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National Bank Holdings Corporation
Annual Report 2014

NBHC · NYSE Financial Services
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FY2014 Annual Report · National Bank Holdings Corporation
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BUILDING ON OUR 
COMMON SENSE PROMISE

2014
ANNUAL REPORT 
AND FORM 10-K

3/17/15   5:09 PM

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
STRATEGIC EXECUTION
HIGHLIGHTS

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A LETTER FROM CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO 
G. TIMOTHY LANEY

FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS,

2014 was a year marked by significant growth for our young company as we continued on our journey of building a 
leading community bank holding company.  In our fourth year of banking operations, we achieved a 32% increase 
in net income, a 30% increase in strategic loans outstanding and continued to manage toward the end of our FDIC 
loss-sharing agreements.  We did this while maintaining a high-quality balance sheet and continually cultivating the 
relationships that we have with our clients.  

These deep client relationships have been a cornerstone of our growth and a catalyst for the strong credit quality 
of our loan portfolio.  During 2014, we originated $869 million of high-quality loans, a solid 22% increase over the 
prior year.  The quality of the loan portfolio is evidenced by our 2014 full-year net charge-offs of just six basis points 
in our non 310-30 loan portfolio.  These results have not happened by chance. We select our clients based on strong 
fundamentals, and we support that approach with prudent underwriting.

In addition to loan growth, we have been intensely focused on our path to 1% return on average tangible assets through 
increasing  productivity  and  improving  efficiencies.    To  this  end,  during  2014,  we  engaged  in  substantial  contract 
negotiations, and as a result, will be converting our core operating system in 2015.  The result of this conversion will be 
more robust product offerings, an enhanced banking experience for our clients and substantial cost savings.

We  have  also  remained  committed  to  managing  our  capital  opportunistically,  and  during  2014,  we  continued  to 
invest in ourselves through the repurchase of 6.1 million of our shares for $119 million. Since early 2013, and through 
February 26, 2015, we have repurchased 15.3 million shares at an average price of $19.50.  

A  unique  part  of  our  journey  has  been  the  corporate  culture  that  we  have  been  building  along  the  way,  and  in 
particular, our increasing emphasis on corporate social responsibility. Our associates are committed to improving 
the lives of others and enriching the communities in which we live and do business.  For example, in the Colorado 
mountain town of Basalt, one of our associates has studied English for ten years through the non-profit group English 
in Action.  Now fluent in English and Spanish, this associate gives back to the community through the organization 
that helped her succeed by tutoring to help others learn to read, write, and speak English. In our Kansas City market, 
another one of our associates provides financial education through Kansas University’s Gear-Up Financial Literacy 
Program.    Through  this  program,  our  associate  works  to  ensure  low-income  students  have  the  preparation  and 
resources necessary to pursue college degrees.

I am very proud of the positive impacts so many of our associates are making in our communities, and I want to thank 
them for their dedication to improving the lives of others and for their continued commitment to our company.  On 
behalf of the Board of Directors and the executive management team, I want to also thank all of my teammates for 
their  unwavering  efforts  and  contributions  to  our  young  company.    I  am  proud  to  lead  a  company  with  so  much 
potential, and greatly appreciate the support of our associates, clients, business partners and shareholders.  

SINCERELY,

TIM LANEY
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO 

[THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

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

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 
OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number: 001-35654

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

27-0563799
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

7800 East Orchard Road, Suite 300, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone, including area code: 
(720) 529-3336

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Class A Common Stock, Par Value $0.01

Name of each exchange on which registered

New York Stock Exchange

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  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such 
filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File 
required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such 
shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  

    No  

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

Large accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer

(do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Accelerated filer

Smaller Reporting Company

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) 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.   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  

    No  

As of June 30, 2014, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately 
$825,000,000 based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

As of February 26, 2015, NBHC had outstanding 36,822,179 shares of Class A voting common stock and 385,729 shares of Class B non-voting 
common stock, each with $0.01 par value per share, excluding 956,585 shares of restricted Class A common stock issued but not yet vested.

 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2014 
will be incorporated by reference into Part III of this form 10-K.

  
  
INDEX

Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward Looking Statements

PART I

Item 1.

Business

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2.

Properties

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 
Equity Securities

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Item 9B. Other Information

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder 
Matters

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

PART IV Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Signatures

Index to Exhibits

Page
1

3

19

31

31

31

31

32

34

41

79

80

133

133

135

135

135

135

135

135

136

137

138

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 
1995, notwithstanding that such statements are not specifically identified. Any statements about our expectations, beliefs, 
plans, predictions, forecasts, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be 
forward-looking. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as 
“anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “predict,” “seek,” “potential,” “will,” “estimate,” 
“target,” “plan,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “intend” and similar words or phrases. These statements are 
only predictions and involve estimates, known and unknown risks, assumptions and uncertainties. We have based these 
statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may 
affect our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, business strategy and growth prospects. 

Forward-looking statements involve certain important risks, uncertainties and other factors, any of which could cause 
actual results to differ materially from those in such statements and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue 
reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking 
statements include, but are not limited to:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

our ability to execute our business strategy, as well as changes in our business strategy or development plans;

business and economic conditions generally and in the financial services industry;

economic, market, operational, liquidity, credit and interest rate risks associated with our business;

effects of any changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the 
Federal Reserve Board;

changes imposed by regulatory agencies to increase our capital to a level greater than the current level required 
for well-capitalized financial institutions (including the impact of the joint final rules promulgated by the Federal 
Reserve Board, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the FDIC revising certain regulatory capital 
requirements to align with the Basel III capital standards and meet certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall 
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act);

effects of inflation, as well as, interest rate, securities market and monetary supply fluctuations;

changes in the economy or supply-demand imbalances affecting local real estate values;

changes in consumer spending, borrowings and savings habits;

our ability to identify potential candidates for, obtain regulatory approval for, and consummate, acquisitions of 
financial institutions on attractive terms, or at all;

our ability to integrate acquisitions and to achieve synergies, operating efficiencies and/or other expected benefits 
within expected time-frames, or at all, or within expected cost projections, and to preserve the goodwill of 
acquired financial institutions;

our ability to achieve organic loan and deposit growth and the composition of such growth;

changes in sources and uses of funds, including loans, deposits and borrowings;

increased competition in the financial services industry, nationally, regionally or locally, resulting in, among 
other things, lower returns;

the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well 
as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other 
accounting standard setters;

the trading price of shares of the Company's stock;

our ability to realize deferred tax assets or the need for a valuation allowance;

