amount of retained earnings available for cash dividends to the Company immediately after December 31, 2014, was restricted to approximately $57.2 million. Risk Elements of the Loan Portfolio Non-performing Assets Non-performing assets include loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest, non-accrual loans, and OREO. Our policy is to place loans on non-accrual status if interest and principal or either interest 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 for problem loans. During the ordinary course of business, management becomes aware of borrowers that may not be able to meet the contractual requirements of the loan agreements. Such loans are placed under closer supervision with consideration given to placing the loan on non-accrual status, the need for an additional allowance for loan losses, and (if appropriate) partial or full charge-off. Total non-performing portfolio assets decreased $35.5 million, or 25.9%, to $101.6 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $137.2 million at December 31, 2013, primarily due to a $13.0 million decrease in non-accrual loans and a $21.5 million decrease in OREO. As a percentage of gross loans, excluding loans held for sale, plus OREO, our non-performing assets decreased to 1.14% at December 31, 2014, from 1.69% at December 31, 2013. The non-performing portfolio loan, excluding loans held for sale, coverage ratio, defined as the allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased to 232.8% at December 31, 2014, from 208.2% at December 31, 2013. 49 The following table presents the breakdown of total non-accrual, past due, and restructured loans for the past five years: Non-accrual, Past Due and Restructured Loans Accruing loans past due 90 days or more .. $ Non-accrual loans ...................................... Total non-performing loans ....................... Real estate acquired in foreclosure and other assets ............................................ Total non-performing assets ...................... $ Accruing troubled debt restructurings 2014 2013 As of December 31, 2012 (Dollars in thousands) 2011 2010 - $ 70,163 70,163 982 $ 83,183 84,165 630 $ 103,902 104,532 6,726 $ 201,197 207,923 5,006 242,319 247,325 31,477 101,640 $ 52,985 137,150 $ 46,384 150,916 $ 92,713 300,636 $ 77,740 325,065 (TDRs) .................................................. $ 104,356 $ 117,597 $ 144,695 $ 120,016 $ 136,800 Non-accrual TDRs (included in non- accrual loans) ......................................... $ Non-accrual loans held for sale ................. $ Non-performing assets as a percentage of gross loans and other real estate owned at year-end ............................................. Allowance for credit losses as a 41,618 $ 973 $ 38,769 $ - $ 47,731 $ - $ 50,870 $ 760 $ 28,146 2,873 1.14% 1.69% 2.02% 4.20% 4.68% percentage of gross loans ....................... 1.83% 2.17% 2.49% 2.95% 3.60% Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of non-performing loans ..... 232.84% 208.22% 176.68% 100.20% 100.10% The effect of non-accrual loans on interest income for the past five years is presented below: 2014 2013 Year Ended December 31, 2012 (In thousands) 2011 2010 Non-accrual Loans Contractual interest due ............................. $ Interest recognized .................................... Net interest foregone ................................. $ 6,663 $ 217 6,446 $ 5,851 $ 22 5,829 $ 6,621 $ 1,006 5,615 $ 13,049 $ 71 12,978 $ 17,304 4,853 12,451 As of December 31, 2014, 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. Non-accrual Loans Total non-accrual portfolio loans, excluding loans held for sale, of $70.2 million at December 31, 2014, decreased $13.0 million, or 15.7%, from $83.2 million at December 31, 2013. The allowance for the collateral-dependent impaired loans is calculated by 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. The allowance for collateral-dependent impaired 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, based on recent appraisals, on these loans on a quarterly basis and adjust the allowance accordingly. Non-accrual portfolio loans, excluding loans held for sale, at December 31, 2014, consisted of 32 commercial real estate loans totaling $29.8 million, two non-farm non-residential construction loans totaling $19.5 million, 39 residential mortgage loans totaling $7.6 million, 18 commercial loans totaling $7.0 million, two land loans totaling $5.9 million, and one mixed use construction loan of $0.5 million. Non-accrual loans also include those troubled debt restructurings that do not qualify for accrual status. The comparable numbers for 2013 were one mixed use construction loan totaling $3.3 million, two non- farm non-residential construction loans totaling $25.3 million, 23 commercial real estate loans totaling $13.1 million, three land loans totaling $6.5 million, 27 commercial loans totaling $21.2 million, and 48 residential mortgage loans totaling $13.7 million. 50 The following tables present the type of properties securing the non-accrual portfolio loans and the type of businesses the borrowers engaged in as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 Real Estate (1) Commercial Real Estate (1) Commercial (In thousands) Type of Collateral Single/Multi-family residence ...................... $ Commercial real estate ................................. Land ............................................................. Personal Property (UCC) ............................. Total ......................................................... $ 9,068 $ 48,256 5,856 - 63,180 $ 1,184 $ 903 - 4,896 6,983 $ 22,370 $ 33,079 6,502 - 61,951 $ 2,030 1,366 - 17,836 21,232 (1) Real estate includes commercial mortgage loans, real estate construction loans, and residential mortgage loans and equity lines. December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 Real Estate (1) Commercial Real Estate (1) Commercial Type of Business Real estate development ............................... $ Wholesale/Retail .......................................... Food/Restaurant ........................................... Import/Export ............................................... Other ............................................................ Total ......................................................... $ 35,299 $ 20,658 650 - 6,573 63,180 $ (In thousands) 860 $ 4,078 144 1,901 - 6,983 $ 31,895 $ 16,796 569 - 12,691 61,951 $ 5,866 3,526 173 11,667 - 21,232 (1) Real estate includes commercial mortgage loans, real estate construction loans, and residential mortgage loans and equity lines. Other Real Estate Owned At December 31, 2014, the net carrying value of other real estate owned (“OREO”) decreased $21.5 million, or 40.6%, to $31.5 million from $53.0 million at December 31, 2013. OREO located in California was $4.1 million and was comprised primarily of one residential property of $2.0 million, four commercial use buildings of $1.2 million, one residential construction project of $526,000, one parcel of land zoned for residential purpose of $243,000, and one parcel of land zoned for commercial purpose of $235,000. OREO located in Texas was $15.7 million and was comprised of three parcels of land zoned for commercial purpose of $12.3 million, one medical office building of $1.6 million, a retail store of $761,000, a commercial building construction project of $752,000, and a shopping center of $304,000. OREO located in Illinois was $4.0 million and was comprised of two multi-family residential properties of $3.1 million and an office of $921,000. OREO located in the state of Washington was an office and commercial use building of $3.8 million. OREO located in the state of New York was $3.8 million and was comprised of one residential property of $2.7 million and a retail store of $1.1 million. At December 31, 2013, OREO located in California was $10.9 million and was comprised primarily of eight parcels of land zoned for residential purpose of $9.0 million, three commercial use buildings of $564,000, three commercial building construction projects of $635,000, one residential construction project of $530,000, and one parcel of land zoned for commercial purpose of $235,000. OREO located in Texas was $27.3 million and was comprised of three office and commercial use buildings of $12.5 million, six parcels of land zoned for residential purposes of $12.7 million, four commercial building construction projects of $1.3 million and a retail store of $766,000. OREO located in the state of Washington was $6.5 million and was comprised three parcels of land zoned for residential purpose of $667,000 and one office and commercial use building of $5.8 million. OREO located in the state of New York was one office and commercial use building $893,000. OREO located in the state of North Carolina was one commercial use building of $4.1 million. OREO located in Illinois was $3.3 million and was comprised of one condominium property of $2.4 million, two commercial use properties of $639,000 and one residential property of $202,000. 51 Troubled Debt Restructurings A troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) is a formal modification of the terms of a loan when the Bank, 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 reduction of the stated interest rate, reduction of the amount of principal amortization, forgiveness of a portion of a loan balance or accrued interest, or an extension of the maturity date. Although these loan modifications are considered under ASC Subtopic 310-40, to be TDRs, the loans must 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. Troubled debt restructurings on accrual status totaled $104.3 million at December 31, 2014, and were comprised of 60 loans, a decrease of $13.3 million, compared to 64 loans totaling $117.6 million at December 31, 2013. TDRs at December 31, 2014, were comprised of nine commercial loans of $16.5 million, three hotel loans of $15.7 million, 31 single family residential loans of $13.6 million, two industrial and manufactural use building loans of $12.2 million, two land loans for residential purpose of $10.2 million, four commercial condos loans of $10.1 million, three retail shopping and commercial use building loans of $9.0 million, one multi-family residential loan of $6.1 million, one shopping center construction loan of $5.8 million, three office buildings loans of $3.5 million, and one warehouse loan of $1.6 million. We expect that the troubled debt restructuring loans on accruing status as of December 31, 2014, which are 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. The comparable TDRs at December 31, 2013, were comprised of 13 retail shopping and commercial use building loans of $44.2 million, ten office and commercial use building loans of $28.6 million, four hotel loans of $17.2 million, 25 single family residential loans of $20.0 million, two warehouses of $1.6 million, five commercial loans of $5.3 million, and five multi-family residential loans of $748,000. A summary of TDRs by type of loans and by accrual/non-accrual status is shown below: Accruing TDRs Interest Deferral Principal Deferral Commercial loans ................... $ Real estate construction loans Commercial mortgage loans ... Residential mortgage loans .... Total accruing TDRs ............... $ - $ - 436 - 436 $ 11,572 $ 5,765 20,107 3,316 40,760 $ December 31, 2014 Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal Rate Reduction Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral Total (In thousands) - $ - 26,694 - 26,694 $ - $ - - 410 410 $ 4,934 $ - 26,351 4,771 16,506 5,765 73,588 8,497 36,056 $ 104,356 December 31, 2014 Non-accrual TDRs Interest Deferral Principal Deferral Rate Reduction (In thousands) Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral Total Commercial loans ....................................... $ Real estate construction loans .................... Commercial mortgage loans ....................... Residential mortgage loans ........................ Total non-accrual TDRs .............................. $ 1,184 $ - - - 1,184 $ 239 $ - 15,917 1,026 17,182 $ 860 $ - - - 860 $ 1,269 $ 19,462 973 688 22,392 $ 3,552 19,462 16,890 1,714 41,618 52 Accruing TDRs Principal Deferral As of December 31, 2013 Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal (In thousands) Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral Rate Reduction Total Commercial loans ....................................... $ Real estate construction loans .................... Commercial mortgage loans ....................... Residential mortgage loans ........................ Total accruing TDRs ................................... $ 9,112 $ - 11,333 1,564 22,009 $ 2,916 $ - 9,389 1,024 13,329 $ - $ - - - - $ 2,708 $ 5,834 70,200 3,517 82,259 $ 14,736 5,834 90,922 6,105 117,597 Non-accrual TDRs Interest Deferral Principal Deferral December 31, 2013 Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal (In thousands) Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral Total Commercial loans ....................................... $ Real estate construction loans .................... Commercial mortgage loans ....................... Residential mortgage loans ........................ Total non-accrual TDRs .............................. $ - $ - 1,443 241 1,684 $ 2,866 $ 16,009 2,168 2,206 23,249 $ 1,352 $ - - - 1,352 $ - $ 9,263 1,843 1,378 12,484 $ 4,218 25,272 5,454 3,825 38,769 The activity within our TDR loans for 2014, 2013, and 2012 is shown below: Accruing TDRs Beginning balance ........................................................................ $ New restructurings ....................................................................... Restructured loans restored to accrual status ................................ Charge-offs ................................................................................... Payments ...................................................................................... Restructured loans placed on non-accrual .................................... Ending balance ............................................................................. $ 2014 2013 (In thousands) 2012 117,597 $ 23,740 962 - (13,256) (24,687) 104,356 $ 144,695 $ 21,382 6,851 (78) (52,362) (2,891) 117,597 $ 120,016 53,958 8,356 (251) (5,159) (32,225) 144,695 Non-accrual TDRs 2014 2013 (In thousands) 2012 Beginning balance .................................................................. $ New restructurings ................................................................. Restructured loans placed on non-accrual .............................. Charge-offs ............................................................................ Payments ................................................................................ Foreclosures ........................................................................... Restructured loans restored to accrual status ......................... 38,769 $ 1,331 24,688 (8,938) (11,710) (1,560) (962) 47,731 $ 6,226 2,891 (2,124 ) (4,295 ) (4,809 ) (6,851 ) 50,870 12,304 32,225 (4,182) (33,931) (1,199) (8,356) Ending balance ....................................................................... $ 41,618 $ 38,769 $ 47,731 Impaired Loans A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that a creditor 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 of over 90 days or receipt of information indicating that full collection of principal is doubtful, or when the loan has been restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. Those loans with a balance less than our defined selection criteria, generally when a loan amount is $500,000 or less, are treated as 53 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 obtain an appraisal to determine the amount of impairment at the date that the loan becomes impaired. The appraisals are 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 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 range between 3% to 6% of the fair value, depending on the size of impaired loan, is charged off against the allowance for loan losses. Non- accrual impaired loans are not returned to accruing 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 are continued to be reviewed for impairment until they are no longer reported as troubled debt restructurings. We identified impaired loans with a recorded investment of $174.5 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $200.8 million at December 31, 2013. The average balance of impaired loans was $190.2 million in 2014 and $221.2 million in 2013. We considered all non-accrual loans to be impaired. Interest recognized on impaired loans totaled $5.3 million in 2014 and $5.6 million in 2013. As of December 31, 2014, $63.2 million, or 90.1%, of the $70.2 million of non-accrual portfolio loans, excluding loans held for sale, was secured by real estate. As of December 31, 2013, $62.0 million, or 74.5%, of the $83.2 million of non-accrual loans was secured by real estate. The Bank obtains current appraisals or other available market price information which provides updated factors in evaluating potential loss. At December 31, 2014, $11.8 million of the $161.4 million allowance for loan losses was allocated for impaired loans and $149.6 million was allocated to the general allowance. At December 31, 2013, $13.3 million of the $173.9 million allowance for loan losses was allocated for impaired loans and $160.6 million was allocated to the general allowance. In 2014, net loan charge-offs were $1.3 million, or 0.02%, of average loans, compared to $6.4 million, or 0.08%, of average loans in 2013. The allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans, excluding loans held for sale, was 230.1% at December 31, 2014, compared to 206.6% at December 31, 2013. Non-accrual loans also include those TDRs that do not qualify for accrual status. The following table presents impaired loans and the related allowance as of the dates indicated: Impaired Loans As of December 31, 2014 As of December 31, 2013 Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Investment Allowance Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Investment Allowance (Dollars in thousands) With no allocated allowance Commercial loans .................... $ Real estate construction loans .. Commercial mortgage loans .... Residential mortgage and equity lines .......................... Subtotal ............................... $ With allocated allowance Commercial loans .................... $ Real estate construction loans .. Commercial mortgage loans .... Residential mortgage and equity lines .......................... Subtotal ............................... $ Total impaired loans .................. $ 19,479 $ 32,924 77,474 18,452 $ 17,025 75,172 2,518 132,395 $ 2,518 113,167 $ 7,003 $ 19,006 38,197 14,019 78,225 $ 210,620 $ 5,037 $ 8,703 34,022 13,590 61,352 $ 174,519 $ - $ - - - - $ 20,992 $ 25,401 105,593 18,905 $ 15,097 78,930 4,892 156,878 $ 4,892 117,824 $ - - - - - 1,263 $ 1,077 8,993 465 11,798 $ 11,798 $ 22,737 $ 28,475 39,223 13,063 $ 19,323 35,613 16,535 106,970 $ 263,848 $ 14,957 82,956 $ 200,780 $ 2,519 3,460 6,584 721 13,284 13,284 54 Loan Interest Reserves In accordance with customary banking practice, construction loans and land development loans are originated where interest on the loan is disbursed from pre-established interest reserves included in the total original loan commitment. Our construction 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 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 type. Our policy limits in this regard are consistent with supervisory limits and range from 65% in the case of land to 85% in the case of 1- to 4-family residential construction projects. As of December 31, 2014, construction loans of $211.5 million were disbursed with pre-established interest reserves of $35.6 million compared to $160.8 million of such loans disbursed with pre-established interest reserves of $20.0 million at December 31, 2013. The balance for construction loans with interest reserves which have been extended was $55.2 million with pre-established interest reserves of $3.1 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $20.5 million with pre-established interest reserves of $1.8 million at December 31, 2013. Land loans of $76.4 million were disbursed with pre-established interest reserves of $3.8 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $32.8 million land loans disbursed with pre-established interest reserves of $3.0 million at December 31, 2013. The balance for land loans with interest reserves which have been extended was $4.0 million with pre-established interest reserves of $56,000 at December 31, 2014, compared to $1.7 million land loans with pre-established interest reserves of $53,000 at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, the Bank had no loans on non-accrual status with available interest reserves. At December 31, 2014, $0.5 million of non-accrual mixed use construction loans, $19.5 million of non-accrual non-residential construction loans, and no non-accrual land loans had been originated with pre-established interest reserves. At December 31, 2013, the Bank had no loans on non-accrual status with available interest reserves. At December 31, 2013, $3.3 million of non-accrual mixed use construction loans, $25.3 million of non-accrual non-residential construction loans, and $32,000 of non-accrual land loans had been originated with pre-established interest reserves. While loans with interest reserves are typically expected to be repaid in full according to the original contractual terms, some loans require one or more extensions beyond the original maturity. Typically, these extensions are required due to construction delays, delays in the sale or lease of property, or some combination of these two factors. Loan Concentration Most of our business activity is with customers located in the predominantly Asian areas of California; New York City; Dallas and Houston, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Nevada; and New Jersey. We have no specific industry concentration, and generally our loans are collateralized with real property or other pledged collateral. Loans are generally expected to be paid off from the operating profits of the borrowers, refinancing by another lender, or through sale by the borrowers of the secured collateral. We experienced no loan concentrations to multiple borrowers in similar activities that exceeded 10% of total loans as of December 31, 2014. 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) both 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. The Bank’s loans for construction, land development, and other land represented 30% of total risk-based capital as of December 31, 2014, and 23% as of December 31, 2013. Total CRE loans represented 256% of total risk-based capital as of December 31, 2014, and 249% as of December 31, 2013, both of which were within the Bank’s internal limit of 300% of total capital. See Part I — Item 1A — “Risk Factors” for a discussion of some of the factors that may affect us. 55 Allowance for Credit Losses The Bank maintains the allowance for credit losses at a level that is considered adequate to cover the estimated and known inherent risks in the loan portfolio and off-balance sheet unfunded credit commitments. Allowance for credit losses is comprised of allowances for loan losses and for off-balance sheet unfunded credit commitments. With this risk management objective, the Bank’s management has an established monitoring system that is designed to identify impaired and potential problem loans, and to permit periodic evaluation of impairment and the adequacy level of the allowance for credit losses in a timely manner. In addition, the Board of Directors of the Bank has established a written credit policy that includes a credit review and control system that it believes should be effective in ensuring that the Bank maintains an adequate allowance for credit losses. The Board of Directors provides oversight for the allowance evaluation process, including quarterly evaluations, and determines whether the allowance is adequate to absorb losses in the credit portfolio. The determination of the amount of the allowance for credit losses and the provision for credit losses 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 collectibility 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. 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 can result in an increase in the number of delinquencies, bankruptcies, and defaults, and a higher level of non-performing assets, net charge-offs, and provision for loan losses. See Part I — Item 1A — “Risk Factors” for additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance. The allowance for loan losses was $161.4 million and the allowance for off-balance sheet unfunded credit commitments was $1.9 million at December 31, 2014, which represented the amount believed by management to be sufficient to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio, including unfunded commitments. The allowance for credit losses, which is the sum of the allowances for loan losses and for off-balance sheet unfunded credit commitments, was $163.4 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $175.3 million at December 31, 2013, a decrease of $11.9 million, or 6.8%. The allowance for credit losses represented 1.83% of period-end gross loans and 232.8% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2014. The comparable ratios were 2.17% of period-end gross loans and 208.2% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2013. 56 The following table sets forth the information relating to the allowance for loan losses, charge-offs, recoveries, and the reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments for the past five years: Allowance for Credit Losses Allowance for loan losses Balance at beginning of year ............................... $ (Reversal)/provision for credit losses .................. (Provision)/reversal of reserve for off-balance 2014 Amount Outstanding as of December 31, 2012 (Dollars in thousands) 2011 2013 2010 173,889 $ (10,800) 183,322 $ (3,000) 206,280 $ 245,231 $ 211,889 27,000 156,900 (9,000) sheet credit commitments ................................. (372) - 706 268 2,870 Charge-offs : Commercial loans ................................................ Construction loans-residential .............................. Construction loans-other ..................................... Real estate loans .................................................. Real estate land loans .......................................... Installment loans and other loans ........................ Total charge-offs .............................................. Recoveries: Commercial loans ................................................ Construction loans-residential .............................. Construction loans-other ...................................... Real estate loans .................................................. Real estate land loans .......................................... Installment loans and other loans ........................ Total recoveries ............................................... Balance at end of year ......................................... $ Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments (7,875) (2,382) (4,365) (7,613) - - (22,235) 12,517 48 2,499 5,752 109 13 20,938 161,420 $ (15,625) - - (3,499) (1,318) - (20,442) 2,739 1,201 1,083 5,978 2,997 11 14,009 173,889 $ (17,707) (391) (774) (13,616) (278) (25) (32,791) (11,745) (20,801) (16,699) (27,327) (1,054) - (77,626) (21,609) (14,889) (30,432) (47,765) (24,060) - (138,755) 1,949 3,788 2,365 8,820 1,202 3 18,127 4,712 5,448 553 933 668 13 12,327 183,322 $ 206,280 $ 245,231 1,774 3,808 665 4,539 621 - 11,407 Balance at beginning of year ............................... $ Provision/(reversal) for credit losses ................... Balance at end of year ......................................... $ 1,363 $ 586 1,949 $ 1,363 $ - 1,363 $ 2,069 $ (706) 1,363 $ 2,337 $ (268) 2,069 $ 5,207 (2,870) 2,337 Average loans outstanding during the year (1) ..... $ 8,532,245 $ 7,630,530 $ 7,094,197 $ 6,959,331 $6,879,457 Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the year (1) ........................ 0.02% 0.08% 0.21% 0.95% 1.84% (Reversal)/provision for credit losses to average loans outstanding during the year (1) .............. -0.13% -0.04% -0.13% 0.39% 2.28% Allowance for credit losses to non-performing portfolio loans at year-end (2) .......................... 232.84% 208.22% 176.68% 100.20% 100.10% Allowance for credit losses to gross loans at year-end (1) ...................................................... 1.83% 2.17% 2.49% 2.95% 3.60% (1) Excluding loans held for sale (2) Excluding 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. 57 • 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 takes into account 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 including the 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 ensure appropriate classification. In the second quarter of 2009, the look-back period was reduced from five years to four years, and in the second quarter of 2010, management increased the weighting given to the most recent four quarters to 50%, and reduced the weighting of the earliest and second earliest four quarters to 10% and 15%, respectively, for pass rated loans, to place greater emphasis on losses taken by the Bank during the economic downturn. In the third quarter of 2014, management reevaluated the look-back period and restored the five year look- back period in order to capture a sufficient history of loss data. Additionally, risk factor calculations for pass rated loans included a specified loss emergence period and were determined based on the higher of the not-weighted five year average or weighted at 50.0 percent for the most recent four quarters, 25.0 percent for the next four quarters,12.5 percent for the next four quarters, 7.5% for the next four quarters and 5.0% for the next four quarters. In light of the changes above, the relevant environmental factors were reduced. These refinements maintained the Bank’s allowance at a level consistent with the prior quarter. 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 total loans as of the dates indicated: 2014 Percentage of Loans in Each Category to Average Gross Loans 2013 Percentage of Loans in Each Category to Average Gross Loans As of December 31, 2012 Percentage of Loans in Each Category to Average Gross Loans Amount (Dollars in thousands) 2011 Percentage of Loans in 2010 Percentage of Loans in Each Category to Average Gross Loans Each Category to Average Gross Loans Amount Amount Amount Amount Type of Loans: Commercial loans ...... $ 47,501 Residential mortgage loans and equity lines ......................... 