Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Banks - Diversified / East West Bancorp

East West Bancorp

ewbc · NASDAQ Financial Services
Claim this profile
Ticker ewbc
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Financial Services
Industry Banks - Diversified
Employees 1001-5000
← All annual reports
FY2014 Annual Report · East West Bancorp
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
INFINITE  
POSSIBILITIES

TWO MARKETS. ONE FOCUS.

East West Bancorp  |  2014 Annual Report

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES  
FROM OUR STRONGER 
NETWORK

Global trade today is defined by the financial and trade relationships 
between  the  United  States  and  Greater  China,  the  two  largest 
economies in the world. East West Bank is committed to providing 
the vital geographic connections, specialized skills and cross-border 
infrastructure to assist our customers in achieving their business objectives  
in both the United States and Greater China.

In 2014, East West Bank continued to make investments to increase our footprint 
and strengthen our network to facilitate more efficient trade and investment activities 
for our customers. As the premier financial bridge between the United States and  
Greater China, we are connecting these two markets and creating infinite possibilities.

TOTAL ASSETS
 in billions

$8.3 
2005 

$10.8 
2006 

$11.9 
2007 

$12.4 
2008 

$20.6 
2009 

$20.7 
2010 

$22.0 
2011 

$22.5 
2012 

$24.7 
2013 

$28.7
 2014

A message from our
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
2014 was another record year for East West. Our strong 

financial performance would not have been possible without 

the hard work and contributions of our talented associates.

Dominic Ng

“We believe our strong financial 

performance in 2014 is a result  

of the growth opportunities in  

the markets we serve.” 

In the U.S. and in Greater China, 

2014, or $2.38 per diluted share, an 

we are in markets with thriving 

East West Bank is esteemed for 

increase of 13% per diluted share 

business opportunities. With 

its relationship-driven approach 

from 2013. Not only did we achieve 

our collaborative, team-based 

to cross-border banking. Our 

our fifth consecutive year of record 

approach, our dedicated associates 

emphasis on creative solutions 

earnings in 2014, we also 

formulate creative solutions to 

to exceed customer expectations 

outperformed many of our peers, 

exceed customer expectations. 

is sustained by the seasoned 

increasing both net interest income 

expertise and professionalism of 

and fee income from the prior year, 

In the five years since we acquired 

our employees, and backed by our 

and resulting in a return on assets  

values, chief among them absolute 

of 1.24% and a return on equity  

integrity, respect and fairness in 

of 12.61%. 

United Commercial Bank, East 

West Bank has built a stronger 

and more diversified balance 

sheet. In 2014, we acquired and 

all our business decisions. These 

strengths combined provide Infinite 

Possibilities for our customers, 

employees and shareholders —  

We believe our strong financial 

integrated MetroCorp Bancshares, 

performance in 2014 is a result 

a $1.6 billion asset bank based in 

of the growth opportunities in 

Houston, adding $1.2 billion to our 

02
Annual Report 2014

the theme of this year’s annual report.

the markets we serve. From Los 

loan portfolio and $1.3 billion to 

Angeles to New York City in the 

our deposit portfolio.

East West Bank achieved record net 

United States, to Hong Kong 

income of $342.5 million for the year 

and Shanghai in Greater China, 

03
Annual Report 2014

 
 
 
 
 
“Our strong financial results 

for 2014 are built upon years  

of planning, strategy and  

successful execution.” 

In 2014, our full-service banking 

Our strong financial results for 2014 

infrastructure further expanded 

are built upon years of planning, 

in China to meet the growing 

strategy and successful execution.  

cross-border banking needs of our 

I believe that our strong foundation, 

customers. Additionally, we grew our 

along with the growth opportunities 

wealth management team in both 

in the markets we serve and the 

the U.S. and Hong Kong to better 

tireless efforts of our dedicated 

serve the demands of this growing 

employees, will provide positive 

customer base. 

returns to customers, shareholders 

and the communities we serve for 

many years to come. 

Sincerely,

Dominic Ng 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

04
Annual Report 2014

Highlights of 2014
BUILDING A  
STRONGER BRIDGE

2014 was an exceptional year of progress for East West Bank, paving the way for our  
continued success in the future. Along with our outstanding financial results — double-digit 
increases in both net income and earnings per share — we strengthened our position as the 
leading financial bridge between the United States and Greater China.

Throughout 2014, East West Bank continued to support the growth potential of our customers. 
In all sectors where we have specialized industry expertise, including: agriculture, aviation, 
entertainment and media, life sciences, high tech and real estate — our comprehensive 
knowledge, combined with our seasoned cross-border experience, provides invaluable support 
for our customers. Further, throughout 2014, we continued to make investments to enhance 
our product offerings and capabilities, including wealth management and foreign exchange 
services. Our focus on cross-border collaborations and teamwork allows us to more effectively 
serve our customers’ needs and differentiate the value we provide.

HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS 
IN WHAT WAS A STELLAR YEAR.

FACILITATING 
ENTERTAINMENT AND 
MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS

Over the years, East West Bank 
has cultivated strong ties in the 
entertainment industry in both the 
U.S. and China, facilitating co-
productions and partnerships in 
these two countries. China’s film 
market is the world’s second largest 
next to the U.S. Our prospects 
could not be brighter for serving the 
cross-border financial needs in this 
industry and transforming today’s 
new business opportunities into 
tomorrow’s blockbuster movies.

Le Vision Pictures is a leading 
film production and distribution 
company in China. In 2014, the 
company released numerous box 
office hits in China, including The 

Expendables 3 and Coming Home, 
and generated total box office 
revenues of approximately US$380 
million. When Le Vision strategically 
expanded overseas by opening a 
new Los Angeles office, East West 
Bank, with our cross-border and 
entertainment industry expertise, 
was the perfect banking partner.

We provided financing for Le Vision’s 
exclusive distribution in China 
of the upcoming Lionsgate film 
Gods of Egypt. East West Bank’s 
cross-border expertise and market 
presence made it easy for Le Vision 
to conduct financial transactions in 
both USD and RMB currencies.  
We also helped Le Vision’s 
executives to connect with top 
Hollywood production and 
distribution companies. The efficient 
collaboration and coordination 
between our banking experts in the 

U.S. and China resulted in East West 
Bank becoming an indispensable 
partner to Le Vision as it continues 
to expand in the global market. 

PROVIDING VITAL 
CONNECTIONS 

New business opportunities 
are the fuel that accelerates a 
company’s growth engine. At East 
West Bank, we help our customers 
seize new business opportunities 
not only through our cross-
border knowledge, infrastructure, 
and expertise, but also through 
introductions to vital cross-border 
connections that open doors to 
international growth and culminate 
in business success.  

This was the case with our customer 
Ray Franscioni, owner of a U.S.-

08

Annual Report 2014

based agribusiness growing over 
8,000 acres of row crop vegetables 
and cultivating over 2,000 acres 
of vineyards in the Monterey and 
San Benito counties of California. 
Historically, Ray sold grapes to 
major wineries in the region. Aware 
of China’s growing demand for 
wine imports, Ray perceived a new 
business opportunity. He had long 
wanted to create his own private 
label and distribute estate-grown 
wine in the United States and key 
overseas markets, in particular 
China. Opportunity knocked at last. 

East West Bank provided Ray with 
a line of credit and equipment 
financing to support the existing 
farming and vineyard operations, 
as well as the development of his 
new winery. East West Bank also 
introduced Ray to a customer of 
the bank, who was interested in 
exporting Ray’s wine to China. 
Today, Ray’s “Puma Road” wine 
is distributed in China. Having 
established a trusting partnership, 
Ray and his new partner are now  
in discussion about future 
expansion opportunities. This 
success story is just another 

example of East West 
Bank’s acute focus on 
relationship-driven banking. 

EXPANDING OUR CROSS-
BORDER NETWORK 

As our bridge extends 
geographically, we are able to reach 
more customers with our products 
and capabilities in both the U.S. and 
Greater China. In 2014, we acquired 
MetroCorp Bancshares, a $1.6 billion 
asset bank based in Houston, 
extending our market reach 
throughout Texas and Southern 
California. In Greater China, our 
representative office in Shenzhen was 
converted into a full-service branch to 
help our customers facilitate trade 
activities between mainland China, 
Hong Kong and the U.S. In Shanghai, 
we opened a branch in the Shanghai 
Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), giving us 
the opportunity to assist customers 
with their complex financial needs. 
The FTZ exemplifies China’s growing 
commitment to liberalize trade and 
investment, positioning East West 
Bank at the forefront of these 
economic reforms. 

BEIJING

BOSTON

NEW YORK

SEATTLE

SHANGHAI

Opened a branch in the Shanghai 
Pilot Free Trade Zone, giving  
us the opportunity to assist 
customers with their complex 
financial needs.

CHONGQING

SAN FRANCISCO

LOS ANGELES

LAS VEGAS

SAN DIEGO

XIAMEN

SHANTOU

TAIPEI

GUANGZHOU

SHENZHEN

HONG KONG

2ND LARGEST

INDEPENDENT BANK HEADQUARTERED  
IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

5 Full-Service Branches: 
Hong Kong, Shanghai,  
Shanghai FTZ, Shantou, Shenzhen

5 Representative Offices: 
Beijing, Chongqing,  
Guangzhou, Taipei, Xiamen 

Converted our representative 
office in Shenzhen into a 
full-service branch to help 
our customers facilitate trade 
activities between mainland 
China, Hong Kong and the U.S.

  IN CALIFORNIA

93 BRANCHES  
 130+ LOCATIONS      
2,700+ EMPLOYEES

                      THROUGHOUT THE U.S. AND GREATER CHINA

ATLANTA

DALLAS

HOUSTON

Acquired MetroCorp Bancshares, 
a $1.6 billion asset bank based in 
Houston, extending our market 
reach throughout Texas and 
Southern California.