1

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

continued consolidation in the financial services industry;

our ability to maintain or increase market share and control expenses;

costs and effects of changes in laws and regulations and of other legal and regulatory developments, including,
but not limited to, changes in regulation that affect the fees that we charge, the resolution of legal proceedings or 
regulatory or other governmental inquiries, and the results of regulatory examinations, reviews or other inquiries;

technological changes;

the timely development and acceptance of new products and services and perceived overall value of these 
products and services by our clients;

changes in our management personnel and our continued ability to hire and retain qualified personnel;

ability to implement and/or improve operational management and other internal risk controls and processes and 
our reporting system and procedures;

regulatory limitations on dividends from our bank subsidiary;

changes in estimates of future loan reserve requirements based upon the periodic review thereof under relevant 
regulatory and accounting requirements;

•  widespread natural and other disasters, dislocations, political instability, acts of war or terrorist activities, 

cyberattacks or international hostilities through impacts on the economy and financial markets generally or on us 
or our counterparties specifically;

• 

• 

impact of reputational risk on such matters as business generation and retention; 

other risks and uncertainties listed from time to time in the Company’s reports and documents filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission; and

• 

our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update 
any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect 
the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances, except as required by applicable law.

2

Item 1.  BUSINESS.

Summary

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

National Bank Holdings Corporation ("NBHC" or the "Company") is a bank holding company that was incorporated in the 
State of Delaware in June 2009 and is headquartered immediately south of Denver, in Greenwood Village, Colorado.  Our 
primary operations are conducted through our wholly owned subsidiary, NBH Bank, N.A., referred to as the "Bank", or 
"NBH Bank", through which we provide a variety of banking products to both commercial and consumer clients.  We 
service our clients through a network of 97 banking centers, with the majority of those banking centers located in the 
greater Kansas City area and Colorado, and through online and mobile banking products.  As of December 31, 2014, we 
had $4.8 billion in assets,$2.2 billion in loans, $3.8 billion in deposits and $794.6 million in shareholders’ equity.   

The Company was formed through a private offering of our common stock in October 2009.  As part of our goal of 
becoming a leading regional community bank holding company, we are pursuing a strategy of strong organic growth 
complemented by selective acquisitions of financial institutions and other complementary businesses.  In October 2010, we 
acquired the failed Hillcrest Bank from the FDIC and began banking operations.  To date, we have completed four 
acquisitions of troubled or failed banks, three of which were FDIC-assisted.  We have transformed these four troubled 
banks into one collective banking operation with strong organic growth, prudent underwriting, and meaningful market 
share with continued opportunity for expansion. Our focus is on building organic growth through strong banking 
relationships with small- and mid-sized businesses and consumers in our markets.  Our long-term business model utilizes 
our organic development infrastructure, low-risk balance sheet, continuous operational development and a disciplined 
acquisition strategy to create value and provide attractive returns.

We have a management team consisting of experienced banking executives led by Chairman, President and Chief 
Executive Officer G. Timothy Laney. Mr. Laney brings over 30 years of banking experience, 24 of which were at Bank of 
America in a wide range of executive management roles, including serving on Bank of America’s Management Operating 
Committee. In late 2007, Mr. Laney joined Regions Financial as Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Business 
Services. Mr. Laney leads our team of executives that have significant experience in operating banks and completing and 
integrating mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, our board of directors is highly accomplished in the banking industry 
and includes individuals with broad experience operating and working with financial institutions, regulators and 
governance considerations.

Our Acquisitions

Our banking operations commenced on October 22, 2010, when we acquired selected assets and assumed selected 
liabilities of Hillcrest Bank of Overland Park, Kansas from the FDIC. Through this transaction, we acquired nine banking 
centers, which were predominantly located in the greater Kansas City region but also included one banking center in 
Colorado and two banking centers in Texas. This transaction also included 32 retirement center locations that offered 
limited-service banking services to residents in retirement communities.  On December 31, 2013, we closed all retirement 
center locations and integrated the servicing of these clients into our banking center network.  

On December 10, 2010, we completed our acquisition, without FDIC assistance, of a portion of the franchise of Bank 
Midwest from Dickinson Financial Corporation, that consisted of select performing loans and client deposits, and included 
39 banking centers, 25 of which are in the greater Kansas City region and 14 of which are located elsewhere in Missouri. 
As a result of these acquisitions, at June 30, 2014 (the last date as of which data are available), we were the seventh largest 
depository institution in the Kansas City MSA ranked by deposits with a 3.6% deposit market share according to SNL 
Financial.

We expanded into the Colorado market through two complementary acquisitions beginning with the purchase of selected 
assets and the assumption of selected liabilities of Bank of Choice, a state-chartered commercial bank based in Greeley, 
Colorado, from the FDIC on July 22, 2011.  In connection with this acquisition, we also acquired 16 banking centers. On 
October 21, 2011, we acquired selected assets and assumed selected liabilities of Community Banks of Colorado, a state 
chartered bank based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, from the FDIC.  In connection with this transaction, we acquired 36 
banking centers in Colorado and four in California (and later exited the California banking centers on December 31, 2013).  
The Community Banks of Colorado acquisition enhanced our penetration into the Colorado market, giving us a combined 
network of 50 banking centers in that state and ranking us as the 14th largest depository institution by deposits with a 1.4% 
deposit market share as of June 30, 2014 (the last date as of which data are available) according to SNL Financial.

On January 30, 2015, we announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement with Pine River Bank Corporation, the 
parent company of Pine River Bank.  This Colorado market fill-in transaction consists of four banking centers with $135 

3

million in assets in southwest Colorado.  The Pine River transaction is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 
2015.

The following table summarizes certain highlights of our four completed acquisitions to date, including deposits and assets 
at fair value as of each acquisition date:

Community Banks
of Colorado
October 21, 2011

Bank of Choice
July 22, 2011

Bank Midwest
December 10, 2010

Hillcrest Bank
October 22, 2010

Date acquired

FDIC-assisted

Loss share

Banking centers(3)
Deposits (millions)

Assets (millions)

Yes
Yes(1)

40

$1,195

$1,228

Yes

No

16

$760

$950

Primary Market

Colorado

Colorado

No

No

39

$2,386

$2,426

Yes
Yes(2)
9 (and 32
retirement centers)

$1,234

$1,377

Greater Kansas
City Region

Greater Kansas
City Region

(1)  Commercial Shared-Loss Agreement.
(2)  Single Family Shared-Loss Agreement and Commercial Shared-Loss Agreement.
(3)  During the fourth quarter of 2013, the four California banking centers acquired with the Community Banks of 
Colorado acquisition and 32 retirement centers acquired with the Hillcrest Bank acquisition were closed.