11,578 Commercial mortgage 27.2% $ 65,103 28.2% $ 66,101 27.4% $ 65,658 23.9 % $ 63,919 19.7% 19.2 12,005 18.6 11,703 17.4 10,795 16.4 9,668 13.9 loans ........................ 74,673 50.2 84,753 50.7 82,473 52.2 108,021 54.9 128,347 58.3 Real estate construction loans ... 27,652 3.2 11,999 2.3 23,017 2.8 21,749 4.5 43,261 Installment and other loans ........................ 16 0.2 29 0.2 28 0.2 57 0.3 36 7.8 0.3 Total ...................... $ 161,420 100.0% $ 173,889 100.0% $ 183,322 100.0% $ 206,280 100.0 % $ 245,231 100.0% The allowance allocated to commercial loans was $47.5 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $65.1 million at December 31, 2013. The decrease is due primarily to a reduction in loss factors as a result of the net recoveries in 2014 and the decrease in substandard commercial loans from $102.1 million at December 31, 2013, to $72.6 million at December 31, 2014. The allowance allocated to residential mortgage loans and equity lines decreased $427,000, to $11.6 million at December 31, 2014, from $12.0 million at December 31, 2013, primarily due to the decrease in substandard residential mortgage loans from $15.9 million at December 31, 2013 to $9.7 million at December 31, 2014. The allowance allocated to commercial mortgage loans decreased from $84.8 million at December 31, 2013, to $74.7 million at December 31, 2014, which was due primarily to decreases in loss experience from commercial mortgage loans and decreases in special mention and substandard commercial mortgage loans. The overall allowance for total commercial mortgage loans was 1.7% of such loans at December 31, 2014, and 2.1% at December 31, 2013. 58 The allowance allocated for construction loans increased to $27.7 million, or 9.3%, of construction loans at December 31, 2014, compared to $12.0 million, or 5.4%, of construction loans at December 31, 2013, primarily due to the increase in outstanding construction loans, a lengthening of the loss emergence period, and higher loss factors resulting from 2014 chargeoffs for construction loans. Also, see Part I — Item 1A — “Risk Factors” for additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance. 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. Our liquidity ratio (defined as net cash and short-term and marketable securities to net deposits and short-term liabilities) was 14.9% at December 31, 2014 and 15.3% at December 31, 2013. The Bank is a shareholder of the FHLB, which enables the Bank to have access to lower-cost FHLB financing when necessary. At December 31, 2014, the Bank had an approved credit line with the FHLB of San Francisco totaling $3.76 billion. Total advances from the FHLB of San Francisco were $425.0 million at December 31, 2014. These borrowings bear fixed rates and are secured by loans. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. At December 31, 2014, the Bank pledged $127.2 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 $114.3 million from the Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window at December 31, 2014. 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 December 31, 2014, investment securities totaled $1.32 billion, with $591.3 million pledged as collateral for borrowings and other commitments. The remaining $727.7 million was available as additional liquidity or to be pledged as collateral for additional borrowings. Approximately 79.1% of our time deposits mature within one year or less as of December 31, 2014. 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 the Bancorp consist primarily of the operation of the Bank and limited activities in other investments. The Bancorp obtains funding for its activities primarily through dividend income contributed by the Bank, proceeds from the issuance of the Bancorp common stock through our Dividend Reinvestment Plan and exercise of stock options. Dividends paid to the Bancorp by the Bank are subject to regulatory limitations. Management believes the Bancorp’s liquidity generated from its prevailing sources is sufficient to meet its operational needs. Also, see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding commitments and contingencies. Recent Accounting Pronouncements See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details of recent accounting pronouncements and their expected impact, if any, on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. Market Risk Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. The principal market risk to the Company is the interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investing, deposit taking and borrowing activities, due to the fact that interest- earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities do not re-price at the same rate, to the same extent, or on the same basis. 59 We monitor and manage our interest rate risk through analyzing the re-pricing characteristics of our loans, securities, deposits, and borrowings on an on-going basis. The primary objective is to minimize the adverse effects of changes in interest rates on our earnings, and ultimately the underlying market value of equity, while structuring our asset-liability composition to obtain the maximum spread. Management uses certain basic measurement tools in conjunction with established risk limits to regulate its interest rate exposure. Due to the limitations inherent in any individual risk management tool, we use a simulation model to measure and quantify the impact to our profitability as well as to estimate changes to the market value of our assets and liabilities. We use a net interest income simulation model to measure the extent of the differences in the behavior of the lending, investing, 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 traditional business activities of extending loans, investing securities, accepting deposits, and borrowings. Many factors, including economic 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 25 basis points increments. Although the modeling is 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 attempts to reduce the risk of a significant decrease in net interest income caused by a change in interest rates. We establish a tolerance level in our policy to define and limit interest income volatility to a change of plus or minus 15% 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. At December 31, 2014, if interest rates were to increase instantaneously by 100 basis points, the simulation indicated that our net interest income over the next twelve months would increase by 3.8%, and if interest rates were to increase instantaneously by 200 basis points, the simulation indicated that our net interest income over the next twelve months would increase by 9.7%. Conversely, if interest rates were to decrease instantaneously by 100 basis points, the simulation indicated that our net interest income over the next twelve months would decrease by 1.2%, and if interest rates were to decrease instantaneously by 200 basis points, the simulation indicated that our net interest income over the next twelve months would decrease by 1.9%. Our simulation model also projects the net market value of our portfolio of assets and liabilities. We have established a tolerance level to value the net market value of our portfolio of assets and liabilities in our policy to a change of plus or minus 15% when the hypothetical rate change is plus or minus 200 basis points. At December 31, 2014, if interest rates were to increase instantaneously by 200 basis points, the simulation indicated that the net market value of our portfolio of assets and liabilities would increase by 0.8%, and conversely, if interest rates were to decrease instantaneously by 200 basis points, the simulation indicated that the net market value of our assets and liabilities would decrease by 9.5%. 60 Quantitative Information about Interest Rate Risk The following table shows the carrying value of our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, categorized by expected maturity, as well as the instruments’ total fair values at December 31, 2014, and 2013. For assets, expected maturities are based on contractual maturity. For liabilities, we use our historical experience and decay factors to estimate the deposit runoffs of interest-bearing transactional deposits. We use certain assumptions to estimate fair values and expected maturities which are described in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Off-balance sheet commitments to extend credit, letters of credit, and bill of lading guarantees represent the contractual unfunded amounts. Off-balance sheet financial instruments represent fair values. The results presented may vary if different assumptions are used or if actual experience differs from the assumptions used. Average Interest Rate Expected Maturity Date at December 31, 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Thereafter Total (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2014 Fair Value 2013 Fair Value Total Interest-Sensitive Assets: Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations .............. Other investment securities ................. Loans held for sale .... Gross loans receivable: Commercial ............. Residential mortgage Commercial 2.59% $ 53,617 $ 54,546 $ 51,388 $ 45,399 $ 40,554 $ 298,844 $ 544,348 $ 544,348 $ 958,920 $ 958,921 0.60 115,068 449,659 99,278 10,173 - 6.00 973 - - - - 100,409 - 774,587 774,587 627,748 927,747 - 1,225 973 - 3.87 1,339,284 342,988 193,810 149,074 149,023 4.60 3,061 1,755 208,314 2,382,493 2,379,790 2,298,724 2,287,490 7,405 1,723,712 1,742,938 1,765,472 1,526,532 1,537,149 2,966 4,039 mortgage ............... 4.62 555,406 401,040 553,010 597,384 549,196 1,830,407 4,486,443 4,400,716 4,023,051 3,905,328 5.13 226,994 61,688 349 2.24 - - 3,160 - 9,972 43 - - - - - - - - - - 298,654 298,511 221,701 221,549 14,555 4,936 14,555 4,936 3,534 - 3,552 - 0.39 399,921 239,169 142,461 24,604 1,049,993 42,485 0.82 3,373,672 325,513 347,635 178,412 994,670 2,850,818 2,850,818 2,469,730 2,469,730 11 4,267,728 4,269,610 4,069,716 4,066,050 3.85 50,000 50,000 250,000 100,000 - - 450,000 473,816 800,000 852,835 0.32 400,000 - - - 2.42 - - - - 25,000 - - - - - - - - 19,934 119,136 425,000 424,974 521,200 521,560 16,107 19,934 58,970 119,136 17,978 19,062 59,425 121,136 Real estate construction .......... Installment & other . Trading securities ...... Interest Sensitive Liabilities: Other interest-bearing deposits ................... Time deposits ............ Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ............... Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank ........................ Other borrowings ....... Long-term debt .......... Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments: Commitments to extend credit ........... 1,244,443 550,877 80,607 57,153 46,515 92,171 2,071,766 (3,442) 1,858,669 (2,187) Standby letters of credit ........................ Other letters of credit . Bill of lading guarantees ............... Country Risk Exposures 50,390 2,430 - 48,142 632 - 108 - - - - - - - - 458 - 53,910 48,142 (243) (29) 45,058 54,098 (205) (34) - 108 - 80 - The Company’s total assets were $11.5 billion and total foreign country risk net exposures were $787.7 million at December 31, 2014, compared to total assets of $11.0 billion and total foreign country risk net exposures of $927.2 million at December 31, 2013. Total foreign country risk net exposures at December 31, 2014, were comprised primarily of $329.4 million from Hong Kong, $139.4 million from China, $111.9 million from England, $48.2 million from Switzerland, $44.1 million from France, $30.4 million from Australia, $23.9 million from Taiwan, $17.1 million from the Philippines, $16.5 61 million from Japan, $15.6 million from Canada, $8.4 million from Singapore, and $1.8 million from Macau. Total foreign country risk net exposures at December 31, 2013, were comprised primarily of $321.7 million from Hong Kong, $202.9 million from England, $200.3 million from China, $51.5 million from Switzerland, $53.4 million from France, $30.2 million from Australia, $26.8 million from Canada, $17.1 million from the Philippines, $9.3 million from Singapore, $5.8 million from Germany, $5.8 million from Taiwan, and $1.8 million from Macau. All foreign country risk net exposures were to non-sovereign counterparties except $20.8 million due from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority at December 31, 2014 and $19.1 million at December 31, 2013. Unfunded exposures were $68.9 million at December 31, 2014, and were comprised of $68.2 million of unfunded loans to four financial institutions in China and a $720,000 of unfunded loan to a borrower in Taiwan. Unfunded exposures were $29.9 million at December 31, 2013, and were comprised of $29.0 million of unfunded loans to two financial institutions in China and $860,000 of unfunded loans to two borrowers in Taiwan. Financial Derivatives It is our policy not to speculate on the future direction of interest rates. However, we 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 protect our position through the purchase or sale of interest rate futures contracts for a specific cash or interest rate risk position. Other hedging transactions may be implemented using interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, floors, financial futures, forward rate agreements, and options on futures or bonds. 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 will require an assessment of basis risk and must be approved by the Bancorp or 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 consolidated balance sheet 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. In May 2014, the Bancorp entered into five 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 three-month LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 0.24%. As of December 31, 2014, the notional amount of cash flow interest rate swaps was $119.1 million and their unrealized loss of $2.4 million, net of taxes, was included in other comprehensive income. The amount of periodic net settlement of interest rate swaps included in interest expense was $1.5 million in 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the ineffective portion of these interest rate swaps was not significant. In June 2014, the Bank entered into ten interest rate swap contracts in the notional amount of $148.1 million for various terms from four to eight years. In October 2014, the Bank entered into four additional interest rate swap contracts in the notional amount of $34.9 million. 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 loan 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 4.60% and receives a variable rate at one month LIBOR rate plus a weighted 62 average spread of 292 basis points, or at a weighted average rate of 3.08%. As of December 31, 2014, the notional amount of fair value interest rate swaps was $181.3 million and their unrealized loss of $489,000 was included in other non-interest income. The amount of periodic net settlement of interest rate swaps reducing interest income was $1.3 million in 2014. As of December 31, 2014, 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 derivatives clearing organization and daily margin is indirectly maintained with the derivatives clearing organization. Cash posted as collateral by the Bancorp related to derivative contracts totaled $7.5 million as of December 31, 2014. The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts with various counterparties to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for foreign exchange certificates of deposit, foreign exchange contracts, or foreign currency option 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, foreign exchange contracts, or foreign currency option 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. At December 31, 2014, no option contracts were outstanding. Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $167.0 million had a positive fair value of $1.9 million at December 31, 2014. Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $178.9 million had a negative fair value of $5.0 million at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013, the notional amount of option contracts totaled $200,000 with a net positive fair value of $83. Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $267.6 million had a positive fair value of $6.2 million at December 31, 2013. Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $236.3 million had a negative fair value of $6.1 million at December 31, 2013. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. For financial statements, see “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page F-1. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. Not Applicable. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. Disclosure 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) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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 SEC’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 have not been any changes in the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures that occurred during its fourth fiscal quarter of 2014 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect these controls and procedures. 63 Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. As of December 31, 2014, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the Company assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992),” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on the assessment, management determined that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on those criteria. KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has also issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. The report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, is included in this Item under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” below. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act, that occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially effect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 64 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Stockholders Cathay General Bancorp: We have audited Cathay General Bancorp’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Cathay General Bancorp's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, Cathay General Bancorp maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Cathay General Bancorp and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, and our report dated February 27, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those Consolidated Financial Statements. /s/ KPMG LLP Los Angeles, California February 27, 2015 65 Item 9B. Other Information. None. Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. PART III The information required by this item concerning our executive officers, directors, compliance with Section 16 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, and matters relating to corporate governance is incorporated herein by reference from the information set forth under the captions “Proposal One—Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance” and “Code of Ethics” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (our “Proxy Statement”). Item 11. Executive Compensation. The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the information set forth under the captions “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance—Compensation of Directors,” “Executive Compensation,” and “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” in our Proxy Statement. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2014, with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company were authorized for issuance. Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights (a) Weighted-average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights (b) Number of Securities Remaining Available For Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans [Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)] (c) 2,332,904 $ 32.34 2,984,895 - 2,332,904 $ - 32.34 - 2,984,895 Plan Category Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders ............................................ Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders ............................................ Total .................................................................. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the information set forth under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Proposal One—Election of Directors— Security Ownership of Nominees, Continuing Directors, and Named Executive Officers” in our Proxy Statement. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons” and “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance— Director Independence” in our Proxy Statement. 66 Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services. The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the information set forth under the caption “Principal Accounting Fees and Services” in our Proxy Statement. PART IV Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. Documents Filed as Part of this Report (a)(1) Financial Statements See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page F-1. (a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules Schedules have been omitted since they are not applicable, they are not required, or the information required to be set forth in the schedules is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto. (b) Exhibits 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2010, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. 3.1.1 Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2010, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. 3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws, effective February 20, 2014. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2014 as an exhibit to the Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference. 3.3 Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2012, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference. 3.4 Certificate of Designation of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2014 as an exhibit to the Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference. 4.1 Indenture, dated as of March 30, 2007, between Cathay General Bancorp and LaSalle Bank National Association (including form of debenture). Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2013, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference. 4.1.1 Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Cathay Capital Trust III, dated as of March 30, 2007. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2013, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference. 4.1.2 Guarantee Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2007, between Cathay General Bancorp and LaSalle Bank National Association. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2013, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference. 4.1.3 Form of Capital Securities of Cathay Capital Trust III (included within Exhibit 4.1.1). 67 4.2 Warrant to purchase up to 1,846,374 shares of Common Stock, issued on December 5, 2008. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2014 as an exhibit to the Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference. 4.2.1 Warrant Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2013. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 4, 2013, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, and incorporated herein by reference. 4.2.2 Form of Warrant (included within Exhibit 4.2.1). 10.1 Form of Indemnity Agreements between Bancorp and its directors and certain officers. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2012, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.2 Cathay Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2010. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2011, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.3 Dividend Reinvestment Plan of Bancorp. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 1997, as an exhibit to Registration Statement No. 33-33767, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.4 Equity Incentive Plan of Bancorp effective February 19, 1998. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2012, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.4.1 First Amendment to Cathay Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2014, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.5 10.6 Cathay Bank Bonus Deferral Agreement (Amended and Restated). Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2013, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.** Cathay General Bancorp 2005 Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated). Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2013, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.6.1 Form of Cathay General Bancorp 2005 Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2013, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.6.2 Form of Cathay General Bancorp 2005 Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement (Nonstatutory). Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2013, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.6.3 Form of Cathay General Bancorp 2005 Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement (Nonstatutory) (Nonemployee Director). Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2013, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.6.4 Form of Cathay General Bancorp 2005 Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2013, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.6.5 Form of Cathay General Bancorp 2005 Incentive Plan Stock Award Agreement to be used for the purposes of granting certain salary awards. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 8, 2012, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.** 68 10.6.6 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Performance Shares – EPS), used to award performance-based restricted stock units under the Company’s 2005 Incentive Plan. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 24, 2013, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.6.7 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Performance Shares – TSR), used to award performance-based restricted stock units under the Company’s 2005 Incentive Plan. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 24, 2013, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.6.8 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Clawback Rider), used in connection with award performance-based restricted stock units under the Company’s 2005 Incentive Plan. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 24, 2013, as an exhibit to Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.6.9 Executive Officer Annual Cash Bonus Program under the Company's 2005 Incentive Plan. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2014 as an exhibit to the Bancorp's Current Report on Form 8-K/A, and incorporated herein by reference. ** 10.7 Amended and Restated Change of Control Employment Agreement for Dunson K. Cheng dated as of December 18, 2008. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2014 as an exhibit to the Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.7.1 Amended and Restated Change of Control Employment Agreement for Peter Wu dated as of December 18, 2008. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2014 as an exhibit to the Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.7.2 Amended and Restated Change of Control Employment Agreement for Anthony M. Tang dated as of December 18, 2008. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2014 as an exhibit to the Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.7.3 Amended and Restated Change of Control Employment Agreement for Heng W. Chen dated as of December 18, 2008. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2014 as an exhibit to the Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.7.4 Amended and Restated Change of Control Employment Agreement for Irwin Wong dated as of December 18, 2008. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2014 as an exhibit to the Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.7.5 Amended and Restated Change of Control Employment Agreement for Kim Bingham dated as of December 18, 2008. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2014 as an exhibit to the Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.7.6 Amended and Restated Change of Control Employment Agreement for Pin Tai dated as of December 18, 2008. Previously filed with the Securities and ExchangenCommission on November 7, 2014 as an exhibit to the Bancorp’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference.** 10.7.7 Change of Control Employment Agreement for Donald S. Chow dated as of August 14, 2014. Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 7, 2014 as an exhibit to the Bancorp’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference. ** 21.1 Subsidiaries of Bancorp.+ 69 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.+ 31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.+ 31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.+ 32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.++ 32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.++ 101.INS XBRL Instance Document *** 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document *** 101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*** 101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*** 101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*** 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*** ** Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. *** XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information shall not be deemed to be filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise shall not be subject to liability under these sections, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing. + Filed herewith. 