IMPROVING OUR  
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 

At East West Bank, we are 
continually broadening our services 
and products. Our mobile banking 
apps enable customers to check 
their account balances, deposit 
checks and pay bills on the go, 
among other capabilities. We take 
great satisfaction in making banking 
convenient for our customers. 

services is increasing, we continued 
to grow our bilingual and bicultural 
wealth management teams in the 
U.S. and Hong Kong. Whether we 
are providing guidance for first-
time investors or estate planning 
for established customers seeking 
to bestow their legacy to future 
generations, our investment 
professionals will construct a 
personalized plan to help them 
reach their goals.  

Recognizing that the demand for 
wealth management products and 

Further, we continued to develop 
our foreign exchange capabilities 

and increase the number of team 
members, deepening our ability to 
provide our cross-border customers 
with currency risk management best 
practices from a trusted partner. 

We are constantly seeking ways to 
optimize the customer experience 
through the products and services 
we provide. We have been making 
great strides, and we are pleased 
to be acknowledged by Hurun 
Report as the “Best Bank for Global 
Chinese in the USA” in its Best of 
the Best Awards 2015.

A SECURE 
INFRASTRUCTURE 

customers from fraudulent activity 
both on and offline. 

With data breaches increasingly  
a concern for companies in all 
industry sectors, we have further 
strengthened our traditional, 
online and mobile banking 
security infrastructure to ensure 
the safety and security of our 
customers’ personal data.  
Our multilayered security strategy 
mitigates attacks across our 
network down to the system and 
application levels, protecting our 

TALENT AND LEADERSHIP 
DEVELOPMENT

At East West Bank, our most 
valuable asset is our people.  
With that in mind, we have created 
programs to fill leadership and 
managerial roles internally through 
associate development and career 
planning, improving the level of 
associate engagement, productivity 
and retention. Examples of the 

programs we have created include  
a leadership development program 
to hone the strategic thinking and 
business skills of our managers, and 
a high-potential program whereby 
tomorrow’s leaders are identified, 
and their skills are cultivated to 
prepare them for greater 
responsibilities ahead. 

Together, these continuous 
improvements in our products,  
processes and people provide our 
customers with consistently superior 
service as they endeavor to achieve 
infinite possibilities.

10
Annual Report 2014

11
Annual Report 2014

        
LONG-STANDING COMMITMENT 
TO OUR COMMUNITIES

East West Bank is privileged to serve as the premier financial bridge between the U.S. and Greater 
China, but our commitment to building connections doesn’t stop there. Equally important to us is 
our ability to help make the communities we serve more vibrant places to live and work. In 2014,  
we continued in our efforts to help provide more affordable housing, improve financial literacy 
and assist the underprivileged. We’re more than a bank; we strive to be a conduit for change. 
We stand as an institution devoted to improving the lives of people and businesses by 
applying our knowledge, expertise and resources to help a wide base of customers, 
including underserved populations. 

— Operation HOPE

“Operation HOPE truly values our partnership with 
East West Bank that has lasted for many years. Thanks 
to the generous support of East West Bank, we are able 
to continue Dr. Martin Luther King’s work by taking the 
step from Civil Rights to Silver Rights, providing financial and 
economic empowerment tools and services to youth, adults and 
families who need it most.” 

– Lance Triggs, CEO, Los Angeles and Division President, 
HOPE Financial Dignity Centers Operation HOPE, Inc. 

AFFORDABLE  
HOUSING

In 2014, we continued to finance 
low-income housing in the 
communities we serve. Since 1996, 
we have provided more than $1.44 
billion in financing for affordable 
housing projects. 

We financed the development 
of the Alhambra, a 160-unit 
multifamily housing complex in 
Davis, California. The apartments 
are restricted to tenants with a 
maximum income of 80% of the 
median income for the area. Rental 
rates are approximately 20% to 35% 
less than the current market.

Additionally, we financed the 
development of Kitts Corner, a 
216-unit multifamily project in 
Federal Way, Washington. Tenancy 
is restricted to those earning no 
more than 60% of the median 
income for the area. Rental rates for 
Kitts Corner average approximately 
20% less than the current market 
for apartments as large as five 
bedrooms with top-notch amenities. 
The project increases the availability 
of homes to lower-income families 
in the area by 500%.

These are just two examples of 
the many vital affordable housing 
projects we have financed through 
the years in the communities we 
serve. For the past two decades, 
providing financing for low-income 
housing has been a focus of our 
community development program. 
We are proud to state that many 
of the projects we have financed 
over the years have contributed to 
making the communities we serve 
more vibrant places to live and work.