We believe that we have established critical mass in our current markets and have structured acquisitions that limit our 
credit risk, which has positioned us for attractive returns. Further details of our acquisitions appear below.

Hillcrest Bank

The Hillcrest Bank acquisition gave the Company assets with a fair value of $1.4 billion, including $781 million of loans, 
$235 million of marketable investment securities, $134 million of cash and cash equivalents, and $226 million of other 
assets. Liabilities with a fair value of $1.3 billion were also assumed, including $1.2 billion of non-brokered deposits, $84 
million of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, and $21 million of other liabilities. The acquisition excluded 
deposits of $250 million that were retained by the FDIC, and the FDIC made a cash contribution of $183 million to us as 
part of the transaction.

The FDIC agreed to absorb a portion of all future credit losses and workout expenses through a loss sharing arrangement 
that covers single-family mortgage loans for a period of 10 years and commercial loans, including other real estate owned 
(“OREO”), for a period of five years (excluding $3.1 million in consumer loans as of the date of acquisition). As of the 
date of acquisition, 99.6% of the loans and all of the OREO acquired in the Hillcrest Bank transaction were covered by 
FDIC loss sharing agreements.  The coverage amounts are subject to loss thresholds as follows (in thousands):

Commercial

Single family

Tranche
1
2
3

Loss Threshold
Up to $295,592
$295,593-405,293
>$405,293

Loss-Coverage
Percentage
60%
—%
80%

Tranche
1
2
3

Loss Threshold
Up to $4,618
$4,618-8,191
>$8,191

Loss-
Coverage
Percentage
60%
30%
80%

Bank Midwest

Through the Bank Midwest acquisition, we acquired assets with a fair value of $2.4 billion, including $882 million of 
loans, $1.4 billion of cash and cash equivalents and $174 million of other assets. We did not acquire any non-accrual loans 
or OREO in this transaction.  Liabilities with a fair value of $2.4 billion were also assumed, including $2.4 billion of non-
brokered deposits and $40 million of other liabilities. In connection with the Bank Midwest acquisition, we established a 
newly chartered national bank, NBH Bank, N.A., originally with the name “Bank Midwest, N.A.,” to hold the acquired 
assets.

4

Bank of Choice

Through the Bank of Choice acquisition, we acquired assets with a fair value of $950 million, including $361 million of 
loans, $134 million of marketable investment securities, $402 million of cash and cash equivalents, and $53 million of 
other assets. Liabilities with a fair value of $889 million were also assumed, including $760 million of non-brokered 
deposits, $117 million of FHLB advances, and $12 million of other liabilities.

We did not enter into a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC on the Bank of Choice acquisition, but rather the FDIC 
contributed a payment of $274 million, consisting of a $172 million asset discount and approximately $102 million for the 
difference in liabilities assumed and assets acquired.

Community Banks of Colorado

The Community Banks of Colorado acquisition gave the Company assets with a fair value of $1.2 billion, including $755 
million of loans, $11 million of marketable investment securities, $250 million of cash and cash equivalents, and $212 
million of other assets. Liabilities with a fair value of $1.2 billion were also assumed, including $1.2 billion of non-
brokered deposits, $16 million of FHLB advances, and $17 million of other liabilities.

The FDIC agreed to absorb a portion of all future credit losses and workout expenses through a loss sharing arrangement 
that covers the large majority of the Community Bank of Colorado’s commercial loans and OREO ($480 million) for a 
term of five years. As of the date of acquisition, 61.8% of loans and 83.5% of OREO in the Community Banks of Colorado 
transaction were covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC.The loss sharing arrangement does not cover any 
losses on single-family residential loans or selected commercial real estate loans.  The loss sharing thresholds on the 
Community Banks of Colorado covered assets are summarized as follows (in thousands): 

Tranche
1
2
3

Loss Threshold
Up to $204,194
$204,195-308,020
>$308,020

Loss-Coverage
Percentage
80%
30%
80%

All of our acquisitions were accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, and accordingly, all assets acquired 
and liabilities assumed were recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values and the fair value discounts on loans 
are being accreted over the lives of the loans as an adjustment to yield, with the exception of any non-accretable difference, 
as is described in our application of critical accounting policies. The Hillcrest Bank commercial loss sharing agreement 
with the FDIC is scheduled to expire during the fourth quarter of 2015 and the Community Banks of Colorado loss sharing 
agreement is scheduled to expire during the fourth quarter of 2016.  The individual indemnification assets associated with 
each loss sharing agreement must be reduced to zero by the end of the loss sharing agreements, either through claims for 
losses or through write-downs of the indemnification asset.  Additionally, within 45 days of the end of each loss sharing 
agreement, we may be required to reimburse the FDIC in the event that our losses on covered assets do not reach specified 
thresholds, which is recorded on our consolidated statements of financial condition as a clawback liability.  Both the 
application of the acquisition method of accounting and the loss sharing agreements with the FDIC are discussed in more 
detail in "Management's Discussion and Analysis" and in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

The Restructuring

In connection with the Hillcrest Bank and Bank Midwest acquisitions, we established two newly chartered banks, Hillcrest 
Bank, N.A. and Bank Midwest, N.A. Subsequently, Bank Midwest, N.A. acquired Bank of Choice and Community Banks 
of Colorado. In November 2011, we merged Hillcrest Bank, N.A. into Bank Midwest, N.A., consolidating our banking 
operations under a single charter. We changed the legal name of Bank Midwest, N.A. to NBH Bank, N.A., which we refer 
to as “NBH Bank” or the “Bank,” on May 20, 2012. Through our subsidiary NBH Bank, we operate under the following 
brand names: Bank Midwest in Kansas and Missouri, Community Banks of Colorado in Colorado and Hillcrest Bank in 
Texas. We believe that conducting our banking operations under a single charter streamlines our operations and enables us 
to more effectively and efficiently execute our growth strategy. On March 26, 2012, we changed our legal name from NBH 
Holdings Corp. to National Bank Holdings Corporation.

Market Area

We completed two acquisitions during the fourth quarter of 2010 and two acquisitions in 2011 and entered our markets, 
which are broadly defined as Colorado and the greater Kansas City region, and we have signed a definitive merger 

5

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
agreement to acquire four additional banking centers in southwest Colorado through the Pine River transaction that is 
expected to close in the third quarter of 2015. We are the fifth largest banking center network among Colorado-based banks 
ranked by deposits as of June 30, 2014 (the last date as of which data are available), according to SNL Financial.  In the 
greater Kansas City MSA, we are the seventh largest banking center network.  Other major MSAs in which we operate 
include Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas and Austin-Round Rock, Texas.  The table below describes certain key 
statistics regarding our presence in these markets as of June 30, 2014 (the last date as of which data are available).