70 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. SIGNATURES Cathay General Bancorp By: /s/ Dunson K. Cheng Dunson K. Cheng Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Date: February 27, 2015 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date /s/ Dunson K. Cheng Dunson K. Cheng President, Chairman of the Board, Director, and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) February 27, 2015 /s/ Heng W. Chen Heng W. Chen /s/ Peter Wu Peter Wu /s/ Anthony M. Tang Anthony M. Tang /s/ Kelly L. Chan Kelly L. Chan /s/ Michael M.Y. Chang Michael M.Y. Chang /s/ Thomas C.T. Chiu Thomas C.T. Chiu /s/ Nelson Chung Nelson Chung /s/ Felix S. Fernandez Felix S. Fernandez /s/ Jane Jelenko Jane Jelenko /s/ Patrick S.D. Lee Patrick S.D. Lee /s/ Ting Liu Ting Liu /s/ Joseph C.H. Poon Joseph C.H. Poon Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer (principal financial officer) (principal accounting officer) February 27, 2015 Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director 71 February 27, 2015 February 27, 2015 February 27, 2015 February 27, 2015 February 27, 2015 February 27, 2015 February 27, 2015 February 27, 2015 February 27, 2015 February 27, 2015 February 27, 2015 This page intentionally left blank INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Page Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ............................................................................................ F - 2 Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 ....................................................................................... F - 3 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 ............................................................................................................................................................ F - 4 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 ...................................................................................................................................................................... F - 5 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 ................... F - 6 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ................................................................................................................... F - 8 Parent-only condensed financial information of Cathay General Bancorp is included in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K ......................................................................................... F - 51 F-1 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Stockholders Cathay General Bancorp: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cathay General Bancorp and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cathay General Bancorp and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Cathay General Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 27, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. /s/ KPMG LLP Los Angeles, California February 27, 2015 F-2 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS As of December 31, 2014 2013 (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 $1,324,408 in 2014 and $1,637,965 in 2013) ...... Trading securities ........................................................................................................................... Loans held for sale ......................................................................................................................... Loans ............................................................................................................................................. Less: Allowance for loan losses ................................................................................................. Unamortized deferred loan fees, net ............................................................................... Loans, net ....................................................................................................................... Federal Home Loan Bank stock ..................................................................................................... Other real estate owned, net ........................................................................................................... Affordable housing investments, net .............................................................................................. Premises and equipment, net .......................................................................................................... Customers’ liability on acceptances ............................................................................................... Accrued interest receivable ............................................................................................................ Goodwill ........................................................................................................................................ Other intangible assets, net ............................................................................................................ Other assets .................................................................................................................................... 176,830 $ 489,614 1,318,935 - 973 8,914,080 (161,420) (12,392) 8,740,268 30,785 31,477 104,579 99,682 35,656 25,364 316,340 3,237 143,106 153,747 516,938 1,586,668 4,936 - 8,084,563 (173,889) (13,487) 7,897,187 25,000 52,985 84,108 102,045 32,194 24,274 316,340 2,230 190,634 Total assets ................................................................................................................................. $ 11,516,846 $ 10,989,286 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Deposits Non-interest-bearing demand deposits ....................................................................................... $ Interest-bearing deposits: NOW deposits ........................................................................................................................ Money market deposits .......................................................................................................... Savings deposits ..................................................................................................................... Time deposits under $100,000 ............................................................................................... Time deposits of $100,000 or more........................................................................................ Total deposits ......................................................................................................................... Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ............................................................................. Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank ............................................................................... Other borrowings for affordable housing investments ................................................................... Long-term debt .............................................................................................................................. Acceptances outstanding ................................................................................................................ Other liabilities .............................................................................................................................. Total liabilities ........................................................................................................................... Commitments and contingencies ................................................................................................... Stockholders’ Equity Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 84,022,118 issued and 79,814,553 outstanding at December 31, 2014, and 83,797,434 issued and 79,589,869 outstanding at December 31, 2013 ......................................................................................... Additional paid-in-capital .......................................................................................................... Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net .............................................................................. Retained earnings ....................................................................................................................... Treasury stock, at cost (4,207,565 shares at December 31, 2014, and at December 31, 2013) .. 1,664,914 $ 1,441,858 778,691 1,538,187 533,940 1,162,547 3,105,181 8,783,460 450,000 425,000 19,934 119,136 35,656 80,772 9,913,958 - 683,873 1,286,338 499,520 931,204 3,138,512 7,981,305 800,000 521,200 19,062 121,136 32,194 55,418 9,530,315 - 840 789,519 (5,569) 943,834 (125,736) 838 784,489 (29,729) 829,109 (125,736) Total equity ................................................................................................................................ Total liabilities and equity .......................................................................................................... $ 1,602,888 11,516,846 $ 1,458,971 10,989,286 See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-3 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended December 31, 2014 2012 2013 (In thousands, except share and per share data) INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME Loan receivable .......................................................................................................... $ Investment securities- taxable .................................................................................. Investment securities- nontaxable ............................................................................ Federal Home Loan Bank stock ................................................................................ Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreement to resell .................. Deposits with banks .................................................................................................. Total interest and dividend income .......................................................................... INTEREST EXPENSE Time deposits of $100,000 or more .......................................................................... Other deposits ........................................................................................................... Interest on securities sold under agreements to repurchase ..................................... Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank ......................................................... Long-term debt ......................................................................................................... Total interest expense ............................................................................................... Net interest income before provision for credit losses ............................................. (Reversal)/provision for credit losses ....................................................................... Net interest income after provision for credit losses ................................................ NON-INTEREST INCOME Securities gains, net .................................................................................................. Letters of credit commissions ................................................................................... Depository service fees ............................................................................................. Other operating income ............................................................................................ Total non-interest income ......................................................................................... NON-INTEREST EXPENSE Salaries and employee benefits .................................................................................. Occupancy expense .................................................................................................... Computer and equipment expense ............................................................................. Professional services expense .................................................................................... FDIC and State assessments ...................................................................................... Marketing expense ..................................................................................................... Other real estate owned (income)/expense ................................................................ Operations of investments in affordable housing ...................................................... Amortization of core deposit premium ...................................................................... Cost associated with debt redemption ........................................................................ Other operating expense ............................................................................................ Total non-interest expense ......................................................................................... Income before income tax expense ................................................................................. Income tax expense ........................................................................................................ Net income ....................................................................................................................... Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest ............................................ Net income attributable to Cathay General Bancorp ...................................................... Dividends on preferred stock .......................................................................................... Net income attributable to common stockholders .......................................................... $ Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax: Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on securities available for sale ............................ Unrealized holding losses on cash flow hedge derivatives ....................................... Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income .......................... Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax ................................................ Total comprehensive income ...................................................................................... $ Net income attributable to common stockholders per common share Basic ........................................................................................................................... $ Diluted ........................................................................................................................ $ Basic average common shares outstanding .................................................................... Diluted average common shares outstanding ................................................................ 390,440 $ 24,237 - 1,974 - 1,996 418,647 27,465 18,304 24,685 945 4,467 75,866 342,781 (10,800) 353,581 6,748 6,043 5,288 22,448 40,527 89,893 15,735 9,793 22,634 8,796 4,126 (1,304) 6,990 719 3,348 13,583 174,313 219,795 81,965 137,830 - 137,830 - 137,830 $ 30,468 (2,397) 3,911 24,160 161,990 $ 359,959 $ 43,412 995 1,480 - 1,150 406,996 27,211 13,178 37,692 528 3,691 82,300 324,696 (3,000) 327,696 27,362 6,281 5,701 20,963 60,307 88,276 14,846 9,768 24,574 7,351 3,403 (235) 7,253 4,533 22,557 11,507 193,833 194,170 70,435 123,735 592 123,143 (9,685) 113,458 $ (14,335) - 15,859 (30,194) 92,949 $ 360,643 62,395 4,161 485 18 2,042 429,744 33,441 13,932 55,699 270 5,149 108,491 321,253 (9,000) 330,253 18,026 6,316 5,453 16,712 46,507 78,377 14,608 9,591 21,768 8,339 4,607 15,116 6,306 5,663 12,120 16,094 192,589 184,171 66,128 118,043 605 117,438 (16,488) 100,950 19,645 - 10,448 9,197 126,635 1.73 $ 1.72 $ 79,661,571 80,106,895 1.44 $ 1.43 $ 78,954,898 79,137,983 1.28 1.28 78,719,133 78,723,297 See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-4 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 (In thousands, except number of shares) Preferred Stock Common Stock Number of Shares Amount Number of Shares Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Amount Retained Treasury Earnings Stock Noncontrolling Interest Total Stockholders' Equity Balance at December 31, 2011 258,000 $ 250,992 78,652,557 $ 829 $ 765,641 $ (8,732) $ 624,192 $ (125,736) $ 8,447 $ 1,515,633 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3,588 - 17,956 11,814 45,937 50,024 - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - 291 - 788 763 (620) 2,062 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (3,149) - - (3,588) (12,900) - - - - - - - - - - - 258,000 - - 254,580 - - 78,778,288 - - 830 - - 768,925 9,197 - 465 117,438 721,993 - - (125,736) Preferred Stock .................... (258,000) (258,000) - - - 25,984 Dividend Reinvestment Plan .. Restricted stock units vested ... Stock salary ............................. Stock options exercised ........... Tax short-fall from stock options ................................ Stock -based compensation .... Cash dividends of $0.04 per share ................................... Discount accretion and other adjustment on preferred stock .................................... Dividends on preferred stock .. Change in other comprehensive loss ............ Net income ............................. Balance at December 31, 2012 Dividend Reinvestment Plan .. Redemption of Series B Redemption of noncontrolling interest ................................. Restricted stock units vested ... Stock salary ............................. Stock options exercised ........... Tax short-fall from stock options ................................ Stock -based compensation .... Cash dividends of $0.08 per share ................................... Discount accretion and other adjustment on preferred stock .................................... Dividends on preferred stock .. Change in other comprehensive loss ............ Net income ............................. Balance at December 31, 2013 Dividend Reinvestment Plan . Restricted stock units vested .. Shares withheld related to net share settlement of RSUs ... Stock issued to directors ......... Stock options exercised .......... Tax short-fall from stock options ............................... Stock -based compensation ... Cash dividends of $0.29 per share .................................. Change in other comprehensive loss ........... Net income ............................ Balance at December 31, 2014 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $ - - - - - - - 3,420 - - 138,220 52,431 594,946 - - - - - - - - 1 1 6 - - - - - 605 (302) (191) - 1,106 14,749 (2,509) 2,106 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (6,342) (3,420) (6,265) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 79,589,869 - - 838 - - 784,489 (30,194) - (29,729) - 123,143 829,109 - - (125,736) 116,957 88,537 - 13,690 5,500 - - - 1 1 - - - - - - 2,847 - (850) 350 128 (1,285) 3,840 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (23,105) - - - - - - - - - - 79,814,553 $ - - 840 $ - - 789,519 $ 24,160 - (5,569) $ - 137,830 943,834 $ - - (125,736) $ See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-5 - - - - - - - 291 - 788 764 (620) 2,062 (3,149) - (605) - 605 8,447 - (13,505) 9,197 118,043 1,629,504 - - 605 (258,302) (8,447) - - - - - - - (592) - 592 - - - - - - - - - - - $ (8,638) 1 1,107 14,755 (2,509) 2,106 (6,342) - (6,857) (30,194) 123,735 1,458,971 2,848 1 (850) 350 128 (1,285) 3,840 (23,105) 24,160 137,830 1,602,888 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net income ...................................................................................................................... $ Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: (Reversal)/Provision for credit losses ........................................................................ Provision/(Reversal) for losses on other real estate owned ...................................... Deferred tax liability/(benefit) ................................................................................... Depreciation ................................................................................................................ Net gains on sale and transfers of other real estate owned ....................................... Net gains on sale of loans .......................................................................................... Proceeds from sale of loans ....................................................................................... Originations of loans held for sale .............................................................................. Decrease in unrealized loss from interest rate swaps ................................................. Purchase of trading securities ..................................................................................... Income associated with debt redemption ................................................................... Write-down on venture capital and other investments .............................................. Write-down on impaired securities ............................................................................ Gain on sales and calls of securities .......................................................................... Other non-cash interest expense/(income) ................................................................ Amortization of security premiums, net .................................................................... Amortization of other intangible assets ..................................................................... Excess tax short-fall from stock options .................................................................... Stock based and stock issued to officers and directors compensation expense ........ Noncontrolling interest ............................................................................................... Net change in accrued interest receivable and other assets ........................................ Net change in other liabilities .................................................................................... Net cash provided by operating activities ............................................................ Cash Flows from Investing Activities Increase in short-term investments................................................................................. Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale .................................................... Proceeds from maturity and call of investment securities available-for-sale ............... Proceeds from sale of investment securities available-for-sale .................................... Purchase of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale .......................................... Proceeds from repayment and sale of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale . Proceeds from maturity and call of investment securities held-to-maturity ................. Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock ................................................................. Redemption 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 ......................................................... Net cash used in investing activities .................................................................... Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net change in deposits .................................................................................................... Net decrease in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase .................................................................................................................... Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank ..................................................................... Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings ................................................... Cash dividends ............................................................................................................... Redemption of Series B preferred stock ........................................................................ Redemption of noncontrolling interest ........................................................................... Repayment of subordinated debt .................................................................................... Repayment of long-term debt and other borrowings ..................................................... Proceeds from shares issued to Dividend Reinvestment Plan ....................................... Proceeds from exercise of stock options ........................................................................ Taxes paid related to net share settlement of RSUs ........................................................ Excess tax short-fall from share-based payment arrangements ...................................... Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities .............................................. Increase in cash and cash equivalents ........................................................................... Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year ........................................................ Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year ................................................................... $ 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2013 (In thousands) 2012 137,830 $ 123,735 $ 118,043 (10,800) 1,619 31,304 7,065 (4,065) (395) 19,287 (19,865) - - (555) 436 820 (7,568) (137) 2,849 803 1,285 4,190 - (2,776) (11,256) 150,071 32,260 (885,782) 585,776 160,451 (307,617) 768,236 - (18,164) 12,379 (824,558) (4,777) 29,880 (7,445) (459,361) (3,000 ) (2,122 ) (15,114 ) 6,690 (1,793 ) (879 ) 42,573 (41,694 ) - (234 ) - 409 - (27,362 ) 1,100 4,425 4,657 2,509 3,213 (592 ) 23,525 (4,973 ) 115,073 (104,955 ) (350,130 ) 180,088 575,358 (676,529 ) 669,658 50,973 - 16,272 (676,245 ) (6,182 ) 19,411 (9,525 ) (311,806 ) (9,000) 10,668 4,784 5,939 (369) (633) 59,589 (58,930) (2,634) (163) - 309 181 (18,025) (200) 5,306 5,798 620 2,850 (605) 43,304 (2,256) 164,576 (117,027) (517,513) 552,099 60,951 (680,388) 619,169 376,981 - 11,717 (395,743) (3,108) 47,866 (1,540) (46,536) 802,281 596,964 154,275 (350,000) 9,822,400 (9,918,600) (23,104) - - - (1,445) 2,848 128 (850) (1,285) 332,373 23,083 153,747 176,830 $ (450,000 ) 2,402,000 (2,027,000 ) (12,606 ) (258,000 ) (8,638 ) (50,000 ) - 605 14,755 - (2,509 ) 205,571 8,838 144,909 153,747 $ (150,000) 531,200 (610,000) (16,049) - - - (880) 291 764 - (620) (91,019) 27,021 117,888 144,909 See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-6 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-(Continued) 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2013 (In thousands) 2012 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Cash paid during the year for: Interest ............................................................................................................... $ Income taxes ..................................................................................................... $ 78,366 $ 84,848 $ 112,411 36,083 60,225 $ 55,521 $ Non-cash investing and financing activities: Transfers from trading securities to short-term investments .............................. $ Net change in unrealized holding gain/(loss) on securities available-for-sale, 4,936 $ - $ - net of tax ....................................................................................................... $ 26,557 $ (30,194) $ 9,197 Net change in unrealized losses on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges ................................................................................................................ $ Transfers to investment securities available-for-sale at fair value ..................... $ Transfers to other real estate owned from loans held for investment ................. $ Loans transferred to loans held for sale ............................................................. $ Loans transferred to loans held for investment from held for sale ..................... $ Loans to facilitate the sale of other real estate owned ........................................ $ (2,397) $ - $ - $ 722,466 $ 4,970 $ 22,171 $ - $ - $ 75 $ 973 $ - $ 413 $ - - 14,389 15,986 500 1,785 See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-7 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Cathay General Bancorp (the “Bancorp”), a Delaware corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Cathay Bank (the “Bank”), a California state-chartered bank, seven limited partnerships investing in affordable housing projects, and GBC Venture Capital, Inc. (together, the “Company”). All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and general practices within the banking industry. Organization and Background. The business activities of the Bancorp consist primarily of the operations of the Bank, which owns 100% of the common securities of the following subsidiaries: GBC Real Estate Investments, Inc., Cathay Holdings LLC, Cathay Holdings 2, LLC, Cathay Holdings 3, LLC, Cathay Community Development Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, Cathay New Asia Community Development Corporation. There are limited operating business activities currently at the Bancorp. The Bank is a commercial bank, servicing primarily the individuals, professionals, and small to medium-sized businesses in the local markets in which its branches are located. Its operations include the acceptance of checking, savings, and time deposits, and the making of commercial, real estate, and consumer loans. The Bank also offers trade financing, letters of credit, wire transfer, foreign currency spot and forward contracts, Internet banking, investment services, and other customary banking services to its customers. Use of Estimates. The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The significant estimates subject to change relate to the allowance for loan losses, goodwill impairment assessment, other-than-temporary impairment analysis on investments, fair value disclosures, and the fair value of options granted. The more significant of these policies are described below. Concentrations. The Bank was incorporated in California and started its business from California. Therefore, loans originated and deposits solicited were mainly from California. As of December 31, 2014, gross loans were primarily comprised of 50.3% of commercial mortgage loans and 26.7% of commercial loans. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 58% of the Bank’s residential mortgages were for properties located in California. Total deposits were comprised of 35.4% of time deposit of $100,000 or more (Jumbo CDs) at December 31, 2014, and approximately 68.5% of the Company’s Jumbo CDs have been on deposit with the Company for two years or more. Allowance for Loan Losses. The determination of the amount of the provision for loan losses charged to operations reflects management’s current judgment about the credit quality of the loan portfolio and takes into consideration changes in lending policies and procedures, changes in economic and business conditions, changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and in the terms of loans, changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management, changes in the volume and severity of past due, non-accrual and adversely classified or graded loans, changes in the quality of the loan review system, changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans, the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and the effect of competition, legal and regulatory requirements, and other external factors. The nature of the process by which loan losses is determined and the appropriate allowance for loan losses requires the exercise of considerable judgment. The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by charge-offs when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. 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 loan losses in future periods. The total allowance for loan losses consists of two components: specific allowances and general allowances. To determine the adequacy of the allowance in each of these two components, two primary methodologies are employed, the individual loan review analysis methodology and the classification migration methodology. These methodologies support the basis for determining allocations between the various loan categories and the overall adequacy of our allowance to provide for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. These methodologies are further supported by additional analysis of relevant F-8 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) factors such as the historical losses in the portfolio, and environmental factors which include trends in delinquency and non- accrual, and other significant factors, such as the national and local economy, the volume and composition of the portfolio, strength of management and loan staff, underwriting standards, and the concentration of credit. The Bank’s management allocates a specific allowance for “Impaired Credits,” in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Section 310-10-35. For non-Impaired Credits, a general allowance is established for those loans internally classified and risk graded Pass, Minimally Acceptable, Special Mention, or Substandard based on historical losses in the specific loan portfolio and a reserve based on environmental factors determined for that loan group. The level of the general allowance is established to provide coverage for management’s estimate of the credit risk in the loan portfolio by various loan segments not covered by the specific allowance. Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell. The Company purchases securities under agreements to resell with various terms. These agreements are collateralized by agency securities and mortgage backed securities that are generally held by a third party custodian. The purchases are over-collateralized to ensure against unfavorable market price movements. In the event that the fair market value of the securities decreases below the collateral requirements under the related repurchase agreements, the counterparty is required to deliver additional securities. The counterparties to these agreements are nationally recognized investment banking firms that meet credit eligibility criteria and with whom a master repurchase agreement has been duly executed. Securities. Securities are classified as held-to-maturity when management has the ability and intent to hold these securities until maturity. Securities are classified as available-for-sale when management intends to hold the securities for an indefinite period of time, or when the securities may be utilized for tactical asset/liability purposes, and may be sold from time to time to manage interest rate exposure and resultant prepayment risk and liquidity needs. Securities are classified as trading securities when management intends to sell the securities in the near term. Securities purchased are designated as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading securities at the time of acquisition. Securities held-to-maturity are stated at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts on a level-yield basis. The carrying value of these assets is not adjusted for temporary declines in fair value since the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value, and any unrealized holding gains or losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income until realized. Realized gains or losses are determined on the specific identification method. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted as adjustment of yield on a level-yield basis. ASC Topic 320 requires an entity to assess whether the entity has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is met, an entity must recognize an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). If an entity does not intend to sell the debt security and will not be required to sell the debt security, the entity must consider whether it will recover the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis of the security, OTTI shall be considered to have occurred. OTTI is then separated into the amount of the total impairment related to credit losses and the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. An entity determines the impairment related to credit losses by comparing the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. OTTI related to the credit loss is then recognized in earnings. OTTI related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. OTTI not related to the credit loss for a held-to-maturity security should be recognized separately in a new category of other comprehensive income and amortized over the remaining life of the debt security as an increase in the carrying value of the security only when the entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis. The Company has both the ability and the intent to hold and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell those securities with unrealized losses before recovery of their amortized cost basis. Trading securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses included in income. Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) Stock. As a member of the FHLB system the Bank is required to maintain an investment in the capital stock of the FHLB. The amount of investment is also affected by the outstanding advances under the line of credit the Bank maintains with the FHLB. FHLB stock is carried at cost and is pledged as collateral to the FHLB. FHLB stock is periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. The carrying F-9 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) amount of the FHLB stock was $30.8 million at December 31, 2014, and $25.0 million at December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2014, the Company owned 307,850 shares of FHLB stock, which exceeded the minimum stock requirement based on outstanding FHLB borrowings of $425.0 million. Loans. Loans are carried at amounts advanced, less principal payments collected and net deferred loan fees. Interest is accrued and earned daily on an actual or 360-day basis. Interest accruals on business loans and non-residential real estate loans are generally discontinued whenever the payment of interest or principal is 90 days or more past due, based on contractual terms. Such loans are placed on non-accrual status, unless the loan is well secured, and there is a high probability of recovery in full, as determined by management. When loans are placed on non-accrual status, previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed and charged against current income, and subsequent payments received are generally first applied toward the outstanding principal balance of the loan. 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. A non-accrual loan may also be returned to accrual status if all principal and interest contractually due are reasonably assured of repayment within a reasonable period and there has been a sustained period of payment performance, generally six months. Loan origination fees and commitment fees, offset by certain direct loan origination costs, are deferred and recognized over the contractual life of the loan as a yield adjustment. The amortization utilizes the interest method. If a loan is placed on non-accrual status, the amortization of the loan fees and the accretion of discounts are discontinued until the loan is returned to accruing status. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. Gains and losses are recorded in non-interest income based on the difference between sales proceeds, net of sales commissions, and carrying value. Loans Acquired Through Transfer. Loans acquired through the completion of a transfer, including loans acquired in a business combination, that have evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination and for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payment, receivables are initially recorded at fair value (as determined by the present value of expected future cash flows) with no valuation allowance. The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the investment in the loan, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as interest income on a level-yield method over the life of the loan. Contractually required payments for interest and principal that exceed the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition, or the “nonaccretable difference,” are not recognized as a yield adjustment or as a loss accrual or a valuation allowance. Increases in expected cash flows subsequent to the initial investment are recognized prospectively through adjustment of the yield on the loan over its remaining life. Decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairment. Valuation allowance on these impaired loans reflect only losses incurred after the acquisition. Impaired Loans. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due (i.e. both principal and interest) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The measurement of impairment may be based on (1) the present value of the expected future cash flows of the impaired loan discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, (2) the observable market price of the impaired loan or (3) the fair value of the collateral of a collateral- dependent loan. The amount by which the recorded investment in the loan exceeds the measure of the impaired loan is recognized by recording a valuation allowance with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses. The Company stratifies its loan portfolio by size and treats smaller non-performing loans with an outstanding balance based on the Company’s defined criteria, generally where the loan amount is $500,000 or less, as a homogenous portfolio. Once a loan has been identified as a possible problem loan, the Company conducts a periodic review of such loan in order to test for impairment. When loans are placed on an impaired status, previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed against current income and subsequent payments received are generally first applied toward the outstanding principal balance of the loan. Troubled Debt Restructured Loan (“TDR”). 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 reduction in the stated interest rate, reduction in the loan balance or accrued interest, or extension of the maturity date. Although these loan modifications are considered TDRs, accruing TDR loans 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. Loans classified as TDRs are reported as impaired loans. F-10 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Unfunded Loan Commitments. Unfunded loan commitments are generally related to providing credit facilities to clients of the Bank, and are not actively traded financial instruments. These unfunded commitments are disclosed as off-balance sheet financial instruments in Note 14 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Letter of Credit Fees. Issuance and commitment fees received for the issuance of commercial or standby letters of credit are recognized over the term of the instruments. Premises and Equipment. Premises and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives of the assets: Type Buildings .............................................. 15 to 45 years Building improvements ........................ 5 to 20 years Furniture, fixtures, and equipment ....... 3 to 25 years Leasehold improvements ...................... Shorter of useful lives or the terms of the leases Estimated Useful Life Improvements are capitalized and amortized to occupancy expense based on the above table. Construction in process is carried at cost and includes land acquisition cost, architectural fees, general contractor fees, capitalized interest and other costs related directly to the construction of a property. Other Real Estate Owned. Real estate acquired in the settlement of loans is initially recorded at fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Specific valuation allowances on other real estate owned are recorded through charges to operations to recognize declines in fair value subsequent to foreclosure. Gains on sales are recognized when certain criteria relating to the buyer’s initial and continuing investment in the property are met. Investments in Affordable Housing. The Company is a limited partner in limited partnerships that invest in low-income housing projects that qualify for Federal and/or State income tax credits. As further discussed in Note 7, the partnership interests are accounted for utilizing the equity method of accounting. As of December 31, 2014, seven of the limited partnerships in which the Company has an equity interest were determined to be variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company therefore consolidated the financial statements of these seven limited partnerships into its Consolidated Financial Statements. Investments in Venture Capital. The Company invests in limited partnerships that invest in nonpublic companies. These are commonly referred to as venture capital investments. These limited partnership interests are carried under the cost method with other-than-temporary impairment charged against net income. Goodwill and Goodwill Impairment. Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 350. ASC Topic 350 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 360. 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. Accounting standards require management to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit in making the assessment of impairment at least annually. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in ASC Topic 350. The two-step impairment testing process conducted by us, if needed, begins by assigning net assets and goodwill to our reporting units. The Company then completes “step one” of the impairment test by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit (as determined based on the discussion below) with the recorded book value (or “carrying amount”) of its net assets, with goodwill included in the computation of the carrying amount. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of that reporting unit is not considered impaired, and “step F-11 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) two” of the impairment test is not necessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, step two of the impairment test is performed to determine the amount of impairment. Step two of the impairment test compares the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the “implied fair value” of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is computed by assuming that all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit would be adjusted to the current fair value, with the offset as an adjustment to goodwill. This adjusted goodwill balance is the implied fair value used in step two. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. The Company has identified two reporting units for its business: the Commercial Lending unit and the Retail Banking unit. The reporting unit fair values were determined based on an equal weighting of (1) a market approach using a combination of price to earnings multiples determined based on a representative peer group applied to 2014 and forecasted 2015 and 2016 earnings, and a price to book multiple and (2) a dividend discount model with the discount rate determined using the same representative peer group. A control premium was then applied to the unit fair values so determined as of December 31, 2014. As a result of this analysis, the Company determined that there was no goodwill impairment at December 31, 2014 as the fair value of all reporting units exceeded the current carrying amount of the units. No assurance can be given that goodwill will not be written down in future periods. Core Deposit Premium. Core deposit premium, which represents the purchase price over the fair value of the deposits acquired from other financial institutions, is amortized over its estimated useful life to its residual value in proportion to the economic benefits consumed. If a pattern of consumption cannot be reliably determined, straight-line amortization is used. The Company assesses the recoverability of this intangible asset by determining whether the amortization of the premium balance over its remaining life can be recovered through the remaining deposit portfolio and amortizes core deposit premium over its estimated useful life. Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase. The Company sells certain securities under agreements to repurchase. The agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and the obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The securities underlying the agreements remain in the applicable asset accounts. Stock-Based Compensation. Stock option compensation expense is calculated based on the fair value of the award at the grant date for those options expected to vest, and is recognized as an expense over the vesting period of the grant using the straight-line method. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the value of granted options. This model takes into account the option exercise price, the expected life, the current price of the underlying stock, the expected volatility of the Company’s stock, expected dividends on the stock and a risk-free interest rate. The Company estimates the expected volatility based on the Company’s historical stock prices for the period corresponding to the expected life of the stock options. Restricted stock units are valued at the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. Stock-based compensation is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all awards. 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 consolidated balance sheet 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. Foreign Exchange Forwards and Foreign Currency Option Contracts. We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts with correspondent banks to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for foreign currency certificates of deposit, foreign exchange contracts or foreign currency option contracts entered into with our clients. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and are recorded at fair value in our F-12 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of these contracts as well as the related foreign currency certificates of deposit, foreign exchange contracts or foreign currency option 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. Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes is based on income reported for financial statement purposes, and differs from the amount of taxes currently payable, since certain income and expense items are reported for financial statement purposes in different periods than those for tax reporting purposes. The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach, the objective of which is to establish deferred tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Comprehensive Income/(loss). Comprehensive income/(loss) is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income/(loss) generally includes net income/(loss), foreign currency translation adjustments, minimum pension liability adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on investments in securities available-for-sale, and cash flow hedges. Comprehensive income/(loss) and its components are reported and displayed in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income/(loss). Net Income per Common Share. Earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed on a basic and diluted basis. Basic EPS 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 EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shares in the earnings of the Company. Potential dilution is excluded from computation of diluted per-share amounts when a net loss from operations exists. Foreign Currency Translation. The Company considers the functional currency of its foreign operations to be the United States dollar. Accordingly, the Company remeasures monetary assets and liabilities at year-end exchange rates, while nonmonetary items are remeasured at historical rates. Income and expense accounts are remeasured at the average rates in effect during the year, except for depreciation, which is remeasured at historical rates. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in income in the period of occurrence. Statement of Cash Flows. Cash and cash equivalents include short-term highly-liquid investments that generally have an original maturity of three months or less. Segment Information and Disclosures. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America establish standards to report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and require reporting of selected information about operating segments in interim reports to stockholders. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. The Company has concluded it has one operating segment. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, “Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects.” ASU No. 2014-01 permits a reporting entity to make an accounting policy election to account for its investments in affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the amount of tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense or benefit. ASU 2014-01 becomes effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Adoption of ASU 2014-01 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. F-13 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, “Receivables—Trouble Debt Restructurings by Creditors.” ASU No. 2014-04 clarifies that upon either the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement, a creditor is considered to have physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan. A reporting entity is required to have interim and annual disclosure of both the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in process of foreclosure. ASU 2014-04 becomes effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Adoption of ASU 2014-04 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment.” ASU No. 2014-08 defines a discontinued operation as disposal of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations. ASU No. 2014-08 also requires a reporting entity to present the assets and liabilities of a disposal group that includes a discontinued operation separately in the asset and liability sections, respectively, of the statement of financial position for each comparative period. ASU 2014-08 becomes effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Adoption of ASU 2014-08 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, “Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures.” ASU No. 2014-11 expands secured borrowing accounting for certain repurchase agreements. It requires the repurchase agreement be separate from the initial transfer of the financial asset in a repurchase financing arrangement. An entity is required to disclose additional information about certain transactions accounted for as a sale in which the transferor retains substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial assets through an agreement with the same counterparty. An entity is also required to disclose information about repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions and repurchase-to-maturity transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings. ASU 2014-11 becomes effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Adoption of ASU 2014-11 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 2. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company manages its cash and cash equivalents, which consist of cash on hand, amounts due from banks, federal funds sold, 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 zero for 2014 and $6.5 million for 2013. The average excess balance with Federal Reserve Bank was $170.1 million in 2014 and $136.3 million in 2013. At December 31, 2014, the Bancorp had $7.5 million on deposit in a cash margin account that serves as collateral for the Bancorp’s interest rate swaps. 3. Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell Securities purchased under agreements to resell are usually collateralized by U.S. government agency and mortgage- backed securities. The counter-parties to these agreements are nationally recognized investment banking firms that meet credit requirements of the Company and with whom a master repurchase agreement has been duly executed. For those securities obtained under the resale agreements, the collateral is either held by a third party custodian or by the counter party and is segregated under written agreements that recognize the Company’s interest in the securities. Interest income associated with securities purchased under resale agreements was zero for 2014, zero for 2013 and $18,000 for 2012. F-14 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) 4. Investment Securities Investment Securities. The following tables reflect the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and fair values of investment securities as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013: As of December 31, 2014 Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Securities Available-for-Sale U.S. treasury securities ................................................................ $ Mortgage-backed securities ......................................................... Collateralized mortgage obligations ............................................ Corporate debt securities .............................................................. Mutual funds ................................................................................ Preferred stock of government sponsored entities ....................... Other equity securities .................................................................. 6,000 6,276 3,608 Total securities available-for-sale ............................................ $ 1,324,408 $ 664,206 $ 549,296 79 94,943 63 $ 1,393 - 776 681 3,413 6,326 $ 265 6,386 34 1,247 134 3,733 664,004 544,303 45 94,472 5,866 3,224 7,021 11,799 $ 1,318,935 As of December 31, 2013 Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Securities Available-for-Sale U.S. treasury securities ................................................................ $ 460,095 $ Mortgage-backed securities ......................................................... 1,010,294 5,929 Collateralized mortgage obligations ............................................ 123 Asset-backed securities ............................................................... 154,955 Corporate debt securities .............................................................. 6,000 Mutual funds ................................................................................ 569 Preferred stock of government sponsored entities ....................... Total securities available-for-sale ............................................ $ 1,637,965 $ 99 $ 7,049 231 - 298 - 10,834 18,511 $ 1 $ 64,529 54 - 4,949 275 - 460,193 952,814 6,106 123 150,304 5,725 11,403 69,808 $ 1,586,668 The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities at December 31, 2014, by contractual maturities are shown 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. Due in one year or less ........................................................................................ $ Due after one year through five years ................................................................. Due after five years through ten years ................................................................. Due after ten years (1) ......................................................................................... Total ................................................................................................................. $ (In thousands) 115,033 $ 569,853 85,654 553,868 1,324,408 $ 115,068 570,371 85,097 548,399 1,318,935 Securities Available-for-Sale Amortized Cost Fair Value (1) Equity securities are reported in this category During the first quarter of 2013, due to the ongoing discussions regarding corporate income tax rates which could have a negative impact on the after-tax yields and fair values of the Company’s portfolio of municipal securities, the Company determined it may sell such securities in response to market conditions. As a result, the Company reclassified its municipal F-15 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) securities from securities held-to-maturity to securities available-for-sale. Concurrent with this reclassification, the Company also reclassified all other securities held-to-maturity, which together with the municipal securities had an amortized cost on the date of transfer of $722.5 million, to securities available-for-sale. At the reclassification date, a net unrealized gain was recorded in other comprehensive income for these securities totaling $40.5 million. Proceeds from sales of mortgage-backed securities were $698.5 million and from repayments, maturities and calls of mortgage-backed securities were $69.7 million during 2014 compared to proceeds from sales of $456.4 million and proceeds of $213.2 million from repayments, maturities, and calls during 2013. Proceeds from sales of other investment securities were $160.5 million during 2014 compared to $575.4 million during 2013. Proceeds from maturities and calls of other investment securities were $585.8 during 2014 compared to $231.1 million during 2013. In 2014, gains of $18.0 million and losses of $11.3 million were realized on sales and calls of investment securities compared with gains of $29.0 million and losses of $1.6 million realized in 2013. At December 31, 2014, all of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities were rated as investment grade except for one non-agency issue. Total unrealized losses of $6.4 million from all mortgage-backed securities resulted from increases in interest rates subsequent to the date that these securities were purchased. Total unrealized losses of $1.2 million on corporate bonds relates to four issues of investments in bonds of financial institutions, all of which were investment grade at the date of acquisition and as of December 31, 2014. The unrealized losses were primarily caused by the widening of credit and liquidity spreads since the dates of acquisition. The contractual terms of those investments do not permit the issuers to settle the security at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. The Company currently does not believe it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the investments. Therefore, it is expected that these mortgage-backed securities and corporate bonds would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. Because the Company does not intend to sell and would not be required to sell these investments until a recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, it does not consider its investments in these mortgaged-backed securities and corporate bonds to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014. During the third quarter of 2014, the Company wrote down the carrying value of its portfolio of agency preferred stock by $820,000. As of December 31, 2014, agency preferred stock of with a cost of $6.2 million had an unrealized loss of $3.7 million, which the Company believes to be temporary. The temporarily impaired securities represent 66.1% of the fair value of investment securities as of December 31, 2014. Unrealized losses for securities with unrealized losses for less than twelve months represent 1.1%, and securities with unrealized losses for twelve months or more represent 1.6%, of the historical cost of these securities. Unrealized losses on these securities generally resulted from increases in interest rates or spreads subsequent to the date that these securities were purchased. At December 31, 2014, 22 issues of securities had unrealized losses for 12 months or longer and 8 issues of securities had unrealized losses of less than 12 months. At December 31, 2014, management believed the impairment was temporary and, accordingly, no impairment loss on debt securities has been recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. We expect to recover the amortized cost basis of our debt securities, and have no intent to sell and will not be required to sell available-for-sale debt securities that have declined below their cost before their anticipated recovery. F-16 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) The tables below show the fair value and unrealized losses of the temporarily impaired securities in our investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013: As of December 31, 2014 Temporarily Impaired Securities Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total Fair Value Losses Unrealized No. of Fair Issuances Value Losses Unrealized No. of Fair Issuances Value Unrealized No. of Losses Issuances (Dollars in thousands) Securities Available-for- Sale U.S. treasury securities ..... $ 374,153 $ Mortgage-backed 265 6 $ - $ - - $ 374,153 $ 265 securities ........................ Collateralized mortgage obligations ..................... Corporate debt securities .. Mutual funds .................... Preferred stock of government sponsored entities ............................ Total securities - - - - - - - - - 425,090 6,386 16 425,090 6,386 - - - 45 63,753 5,866 34 1,247 134 1 45 4 63,753 5,866 1 34 1,247 134 2,448 3,733 2 - - - 2,448 3,733 6 16 1 4 1 2 available-for-sale ....... $ 376,601 $ 3,998 8 $ 494,754 $ 7,801 22 $ 871,355 $ 11,799 30 As of December 31, 2013 Temporarily Impaired Securities Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total Fair Value Losses Unrealized No. of Fair Issuances Value Losses Unrealized No. of Fair Issuances Value Unrealized No. of Losses Issuances (Dollars in thousands) Securities Available-for- Sale U.S. treasury securities ..... $ 75,064 $ Mortgage-backed 1 1 $ - $ securities ........................ 792,012 64,526 25 272 Mortgage-backed securities-Non-agency ... 94 Collateralized mortgage obligations ..................... Corporate debt securities .. Mutual funds .................... Total securities 68 9,970 - 1 4 30 - - 2 - - $ 75,064 $ 1 7 792,284 64,528 - 94 1 1 - 2 301 1 100,081 5,724 - 50 4,919 275 3 369 8 110,051 5,724 1 54 4,949 275 1 32 1 5 9 1 available-for-sale ....... $ 877,208 $ 64,562 30 $ 106,378 $ 5,246 19 $ 983,586 $ 69,808 49 Investment securities having a carrying value of $591.3 million at December 31, 2014, and $926.5 million at December 31, 2013, were pledged to secure public deposits, other borrowings, treasury tax and loan, Federal Home Loan Bank advances, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and foreign exchange transactions. F-17 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) 5. Loans Most of the Company’s business activity is predominately with Asian customers located in Southern and Northern California; New York City; Houston and Dallas, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Edison, New Jersey; Nevada; and 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. Loans are generally expected to be paid off from the operating profits of the borrowers, refinancing by another lender, or through sale by the borrowers of the secured collateral. The components of loans in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were as follows: Type of Loans: Commercial loans ............................................................................................................ $ Real estate construction loans ......................................................................................... Commercial mortgage loans ............................................................................................ Residential mortgage loans ............................................................................................. Equity lines ..................................................................................................................... Installment and other loans ............................................................................................. Gross loans ...................................................................................................................... Less: Allowance for loan losses ............................................................................................... Unamortized deferred loan fees ...................................................................................... Total loans and leases, net ................................................................................................ $ Loans held for sale ........................................................................................................... $ As of December 31, 2014 2013 (In thousands) 2,382,493 $ 298,654 4,486,443 1,570,059 172,879 3,552 8,914,080 (161,420 ) (12,392 ) 8,740,268 $ 973 $ 2,298,724 221,701 4,023,051 1,355,255 171,277 14,555 8,084,563 (173,889) (13,487) 7,897,187 - The Company pledged real estate loans of $3.8 billion at December 31, 2014, and $1.6 billion at December 31, 2013, to the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco under its specific pledge program. In addition, the Bank pledged $127.2 million at December 31, 2014, and $119.1 million at December 31, 2013, of its commercial loans to the Federal Reserve Bank’s Discount Window under the Borrower-in-Custody program. Loans serviced for others as of December 31, 2014, totaled $240.1 million and were comprised of $125.8 million of residential mortgages, $52.5 million of commercial loans, $31.2 million of commercial real estate loans, and $30.6 million of construction loans. The Company has entered into transactions with its directors, executive officers, or principal holders of its equity securities, or the associates of such persons (“Related Parties”). Such transactions were made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms and conditions, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the same time for comparable transactions with customers who are not related parties. In management’s opinion, these transactions did not involve more than normal credit risk or present other unfavorable features. All loans to Related Parties were current as of December 31, 2014. An analysis of the activity with respect to loans to Related Parties for the years indicated is as follows: Balance at beginning of year ................................................................................... $ Additional loans made ............................................................................................. Payment received ..................................................................................................... Balance at end of year ............................................................................................. $ 126,985 $ 50,657 (119,783 ) 57,859 $ 172,584 64,063 (109,662) 126,985 December 31, 2014 2013 (In thousands) F-18 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) At December 31, 2014, recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $174.5 million and was comprised of nonaccrual loans, excluding loans held for sale, of $70.2 million and accruing TDR’s of $104.3 million. At December 31, 2013, recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $200.8 million and was comprised of nonaccrual loans of $83.2 million and accruing TDR’s of $117.6 million. The average balance of impaired loans was $190.2 million in 2014 and $221.2 million in 2013. We considered all non-accrual loans and troubled debt restructurings ("TDR") to be impaired. Interest recognized on impaired loans totaled $5.3 million in 2014 and $5.6 million in 2013. The Bank recognizes interest income on impaired loans based on its existing method of recognizing interest income on non-accrual loans except accruing TDRs. For impaired loans, the amounts previously charged off represent 17.1% at December 31, 2014, and 23.9% at December 31, 2013, of the contractual balances for impaired loans. The following table presents impaired loans and the related allowance as of the dates indicated: As of December 31, 2014 As of December 31, 2013 Impaired Loans Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance Allowance (Dollars in thousands) Recorded Investment Allowance With no allocated allowance Commercial loans ...................... $ Real estate construction loans .... Commercial mortgage loans ...... Residential mortgage and equity 19,479 $ 32,924 77,474 18,452 $ 17,025 75,172 lines ......................................... 2,518 Subtotal ................................. $ 132,395 $ 2,518 113,167 $ - $ - - - - $ 20,992 $ 25,401 105,593 18,905 $ 15,097 78,930 4,892 4,892 156,878 $ 117,824 $ With allocated allowance Commercial loans ...................... $ Real estate construction loans .... Commercial mortgage loans ...... Residential mortgage and equity 7,003 $ 19,006 38,197 5,037 $ 8,703 34,022 1,263 $ 1,077 8,993 22,737 $ 28,475 39,223 13,063 $ 19,323 35,613 lines ......................................... Subtotal ................................. $ 14,019 78,225 $ Total impaired loans ................... $ 210,620 $ 13,590 61,352 $ 174,519 $ 465 11,798 $ 11,798 $ 14,957 16,535 106,970 $ 82,956 $ 263,848 $ 200,780 $ - - - - - 2,519 3,460 6,584 721 13,284 13,284 The following table presents the average balance and interest income recognized related to impaired loans for the periods indicated: For the year ended December 31, 2014 2013 Average Recorded Investment 2012 2014 2013 Interest Income Recognized 2012 Commercial loans .......................... $ Real estate construction loans ....... Commercial mortgage loans .......... Residential mortgage and equity 26,128 $ 32,439 114,248 27,123 $ 37,875 138,121 (In thousands) 31,798 $ 49,094 178,822 878 $ 264 3,735 lines ........................................... Subtotal ..................................... $ 17,411 190,226 $ 18,033 221,152 $ 18,062 277,776 $ 462 5,339 $ 770 $ 284 4,256 289 5,599 $ 580 265 8,221 239 9,305 F-19 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) The following is a summary of non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 and the related net interest foregone for the years then ended: Non-accrual portfolio loans ............................................................... $ Non-accrual loans held-for-sale ........................................................ Total non-accrual loans ...................................................................... $ Contractual interest due ..................................................................... $ Interest recognized ............................................................................ Net interest foregone ......................................................................... $ 2014 2013 (In thousands) 2012 70,163 $ 973 71,136 $ 6,663 $ 217 6,446 $ 83,183 $ - 83,183 $ 5,851 $ 22 5,829 $ 103,902 - 103,902 6,621 1,006 5,615 The following tables present the aging of the loan portfolio by type as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013: As of December 31, 2014 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due Greater than 90 Days Past Due Type of Loans: Commercial loans ..................... $ 11,595 $ Real estate construction loans .. 1,416 Commercial mortgage loans ..... 17,654 5,634 Residential mortgage loans ...... Installment and other loans ...... 60 Total loans ................................ $ 36,359 $ 1,238 $ - 3,909 732 - 5,879 $ 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due Greater than 90 Days Past Due Type of Loans: 7,170 $ 16,562 $ Commercial loans ..................... $ - - Real estate construction loans .. 7,862 Commercial mortgage loans ..... 20,043 832 3,508 Residential mortgage loans ...... Installment and other loans ...... - 100 Total loans ................................ $ 30,821 $ 25,256 $ Non- accrual Loans (In thousands) Total Past Due Loans Not Past Due Total 6,983 $ 19,816 $ 2,362,677 $2,382,493 - $ 21,379 277,275 19,963 298,654 - 57,169 4,429,274 4,486,443 35,606 - 13,977 1,728,961 1,742,938 7,611 - - 3,552 - 60 - $ 70,163 $ 112,401 $ 8,801,679 $8,914,080 3,492 As of December 31, 2013 Non- accrual Loans (In thousands) Total Past Due Loans Not Past Due Total - $ 21,232 $ 44,964 $ 2,253,760 $2,298,724 221,701 - 28,586 193,115 48,508 3,974,543 4,023,051 982 18,084 1,508,448 1,526,532 - 14,555 14,455 - 100 982 $ 83,183 $ 140,242 $ 7,944,321 $8,084,563 28,586 19,621 13,744 - The determination of the amount of the allowance for credit losses for problem 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 collectibility 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. This allowance evaluation process is also applied to TDRs since TDRs are considered to be impaired loans. F-20 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) At December 31, 2014, accruing TDRs were $104.3 million and non-accrual TDRs were $41.6 million compared to accruing TDRs of $117.6 million and non-accrual TDRs of $38.8 million at December 31, 2013. The Company has allocated specific reserves of $6.5 million to accruing TDRs and $4.9 million to non-accrual TDRs at December 31, 2014, and $6.9 million to accruing TDRs and $2.2 million to non-accrual TDRs at December 31, 2013. The following table presents TDRs that were modified during 2014, their specific reserve at December 31, 2014, and charge-offs during 2014: Pre- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment Post- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment (Dollars in thousands) Specific Reserve No. of Contracts Charge- offs Commercial loans ............................................. Commercial mortgage loans ............................. Residential mortgage and equity lines .............. Total .................................................................... 4 $ 3 7 14 $ 10,539 $ 11,817 2,715 25,071 $ 10,539 $ 11,817 2,715 25,071 $ 21 $ 5,550 29 5,600 $ - - - - The following table presents TDRs that were modified during 2013, their specific reserve at December 31, 2013, and charge-offs during 2013: Pre- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment Post- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment (Dollars in thousands) Specific Reserve No. of Contracts Charge- offs Commercial loans ............................................. Commercial mortgage loans ............................. Residential mortgage and equity lines .............. Total .................................................................... 9 $ 5 11 25 $ 12,026 $ 13,090 3,736 28,852 $ 10,860 $ 13,090 3,658 27,608 $ 550 $ 329 103 982 $ 1,166 - 78 1,244 The following table presents TDRs that were modified during 2012, their specific reserve at December 31, 2012, and charge-offs during 2012: Pre- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment Post- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment (Dollars in thousands) Specific Reserve No. of Contracts Charge-off Commercial loans ............................................. Commercial mortgage loans ............................. Residential mortgage and equity lines .............. Total .................................................................... 9 $ 20 14 43 $ 3,646 $ 62,118 4,305 70,069 $ 3,646 $ 58,393 4,223 66,262 $ 1,213 $ 27 162 1,402 $ - 3,725 82 3,807 F-21 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) A summary of TDRs by type of concession and by type of loans as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are shown below: Accruing TDRs Interest Deferral Principal Deferral December 31, 2014 Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal Rate Reduction Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral Total Commercial loans ................... $ Real estate construction loans Commercial mortgage loans ... Residential mortgage loans .... Total accruing TDRs ............... $ - $ - 436 - 436 $ 11,572 $ 5,765 20,107 3,316 40,760 $ (In thousands) - $ - 26,694 - 26,694 $ - $ - - 410 410 $ 4,934 $ - 26,351 4,771 16,506 5,765 73,588 8,497 36,056 $ 104,356 December 31, 2014 Non-accrual TDRs Interest Deferral Principal Deferral Rate Reduction (In thousands) Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral Total Commercial loans ....................................... $ Real estate construction loans .................... Commercial mortgage loans ....................... Residential mortgage loans ........................ Total non-accrual TDRs .............................. $ 1,184 $ - - - 1,184 $ 239 $ - 15,917 1,026 17,182 $ 860 $ - - - 860 $ 1,269 $ 19,462 973 688 22,392 $ 3,552 19,462 16,890 1,714 41,618 Accruing TDRs Principal Deferral As of December 31, 2013 Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal (In thousands) Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral Rate Reduction Total Commercial loans ....................................... $ Real estate construction loans .................... Commercial mortgage loans ....................... Residential mortgage loans ........................ Total accruing TDRs ................................... $ 9,112 $ - 11,333 1,564 22,009 $ 2,916 $ - 9,389 1,024 13,329 $ - $ - - - - $ 2,708 $ 5,834 70,200 3,517 82,259 $ 14,736 5,834 90,922 6,105 117,597 Non-accrual TDRs Interest Deferral As of December 31,2013 Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal (In thousands) Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral Principal Deferral Total Commercial loans ....................................... $ Real estate construction loans .................... Commercial mortgage loans ....................... Residential mortgage loans ........................ Total non-accrual TDRs .............................. $ - $ - 1,443 241 1,684 $ 2,866 $ 16,009 2,168 2,206 23,249 $ 1,352 $ - - - 1,352 $ - $ 9,263 1,843 1,378 12,484 $ 4,218 25,272 5,454 3,825 38,769 F-22 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Troubled debt restructurings on accrual status totaled $104.3 million at December 31, 2014, and were comprised of 60 loans, a decrease of $13.3 million, compared to 64 loans totaling $117.6 million at December 31, 2013. TDRs at December 31, 2014, were comprised of nine commercial loans of $16.5 million, three hotel loans of $15.7 million, 31 single family residential loans of $13.6 million, two industrial and manufactural use building loans of $12.2 million, two land loans for residential purpose of $10.2 million, four commercial condos loans of $10.1 million, three retail shopping and commercial use building loans of $9.0 million, one multi-family residential loan of $6.1 million, one shopping center construction loan of $5.8 million, three office buildings loans of $3.5 million, and one warehouse loan of $1.6 million. We expect that the troubled debt restructuring loans on accruing status as of December 31, 2014, which are 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. The comparable TDRs at December 31, 2013, were comprised of 13 retail shopping and commercial use building loans of $44.2 million, ten office and commercial use building loans of $28.6 million, four hotel loans of $17.2 million, 25 single family residential loans of $20.0 million, two warehouses of $1.6 million, five commercial loans of $5.3 million, and five multi-family residential loans of $748,000. The activity within our TDR loans for 2014, 2013, and 2012 are shown below: Accruing TDRs Beginning balance .................................................................. $ New restructurings ................................................................. Restructured loans restored to accrual status ......................... Charge-offs ............................................................................ Payments ................................................................................ Restructured loans placed on non-accrual .............................. Ending balance ....................................................................... $ Non-accrual TDRs 2014 2013 (In thousands) 2012 117,597 $ 23,740 962 - (13,256) (24,687) 104,356 $ 144,695 $ 21,382 6,851 (78 ) (52,362 ) (2,891 ) 117,597 $ 120,016 53,958 8,356 (251) (5,159) (32,225) 144,695 2014 2013 (In thousands) 2012 Beginning balance .................................................................. $ New restructurings ................................................................. Restructured loans placed on non-accrual .............................. Charge-offs ............................................................................ Payments ................................................................................ Foreclosures ........................................................................... Restructured loans restored to accrual status ......................... 38,769 $ 1,331 24,687 (8,937) (11,710) (1,560) (962) 47,731 $ 6,226 2,891 (2,124 ) (4,295 ) (4,809 ) (6,851 ) 50,870 12,304 32,225 (4,182) (33,931) (1,199) (8,356) Ending balance ....................................................................... $ 41,618 $ 38,769 $ 47,731 A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 60 to 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms. There were no loans modified as TDRs during the previous twelve months that subsequently defaulted as of December 31, 2014. 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 December 31, 2014, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to those borrowers whose loans have 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. Loans are risk rated based on analysis of the current state of the borrower’s credit quality. The analysis of credit quality includes a review of all sources of repayment, the borrower’s current financial and liquidity status and all other relevant information. The risk rating categories can be generally described by the following grouping for non-homogeneous loans: (cid:404) Pass/Watch – These loans range from minimal credit risk to lower than average, but still acceptable, credit risk. F-23 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) (cid:404) Special Mention – Borrower is fundamentally sound and the 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. (cid:404) Substandard – These loans are inadequately protected by current sound worth, paying capacity or pledged 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. (cid:404) 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. (cid:404) Loss – These loans are considered uncollectible and of such little value that to continue to carry the loans as an active asset is no longer warranted. The following tables present loan portfolio by risk rating as of December 31, 2014, and as of December 31, 2013: As of December 31, 2014 Pass/Watch Special Mention Substandard Doubtful Total Commercial loans ................................................. $ 2,260,474 $ Real estate construction loans .............................. 272,927 Commercial mortgage loans ................................. 4,213,453 Residential mortgage and equity lines .................. 1,733,248 3,552 Installment and other loans .................................. 47,619 $ - 105,970 - - 72,561 $ 25,227 167,020 9,690 - 500 1,839 $ 2,382,493 298,654 - 4,486,443 - 1,742,938 3,552 - Total gross loans .................................................. $ 8,483,654 $ 153,589 $ 274,498 $ 2,339 $ 8,914,080 Loans held for sale ............................................... $ - $ - $ 973 $ - $ 973 As of December 31, 2013 Pass/Watch Special Mention Substandard Doubtful Total Commercial loans ................................................. $ 2,108,191 $ Real estate construction loans .............................. 184,449 Commercial mortgage loans ................................. 3,686,788 Residential mortgage and equity lines .................. 1,510,647 14,555 Installment and other loans .................................. 84,786 $ - 127,436 - - 102,088 $ 33,939 208,827 15,885 - 3,659 $ 2,298,724 221,701 3,313 - 4,023,051 - 1,526,532 14,555 - Total gross loans .................................................. $ 7,504,630 $ 212,222 $ 360,739 $ 6,972 $ 8,084,563 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 and environmental conditions, among other factors. F-24 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of December 31, 2014, and as of December 31, 2013. Residential Real Estate Commercial Mortgage Commercial Construction Mortgage and Equity Consumer and Other Loans Loans Loans Lines Total December 31, 2014 Loans individually evaluated for impairment Allowance ............................. $ Balance .................................. $ 1,263 $ 23,489 $ 1,077 $ 25,728 $ 8,993 $ 109,194 $ 465 $ 16,108 $ - $ - $ 11,798 174,519 (In thousands) Loans collectively evaluated for impairment Allowance ............................. $ 46,238 $ Balance .................................. $ 2,359,004 $ 26,575 $ 11,113 $ 65,680 $ 272,926 $ 4,377,249 $ 1,726,830 $ 16 $ 149,622 3,552 $ 8,739,561 47,501 $ Total allowance ..................... $ Total balance ......................... $ 2,382,493 $ 11,578 $ 74,673 $ 27,652 $ 298,654 $ 4,486,443 $ 1,742,938 $ 16 $ 161,420 3,552 $ 8,914,080 December 31, 2013 Loans individually evaluated for impairment Allowance ............................. $ Balance .................................. $ 2,519 $ 31,968 $ 3,460 $ 34,420 $ 6,584 $ 114,544 $ 721 $ 19,848 $ - $ - $ 13,284 200,780 Loans collectively evaluated for impairment Allowance ............................. $ 62,584 $ Balance .................................. $ 2,266,756 $ 8,539 $ 11,284 $ 78,169 $ 187,281 $ 3,908,507 $ 1,506,684 $ 29 $ 160,605 14,555 $ 7,883,783 Total allowance ..................... $ 65,103 $ Total balance ......................... $ 2,298,724 $ 11,999 $ 12,005 $ 84,753 $ 221,701 $ 4,023,051 $ 1,526,532 $ 29 $ 173,889 14,555 $ 8,084,563 F-25 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories. Residential Real Estate Commercial Mortgage Installment Commercial Construction Mortgage and Equity and Other Loans Loans Loans Loans Lines Total 2013 Beginning Balance ... $ 66,101 $ 23,017 $ (In thousands) 82,473 $ 11,703 $ 28 $ 183,322 Provision/(reversal) for possible loan losses ......... 11,888 (13,302) (2,500) 924 (10) (3,000) Charge-offs ........................ Recoveries ......................... Net Charge-offs ................. (15,625 ) 2,739 (12,886 ) - 2,284 2,284 (3,945) 8,725 4,780 (872) 250 (622) 2013 Ending Balance ........ $ Reserve to impaired loans . $ Reserve to non-impaired 65,103 $ 2,519 $ 11,999 $ 3,460 $ 84,753 $ 6,584 $ 12,005 $ 721 $ - 11 11 29 $ - $ (20,442) 14,009 (6,433) 173,889 13,284 loans ................................ $ 62,584 $ 8,539 $ 78,169 $ 11,284 $ 29 $ 160,605 Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments $ 909 $ 304 $ 111 $ 38 $ 1 $ 1,363 2014 Beginning Balance ... $ 65,103 $ 11,999 $ 84,753 $ 12,005 $ 29 $ 173,889 Provision/(reversal) for possible loan losses ......... (22,244 ) 19,853 (8,197) (558) (26) (11,172) Charge-offs ........................ Recoveries ......................... Net Charge-offs ................. (7,875 ) 12,517 4,642 (6,747) 2,547 (4,200) (7,458) 5,575 (1,883) (155) 286 131 2014 Ending Balance ........ $ Reserve to impaired loans . $ Reserve to non-impaired 47,501 $ 1,263 $ 27,652 $ 1,077 $ 74,673 $ 8,993 $ 11,578 $ 465 $ - 13 13 16 $ - $ (22,235) 20,938 (1,297) 161,420 11,798 loans ................................ $ 46,238 $ 26,575 $ 65,680 $ 11,113 $ 16 $ 149,622 Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments $ 923 $ 728 $ 259 $ 39 $ - $ 1,949 F-26 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) An analysis of the activity in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows: Allowance for Loan Losses Balance at beginning of year ............................................................. $ (Reversal)/provision for credit losses ................................................ Transfers (to)/from reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments .................................................................................. Loans charged off .............................................................................. Recoveries of charged off loans ........................................................ Balance at end of year ....................................................................... $ Reserve for Off-balance Sheet Credit Commitments Balance at beginning of year ............................................................. $ Provision for credit losses/transfers .................................................. Balance at end of year ....................................................................... $ 2014 December 31, 2013 (In thousands) 2012 173,889 $ (10,800) 183,322 $ (3,000 ) (372) (22,235) 20,938 161,420 $ 1,363 $ 586 1,949 $ - (20,442 ) 14,009 173,889 $ 1,363 $ - 1,363 $ 206,280 (9,000) 706 (32,791) 18,127 183,322 2,069 (706) 1,363 Residential mortgage loans in process of formal foreclosure proceedings were $2.3 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $4.0 million at December 31, 2013. 6. Other Real Estate Owned At December 31, 2014, the net carrying value of other real estate owned (“OREO”) decreased $21.5 million, or 40.6%, to $31.5 million from $53.0 million at December 31, 2013. The carrying amount of foreclosed residential real estate properties held were $4.7 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $202,000 at December 31, 2013. OREO located in California was $4.1 million and was comprised primarily of one residential property of $2.0 million, four commercial use buildings of $1.2 million, one residential construction project of $526,000, one parcel of land zoned for residential purpose of $243,000, and one parcel of land zoned for commercial purpose of $235,000. OREO located in Texas was $15.7 million and was comprised of three parcels of land zoned for commercial purpose of $12.3 million, one medical office building of $1.6 million, a retail store of $761,000, a commercial building construction project of $752,000, and a shopping center of $304,000. OREO located in Illinois was $4.0 million and was comprised of two multi-family residential properties of $3.1 million and an office of $921,000. OREO located in the state of Washington was an office and commercial use building of $3.8 million. OREO located in the state of New York was $3.8 million and was comprised of one residential property of $2.7 million and a retail store of $1.1 million. For 2013, OREO located in California was $10.9 million and was comprised primarily of eight parcels of land zoned for residential purpose of $9.0 million, three commercial use buildings of $564,000, three commercial building construction projects of $635,000, one residential construction project of $530,000, and one parcel of land zoned for commercial purpose of $235,000. OREO located in Texas was $27.3 million and was comprised of three office and commercial use buildings of $12.5 million, six parcels of land zoned for residential purposes of $12.7 million, four commercial building construction projects of $1.3 million and a retail store of $766,000. OREO located in the state of Washington was $6.5 million and was comprised three parcels of land zoned for residential purpose of $667,000 and one office and commercial use building of $5.8 million. OREO located in the state of New York was one office and commercial use building $893,000. OREO located in the state of North Carolina was one commercial use building of $4.1 million. OREO located in Illinois was $3.3 million and was comprised of one condominium property of $2.4 million, two commercial use properties of $639,000 and one residential property of $202,000. F-27 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) An analysis of the activity in the valuation allowance for other real estate losses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows: 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2013 (In thousands) 2012 Balance, beginning of year ................................................................ $ Provision/(Reversal) for losses .......................................................... OREO disposal ................................................................................... Balance, end of year .......................................................................... $ 13,384 $ 1,619 (12,893) 2,110 $ 19,556 $ (2,122 ) (4,050 ) 13,384 $ 26,422 10,668 (17,534) 19,556 The following table presents the components of other real estate owned expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012: 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2013 (In thousands) 2012 Operating expense .............................................................................. $ Provision/(reversal) for losses ........................................................... Net gain on transfers and disposals .................................................... Total other real estate owned expense ............................................... $ 1,142 $ 1,619 (4,065) (1,304) $ 3,680 $ (2,122 ) (1,793 ) (235 ) $ 4,817 10,668 (369) 15,116 7. Investments in Affordable Housing The Company has invested in certain limited partnerships that were formed to develop and operate housing for lower- income tenants throughout the United States. The Company’s investments in these partnerships were $104.6 million at December 31, 2014, and $84.1 million at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, seven of the limited partnerships in which the Company has an equity interest were determined to be variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The consolidation of these limited partnerships in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements increased total assets and liabilities by $24.8 million at December 31, 2014, and by $23.8 million at December 31, 2013. Other borrowings for affordable housing limited partnerships were $19.9 million at December 31, 2014, and $19.1 million at December 31, 2013; recourse is limited to the assets of the limited partnerships. Unfunded commitments for affordable housing limited partnerships of $22.0 million as of December 31, 2014, and $7.0 million as of December 31, 2013, were recorded under other liabilities. Each of the partnerships must meet regulatory requirements for affordable housing for a minimum 15-year compliance period to fully utilize the tax credits. If the partnerships cease to qualify during the compliance period, the credits may be denied for any period in which the projects are not in compliance and a portion of the credits previously taken is subject to recapture with interest. The remaining tax credits to be utilized over a multiple-year period are $57.7 million for Federal and $1.4 million for state at December 31, 2014. The Company’s usage of tax credits approximated $10.2 million in 2014, $9.8 million in 2013, and $9.2 million in 2012. Losses in excess of the Bank’s investment in two limited partnerships have not been recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements because the Company had fully satisfied all capital commitments required under the respective limited partnership agreements. F-28 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) 8. Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013: Land and land improvements ...................................................................................... $ Building and building improvements .......................................................................... Furniture, fixtures and equipment ............................................................................... Leasehold improvement ............................................................................................... Construction in process ............................................................................................... Less: Accumulated depreciation/amortization ............................................................ Premises and equipment, net ....................................................................................... $ As of December 31, 2014 2013 (In thousands) 33,543 $ 74,550 47,936 14,006 54 170,089 70,407 99,682 $ 33,441 73,756 44,278 12,753 1,160 165,388 63,343 102,045 The amount of depreciation/amortization included in operating expense was $7.1 million in 2014, $6.7 million in 2013, and $5.9 million in 2012. 9. Deposits The following table displays deposit balances as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013: Demand ........................................................................................................... $ NOW accounts ................................................................................................ Money market accounts .................................................................................. Saving accounts .............................................................................................. Time deposits under $100,000 ........................................................................ Time deposits of $100,000 or more ................................................................. Total ............................................................................................................ $ Time deposits outstanding as of December 31, 2014, mature as follows. As of December 31, 2014 2013 (In thousands) 1,664,914 $ 778,691 1,538,187 533,940 1,162,547 3,105,181 8,783,460 $ 1,441,858 683,873 1,286,338 499,520 931,204 3,138,512 7,981,305 2015 Time deposits, $100,000 Expected Maturity Date at December 31, 2019 2016 2017 2018 (In thousands) Thereafter Total and over .......................... $ 2,601,143 $ 163,048 $ 238,333 $ 61,992 $ Other time deposits ............ 772,529 162,465 109,302 116,420 $ 3,373,672 $ 325,513 $ 347,635 $ 178,412 $ 40,665 $ 1,820 42,485 $ - $ 3,105,181 11 1,162,547 11 $ 4,267,728 F-29 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Accrued interest payable on customer deposits was $2.3 million at December 31, 2014, $2.0 million at December 31, 2013, and $2.1 million at December 31, 2012. The following table summarizes the interest expense on deposits by account type for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012: Interest bearing demand ............................................ $ Money market accounts ............................................ Saving accounts ........................................................ Time deposits ............................................................ Total ...................................................................... $ 10. Borrowed Funds 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2013 (In thousands) 2012 1,229 $ 8,627 802 35,111 45,769 $ 1,017 $ 7,034 374 31,964 40,389 $ 792 5,938 365 40,278 47,373 Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase were $450.0 million with a weighted average rate of 3.85% at December 31, 2014, compared to $800.0 million with a weighted average rate of 3.87% at December 31, 2013. In 2014, the Company prepaid securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaling $100 million with a weighted average rate of 3.5% and incurred prepayment penalties of $3.4 million. In 2013, the Company prepaid securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaling $450 million with a weighted average rate of 3.79% and incurred prepayment penalties of $22.6 million. Four floating-to-fixed rate agreements totaling $200.0 million have initial floating rates for one year, with floating rates of three-month LIBOR rate minus 340 basis points. Thereafter, the rates are fixed for the remainder of the term, with interest rates ranging from 4.89% to 5.07%. After the initial floating rate term, the counterparties have the right to terminate the transaction at par at the fixed rate reset date and quarterly thereafter. One fixed- to-floating rate agreement of $50.0 million had an initial fixed rate of 1.00% with initial fixed rate term of nine months. For the remaining term, the rates float at 8% minus the three-month LIBOR rate with a maximum rate of 3.50% and a minimum rate of 0.0%. After the initial fixed rate term, the counterparties have the right to terminate the transaction at par at the floating rate reset date and quarterly thereafter. The table below provides summary data for the $250.0 million of callable securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of December 31, 2014: (Dollars in millions) Rate type Rate index Maximum rate .................................................. Minimum rate ................................................... No. of agreements ............................................ Amount ............................................................. $ Weighted average rate ...................................... Final maturity ................................................... Fixed-to-floating Floating-to-fixed Total Float Rate 8% minus 3 month LIBOR Fixed Rate 3.50% 0.0% 1 50.0 $ 3.50% 2015 4 200.0 $ 5.00% 2017 5 250.0 4.70% The table below provides summary data for non-callable fixed rate securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of December 31, 2014: Maturity 1 year to 3 years ......................................................... 3 years to 5 years ........................................................ Total ........................................................................... No. of Agreements 2 2 4 $ $ Amount (In thousands) Weighted Average Interest Rate 100,000 100,000 200,000 2.71% 2.86% 2.78% These transactions are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded at the amounts at which the securities were sold. The Company may have to provide additional collateral for the repurchase agreements, as necessary. The underlying collateral pledged for the repurchase agreements consists of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency securities, and mortgage-backed securities with a fair value of $516.3 million as of December 31, 2014, and $906.1 million as of December 31, 2013. F-30 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) The table below provides comparative data for securities sold under agreements to repurchase for the years indicated: 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) 2012 Average amount outstanding during the year (1) .............................. $ Maximum amount outstanding at month-end (2) .............................. Balance, December 31 ....................................................................... Rate, December 31 ............................................................................ Weighted average interest rate for the year ....................................... 629,315 $ 700,000 450,000 3.85% 3.92% 972,329 $ 1,200,000 800,000 3.87% 3.88% 1,361,475 1,400,000 1,250,000 3.84% 4.09% (1) Average balances were computed using daily averages. (2) Highest month-end balances were January 2014, January 2013, and January 2012. Advances from the FHLB were $425.0 million with a weighted average rate of 0.32% at December 31, 2014, compared to $521.2 million with weighted average rate of 0.17% at December 31, 2013. The Company prepaid $171.2 million advances from the FHLB at a rate of 1.08% with prepayment penalties of $527,000 in 2014 and did not prepay any advances from the FHLB in 2013. The following relates to the outstanding advances at December 31, 2014, and 2013: 2014 2013 Amount Weighted Average Amount Weighted Average Maturity Within 90 days ................................................. $ 4 - 5 years .......................................................... Total .................................................................. $ (In thousands) Interest Rate (In thousands) Interest Rate 400,000 25,000 425,000 0.27% $ 1.13% 0.32% $ 475,000 46,200 521,200 0.06% 1.24% 0.17% Other Liabilities. On November 23, 2004, the Company entered into an agreement with its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) pursuant to which the CEO agreed to defer any bonus amounts in excess of $225,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005, until the later of January 1 of the first year following the CEO’s separation from service or the first day of the seventh month following the CEO’s separation from service. Accordingly, an amount equal to $610,000 was deferred in 2004 and was accrued in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company agreed to accrue interest on the deferred portion of the bonus at 7.0% per annum compounded quarterly. The deferred amount will be increased each quarter by the amount of interest computed for that quarter. On November 23, 2014, the interest rate was reset to 5.06% based on 275 basis points above the interest rate on the ten-year Treasury Note on that date. On March 13, 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Company awarded the Company’s CEO a cash bonus in the amount of $300,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2013, and provided as part of the award that payment of the bonus would be deferred until the later of January 1 of the first year following the CEO’s separation from service or the first day of the seventh month following the CEO’s separation from service. The Company accrues interest on the deferred bonus at 5.02% per annum compounded quarterly. Beginning on the fifth anniversary of the agreement, the interest rate will be reset at 350 basis points above the then prevailing interest rate on the five-year Treasury Note. Interest of $93,000 during 2014, $77,000 during 2013, and $71,000 during 2012 was accrued on deferred bonus. The balance was $1.5 million at December 31, 2014, and $1.1 million at December 31, 2013. 11. Capital Resources The Company participated in the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. Upon the approval of participation, the U.S. Treasury purchased the Company’s senior preferred stock on December 5, 2008, in the amount of $258.0 million. The senior preferred stock paid cumulative compounding dividends at a rate of 5% per year for the first five years, and thereafter at a rate of 9% per year. The shares are non-voting, other than class voting rights on matters that could adversely affect the shares. In conjunction with F-31 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) the purchase of senior preferred shares, the U.S. Treasury received warrants to purchase 1,846,374 shares of common stock at the exercise price of $20.96 with an aggregate exercise price equal to $38.7 million, 15% of the senior preferred stock amount that U.S. Treasury invested. In 2013, the Company redeemed all $258 million Series B Preferred Stock issued under the U.S. Treasury's TARP Capital Purchase Program. On December 9, 2013, the U.S. Treasury sold all of the warrants that it held for $13.1 million, or $7.20 per warrant, through a secondary public offering. On September 29, 2006, the Bank issued $50.0 million in subordinated debt in a private placement transaction. The debt had an original maturity term of 10 years, was unsecured and bore interest at a rate of three-month LIBOR plus 110 basis points, payable on a quarterly basis. In March 2011, the Company extended the debt for an additional year. As part of the extension agreement, the rate was increased from LIBOR plus 110 basis points to LIBOR plus 330 basis points for 2012 and 2011, after which time it reverts back to LIBOR plus 110 basis points. The per annum interest rate on the subordinated debt was 3.61% at December 31, 2012. In December 2013, the subordinated debt was repaid in full with a prepayment penalty of $2,000. The Bancorp established three special purpose trusts in 2003 and two in 2007 for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities to outside investors (“Capital Securities”). The trusts exist for the purpose of issuing the Capital Securities and investing the proceeds thereof, together with proceeds from the purchase of the common securities of the trusts by the Bancorp, in Junior Subordinated Notes issued by the Bancorp. 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 Bancorp to the extent the trusts have funds on hand at such time. The obligations of the Bancorp under the guarantees and the Junior Subordinated Notes are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all indebtedness of the Bancorp and will be structurally subordinated to all liabilities and obligations of the Bancorp’s subsidiaries. The Bancorp 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 Bancorp 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 the Bancorp has deferred payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Notes. The five special purpose trusts are considered variable interest entities. Because the Bancorp is not the primary beneficiary of the trusts, the financial statements of the trusts are not included in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. The Junior Subordinated Notes are currently included in the Tier 1 capital of the Bancorp for regulatory capital purposes. Interest expense on the Junior Subordinated Notes was $4.5 million for 2014, $3.0 million for 2013, and $3.2 million for 2012. F-32 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) The table below summarizes the outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes issued by the Company to each trust as of December 31, 2014: Trust Name Cathay Capital Trust I .......... Issuance Date June 26, 2003 Principal Not Balance of Redeemable Notes Until Stated Maturity Annualized Coupon Rate Current Interest Rate Date of Rate Change Payable/ Distribution Date $ 20,619 (Dollars in thousands) June 30, 2008 June 30, 2033 Cathay Statutory Trust I ....... September 17, 2003 20,619 September 17, 2008 September 17, 2033 Cathay Capital Trust II ......... December 30, 2003 12,887 March 30, 2009 March 30, 2034 Cathay Capital Trust III ........ March 28, 2007 46,392 June 15, 2012 June 15, 2037 Cathay Capital Trust IV ....... May 31, 2007 18,619 September 6, 2012 September 6, 2037 Total Junior Subordinated Notes ......................... $ 119,136 12. Income Taxes 3-month LIBOR+ 3.15% 3-month LIBOR + 3.00% 3-month LIBOR + 2.90% 3-month LIBOR + 1.48% 3-month LIBOR + 1.4% 3.41% December 30, 2014 3.24% December 17, 2014 3.16% December 30, 2014 1.72% December 15, 2014 1.64% December 8, 2014 March 30 June 30 September 30 December 30 March 17 June 17 September 17 December 17 March 30 June 30 September 30 December 30 March 15 June 15 September 15 December 15 March 6 June 6 September 6 December 6 For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the current and deferred amounts of the income tax expense are summarized as follows: Current: Federal ................................................................................................ $ State .................................................................................................... Total Current ....................................................................................... $ Deferred: Federal ................................................................................................ State .................................................................................................... Total Deferred ..................................................................................... $ Total income tax expense/(benefit) ......................................................... $ 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2013 (In thousands) 2012 36,180 $ 14,481 50,661 $ 23,783 7,521 31,304 $ 81,965 $ 62,254 $ 23,295 85,549 $ (11,162) (3,952) (15,114) $ 70,435 $ 44,263 17,081 61,344 3,755 1,029 4,784 66,128 F-33 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Temporary differences between the amounts reported in the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities give rise to deferred taxes. Net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2014, and at December 31, 2013, are included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and are as follows: Deferred Tax Assets Loan loss allowance, due to differences in computation of bad debts ............................. $ Share-based compensation ............................................................................................... Accrual for bonuses .......................................................................................................... Non-accrual interest ........................................................................................................ Accrual for litigation ........................................................................................................ Write-down on equity securities and venture capital investments .................................. Write-down on other real estate owned ............................................................................ State tax ........................................................................................................................... Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps .............................................................................. Unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale, net ....................................................... Other, net ......................................................................................................................... Gross deferred tax assets ................................................................................................. Deferred Tax Liabilities Basis difference in acquired assets ................................................................................... Dividends on Federal Home Loan Bank common stock .................................................. Other, net ......................................................................................................................... Gross deferred tax liabilities ........................................................................................... Valuation allowance ......................................................................................................... Net deferred tax assets ..................................................................................................... $ As of December 31, 2014 2013 (In thousands) 66,999 $ 12,808 4,585 3,735 2,918 2,697 1,357 3,253 1,739 2,301 2,179 104,571 (3,321 ) (1,927 ) (3,075 ) (8,323 ) - 96,248 $ 89,560 13,573 3,380 3,968 2,415 2,857 8,595 6,493 - 21,569 4,214 156,624 (3,138) (2,986) (2,773) (8,897) (1,263) 146,464 Amounts for the current year are based upon estimates and assumptions and could vary from amounts shown on the tax returns as filed. In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize all benefits related to these deductible temporary differences. The Company had income tax refunds receivables of $18.1 million at December 31, 2014, and $8.6 million at December 31, 2013. These income tax receivables are included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2014, the Company had Federal net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $0.8 million which expire through 2022. The Federal net operating loss carry-forwards were acquired in connection with the Company’s acquisition of United Heritage Bank. At both December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no unrecognized tax benefits. The Company’s tax returns are open for audits by the Internal Revenue Service back to 2011 and by the California Franchise Tax Board back to 2003. The Company is under audit by the California Franchise Tax Board for the years 2003 to 2007. As the Company is presently under audit by a number of tax authorities, 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. F-34 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Income tax expense results in effective tax rates that differ from the statutory Federal income tax rate for the years indicated as follows: 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2013 (In thousands) 2012 Tax provision at Federal statutory rate ........................................... $ 76,928 35.0% $ 67,752 35.0% $ 64,248 35.0% State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit .................... 14,324 6.6 12,573 6.5 11,772 6.4 Interest on obligations of state and political subdivisions, which are exempt from Federal taxation ... Low income housing and other - - (348) (0.2) (1,456) (0.8) tax credits .................................. Other, net ...................................... Total income tax expense ............. $ (10,014) 727 81,965 (4.6) 0.3 37.3% $ (10,056) 514 70,435 (5.2) 0.3 36.4% $ (9,353) 917 66,128 (5.1) 0.5 36.0% 13. Stockholders’ Equity and Earnings per Share As a bank holding company, the Bancorp’s ability to pay dividends will depend upon the dividends it receives from the Bank and on the income it may generate from any other activities in which it may engage, either directly or through other subsidiaries. Under California banking law, the Bank may not, without regulatory approval, pay a cash dividend that exceeds the lesser of the Bank’s retained earnings or its net income for the last three fiscal years, less any cash distributions made during that period. Under this regulation, the amount of retained earnings available for cash dividends to the Company immediately after December 31, 2014, is restricted to approximately $57.2 million. During 2003, the Bank formed Cathay Real Estate Investment Trust (“Trust”) to provide the Bank flexibility in raising capital. In 2003 and 2004, the Trust sold to accredited investors $8.6 million of its 7.0% Series A Non-Cumulative preferred stock which pays dividends, if declared, at the end of each quarter. This preferred stock qualified as Tier 1 capital under current regulatory guidelines. The Company paid dividends of $605,000 in 2013 and $605,000 in 2012. The Bank dissolved the Trust on December 23, 2013. F-35 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Activity in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, and reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013 was as follows: 2014 Tax expense/ (Benefit) Net-of-tax Pre-tax 2013 Tax expense/ (Benefit) Net-of-tax Pre-tax (In thousands) Beginning balance, (loss)/income, net of tax Securities available-for sale ...... Cash flow hedge derivatives ..... Total ...................................... Net unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period Securities available-for sale ....... $ Cash flow hedge derivatives ...... Total ....................................... Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income Securities available-for sale ....... Cash flow hedge derivatives ...... Total ....................................... Net unrealized gains arising from transferring securities held-to-maturity to available- for-sale ...................................... Total other comprehensive income/(loss) Securities available-for sale ....... Cash flow hedge derivatives ...... Total ....................................... $ Ending balance, loss, net of tax Securities available-for sale ....... Cash flow hedge derivatives ...... Total ....................................... $ $ (29,729) - (29,729) $ $ 465 - 465 39,077 $ (4,136) 34,941 16,431 $ (1,739) 14,692 22,646 $ (117,515) $ (2,397) - (117,515) 20,249 (49,407) $ - (49,407) $ (68,108) - (68,108) 6,748 - 6,748 2,837 - 2,837 3,911 - 3,911 27,362 - 27,362 11,503 - 11,503 15,859 - 15,859 - - - 38,052 15,997 22,055 45,825 (4,136) 41,689 $ 19,268 (1,739) 17,529 $ 26,557 (2,397) 24,160 $ (52,101) - (52,101) $ (21,907) - (21,907) $ (30,194) - (30,194) $ $ (3,172) (2,397) (5,569) $ $ (29,729) - (29,729) The Board of Directors of the Bancorp is authorized to issue preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the voting powers, designations, preferences or other rights of the shares of each such class or series and the qualifications, limitations, and restrictions thereon. Any preferred stock issued by the Bancorp may rank prior to the Bancorp common stock as to dividend rights, liquidation preferences, or both, may have full or limited voting rights, and may be convertible into shares of the Bancorp common stock. Pursuant to the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, on December 5, 2008, the U.S. Treasury purchased 258,000 shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock in the amount of $258.0 million. The Series B Preferred Stock paid cumulative compounding dividends at a rate of 5% per year for the first five years, and thereafter at a rate of 9% per year. In conjunction with the purchase of senior preferred shares, the U.S. Treasury received warrants to purchase 1,846,374 shares of common stock at the exercise price of $20.96 per share with an aggregate market price equal to $38.7 million, or 15%, of the senior preferred stock amount that the U.S. Treasury invested. The exercise price of $20.96 on warrants was calculated based on the average of closing prices of the Company’s common stock on the 20 trading days ending on the last trading day prior to November 17, 2008, the date that the Company received the preliminary approval of the purchase from the U.S. Treasury. In F-36 Net income ...... $ Dividends on preferred stock ............. CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) 2013, the Company redeemed all $258 million Series B Preferred Stock issued under the U.S. Treasury's TARP Capital Purchase Program. On December 9, 2013, the U.S. Treasury sold all of the warrants that it held for $13.1 million, or $7.20 per warrant, through a secondary public offering. The following is the reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the years as indicated: 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2013 2012 Income Per Share (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount (In thousands, except shares and per share data) $ $ Per Share Per Share 123,143 117,438 137,830 Income Income Shares Shares Shares - (9,685) (16,488) Basic EPS, income/(loss) $ 137,830 79,661,571 $ 1.73 $ 113,458 78,954,898 $ 1.44 $ 100,950 78,719,133 $ 1.28 Effect of dilutive stock options ......... Diluted EPS, 445,324 183,085 4,164 income/(loss) $ 137,830 80,106,895 $ 1.72 $ 113,458 79,137,983 $ 1.43 $ 100,950 78,723,297 $ 1.28 Options to purchase an additional 2.0 million shares at December 31, 2014, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect. Options to purchase an additional 2.2 million shares at December 31, 2013, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect. 14. Commitments and Contingencies Litigation. The Company is involved in various litigation concerning transactions entered into during the normal course of business. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not believe that the resolution of such litigation will have a material effect upon its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity taken as a whole. Lending. In the normal course of business, the Company 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. Those instruments represent varying degrees of exposure to risk in excess of the amounts included in the accompanying 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 exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Unless noted otherwise, the Company does not require collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk. F-37 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Financial instruments for which contract amounts represent the amount of credit risk include the following: Commitments to extend credit ............................................................................ $ Standby letters of credit ...................................................................................... Commercial letters of credit ................................................................................ Bill of lading guarantees ..................................................................................... Total ................................................................................................................ $ As of December 31, 2014 2013 (In thousands) 2,071,766 $ 53,910 48,143 108 2,173,927 $ 1,858,669 45,058 54,098 80 1,957,905 Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment agreement. These commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and are expected to expire without being drawn upon. The total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrowers. As of December 31, 2014, the Company does not have fixed-rate or variable-rate commitments with characteristics similar to options, which provide the holder, for a premium paid at inception to the Company, the benefits of favorable movements in the price of an underlying asset or index with limited or no exposure to losses from unfavorable price movements. As of December 31, 2014, commitments to extend credit of $2.1 billion include commitments to fund fixed rate loans of $125.8 million and adjustable rate loans of $1.9 billion. Commercial letters of credit and bill of lading guarantees are issued to facilitate domestic and foreign trade transactions while standby letters of credit are issued to make payments on behalf of customers if certain specified future events occur. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit and bill of lading guarantees is essentially the same as that involved in making loans to customers. Leases. The Company is obligated under a number of operating leases for premises and equipment with terms ranging from one to 25 years, many of which provide for periodic adjustment of rentals based on changes in various economic indicators. Rental expense was $8.2 million for 2014, $7.7 million for 2013, and $7.4 million for 2012. The following table shows future minimum payments under operating leases with terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2014. Year Ending December 31, 2015 ............................................................................................................................................................ $ 2016 ............................................................................................................................................................ 2017 ............................................................................................................................................................ 2018 ............................................................................................................................................................ 2019 ............................................................................................................................................................ Thereafter ................................................................................................................................................... Total minimum lease payments .............................................................................................................. $ Commitments (In thousands) 6,767 5,840 4,349 3,888 2,431 5,552 28,827 F-38 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Rental income was $0.2 million for 2014, $0.3 million for 2013, and $0.3 million for 2012. The following table shows future rental payments to be received under operating leases with terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2014: Year Ending December 31, 2015 ............................................................................................................................................................. $ 2016 ............................................................................................................................................................. 2017 ............................................................................................................................................................. 2018 ............................................................................................................................................................. 2019 ............................................................................................................................................................. Thereafter ................................................................................................................................................... Total minimum lease payments to be received ....................................................................................... $ Commitments (In thousands) 65 46 47 49 33 - 240 15. Financial Derivatives It is our policy not to speculate on the future direction of interest rates. However, we 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 protect our position through the purchase or sale of interest rate futures contracts for a specific cash or interest rate risk position. Other hedging transactions may be implemented using interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, floors, financial futures, forward rate agreements, and options on futures or bonds. 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 will require an assessment of basis risk and must be approved by the Bancorp or the Bank’s Investment Committee. In May 2014, the Bancorp entered into five 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 three-month LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 0.24%. As of December 31, 2014, the notional amount of cash flow interest rate swaps was $119.1 million and their unrealized loss of $2.4 million, net of taxes, was included in other comprehensive income. The amount of periodic net settlement of interest rate swaps included in interest expense was $1.5 million in 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the ineffective portion of these interest rate swaps was not significant. In June 2014, the Bank entered into ten interest rate swap contracts in the notional amount of $148.1 million for various terms from four to eight years. In October 2014, the Bank entered into four additional interest rate swap contracts in the notional amount of $34.9 million. 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 loan 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 4.60% and receives a variable rate at one month LIBOR rate plus a weighted average spread of 292 basis points, or at a weighted average rate of 3.08%. As of December 31, 2014, the notional amount of fair value interest rate swaps was $181.3 million and their unrealized loss of $489,000 was included in other non-interest income. The amount of periodic net settlement of interest rate swaps reducing interest income was $1.3 million in 2014. As of December 31, 2014, 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 F-39 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) counterparty. The Company’s interest rate swaps have been assigned by the counterparties to a derivatives clearing organization and daily margin is indirectly maintained with the derivatives clearing organization. Cash posted as collateral by the Bancorp related to derivative contracts totaled $7.5 million as of December 31, 2014. The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts with various counterparties to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for foreign exchange certificates of deposit, foreign exchange contracts, or foreign currency option 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, foreign exchange contracts, or foreign currency option 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. At December 31, 2014, no option contracts were outstanding. Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $167.0 million had a positive fair value of $1.9 million at December 31, 2014. Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $178.9 million had a negative fair value of $5.0 million at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013, the notional amount of option contracts totaled $200,000 with a net positive fair value of $83. Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $267.6 million had a positive fair value of $6.2 million at December 31, 2013. Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $236.3 million had a negative fair value of $6.1 million at December 31, 2013. 16. Fair Value Measurements The Company adopted ASC Topic 820 on January 1, 2008, and determined the fair values of our financial instruments based on the following: (cid:404) Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. (cid:404) 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. (cid:404) Level 3 – Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own judgments 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 actively traded agency preferred stocks, mutual funds, and 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, state and municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), commercial MBS, collateralized mortgage obligations, asset-backed securities, corporate bonds and trust preferred securities. Trading Securities. The Company measures the fair value of trading securities based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets at the reporting date, a Level 1 measurement. The Company also measures the fair value for other trading securities based on quoted market prices for similar securities or dealer quotes, a Level 2 measurement. Warrants. The Company measures the fair value of warrants based on unobservable inputs based on assumption and management judgment, a Level 3 measurement. Currency Option Contracts and Foreign Exchange Contracts. The Company measures the fair value of currency option and foreign exchange contracts based on dealer quotes on a recurring basis, a Level 2 measurement. The valuation techniques for the assets and liabilities valued on a nonrecurring basis are as follows: F-40 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Impaired Loans. The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral dependent impaired loans are recorded based on either the current appraised value of the collateral, a Level 2 measurement, or management’s judgment and estimation of value reported on old appraisals which are then adjusted based on recent market trends, a 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. Goodwill. The Company completes “step one” of the impairment test by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit (as determined based on the discussion below) with the recorded book value (or “carrying amount”) of its net assets, with goodwill included in the computation of the carrying amount. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of that reporting unit is not considered impaired, and “step two” of the impairment test is not necessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, step two of the impairment test is performed to determine the amount of impairment. Step two of the impairment test compares the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the “implied fair value” of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is computed by assuming all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit would be adjusted to the current fair value, with the offset as an adjustment to goodwill. This adjusted goodwill balance is the implied fair value used in step two. An impairment charge is then recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. In connection with the determination of fair value, certain data and information was utilized, including earnings forecasts at the reporting unit level for the next four years. Other key assumptions include terminal values based on future growth rates and discount rates for valuing the cash flows, which have inputs for the risk-free rate, market risk premium and adjustments to reflect inherent risk and required market returns. Because of the significance of unobservable inputs in the valuation of goodwill impairment, goodwill subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments is classified as Level 3 measurement. Core Deposit Intangibles. Core deposit intangibles is initially recorded at fair value based on a valuation of the core deposits acquired and is amortized over its estimated useful life to its residual value in proportion to the economic benefits consumed. The Company assesses the recoverability of this intangible asset on a nonrecurring basis using the core deposits remaining at the assessment date and the fair value of cash flows expected to be generated from the core deposits, a Level 3 measurement. Other Real Estate Owned. Real estate acquired in the settlement of loans is initially recorded at fair value based on the appraised value of the property on the date of transfer, less estimated costs to sell, a Level 2 measurement. From time to time, nonrecurring fair value adjustments are made to other real estate owned based on the current updated appraised value of the property, also a Level 2 measurement, or management’s judgment and estimation of value reported on old appraisals which are then adjusted based on recent market trends, a Level 3 measurement. Investments in Venture Capital. The Company periodically reviews for OTTI on a nonrecurring basis. Investments in venture capital were written down to their fair value based on available financial reports from venture capital partnerships and management’s judgment and estimation, a Level 3 measurement. F-41 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) The following tables present the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014, and at December 31, 2013: As of December 31, 2014 Assets Securities available-for-sale Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total at Fair Value (In thousands) U.S. Treasury securities ............................................................ $ Mortgage-backed securities ...................................................... Collateralized mortgage obligations ......................................... Corporate debt securities .......................................................... Mutual funds ............................................................................. Preferred stock of government sponsored entities .................... Other equity securities .............................................................. Total securities available-for-sale ................................................ Warrants ....................................................................................... Foreign exchange contracts .......................................................... Total assets ........................................................................... $ 664,004 - - - 5,866 - - 669,870 - - 669,870 $ $ 544,303 45 94,472 - 3,224 7,021 649,065 - 1,876 650,941 $ - $ 664,004 - 544,303 - 45 - 94,472 - 5,866 - 3,224 7,021 - - 1,318,935 27 1,876 27 $ 1,320,838 27 - Liabilities Interest rate swaps ........................................................................ $ Foreign exchange contracts .......................................................... Total liabilities ..................................................................... $ - $ - - $ 4,626 $ 5,007 9,633 $ - $ - - $ 4,626 5,007 9,633 As of December 31, 2013 Assets Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total at Fair Value (In thousands) Securities available-for-sale U.S. Treasury securities ............................................................ $ Mortgage-backed securities ...................................................... Collateralized mortgage obligations ......................................... Asset-backed securities ............................................................ Corporate debt securities .......................................................... Mutual funds ............................................................................. Preferred stock of government sponsored entities .................... Total securities available-for-sale ................................................ Trading securities ......................................................................... Warrants ....................................................................................... Option contracts ........................................................................... Foreign exchange contracts .......................................................... Total assets ........................................................................... $ Liabilities 460,193 $ - - - - 5,725 - - $ 952,814 6,106 123 150,304 - 11,403 465,918 1,120,750 4,936 - - 6,182 465,918 $ 1,131,868 $ - - - - 460,193 - $ 952,814 - 6,106 - 123 - 150,304 - 5,725 - 11,403 - - 1,586,668 4,936 - 30 30 - - 6,182 - 30 $ 1,597,816 Foreign exchange contracts .......................................................... Total liabilities ..................................................................... $ - - $ 6,140 6,140 $ - - $ 6,140 6,140 F-42 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) For financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis that were still reflected in the balance sheet at December 31, 2014 and 2013, the following tables provide the level of valuation assumptions used to determine each adjustment and the carrying value of the related individual assets at December 31, 2014, and at December 31, 2013, and the total losses for the periods indicated: As of December 31, 2014 Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Losses/(Gains) Total at Fair Value For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Assets Impaired loans by type: Commercial loans ............. $ Commercial mortgage loans ............................. Construction- residential ... Construction- other ........... Residential mortgage and equity lines ................... Land loans ......................... Total impaired loans ....... Other real estate owned (1) ... Investments in venture capital and private company stock .................. Equity investments ................ Total assets .................. $ - $ - $ 3,774 $ 3,774 $ 17 $ 5,731 - - - - - - - - - $ - - - - - - 16,458 25,029 - 7,625 13,126 - 49,554 4,110 25,029 - 7,625 13,126 - 49,554 20,568 3,914 - - 27 - 3,958 202 - - 16,458 $ 5,495 617 59,776 $ 5,495 617 76,234 $ 436 - 4,596 $ 125 - - 213 - 6,069 (3,134) 409 - 3,344 (1) Other real estate owned balance of $31.5 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheets is net of estimated disposal costs. As of December 31, 2013 Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Losses Total at Fair Value For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012 December 31, 2013 (In thousands) Assets Impaired loans by type: Commercial loans ............. $ Commercial mortgage loans ............................. Construction- residential ... Construction- other ........... Residential mortgage and equity lines ................... Land loans ......................... Total impaired loans ....... Other real estate owned (1) ... Investments in venture capital and private company stock .................. Equity investments ................ Total assets ................... $ - $ - $ 7,584 $ 7,584 $ 5,731 $ - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13,248 29,001 500 15,363 14,236 29 66,713 26,498 29,001 500 15,363 14,236 29 66,713 39,746 125 - - 213 - 6,069 (3,134) - 642 642 $ - - 13,248 $ 8,900 - 102,111 $ 8,900 642 116,001 $ 409 - 3,344 $ - 440 - 65 605 162 1,272 10,904 309 181 12,666 (1) Other real estate owned balance of $53.0 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheets is net of estimated disposal costs. F-43 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) The significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs used in the fair value measurement of collateral for collateral-dependent impaired loans was primarily based on the appraised value of collateral adjusted by estimated sales cost and commissions. The Company generally obtains new appraisal reports every six months. 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 reported periods, collateral discounts ranged from 45% in the case of accounts receivable collateral to 65% in the case of inventory collateral. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of other real estate owned (“OREO”) was primarily based on the appraised value of OREO adjusted by estimated sales cost and commissions. The Company applies estimated sales cost and commission ranging from 3% to 6% of collateral value of impaired loans, quoted price or loan sale price of loans held for sale, and appraised value of OREOs. The significant unobservable inputs in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the fair value of warrants are the expected life of warrant ranging from 1 to 6 years, risk-free interest rate from 0.68% to 1.83%, and stock volatility of the Company from 9.42% to 16.0%. 17. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments. Cash and Cash Equivalents. For cash and cash equivalents, the carrying amount was assumed to be a reasonable estimate of fair value, a Level 1 measurement. Short-term Investments. For short-term investments, the carrying amount was assumed to be a reasonable estimate of fair value, a Level 1 measurement. Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell. The fair value of securities purchased under agreements to resell is based on dealer quotes, a Level 2 measurement. Securities. For securities, including securities held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and for trading, fair values were based on quoted market prices at the reporting date. If a quoted market price was not available, fair value was estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities or dealer quotes. For certain actively traded agency preferred stocks and 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, state and municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), commercial MBS, collateralized mortgage obligations, asset-backed securities, and corporate bonds. Loans held for sale. The Company records loans held for sale at fair value based on quoted price from third party sources, or appraisal reports adjusted by sales commission assumption. Loans. Fair values were estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Each loan category was further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and by performing and non-performing categories. The fair value of performing loans was 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 was 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 of the collateral, a Level 2 measurement. Deposit Liabilities. The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and certain money market deposits was assumed to be the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit was estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities, a Level 3 measurement. F-44 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase. The fair value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase is based on dealer quotes, a Level 2 measurement. Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank. 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. Interest Rate Swaps. Fair value of interest rate swaps is derived from third party models with observable market data, 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 were 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 counter parties. The fair value of guarantees and letters of credit was based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counter parties at the reporting date. Off-balance-sheet financial instruments were valued based on the assumptions that a market participant would use, a Level 3 measurement. Fair value was estimated in accordance with ASC Topic 825. Fair value estimates were 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 were based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates were subjective in nature and involved uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. F-45 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Fair Value of Financial Instruments December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 Carrying Fair Value Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Financial Assets (In thousands) 153,747 Cash and due from banks ......................................................... $ Short-term investments ............................................................. 516,938 Securities available-for-sale ..................................................... 1,318,935 1,318,935 1,586,668 1,586,668 4,936 Trading securities .................................................................... Loans held for sale .................................................................... - Loans, net ................................................................................ 8,740,268 8,688,072 7,897,187 7,760,490 25,000 Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock ......................... 30 Warrants ................................................................................... 176,830 $ 153,747 $ 516,938 489,614 176,830 $ 489,614 30,785 27 25,000 30 30,785 27 - 1,225 4,936 - - 973 Option contracts ........................................................................ $ Foreign exchange contracts ...................................................... Notional Amount Notional Fair Value Amount Fair Value 0 - $ 6,182 167,005 200 $ 267,644 - $ 1,876 Financial Liabilities Carrying Amount Carrying Fair Value Amount Fair Value Deposits ................................................................................... $ 8,783,460 $ 8,785,342 $ 7,981,305 $ 7,977,639 852,835 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ...................... 521,560 Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank ............................... 16,107 Other borrowings ..................................................................... 58,970 Long-term debt ........................................................................ 473,816 424,974 17,978 59,425 800,000 521,200 19,062 121,136 450,000 425,000 19,934 119,136 Foreign exchange contracts ...................................................... $ Interest rate swaps .................................................................... 