FINANCIAL  
LITERACY

The foundation of East West Bank’s 
community efforts is financial 
literacy. In 2014, we deepened 
this commitment through our 
partnership with Operation HOPE 
in two programs: “Banking on Our 
Future” and “HOPE Business in a 
Box Academy.” We also continued 
our financial literacy partnerships 
with other organizations, such as 
Junior Achievement and the FDIC, 
through its Money Smart program. 

The Banking on Our Future 
program is focused on keeping 
the most at-risk youths free from 

repeating the cycles of poverty  
and despair that have trapped their 
families and communities. The 
program’s mission is to empower 
youth by teaching financial literacy 
and providing them with tools 
for success. The HOPE Business 
in a Box Academy program, 
cosponsored by Operation HOPE 
and Gallup, seeks to nurture the 
talents of young people through 
role modeling and instruction to 
become future entrepreneurs and 
business leaders. 

Similarly, our long-standing 
partnerships with Junior 
Achievement and the FDIC, 
support education initiatives across 
the country to improve financial 
literacy, help people set personal 
financial goals, and learn the tools 
of financial management. 

Other projects in 2014 included 
our partnership with the Houston 
Rockets basketball team in the 
“Save Smart, Score Big” financial 
literacy program. Through 
this program, our employees 
volunteered and taught financial 
management and responsibility to 
students at two schools in Houston 
— Henry F. MacGregor Elementary 

13
Annual Report 2014

and Harmony School of Ingenuity.  
East West Bank also made financial 
contributions to these schools, 
which went toward a new state-
of-the-art computer lab for the 
students at Henry F. MacGregor 
Elementary, and new facilities for 
the students at Harmony School of 
Ingenuity. 

We also continue our partnership 
with the U.S. Small Business 
Administration and provide small 
business and minority loans, and 
multilingual workshops.

GIVING BACK TO  
OUR COMMUNITY

In 2014, we teamed up for the 
seventh year in a row with the 
Lakers Youth Foundation to kick  
off its annual “Season of Giving.”  
This program provides families 
in need with financial assistance, 
helping them share in the joy of  
the holiday season. 

Among the series of events 
funded by this program in 2014 
was a Thanksgiving Feast at the 
Downtown Women’s Center in 

Los Angeles. At this event, our 
employees volunteered to prepare 
dinner for homeless and low-income 
women. We also participated in the 
turkey and pie giveaway event at 
the Salvation Army in Inglewood, 
California, distributing full 
Thanksgiving dinners to families. 

The Season of Giving also included 
the Holiday Party for Kids event at 
the Toyota Sports Center in  
El Segundo, California. The event 
brought together 100 children from 
a local public school, members of 
the Lakers basketball team and our 
East West Bank employees who 

“The Real Change Movement is an innovative program that leverages 
public goodwill to make a lasting improvement in the lives of our 
homeless population in Pasadena. This collaborative effort is made 
possible by our network of community partners and the foundational 
financial support of East West Bank.”

– Bill Bogaard, Mayor of Pasadena

— Julia S. Gouw, President and COO 
of East West Bank, showing support for 

the Real Change Movement

300 East West Bank participants at  

the 2014 United Way HomeWalk — 

 “We truly value our partnership 
with East West Bank. Thanks to their 

generous support, United Way can 
continue its mission to break the cycle of 
poverty, ensuring our neighbors have a place 

to call home, our students graduate on time 

ready for college and a career, and  

families are financially secure.”

– Elise Buik, President and CEO,  
United Way of Greater Los Angeles

volunteered to help celebrate the 
holiday season. In addition, we also 
partnered with the Lakers to join 
the U.S. Marine Corps annual  
Toys for Tots program, providing 
toys and gifts for 50 children from 
the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whittier 
and East Los Angeles.

At East West, we have been a 
supporter of the United Way for the 
past 18 years. Our companywide 
commitment to this organization 

has raised millions of dollars for 
those in greatest need. Last year, 
our contributions supported the 
United Way of Greater Los Angeles’ 
“Creating Pathways Out of Poverty” 
initiative, whose mission statement 
is to break the cycle of poverty for 
our most vulnerable neighbors, 
which include families, students, 
veterans and the homeless.

this event, 300 East West Bank 
employees participated to help 
raise money to provide permanent 
housing for the homeless. 

Further, in 2014, East West Bank 
was a partner in the Real Change 
Movement, an initiative focused on 
raising awareness and raising funds 
for the issues of homelessness. 

In 2014, we also entered our eighth 
annual United Way HomeWalk. At 

Together, we are building a 
stronger community. 

East West Bank volunteers lent a hand to prepare dinner for 

homeless and low-income women at the Downtown 

Women’s Center in Los Angeles — 

— Jeremy Lin spent time and played games 

with underserved youth at the Lakers Youth 
Foundation’s “Season of Giving” kick off 

event with East West Bank

NET INCOME
in millions

2014

2013

2012

$

3

$

4

2

$

2

9

2

.

5

5

8

.

0

1

.