States
Missouri
Colorado
Kansas

MSAs
Kansas City, MO-KS
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
Saint Joseph, MO-KS
Greeley, CO
Maryville, MO
Kirksville, MO
Glenwood Springs, CO

Deposit Market
Share Rank(1)

Banking Centers(1)

Deposits
(millions)(1)

Deposit Market
Share(1)

Deposit Market
Share Rank(1)

10
14
24

7
16
3
6
2
2
6

33
50
12

Banking Centers(1)

30
13
4
5
3
2
3

$

$

1,852.2
1,528.2
569.2

1.4%
1.4
0.9

Deposits
(millions)(1)

Deposit Market
Share(1)

1,681.4
642.3
227.2
186.5
150.5
121.5
112.7

3.6%
1.0
10.7
5.7
27.9
18.7
5.0

(1)  Note: Excludes our Texas operations and MSAs in which we have less than $100 million in deposits.

Source: SNL Financial as of June 30, 2014, except Banking Centers, which reflects the most recently available data.

We believe that our established presence positions us well for growth opportunities in our markets.  We believe that these 
markets have highly attractive demographic, economic and competitive dynamics that are consistent with our objectives 
and favorable to executing our organic growth strategy and provide attractive acquisition opportunities.  The table below 
describes certain key demographic statistics regarding our markets. 

Deposits
(billions)

# of
Businesses
(thousands)

Population
(millions)

Unemployment 
Rate(1)

Population
Growth(2)

Median
Household
Income

Top 3
Competitor
Combined
Deposit
Market Share

Denver, CO
Front Range, CO(3)

Kansas City, MO-KS MSA
U.S.

$

65.2

89.0

46.6

115

183

76

2.7

4.3

2.1

3.9%

4.0

5.0

5.8

24.3% $ 60,887

26.0

12.1

12.7

60,282

55,763

51,579

55%

54

40
52(4)

(1)  Unemployment data is as of November 30, 2014.
(2)  For the period 2000 through 2014.
(3)  CO Front Range is a population weighted average of the following Colorado MSAs: Denver, Boulder, Colorado 

Springs, Fort Collins and Greeley.

(4)  Based on U.S. Top 20 MSAs (determined by population).

Source: SNL Financial as of December 31, 2014, except Deposits and Top 3 Competitor Combined Deposit Market Shares, 
which reflects data as of June 30, 2014.

 An integral component of our foundation and growth strategy has been to capitalize on market opportunities and acquire 
financial services franchises. Our primary focus has been on markets that we believe are characterized by some or all of the 
following: (i) attractive demographics with household income and population growth above the national average; 
(ii) concentration of business activity; (iii) high quality deposit bases; (iv) an advantageous competitive landscape that 
provides opportunity to achieve meaningful market presence; (v) a substantial number of financial institutions, including 
troubled financial institutions; (vi) lack of consolidation in the banking sector and corresponding opportunities for add-on 

6

transactions; and (vii) markets sizeable enough to support our long-term growth objectives. We structured our business 
strategy around these criteria because we believed they would provide the best long-term opportunities for growth.

We believe there are opportunities for us to continue to execute our acquisition strategy over the next several years. We also 
believe there are a number of banks and financial institutions in these markets and complementary markets that would 
complement our breadth of products and services and benefit from our leadership, operating infrastructure and scale while 
welcoming our approach to local branding and leadership.  The table below highlights potential in-footprint acquisition 
opportunities:

Asset Size Range
$1 billion - $5 billion

$500 million - $1 billion

$250 million - $500 million

Total opportunities

# of
Banks

Assets
($billion)

# of
Private
Banks

Private
Assets
($billion)

$

28

41

79

52.5

27.9

26.3

$

19

37

79

148

$

106.7

135

$

34.1

25.3

14.1

73.5

Source: SNL Financial based on financial information as of September 30, 2014. Includes opportunities in CO, KS and 
MO.

Our Business Strategy

As part of our goal of becoming a leading regional community bank holding company, we seek to continue to generate 
strong organic growth, as well as pursue selective acquisitions of financial institutions and other complementary 
businesses.  Our focus is on building organic growth through strong banking relationships with small- and mid-sized 
businesses and consumers in our primary markets, while maintaining a low-risk profile designed to generate reliable 
income streams and attractive returns.  We view our market areas as the greater Kansas City region and Colorado.  The key 
components of our strategic plan are:

•  Focus on client-centered, relationship-driven banking strategy. Our commercial relationship managers focus on 

small and mid-sized businesses with an advisory approach that emphasizes understanding the client’s business and 
offering a complete array of loan, deposit and treasury management products and services.  Our commercial 
relationship managers are supported by treasury management teams in each of their markets, which allows us to 
more effectively deliver a comprehensive suite of products and services to our clients and further deepen our 
banking relationships.  Our consumer bankers focus on knowing their clients in order to best meet their financial 
needs, offering a full complement of loan, deposit and online banking solutions. 

•  Expansion of commercial banking, small business banking and specialty businesses.  We have made significant 

investments in our commercial relationship managers, as well as developed significant capabilities across our 
small business banking and several specialty commercial banking offerings.  Our specialized commercial banking 
teams are focused on structured and asset-based loans to middle market companies, as well as the energy, 
agriculture, government and non-profit sectors.  Our strategy is to originate a high-quality loan portfolio that is 
diversified across industries and granular in loan size.  We believe we are well-positioned to leverage our 
operating and risk management infrastructure through organic growth and we intend to continue to add or 
repurpose our commercial relationship managers to higher growth opportunities and markets in order to drive 
increased profitability.   

•  Expansion through organic growth and enhanced product offerings.  We believe that our focus on serving 

consumers and small- to mid-sized businesses, coupled with our enhanced product offerings, will provide an 
expanded revenue base and new sources of fee income.  We conduct regular market and competitive analysis to 
determine which products and services are best suited for our clients.  Our teams also continue to enhance cross-
selling strategies in order to deepen client relationships, which we believe will further increase our organic loan 
origination volumes and attract new transaction accounts that offer lower cost of funds and higher fee generating 
activity.  

•  Continue to strengthen profitability through organic growth and operating efficiencies.  We have consolidated our 
acquired banks under one charter and continue to utilize our comprehensive underwriting and risk management 
processes while maintaining local branding, leadership and decision making.  We have integrated all of our 

7

acquired banks onto one operating platform that that has allowed us to support growth and realize operating 
efficiencies throughout our enterprise. Our growth strategy is focused on organic initiatives in order to accelerate 
our growth in profitability.  Key priorities to strengthen profitability include the continued ramp-up of loan 
production, lowering our cost of funds, implementing additional fee-based business initiatives and further 
enhancing operational efficiencies.  