178,868 $ 300,480 Notional Amount Notional Fair Value Amount Fair Value 6,140 - 5,007 $ 236,350 $ - 4,626 Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments Commitments to extend credit ................................................. $ 2,071,766 $ 53,910 Standby letters of credit ........................................................... 48,142 Other letters of credit ............................................................... 108 Bill of lading guarantees .......................................................... (3,442) $ 1,858,669 $ 45,058 54,098 80 (243) (29) - (2,187) (205) (34) - Notional Amount Notional Fair Value Amount Fair Value F-46 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) The following tables present the level in the fair value hierarchy for the estimated fair values of only financial instruments that are not already on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2014 Estimated Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Financial Assets Cash and due from banks ......................................................... $ Short-term investments ............................................................. Securities available-for-sale ..................................................... Loans held-for-sale ................................................................... Loans, net ................................................................................ Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock ......................... Warrants ................................................................................... Financial Liabilities Deposits ................................................................................... Securities sold under agreement to repurchase ........................ Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank .............................. Other borrowings ..................................................................... Long-term debt ........................................................................ 176,830 $ 489,614 1,318,935 1,225 8,688,072 30,785 27 8,785,342 473,816 424,974 17,978 59,425 176,830 $ 489,614 669,870 - - - - - - $ - - - 649,065 - 1,225 - 8,688,072 - 27 30,785 - - - - - - - 8,785,342 - - 17,978 - 473,816 424,974 - 59,425 As of December 31, 2013 Estimated Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Financial Assets Cash and due from banks ......................................................... $ Short-term investments ............................................................. Securities available-for-sale ..................................................... Trading securities .................................................................... Loans, net ................................................................................ Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock ......................... Warrants ................................................................................... Financial Liabilities Deposits ................................................................................... Securities sold under agreement to repurchase ........................ Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank .............................. Other borrowings ..................................................................... Long-term debt ........................................................................ 153,747 $ 516,938 1,586,668 4,936 7,760,490 25,000 30 7,977,639 852,835 521,560 16,107 58,970 18. Employee Benefit Plans - $ 153,747 $ 516,938 - 465,917 1,120,751 4,936 - - - - - 7,760,490 - 30 25,000 - - - - - - - - - - - 7,977,639 - - 16,107 - 852,835 521,560 - 58,970 Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Under the Company’s Amended and Restated Cathay Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”), the Company can make annual contributions to a trust in the form of either cash or common stock of the Bancorp for the benefit of eligible employees. Employees are eligible to participate in the ESOP after completing two years of service for salaried full-time employees or 1,000 hours for each of two consecutive years for salaried part-time employees. The amount of the annual contribution is discretionary except that it must be sufficient to enable the trust to meet its current obligations. The Company also pays for the administration of this plan and of the trust. The Company has not made contributions to the trust since 2004 and does not expect to make any contributions in the future. Effective June 17, 2004, the ESOP was amended to provide the participants the election either to reinvest the dividends on the Company stock F-47 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) allocated to their accounts or to have these dividends distributed to the participant. The ESOP trust purchased 11,887 shares in 2014, 3,825 shares in 2013, and 2,814 shares in 2012, of the Bancorp’s common stock at an aggregate cost of $301,902 in 2014, $92,000 in 2013, and $47,000 in 2012. The distribution of benefits to participants totaled 73,439 shares in 2014, 51,779 shares in 2013, and 116,124 shares in 2012. As of December 31, 2014, the ESOP owned 1,079,236 shares, or 1.4%, of the Company’s outstanding common stock. 401(k) Plan. In 1997, the Board approved the Company’s 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, which began on March 1, 1997. Salaried employees who have completed three months of service and have attained the age of 21 are eligible to participate. Enrollment dates are on January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st of each year. Participants may contribute up to 75% of their eligible compensation for the year but not to exceed the dollar limit set by the Internal Revenue Code. Participants may change their contribution election on the enrollment dates. The vesting schedule for the matching contribution is 0% for less than two years of service, 25% after two years of service and from then on, at an increment of 25% each year until 100% is vested after five years of service. Effective on October 1, 2014, the Company matches 100% on the first 4.0% of eligible compensation contributed per pay period by the participant, after one year of service. The Company’s contribution amounted to $1.4 million in 2014, $1.0 million in 2013, and $1.0 million in 2012. The Plan allows participants to withdraw all or part of their vested amount in the Plan due to certain financial hardship as set forth in the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations. Participants may also borrow up to 50% of the vested amount, with a maximum of $50,000. The minimum loan amount is $1,000. 19. Equity Incentive Plans In 1998, the Board adopted the Cathay Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan. Under the Equity Incentive Plan, as amended in September, 2003, directors and eligible employees may be granted incentive or non-statutory stock options and/or restricted stock units, or awarded non-vested stock, for up to 7,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock on a split adjusted basis. In May 2005, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2005 Incentive Plan which provides that 3,131,854 shares of the Company’s common stock may be granted as incentive or non-statutory stock options, or as restricted stock, or as restricted stock units. In conjunction with the approval of the 2005 Incentive Plan, the Bancorp agreed to cease granting awards under the Equity Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2014, the only options granted by the Company under the 2005 Incentive Plan were non-statutory stock options to selected bank officers and non-employee directors at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Such options have a maximum ten- year term and vest in 20% annual increments (subject to early termination in certain events) except certain options granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company in 2005 and 2008. If such options expire or terminate without having been exercised, any shares not purchased will again be available for future grants or awards. There were no options granted during the three years ended 2014. The Company expects to issue new shares to satisfy stock option exercises and the vesting of restricted stock units. Cash received from exercises of stock options totaled $128,000 for 5,500 shares in 2014, $14.8 million for 594,946 shares in 2013, and $764,000 for 50,024 shares in 2012. Aggregate intrinsic value for options exercised was $16,000 in 2014 compared to $307,000 in 2013. F-48 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) A summary of stock option activity for 2014, 2013, and 2012 follows: Weighted- Average Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Aggregate Intrinsic Value Shares Exercise Price Life (in years) (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2011 ..................... Exercised ............................................... Forfeited ................................................ Balance, December 31, 2012 ..................... Exercised ............................................... Forfeited ................................................ Balance, December 31, 2013 ..................... Exercised ............................................... Forfeited ................................................ Balance, December 31, 2014 ..................... Exercisable, December 31, 2014 ................ 4,356,985 (50,024) $ (310,331) 3,996,630 (594,946) $ (588,810) 2,812,874 (5,500) $ (474,470) 2,332,904 2,332,904 $ 28.86 15.27 23.75 29.45 24.80 22.86 31.81 23.37 29.28 32.34 32.34 3.0 $ 2.2 $ 37 - 1.9 $ 2,119 1.2 $ 1.2 $ 1,388 1,388 At December 31, 2014, 2,984,895 shares were available under the 2005 Incentive Plan for future grants. The following table shows stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2014, the corresponding exercise prices, and the weighted-average contractual life remaining: Exercise Price Shares Outstanding Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years) Exercisable Shares $ 37.00 32.47 33.54 36.90 38.26 36.24 23.37 563,610 245,060 264,694 211,730 12,000 410,730 625,080 2,332,904 0.1 0.2 0.4 1.1 1.3 1.1 3.2 1.2 563,610 245,060 264,694 211,730 12,000 410,730 625,080 2,332,904 In addition to stock options, the Company also grants restricted stock units to eligible employees which vest subject to continued employment at the vesting dates. The Company granted restricted stock units for 17,601 shares at an average closing price of $24.66 per share in 2014, 25,037 shares at an average closing price of $20.68 per share in 2013, and for 125,133 shares at an average closing price of $18.24 per share in 2012. The restricted stock units granted in 2014, 2013, and 2012 are scheduled to vest two years from grant date. In December 2013, the Company granted performance share unit awards in which the number of units earned is calculated based on the relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) of the Company’s common stock as compared to the TSR of the KBW Regional Banking Index. In addition, the Company granted performance share unit awards in which the number of units earned is determined by comparison to the targeted EPS as defined in the award for the 2014 to 2016 period. Performance TSR restricted stock units for 119,840 shares and performance EPS restricted stock units for 116,186 shares were granted to eight executive officers in 2013. Both the performance TSR and performance EPS share awarded in 2013 are scheduled to vest at December 31, 2016. In December 2014, the Company granted additional performance TSR restricted F-49 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) stock units for 60,456 shares and performance EPS restricted stock units for 57,642 shares were granted to six executive officers. Both the performance TSR and performance EPS share awarded in 2014 are scheduled to vest at December 31, 2017. The following table presents restricted stock unit activity for 2014, 2013, and 2012: Balance at December 31, 2011 ............................................................................................................. Granted .............................................................................................................................................. Vested ............................................................................................................................................... Cancelled or forfeited ........................................................................................................................ Balance at December 31, 2012 ............................................................................................................. Granted .............................................................................................................................................. Vested ............................................................................................................................................... Balance at December 31, 2013 ............................................................................................................. Granted .............................................................................................................................................. Vested ............................................................................................................................................... Cancelled or forfeited ........................................................................................................................ Balance at December 31, 2014 ............................................................................................................. Units 171,410 125,133 (11,814) (28,113) 256,616 261,062 (138,220) 379,458 135,699 (122,832) (5,860) 386,465 The compensation expense recorded for restricted stock units was $3.8 million in 2014, $2.0 million in 2013, and $1.3 million in 2012. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units was $6.5 million at December 31, 2014, and is expected to be recognized over the next 2.4 years. In 2013, 52,431 shares of the Company’s common stock at the average price of $21.13 per share were issued to seven executive officers and recorded as compensation expense compared to 45,937 shares at the average price of $17.16 in 2012. Salary stock compensation expenses were $1.1 million in 2013 compared to $788,000 in 2012. There was no salary stock compensation in 2014. The following table summarizes the tax benefit from options exercised: Short-fall of tax deductions in excess of grant-date fair value ..... $ Benefit of tax deductions on grant-date fair value ....................... Total benefit of tax deductions ..................................................... $ (1,285) $ 1,292 7 $ (2,509) $ 4,172 1,663 $ (620) 747 127 2014 2013 (In thousands) 2012 F-50 20. Condensed Financial Information of Cathay General Bancorp The condensed financial information of the Bancorp as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows: Balance Sheets Assets Cash ................................................................................................................................. $ Cash pledged as margin for interest rate swaps ............................................................... Short-term certificates of deposit ..................................................................................... Securities available for sale .............................................................................................. Investment in bank subsidiaries ....................................................................................... Investment in non-bank subsidiaries ................................................................................ Other assets ..................................................................................................................... Total assets .................................................................................................................. $ Liabilities Junior subordinated debt ................................................................................................. $ Other liabilities ................................................................................................................ Total liabilities ............................................................................................................. Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 84,022,118 issued and 79,814,553 outstanding at December 31, 2014, and 83,797,434 issued and 79,589,869 outstanding at December 31, 2013 ............................................................ Additional paid-in-capital ............................................................................................... Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net ................................................................... Retained earnings ............................................................................................................ Treasury stock, at cost (4,207,565 shares at December 31, 2014, and at December 31, As of December 31, 2014 2013 (In thousands, except share and per share data) 7,420 $ 7,465 23,203 10,244 1,666,238 2,631 9,541 1,726,742 $ 119,136 $ 4,718 123,854 - 1,835 - 38,000 11,404 1,525,459 2,536 1,462 1,580,696 121,136 589 121,725 - 840 789,519 (5,569) 943,834 838 784,489 (29,729) 829,109 2013) ........................................................................................................................... Total stockholders' equity ............................................................................................... Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ......................................................................... $ (125,736) 1,602,888 1,726,742 $ (125,736) 1,458,971 1,580,696 Statements of Operations Cash dividends from Cathay Bank .................................................... $ Interest income ................................................................................... Interest expense ................................................................................. Non-interest income ........................................................................... Non-interest expense .......................................................................... Income before income tax benefit ..................................................... Income tax benefit ............................................................................. Income before undistributed earnings of subsidiaries ........................ Distributions more than earnings of subsidiaries .............................. Undistributed earnings of subsidiary ................................................. Net income ........................................................................................ $ 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2013 (In thousands) 2012 30,000 $ 88 4,469 10,144 2,248 33,515 1,478 32,037 - 105,793 137,830 $ 138,030 $ 157 2,994 434 2,443 133,184 (2,037 ) 135,221 (12,078 ) - 123,143 $ 154,700 196 3,228 3,718 2,064 153,322 (579) 153,901 (36,463) - 117,438 F-51 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Statements of Cash Flows Cash flows from Operating Activities Net income ........................................................................................ $ Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Dividends in excess of earnings of subsidiaries ................................ Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries ................................ Gains on sale of securities .................................................................. Income associated with debt redemption ........................................... Write-downs on venture capital and other investments ..................... Write-downs on impaired securities .................................................. Loss in fair value of warrants ............................................................. Stock issued to officers as compensation .......................................... Excess tax short-fall from stock options ........................................... Net change in other assets ................................................................. Net change in other liabilities ............................................................. Net cash provided by operating activities ...................................... Cash flows from Investment Activities Decrease/(increase) in short-term investment ................................... Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities ............................ Purchase of available-for-sale securities ............................................ Venture capital and other investments ............................................... Net cash provided by/(used in) investment activities .................... Cash flows from Financing Activities Redemption of Series B preferred stock ............................................ Repayment of long-term debt ............................................................. Cash dividends .................................................................................. Proceeds from shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan Proceeds from exercise of stock options ........................................... Taxes paid related to net share settlement of RSUs ........................... Excess tax short-fall from share-based payment arrangements .......... Net cash used in financing activities .............................................. Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .............................. Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year ................................... Cash and cash equivalents, end of year ............................................. $ 21. Dividend Reinvestment Plan 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2013 (In thousands) 2012 137,830 $ 123,143 $ 117,438 - (105,793) (10,689) (555) 432 264 3 350 1,285 (3,445) (1,294) 18,388 14,797 12,083 (7,920) (590) 18,370 - (1,445) (23,104) 2,848 128 (850) (1,285) (23,708) 13,050 1,835 14,885 $ 12,078 - - - 357 - 56 - 2,509 (1,684 ) 27 136,486 123,300 - - (835 ) 122,465 (258,000 ) - (12,606 ) 605 14,755 - (2,509 ) (257,755 ) 1,196 639 1,835 $ 36,463 - (3,380) - 262 181 114 - 620 1,820 71 153,589 (142,300) 4,849 - (694) (138,145) - - (16,049) 291 764 - (620) (15,614) (170) 809 639 The Company has a Dividend Reinvestment Plan which allows for participants’ reinvestment of cash dividends and certain optional additional investments in the Bancorp’s common stock. Shares issued under the plan and the consideration received were 116,957 shares for $2.8 million in 2014, 25,984 shares for $605,000 in 2013, and 17,956 shares for $291,000 in 2012. 22. Regulatory Matters The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that F-52 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has established five capital ratio categories: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” and “critically undercapitalized.” A well capitalized institution must have a Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, and a leverage ratio of at least 5%. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Bank qualified as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. The Bancorp’s and the Bank’s capital and leverage ratios as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are presented in the tables below: As of December 31, 2014 Company Bank As of December 31, 2013 Company Bank Balance Percentage Balance Percentage Balance Percentage Balance Percentage (Dollars in thousands) Tier I Capital (to risk- weighted assets) ............... $ 1,406,511 14.96% $ 1,353,481 14.42% $ 1,288,892 15.04% $ 1,244,480 14.53% Tier I Capital minimum requirement ...................... Excess .................................... $ Total Capital (to risk- 376,072 1,030,439 4.00 10.96% $ 375,318 978,163 4.00 10.42% $ 342,899 945,993 4.00 11.04% $ 342,701 901,779 4.00 10.53% weighted assets) ............... $ 1,524,702 16.22% $ 1,471,337 15.68% $ 1,401,319 16.35% $ 1,352,415 15.79% Total Capital minimum requirement ...................... Excess .................................... $ Tier I Capital (to average 752,144 772,558 8.00 8.22% $ 750,637 720,700 8.00 7.68% $ 685,799 715,520 8.00 8.35% $ 685,402 667,013 8.00 7.79% assets) Leverage ratio ....... $ 1,406,511 12.99% $ 1,353,481 12.52% $ 1,288,892 12.48% $ 1,244,480 12.06% Minimum leverage requirement ...................... 433,121 973,390 Excess .................................... $ Total average assets (1) ......... $ 10,828,015 9,401,803 Risk-weighted assets ............. $ 4.00 8.99% $ 432,350 921,131 $ 10,808,747 9,382,961 $ 4.00 8.52% $ 413,158 875,734 $ 10,328,952 8,572,487 $ 4.00 8.48% $ 412,815 831,665 $ 10,320,368 8,567,523 $ 4.00 8.06% (1) Average assets represent average balances for the fourth quarter of each year presented. On December 17, 2009, the Bancorp entered into a memorandum of understanding with Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (the “FRB SF”). Although the memorandum of understanding was terminated effective April 5, 2013, we remain subject to Federal Reserve supervisory policies, including informing and consulting with the FRB SF sufficiently in advance of any planned capital actions (i.e. increased dividend payments or stock redemptions). 23. Balance Sheet Offsetting Certain financial instruments, including resell and repurchase agreements, securities lending arrangements and derivatives, may be eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet 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 counter parties are generally executed under International Swaps and Derivative Association master agreements which 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. F-53 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS–(Continued) Financial instruments that are eligible for offset in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are presented in the following tables: Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheet Gross Amounts of Recognized Financial Instruments Collateral Posted Net Amount (In thousands) December 31, 2014 Liabilities: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ...................................... $ Derivatives .......................................... 450,000 $ 4,626 - $ - 450,000 $ 4,626 - $ - (450,000) $ (4,626) December 31, 2013 Liabilities: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ...................................... $ 800,000 $ - $ 800,000 $ - $ (800,000) $ 24. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) The following table sets forth selected unaudited quarterly financial data: Summary of Operations 2014 2013 - - - Fourth Third Second Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter (In thousands, except per share data) Fourth Third Second First First Interest income ............................ $ 106,043 $ 106,335 $ 105,062 $ 101,207 $ 101,621 $ 102,462 $ 100,862 $102,051 20,868 21,919 Interest expense ........................... 79,994 80,132 Net interest income ..................... Reversal for credit losses ............ - Net-interest income after 18,292 87,751 (2,000) 19,854 82,608 (3,000) 19,580 86,755 (5,100) 18,549 82,658 - 19,659 81,962 - 19,445 85,617 (3,700) - provision for loan losses ......... Non-interest income .................... Non-interest expense ................... Income before income tax expense ................................... Income tax expense ..................... Net income .................................. Less: net income attributable to 89,751 7,973 41,125 91,855 8,974 42,607 89,317 9,021 42,513 82,658 14,559 48,068 81,962 8,345 40,319 85,608 16,720 50,670 79,994 80,132 20,361 14,881 53,716 49,128 56,599 21,021 35,578 58,222 22,313 35,909 55,825 20,741 35,084 49,149 17,890 31,259 49,988 17,946 32,042 51,658 19,029 32,629 46,639 45,885 16,573 16,887 30,066 28,998 noncontrolling interest ......... - - - - 140 151 150 151 Net income attributable to Cathay General Bancorp ...................... Dividends on preferred stock ....... Net income available to common 35,578 - 35,909 - 35,084 - 31,259 - 31,902 - 32,478 (2,434) 29,916 28,847 (5,184) (2,067) stockholders ............................. $ 35,578 $ 35,909 $ 35,084 $ 31,259 $ 31,902 $ 30,044 $ 27,849 $ 23,663 Basic net income attributable to common stockholders per common share ......................... $ Diluted net income attributable to common stockholders per common share ......................... $ 0.45 $ 0.45 $ 0.44 $ 0.39 $ 0.40 $ 0.38 $ 0.35 $ 0.30 0.44 $ 0.45 $ 0.44 $ 0.39 $ 0.40 $ 0.38 $ 0.35 $ 0.30 F-54 This page intentionally left blank This page intentionally left blank Forward-Looking Statements Our annual report includes 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. Words such as “aims,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “hopes,” “intends,” “may,” “optimistic,” “plans,” “predicts,” “possible,” “potential,” “projects,” “seeks,” “shall,” “should,” and “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 and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These and other factors are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (at Item 1A in particular) for the year ended December 31, 2014, which with a more detailed disclaimer under the caption “Forward-Looking Statements” is included with this annual report; in other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”); and in other filings we make with the SEC from time to time. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak to the date of this annual report. We have no intention and undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or to publicly announce any revision of any forward-looking statements to reflect future developments or events, except as required by law. Cathay General Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and other 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) 279-3286. These reports and filings are also available at http://www.cathaygeneralbancorp.com. The information contained on the websites at Cathay General Bancorp and Cathay Bank is not part of this Annual Report. Cathay Bank, Member FDIC, is an Equal Housing Lender. FDIC insurance coverage is limited to deposit accounts at Cathay Bank’s U.S. domestic branch locations. Non-Deposit Investment Products are NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT FDIC INSURED | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY | NO BANK GUARANTEE | MAY LOSE VALUE. 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