7

Julia S. Gouw

“We remain committed to maintaining 
strong capital levels that support our 
balance sheet growth, while providing 
a strong return to shareholders.” 

A message from our
PRESIDENT AND COO
For the fifth year in a row, East West Bank has generated record 

earnings. We earned $342.5 million, or $2.38 per diluted share for 

2014, an increase in diluted earnings per share of 13% from 2013. 

For the full year 2014, our return on assets was 1.24%, and our return 

on equity was 12.61%. Our corporate goal is to be one of the best 

performing banks and consistently outperform peer banks. In 2014, 

East West Bank was ranked in the top 20 of the 100 best banks in 

America by Forbes for the fifth consecutive year. We believe our 

financial results for 2014 reflect a strong achievement of our goal.

Our ability to prudently and 
profitably increase our loans and 
deposits, while maintaining strong 
credit quality and operating efficiency, 
underpins our robust financial 
performance year after year. 

In 2014, total loans increased to 
a record $21.8 billion, an increase 
of $3.7 billion or 20% year-over-
year. Excluding the impact of the 
MetroCorp acquisition, which closed 
in January 2014, loan growth during 
the year was $2.5 billion, or 14%. 
We experienced strong organic 
growth across the loan portfolio, 
including commercial and industrial 
loans, commercial real estate and 
residential real estate loans. 

East West Bank also continues to 
actively grow low-cost core deposits 
from our retail and commercial 
customers. Core deposits reached a 
record $17.9 billion in 2014, of which 
$7.4 billion were noninterest-bearing 
demand deposits. Our total deposits 
reached a record $24.0 billion as of 
December 31, 2014. Excluding the 
impact of $1.3 billion in deposits 
added from the MetroCorp 
acquisition, the year-over-year 
deposit growth was $2.3 billion, or 
11%. The increasing diversification 
of both loans and deposits over the 
past five years has transformed our 
balance sheet.  

Total fee income for 2014 was 

$134.3 million, an increase of $19.0 
million, or 16% from 2013. Although 
our fee income as a percentage of 
total revenue is lower than many 
of our peers, we are making great 
progress toward increasing these 
noncapital-intensive business lines.  

We continued to maintain strong 
asset quality and operating 
efficiency. As of December 31, 
2014, noncovered, nonperforming 
assets were 0.45% of total assets, an 
improvement of 8 basis points from 
December 31, 2013. Additionally, 
our efficiency ratio for the full year 
2014 was 45.28%, up slightly from 
43.76% for the full year 2013, but 
still lower than many of our peers.  

16
Annual Report 2014

17
Annual Report 2014

LOAN GROWTH
in billions

TOTAL LOANS

25TOP

LARGEST
PUBLIC BANKS

in the U.S. by market capitalization

$6.8 
2005 

$8.3 
2006 

$8.8 
2007 

$8.2 
2008 

$14.1 
2009 

$13.7 
2010 

$14.5 
2011 

$15.1 
2012 

$18.1 
2013 

$21.8
 2014

DEPOSIT GROWTH
in billions

TOTAL DEPOSITS

We ended 2014 with total 
stockholders’ equity of $2.9 billion 
and tangible equity of $2.3 billion. 
As of December 31, 2014, East 
West’s Tier 1 risk-based capital and 
total risk-based ratios were 11.0% 
and 12.6%, respectively, compared 
to the well-capitalized requirements 
of 6% and 10%, respectively. 
Effective January 1, 2015, the risk 
weighting of many of our assets will 
change due to the impact of Basel 
III risk weighting requirements and 
the end of the UCB commercial 
loss share agreement. If these 
risk weighting changes had been 
applied effective December 31, 
2014, our capital levels would 

still be substantially higher than 
the well-capitalized regulatory 
requirements. We remain committed 
to maintaining strong capital levels 
that support our balance sheet 
growth, while providing a strong 
return to shareholders. In early 2015, 
the board of directors approved an 
increase in the annual dividend rate 
from $0.72 to $0.80 per share, an 
increase of 11%.

Looking back on another great year 
of record achievement for East West 
Bank, we are confident in the value 
of our strategy to be the bridge 
between the East and the West. We 
will continue to dedicate resources 

to improve our capabilities, build 
our infrastructure and ensure strong 
risk management to provide infinite 
possibilities to our customers and 
our shareholders for many more 
years to come. 

Sincerely,

Julia S. Gouw 
President and Chief Operating Officer

$6.3 
2005 

$7.2 
2006 

$7.3 
2007 

$8.1 
2008 

$15.0 
2009 

$15.6 
2010 

$17.5 
2011 

$18.3 
2012 

$20.4 
2013 

$24.0
 2014

19
Annual Report 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTOR 
INFORMATION

COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS

East West Bancorp, Inc. common  
stock trades on the NASDAQ Global 
Select market under the symbol EWBC.  
As of December 31, 2014, there  
were 143,582,229 shares of common 
stock outstanding.