•  Pursue disciplined acquisitions. We expect that acquisitions will continue to be a component of our growth 

strategy and we intend to carefully select acquisition opportunities that we believe have stable core franchises, 
have significant local market share or will add asset generation capabilities or fee income streams while 
structuring the transactions to limit risk. Further, we seek transactions that offer opportunities for clear financial 
benefits with valuations that have acceptable levels of earnings accretion, tangible book value dilution/earn-back, 
and internal rates of return.  We believe that we are a skilled acquirer with a team of executives and board 
members that have significant experience completing and integrating mergers and acquisitions.  We believe that 
we utilize a comprehensive and conservative due diligence process that is strongly focused on areas of risk and 
opportunity.  We seek to acquire financial services franchises in markets that exhibit attractive demographic 
attributes and we believe that our focus on attractive markets will provide long-term opportunities for organic 
growth.  Our focus is on our primary markets of Colorado, Missouri and Kansas, including whole banks and 
banking center divestitures.  Additionally, we seek specialty businesses to complement our asset generation and 
fee income business while leveraging our risk management, operational and control infrastructure.  We may utilize 
our stock in addition to cash as consideration in future acquisitions.  

We believe our strategy of strong organic growth through the retention, expansion and development of client-centered 
relationships and growth through selective acquisitions in attractive markets provides flexibility regardless of economic 
conditions. We also believe that our established platform for assessing, executing and integrating acquisitions creates 
opportunities in an economic downturn while the combination of attractive market factors, franchise scale in our targeted 
markets and our relationship-centered banking focus creates opportunities in an improving economic environment.

Products and Services

Through NBH Bank, our primary business is to offer a full range of traditional banking products and financial services to 
both our commercial and consumer clients, who are predominantly located in Colorado, Missouri, Kansas and Texas. We 
conduct our banking business through 97 banking centers, with 50 of those located in Colorado, 45 in the greater Kansas 
City region and two in Texas.  Our distribution network also includes 106 ATMs, fully integrated online banking and 
mobile banking services.  We offer a full array of lending products to cater to our clients’ needs, including, but not limited 
to, small business loans, equipment loans, term loans, asset-backed loans, letters of credit, commercial lines of credit, 
commercial real estate loans, small business loans, residential mortgage loans, home equity and consumer loans. We also 
offer traditional depository products, including commercial and consumer checking accounts, non-interest-bearing demand 
accounts, money market deposit accounts, savings accounts and time deposit accounts and treasury management services.

We offer a high level of personalized service to our clients through our relationship managers and banking center 
associates. We believe that a banking relationship that includes multiple services, such as loan and deposit services, online 
and mobile banking solutions and treasury management products and services, is the key to profitable and long-lasting 
client relationships and that our local focus and decision making provide us with a competitive advantage over banks that 
do not have these attributes.

Lending Activities

Our primary strategic objective is to serve small- to medium-sized businesses in our markets with a variety of unique and 
useful services, including a full array of commercial, mortgage and non-mortgage loans, while maintaining a strong and 
disciplined credit culture. Our commercial bankers focus on small- and medium-sized businesses with an advisory 
approach that emphasizes understanding the client’s business and offering a complete suite of loan, deposit and treasury 
management products and services.  We have invested significantly in our commercial banking capabilities, attracting 
experienced commercial bankers from competing institutions in our markets, which has resulted in significant growth in 
our strategic loan portfolio.  To complement these efforts, we created a focused specialty banking group, which includes 
NBH Capital Finance  (providing structured and asset-based loans to middle market companies), energy, agriculture, 
treasury management,  government and non-profit banking.  Our consumer bankers focus on knowing their individual 
clients in order to best meet their financial needs, offering a full complement of loan, deposit and online and mobile 
banking solutions. We strive to do business in the areas served by our banking centers, which is also where our marketing 
is focused, and the vast majority of our new loan clients are located in existing market areas.

8

Our loan portfolio includes commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, residential real estate loans, 
agricultural loans and consumer loans. The principal risk associated with each category of loans we make is the 
creditworthiness of the borrower. Borrower creditworthiness is affected by general economic conditions and the attributes 
of the borrower’s market or industry segment. Attributes of the relevant business market or industry segment include the 
economic and competitive environment, changes to supply or demand, threat of substitutes and barriers to entry and exit. In 
our credit underwriting process, we carefully evaluate the borrower’s industry, operating performance, liquidity and 
financial condition. We underwrite credits based on multiple repayment sources, including operating cash flow, liquidation 
of collateral and guarantor support, if any.  We closely monitor the operating performance, liquidity and financial condition 
of borrowers through analysis of periodic financial statements and meetings with the borrower’s management. As part of 
our credit underwriting process, we also review the borrower’s total debt obligations on a global basis. Our credit policy 
requires that key risks be identified and measured, documented and mitigated, to the extent possible, to seek to ensure the 
soundness of our loan portfolio.

Our credit policy also provides detailed procedures for making loans to individuals along with the regulatory requirements 
to ensure that all loan applications are evaluated subject to our fair lending policy. Our credit policy addresses the common 
credit standards for making loans to individuals, the credit analysis and financial statement requirements, the collateral 
requirements, including insurance coverage where appropriate, as well as the documentation required. Our ability to 
analyze a borrower’s current financial health and credit history, as well as the value of collateral as a secondary source of 
repayment, when applicable, are significant factors in determining the creditworthiness of loans to individuals. We have 
also adopted formal credit policies regarding our underwriting procedures for other loans including commercial and 
commercial real estate loans. We require various levels of internal approvals based on the characteristics of such loans, 
including the size, nature of the exposure and type of collateral if any. We believe that the procedures required by our credit 
policies enhance internal responsibility and accountability for underwriting decisions and permit us to monitor the 
performance of credit decisioning. For more detail on our credit policies, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Financial Condition-Asset Quality.”

Commercial and Industrial Loans. We originate commercial and industrial loans and leases, including working capital 
loans, equipment loans, structured and asset-based loans, government and non-profit loans, energy loans and other 
commercial loans and leases. The terms of these loans vary by purpose and by type of underlying collateral, if any.

Working capital loans generally have terms of up to one year, are usually secured by accounts receivable and inventory and 
carry the personal guarantees of the principals of the business. Equipment loans are generally secured by the financed 
equipment at advance rates that we believe are appropriate for the equipment type.  As of December 31, 2014, substantially 
all of our commercial and industrial loans were secured.

Real Estate Loans. Our real estate loans consist of commercial real estate loans and residential real estate loans.  
Commercial real estate loans, or CRE loans, consist of loans to finance the purchase of commercial real estate, loans to 
support working capital needs of businesses that are secured by commercial real estate and construction and development 
loans.  Our CRE loans include loans on 1-4 family construction properties, commercial properties such as office buildings, 
strip malls, or free-standing commercial properties, multi-family and investor properties and raw land development loans.

CRE loans are typically secured by a first lien mortgage on multi-family, office, warehouse, hotel or retail property plus 
assignments of all leases related to the properties. These loans are generally divided into two categories: loans to 
commercial entities that will occupy most or all of the property (described as “owner-occupied”) and non-owner occupied 
loans. In the case of owner-occupied loans, we are usually the primary provider of financial services for the company and/
or the principals. Underwriting guidelines generally require borrowers to contribute cash equity that results in an 80% or 
less loan-to-value ratio on owner-occupied properties and a 75% or less loan-to-value ratio on non-owner occupied 
properties. 

We seek to reduce the risks associated with commercial mortgage lending by focusing our lending in our primary markets.  
Outside of owner-occupied CRE loans that are repaid through the cash flows generated by the borrowers’ business 
operations, commercial real estate is not a focus in our lending strategy. 

Residential real estate loans consist of loans secured by the primary or secondary residence of the borrower. These loans 
consist of closed loans, which are typically amortizing over a 10 to 30 year term. We also offer open-ended home equity 
loans, which are loans secured by secondary financing on residential real estate. Our loan-to-value benchmark for these 
loans is below 80% at inception along with satisfactory debt-to-income ratios.  We do not originate or purchase negatively 
amortizing or sub-prime residential loans.  

9

Agricultural Loans. Agricultural loans consist of loans to farmers and other agricultural businesses to finance agricultural 
production. The principal source of repayment on these loans is the crops sold at the end of the harvest season. Agricultural 
loans include term loans to finance agricultural land and equipment, as well as short-term lines to support crop production. 
Loans to finance agricultural land are amortized over 15 to 25 years, typically with three to five year maturities. Loans to 
finance agricultural equipment are amortized over five to ten years, typically with three to five year maturities. Pricing may 
be fixed rate or variable rate priced over LIBOR or the prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal. 

Consumer Loans. We offer a variety of consumer loans, including loans to banking center clients for consumer and 
business purposes, to meet client demand and to increase the yield on our loan portfolio. All of our newly originated loans 
are on a direct to consumer basis. Consumer loans are structured as small personal lines of credit and term loans, with the 
latter generally bearing interest at a higher rate and having a shorter term than residential mortgage loans. Consumer loans 
are both secured (for example by deposit accounts, brokerage accounts or automobiles) and unsecured and carry either a 
fixed rate or variable rate.  Examples of our consumer loans include home improvement loans not secured by real estate, 
new and used automobile loans and personal lines of credit.

Deposit Products and Other Funding Sources

We offer a variety of deposit products to our clients, including checking accounts, savings accounts, money market 
accounts and other deposit accounts, including fixed-rate, fixed maturity time deposits ranging in terms from 30 days to ten 
years, and individual retirement accounts. We view deposits as an important part of the overall client relationship and 
believe they provide opportunities to cross-sell other products and services.  We intend to continue our efforts to attract low 
cost transaction deposits from our consumer and business banking relationships.  Deposit flows are significantly influenced 
by general and local economic conditions, changes in prevailing interest rates, internal pricing decisions and competition. 
Our deposits are primarily obtained from areas surrounding our banking centers. In order to attract and retain deposits, we 
rely on providing competitively priced high-quality service and introducing new products and services that meet our 
clients' needs.

Financial Products & Services

In addition to traditional banking activities, we provide a wide array of treasury management solutions to our clients, 
including: online and mobile banking, wire transfers, automated clearing house services, electronic bill payment, lock box 
services, remote deposit capture services, merchant processing services, cash vault, controlled disbursements, positive pay 
and other auxiliary services (including account reconciliation, collections, repurchase accounts, zero balance accounts and 
sweep accounts). 

Competition

The banking landscape in our primary markets of Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Texas is highly competitive and quite 
fragmented, with many small banks having limited market share while the large out-of-state national and super-
regional banks control the majority of deposits and profitable banking relationships. We compete actively with national, 
regional and local financial services providers, including banks, thrifts, credit unions, mortgage bankers and finance 
companies. Our primary banking competitors in the Kansas City MSA are UMB Bank, Commerce Bank, Bank of America, 
US Bank, Valley View, Capitol Federal, Central Bancompany, Country Club Bank, Wells Fargo, Lauritzen (First National 
Bank), NASB Financial Inc., and Enterprise Financial Services Corp., and our largest competitors in Colorado are Wells 
Fargo, FirstBank, U.S. Bank, JPMorgan Chase, BNP Paribas (Bank of the West), KeyBank, Zions Bank (Vectra Bank of 
Colorado), Lauritzen (First National Bank), Pinnacle Bancorp (Bank of Colorado), Alpine Bank, Compass Bank (BBVA 
Compass) and CoBiz Financial.

Competition among providers of financial products and services continues to increase, with consumers having the 
opportunity to select from a variety of traditional brick and mortar banks and nontraditional alternatives, such as online 
banks. Competition among providers is based on many factors. We believe the most important of these competitive factors 
that determine success are our consumer bankers’ focus on knowing their individual clients in order to best meet their 
financial needs and our commercial bankers’ focus on small- and medium-sized businesses with an advisory approach that 
emphasizes understanding the client’s business and offering a complete array of loan, deposit and treasury management 
products and services. The primary factors driving commercial and consumer competition for loans and deposits are 
interest rates, the fees charged, client service levels and the range of products and services offered. In addition, other 
competitive factors include the location and hours of our banking centers and client service orientation of our associates.

We recognize that there are banks with which we compete that have greater financial resources, access to more capital and 
higher lending capacity than we do and offer a wider range of deposit and lending instruments than we do. However, given 

10

our existing capital base, we expect to be able to meet the majority of small- to medium-sized business and consumer credit 
needs. As of December 31, 2014, our NBH Bank, N.A. legal lending limit to any one client relationship was $88.8 million 
and our house limit to any one client relationship was $30.0 million.

Associates

At December 31, 2014, we had 943 full-time associates and 113 part-time associates. 