The following table sets forth the range of 
closing prices for the company’s common 
stock for each of the quarters in the years 
ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31: 

2014 

2013

First quarter 

Second quarter 

Third quarter 

Fourth quarter 

HIGH 

LOW 

HIGH 

LOW

$38.10 

$31.73 

$25.78 

$22.29

36.79 

32.69 

27.50 

22.67

36.72 

33.27 

3 1 .95 

27.98

39.31 

31.65 

35.15  

32.1 8

East West Bancorp quarterly cash dividends on common stock, when and if declared 
by the board of directors, are distributed in February, May, August and November.

ANNUAL MEETING

The 2015 Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders will be held at 2:00 p.m. 
Pacific Daylight Time on Tuesday,  
May 5, 2015, at:

East West Bank  
Corporate Headquarters 
135 N. Los Robles Avenue, 6th Floor 
Pasadena, CA 91101

20
Annual Report 2014

Formal notice of the meeting with a  
proxy card and proxy statement is being 
mailed to all stockholders of record as  
of March 9, 2015.

The proxy statement, annual report on 
Form 10-K and proxy card are available at: 
eastwestbank.com/annual.

STOCK TRANSFER 
STATEMENT

Shareholders with inquiries about 
accounts, lost stock certificates or 
changes of address may contact the 
Computershare customer service 
department by calling 877.254.8651, 
available 24 hours a day. Written 
correspondence may be sent to the 
following address:  

Computershare
250 Royall Street
Canton, Massachusetts 02021

FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
AND MAILINGS

You may obtain the company’s annual 
reports on Form 10-K, quarterly financial 
results and other financial information  
by writing or calling:

East West Bancorp, Inc. 
Investor Relations
135 N. Los Robles Avenue, 7th Floor
Pasadena, California 91101
626.768.6000

Alternatively, company information and 
news releases are also available at  
www.eastwestbank.com. To receive 
company news releases via e-mail, please 
contact Investor Relations at the telephone 
number or address above or sign up at 
www.eastwestbank.com/investors.

East West Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(in thousands, except per share data)

Summary of Operations 
Interest and dividend income 
Interest expense 
Net interest income before provision for loan losses 
Provision for loan losses on non-covered loans 
Provision for loan losses on covered loans 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 
Noninterest (loss) income (1) 
Noninterest expense 
Income before provision for income taxes 
Provision for income taxes 
Net income 
Preferred stock dividends, amortization of preferred stock 
 discount, and inducement of preferred stock conversion 

Net income available to common stockholders

Per Common Share 
Basic earnings 
Diluted earnings 
Dividends declared 
Book value

2014 

2013 

2012 

2011 

2010

 $  1,153,698 
 112,820 
 1,040,878 
 44,125 
 5,033 
 991,720 
 (11,714)
 564,551 
 415,455 
 72,972 
 342,483 

— 
342,483

2.39 
2.38 
0.72 
19.85 

 $ 

 $ 
 $ 
 $ 
 $ 

 $   1,068,685 
 112,492 
 956,193 
 18,336 
 4,028 
 933,829 
 (92,468)
 415,511 
 425,850 
 130,805 
 295,045 

 $  1,051,095 
 132,168 
 918,927 
 60,168 
 5,016 
 853,743 
 (5,618)
 422,533 
 425,592 
 143,942 
 281,650 

 $  1,080,448 
 177,422 
 903,026 
 92,584 
 2,422 
 808,020 
 10,924 
 435,610 
 383,334 
 138,100 
 245,234 

 3,428 
291,617 

2.11 
2.10 
0.60 
17.18 

 $ 

 $ 
 $ 
 $ 
 $ 

 $ 

 $ 
 $ 
 $ 
 $ 

 6,857 
274,793 

 6,857 
238,377 

  $ 

1.92 
1.89 
0.40 
16.39 

 $ 
 $ 
 $ 
 $ 

1.62 
1.60 
0.16 
14.92 

 $  1,095,831 
 201,117 
 894,714 
 195,934 
 4,225 
 694,555 
 39,270 
 477,916 
 255,909 
 91,345 
 164,564 

 43,126 
121,438 

0.88 
0.83 
0.04 
13.67 

 $ 

 $ 
 $ 
 $ 
 $ 

Average Common Shares Outstanding: 
Basic 
Diluted 
Common shares outstanding at period-end

142,952 
 143,563 
 143,582 

 137,342 
 139,574 
 137,631 

 141,457 
 147,175 
 140,294 

 147,093 
 153,467 
 149,328 

 137,478 
 147,102 
 148,543 

At Year End: 
Total assets 
Non-covered loans, net of allowance 
Covered loans, net of allowance 
Investment securities 
Customer deposits 
Long-term debt 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 
Stockholders’ equity

Financial Ratios: 
Return on average assets 
Return on average equity  
Common dividend payout ratio 
Average stockholders’ equity to average assets 
Net interest margin