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION 

The U.S. banking industry is highly regulated under federal and state law. Banking laws, regulations, and policies affect the 
operations of the Company and its subsidiary. Investors should understand that the primary objective of the U.S. bank 
regulatory regime is the protection of depositors, the Depositors Insurance Fund (“DIF”), and the banking system as a 
whole, not the protection of the Company’s shareholders. 

As a bank holding company, we are subject to inspection, examination, supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve. 
Our bank subsidiary is subject to supervision and regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”). In 
addition, we expect that any additional businesses that we may invest in or acquire will be regulated by various state and/or 
federal banking regulators, including the OCC, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC. 

Banking statutes and regulations are subject to continual review and revision by Congress, state legislatures and federal and 
state regulatory agencies. A change in such statutes or regulations, including changes in how they are interpreted or 
implemented, could have a material effect on our business. 

In addition to laws and regulations, state and federal bank regulatory agencies may issue policy statements, interpretive 
letters and similar written guidance pursuant to such laws and regulations, which are binding on us and our subsidiaries. 
Banking statutes, regulations and policies could restrict our ability to diversify into other areas of financial services, 
acquire depository institutions and make distributions or pay dividends on our equity securities. They may also require us 
to provide financial support to any bank that we control, maintain capital balances in excess of those desired by 
management and pay higher deposit insurance premiums as a result of a general deterioration in the financial condition of 
NBH Bank, N.A. or other depository institutions we control. 

The description below summarizes certain elements of the applicable bank regulatory framework. This description is not 
intended to describe all laws and regulations applicable to us and our subsidiaries. The description is qualified in its 
entirety by reference to the full text of the statutes, regulations, policies, interpretive letters and other written guidance that 
are described. 

National Bank Holdings Corporation as a Bank Holding Company 

Any entity that acquires direct or indirect control of a bank must obtain prior approval of the Federal Reserve to become a 
bank holding company pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act (“BHCA”). We became a bank holding company in 
2010 in connection with the acquisition of the assets and assumption of selected liabilities of the former Hillcrest Bank 
from the FDIC by our newly chartered bank subsidiary, Hillcrest Bank, N.A. (now part of NBH Bank, N.A.). As a bank 
holding company, we are subject to regulation under the BHCA and to supervision, examination, and enforcement by the 
Federal Reserve. Federal Reserve jurisdiction also extends to any company that we may directly or indirectly control, such 
as non-bank subsidiaries and other companies in which we have a controlling interest. While subjecting us to supervision 
and regulation, we believe that our status as a bank holding company (as opposed to a non-controlling investor) broadens 
the investment opportunities available to us among public and private financial institutions, failing and troubled financial 
institutions, seized assets and deposits and FDIC auctions. 

The BHCA generally prohibits a bank holding company from engaging, directly or indirectly, in activities other than 
banking or managing or controlling banks, except for 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. Provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley 
Financial Modernization Act of 1999 (the “GLB Act”) expanded the permissible activities of a bank holding company that 
qualifies as a financial holding company. Under the regulations implementing the GLB Act, a financial holding company 
may engage in additional activities that are financial in nature or incidental or complementary to financial activity. Those 
activities include, among other activities, certain insurance and securities activities. We have not yet determined whether it 
would be appropriate or advisable in the future to become a financial holding company.

11

NBH Bank, N.A. as a National Bank 

NBH Bank, N.A. (the “Bank” or “NBH Bank”, formerly Bank Midwest, N.A.) is a national association, chartered under 
federal law, and, as such, is subject to supervision and examination by the OCC, NBH Bank’s primary banking regulator. 
NBH Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC through the DIF, in the manner and to the extent provided by law. As an 
insured bank, NBH Bank is subject to the provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (the “FDI Act”) and 
the FDIC’s implementing regulations thereunder, and may also be subject to supervision and examination by the FDIC 
under certain circumstances. 

Under the FDIC Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), NBH Bank must submit financial statements prepared in 
accordance with GAAP and management reports signed by the Company’s and NBH Bank’s chief executive officer and 
chief accounting or financial officer concerning management’s responsibility for the financial statements, an assessment of 
internal controls, and an assessment of NBH Bank’s compliance with various banking laws and FDIC and other banking 
regulations. In addition, we must submit annual audit reports to federal regulators prepared by independent auditors. As 
allowed by regulations, we may use our audit report prepared for the Company to satisfy this requirement. We must 
provide our auditors with examination reports, supervisory agreements and reports of enforcement actions. The auditors 
must also attest to and report on the statements of management relating to the internal controls. FDICIA also requires that 
NBH Bank form an independent audit committee consisting of outside directors only, or that the Company’s audit 
committee be entirely independent. 

NBH Bank is subject to specific requirements pursuant to the OCC Operating Agreement it entered into with the OCC in 
connection with our acquisition of Bank Midwest (the “OCC Operating Agreement”). The OCC Operating Agreement, 
among other things, requires NBH Bank to maintain total capital at least equal to 12% of risk-weighted assets, tier 1 capital 
at least equal to 11% of risk-weighted assets and tier 1 capital at least equal to 10% of adjusted total assets. Since the fourth 
quarter of 2013, the OCC Operating Agreement has permitted us to seek the OCC’s non-objection to reduce capital levels 
and to pay dividends. The OCC Operating Agreement also requires that NBH Bank provide notice to, and obtain non-
objection from, the OCC with respect to any additional failed bank acquisitions from the FDIC or other types of 
acquisitions. In addition, the OCC Operating Agreement required NBH Bank to submit a comprehensive business plan to 
the OCC and requires NBH Bank not to significantly deviate from its business plan without the OCC’s non-objection. 

NBH Bank (and, with respect to certain provisions, the Company) is also subject to a FDIC Order, dated November 4, 
2010 (the “FDIC Order”), issued in connection with the FDIC’s approval of our application for deposit insurance following 
the Bank Midwest acquisition. The FDIC Order currently requires, among other things, that NBH Bank have an audit 
committee of the Board of Directors comprised of at least three directors, none of whom are officers of the Bank and all of 
whom are independent, and make disclosures to proposed directors and shareholders of NBH Bank concerning the interests 
of any insider in any transaction by the Bank. 

A failure by us or NBH Bank to comply with the requirements of the OCC Operating Agreement or the FDIC Order, or the 
objection by the OCC or the FDIC to any materials or information submitted pursuant to the OCC Operating Agreement or 
the FDIC Order, could prevent us from executing our business strategy and materially and adversely affect us. As of 
December 31, 2014, NBH Bank was in compliance with all of the material terms of the OCC Operating Agreement and 
FDIC Order. 