Asset Quality Ratios: 
Net charge-offs on non-covered loans to average 
   total non-covered loans 
Nonperforming assets to total assets 
Allowance for loan losses on non-covered loans 
   to total gross non-covered loans 

 $  28,738,049 
 19,994,081 
 1,474,189 
 2,626,365 
 24,008,774 
 225,848 
 317,241 
 2,850,568 

 $  24,730,068 
 15,412,715 
 2,187,898 
 2,733,797 
 20,412,918 
 226,868 
 315,092 
 2,364,225 

 $  22,536,110 
 11,710,190 
 2,935,595 
 2,607,029 
 18,309,354 
 137,178 
 312,975 
 2,382,122 

 $  21,968,667 
 10,061,788 
 3,923,142 
 3,072,578 
 17,453,002 
 212,178 
 455,251 
 2,311,743 

 $  20,700,537 
 8,430,199 
 4,800,876 
 2,875,941 
 15,641,259 
 235,570 
 1,214,148 
 2,113,931 

%

1.24
 12.61 
 30.37 
 9.83 
 4.03 

%

0.14
 0.45 

 1.27

%

1.25
 12.59 
 28.57 
 9.95 
 4.38 

%

0.03
 0.53 

 1.54 

%

1.29
 12.14 
 20.96 
 10.62 
 4.63 

%

0.38
 0.63 

 1.92 

%

1.14
 10.98 
 10.02 
 10.36 
 4.66 

%

1.16
 0.80 

 2.04 

%

0.82
 7.02 
 4.57 
 11.62 
 5.05 

%

2.35
 0.94 

 2.64 

(1)  Changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable was a charge of $201.4 million, $228.6 million, $122.3 million, $100.1 million
and $83.2 million in 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There were no other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charges
related to investment securities in 2014 and 2013. 2012, 2011 and 2010 include OTTI charges related to investment securities of  
$99 thousand, $633 thousand and $16.7 million, respectively. Pre-tax gain on acquisition was $22.9 million in 2010.

 
 
 
 
 
     
 
East West Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)

East West Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)

December 31, 

2014 

2013

Year Ended December 31,  

2014 

2013 

2012

Assets 
 Cash and cash equivalents
 Short-term investments
 Securities purchased under resale agreements
 Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value
 Loans held for sale
 Non-covered loans (net of allowance for loan losses of $258,174 in 2014
    and $241,930 in 2013)
 Covered loans (net of allowance for loan losses of $3,505 in 2014
    and $7,745 in 2013)
        Total loans receivable, net
 FDIC indemnification asset, net
 Other real estate owned, net
 Other real estate owned covered, net
        Total other real estate owned
 Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
 Investment in Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost
 Investment in affordable housing partnerships, net
 Premises and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $85,409 in 2014
    and $69,768 in 2013)
 Premiums on deposits acquired, net
 Goodwill
 Other assets 
    Total

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
 Customer deposit accounts:
   Noninterest-bearing
   Interest-bearing
     Total deposits
 Securities sold under repurchase agreements
 Payable to FDIC, net
 Federal Home Loan Bank advances 
 Long-term debt
 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 
     Total liabilities

 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 163,772,218 and 
    163,098,008 shares issued in 2014 and 2013, respectively; 143,582,229 and 
    137,630,896 shares outstanding in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 Additional paid in capital 
 Retained earnings
 Treasury stock, at cost — 20,189,989 shares in 2014 and 25,467,112 shares in 2013.
 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
     Total stockholders’ equity 
    Total

 $  1,039,885 
 338,714 
 1,225,000 
 2,626,365 
 45,950 

 $ 

895,820 
 257,473 
 1,300,000 
 2,733,797 
 204,970 

 19,994,081 

 15,412,715 

 1,474,189 
 21,468,270 
 — 
 27,612 
 4,499 
 32,111 
 31,239 
 54,451 
 178,652 

 180,900 
 45,309 
 469,433 
 1,001,770 

 2,187,898 
 17,600,613 
 74,708 
 18,900 
 21,373 
 40,273 
 62,330 
 48,333 
 164,776 

 177,710 
 46,920 
 337,438 
 784,907 

 $  28,738,049 

 $  24,730,068 

$ 

7,381,030 
 16,627,744 
 24,008,774 
 795,000 
 96,106 
 317,241 
 225,848 
 444,512 
 25,887,481 

 $  5,821,899 
 14,591,019 
 20,412,918 
 995,000 
 — 
 315,092 
 226,868 
 415,965 
 22,365,843 

 164 
 1,677,767 
 1,598,598 
 (430,198)
 4,237 
 2,850,568 

 163 
 1,571,670 
 1,360,130 
 (537,279)
 (30,459)
 2,364,225 

 $28,738,049 

 $24,730,068 

Interest and Dividend Income 
  Loans receivable, including fees 
  Investment securities
  Securities purchased under resale agreements
  Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock
  Due from banks and short-term investments
      Total interest and dividend income

Interest Expense
  Customer deposit accounts 
  Federal Home Loan Bank advances 
  Securities sold under repurchase agreements
  Long-term debt
  Other borrowings
      Total interest expense

Net interest income before provision for loan losses
Provision for loan losses on non-covered loans
Provision for loan losses on covered loans
Net interest income after provision for loan losses

Noninterest (Loss) Income
  Impairment loss on investment securities
    Less:  Noncredit-related impairment loss recorded in other comprehensive income
    Net impairment loss on investment securities recognized in earnings
  Changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable
  Branch fees
  Net gains on sales of investment securities
  Letters of credit fees and commissions
  Ancillary loan fees
  Foreign exchange income
  Net gains on sales of loans
  Dividend and other investment income
  Other commission and fee income
  Other operating income
      Total noninterest loss

Noninterest Expense
  Compensation and employee benefits
  Occupancy and equipment expense
  Amortization of investments in affordable housing partnerships and
    other tax credit investments
  Amortization of premiums on deposits acquired
  Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments
  Loan related expenses
  Other real estate owned (income) expense
  Legal expense
  Data processing
  Other operating expenses
      Total noninterest expense

Income Before Taxes
Provision For Income Taxes

Net Income
Preferred Stock Dividends

 $1,059,205 
 44,684 
 20,323 
 6,272 
 23,214 
 1,153,698 

65,486 
 4,116 
 38,395 
 4,823 
 — 
 112,820 

1,040,878 
 44,125 
 5,033 
 991,720 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 (201,417)
 37,866 
 10,851 
 25,941 
 10,616 
 11,381 
 39,132 
 5,464 
 29,419 
 19,033 
 (11,714)

231,838 
 63,815 

 75,660 
 10,204 
 21,922 
 3,438 
 (3,591)
 53,018 
 15,888 
 92,359 
 564,551 

 415,455 
 72,972 

 342,483 
 — 

 $979,394 
 43,846 
 21,236 
 6,869 
 17,340 
 1,068,685 

 63,496 
 4,173 
 41,381 
 3,436 
 6 
 112,492 

956,193 
 18,336 
 4,028 
 933,829 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 (228,585)
 32,036 
 12,089 
 22,116 
 9,368 
 12,658 
 7,750 
 993 
 20,400 
 18,707 
 (92,468)

 175,906 
 56,641 

 27,268 
 9,365 
 16,550 
 12,520 
 (1,128)
 31,718 
 9,095 
 77,576 
 415,511 

425,850 
 130,805 

 295,045 
 3,428 

 $945,530 
 58,184 
 20,392 
 4,673 
 22,316 
 1,051,095 

 75,895 
 6,248 
 46,166 
 3,855 
 4 
 132,168 

918,927 
 60,168 
 5,016 
 853,743 

(5,165)
 5,066 
 (99)
 (122,251)
 30,906 
 757 
 19,104 
 8,831 
 7,166 
 17,045 
 (439)
 16,349 
 17,013 
 (5,618)

 171,374 
 55,475 

 18,058 
 10,906 
 14,130 
 14,987 
 22,349 
 25,441 
 9,231 
 80,582 
 422,533 

425,592 
 143,942 

 281,650 
 6,857 

Net Income Available to Common Stockholders

 $ 

342,483 

 $ 

291,617 

 $ 

274,793 

Earnings Per Share Available to Common Stockholders
Basic
Diluted

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding
Basic
Diluted

 $ 
 $ 

2.39 
2.38 

 $ 
 $ 

2.11 
2.10 

 $ 
 $ 

1.92 
1.89 

 142,952 
 143,563 

 137,342 
 139,574 

 141,457 
 147,175 

Dividends Declared Per Common Share

 $ 

0.72 

 $ 

0.60 

 $ 

0.40 

23
Annual Report 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS

Molly Campbell
Director, Financial Management Systems
Los Angeles World Airports

John Lee
Vice Chair
East West Bank

Herman Y. Li
Chairman
C&L Restaurant Group, Inc.

Jack C. Liu, Esq.
Alliance International Law Offices

Dominic Ng
Chairman and CEO
East West Bank

Keith W. Renken
Managing Partner
Renken Enterprises

Iris S. Chan
Chief Executive Officer
Ameriway, Inc.

Rudolph I. Estrada
President and CEO
Estradagy Business Advisors

Julia S. Gouw
President and COO
East West Bank

Paul H. Irving
Chairman
Milken Institute Center for the
Future of Aging

Tak-Chuen Clarence Kwan
Retired Senior Partner
Deloitte LLP

24
Annual Report 2014

At East West Bank, we strive to create  
infinite possibilities for our customers, 
employees and shareholders. Our financial 
bridge between the United States and Greater 
China is more than just a fundamental means 
of conducting business; it’s also a way to 
connect cultures, communities and people. 

East West Bancorp
2014 Annual Report

Corporate Headquarters
135 N. Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
626.768.6000
eastwestbank.com