We filed a comprehensive three-year business plan with the OCC in connection with the organization and operation of 
Bank Midwest, N.A. (now NBH Bank, N.A.). The OCC issued supervisory non-objection with respect to the plan on 
March 22, 2011 and our board of directors subsequently adopted the plan. We have provided to the OCC updates to the 
plan each subsequent year. 

We have implemented a quarterly monitoring and reporting process to remain in compliance with the comprehensive 
business plan and the requirements of the OCC Operating Agreement and FDIC Order. We also file a written quarterly 
status report to the OCC regarding our compliance with the OCC Operating Agreement. 

Broad Supervision, Examination and Enforcement Powers 

A principal objective of the U.S. bank regulatory regime is to protect depositors by ensuring the financial safety and 
soundness of banks and other insured depository institutions. To that end, the Federal Reserve, the OCC and the FDIC have 
broad regulatory, examination and enforcement authority over bank holding companies and national banks. This authority 
serves to ensure compliance with banking statutes, regulations, and regulatory guidance, orders, and agreements and safe 
and sound operation, including the power to issue cease and desist orders, impose fines and other civil and criminal 
penalties, terminate deposit insurance and appoint a conservator or receiver. Bank regulators regularly examine the 

12

operations of banks and bank holding companies. In addition, banks and bank holding companies are subject to periodic 
reporting and filing requirements. 

Bank regulators have various remedies available if they determine that a banking organization has violated any law or 
regulation, that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other 
aspects of a banking organization’s operations are unsatisfactory, or that the banking organization is operating in an unsafe 
or unsound manner. The bank regulators have the power to, among other things: enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, 
require affirmative actions to correct any violation or practice, issue administrative orders that can be judicially enforced, 
direct increases in capital, direct the sale of subsidiaries or other assets, limit dividends and distributions, restrict growth, 
assess civil monetary penalties, remove officers and directors, terminate deposit insurance, and appoint a conservator or 
receiver. 

Engaging in unsafe or unsound practices or failing to comply with applicable laws, regulations and supervisory agreements 
could subject the Company, its subsidiaries and their respective officers, directors and institution-affiliated parties to the 
remedies described above and other sanctions. In addition, the FDIC could terminate NBH Bank’s deposit insurance if it 
determined that the Bank’s financial condition was unsafe or unsound or that the bank engaged in unsafe or unsound 
practices or violated an applicable rule, regulation, order or condition enacted or imposed by the bank’s regulators. 

FDIC Statement of Policy on Qualifications for Failed Bank Acquisitions 

As the agency responsible for resolving failed depository institutions, the FDIC has discretion to determine whether a party 
is qualified to bid on a failed institution. The FDIC Policy Statement imposes additional restrictions and requirements on 
certain “private investors” and institutions to the extent that those investors or institutions seek to acquire a failed insured 
depository institution from the FDIC. The FDIC adopted the FDIC Policy Statement on August 26, 2009, and issued 
guidance regarding the policy statement on January 6, 2010 and April 23, 2010. 

The FDIC Policy Statement applies to private investors in a company (such as the Company) that proposes to assume 
deposit liabilities (or liabilities and assets) from the resolution of a failed insured depository institution, but does not apply 
to investors with 5% or less of the total voting power of an acquired depository institution or its bank holding company, 
provided there is no evidence of concerted action by such investors. 

For those institutions and investors to which it applies, the FDIC Policy Statement imposes the following provisions, 
among others. First, institutions are required to maintain a ratio of tier 1 common equity to total assets of at least 10% for a 
period of three years, and thereafter maintain a capital level sufficient to be “well capitalized” under regulatory standards 
during the remaining period of ownership of the investors. This amount of capital exceeds the amount otherwise required 
under applicable regulatory requirements. Second, investors that collectively own 80% or more of two or more depository 
institutions are required to pledge to the FDIC their proportionate interests in each institution to indemnify the FDIC 
against any losses it incurs in connection with the failure of one of the institutions. Third, institutions are prohibited from 
extending credit to investors and to affiliates of investors. Fourth, investors may not employ ownership structures that use 
entities domiciled in bank secrecy jurisdictions. The FDIC has interpreted this prohibition to apply to a wide range of non-
U.S. jurisdictions. In its guidance, the FDIC has required that non-U.S. investors subject to the FDIC Policy Statement 
invest through a U.S. subsidiary and adhere to certain requirements related to record keeping and information sharing. 
Fifth, investors are prohibited from selling or otherwise transferring the securities they hold for three years after acquisition 
without FDIC approval. These transfer restrictions do not apply to open-ended investment companies that are registered 
under the Investment Company Act, issue redeemable securities and allow investors to redeem on demand. Sixth, investors 
may not employ complex and functionally opaque ownership structures to invest in institutions. Seventh, investors that 
own 10% or more of the equity of a failed institution are not eligible to bid for that institution in an FDIC auction. Eighth, 
investors may be required to provide information to the FDIC regarding the investors and all entities in their ownership 
chains, such as information regarding the size of the capital fund or funds, their diversification, their return profiles, their 
marketing documents, their management teams and their business models. Ninth, the FDIC Policy Statement does not 
replace or substitute for otherwise applicable regulations or statutes. 

Regulatory Capital Requirements 

In General 

Bank regulators view capital levels as important indicators of an institution’s financial soundness. As a bank holding 
company, we are subject to regulatory capital adequacy requirements implemented by the Federal Reserve. In addition, the 
OCC imposes capital adequacy requirements on our subsidiary bank. The federal banking agencies have risk-based capital 
adequacy guidelines intended to provide a measure of capital adequacy that reflects the degree of risk associated with a 

13

banking organization’s operations. Under these guidelines, assets are assigned to one of several risk categories, and 
nominal dollar amounts of assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance-sheet items are multiplied by a risk 
adjustment percentage for the category. NBH Bank is, and other depository institution subsidiaries that we may acquire or 
control in the future will be, subject to such capital adequacy guidelines. 

The federal banking agencies recently revised capital guidelines to reflect the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act and to 
effect the implementation of Basel III Accords.  The quantitative measures, established by the regulators to ensure capital 
adequacy, require that banking organizations maintain minimum ratios of capital to risk-weighted assets. There are three 
categories of capital under the guidelines. With the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act, certain changes have been 
made as to the type of capital that falls under each of these categories. Common equity tier 1 capital, a new category, 
includes only common stock, related surplus, retained earnings and qualified minority investments. Additional tier 1 capital 
includes non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, certain qualifying minority interests, and for bank holding companies 
with less than $15 billion in consolidated assets, cumulative perpetual preferred stock and grandfathered trust preferred 
securities. Tier 2 capital includes subordinated debt, certain qualifying minority investments, and for bank holding 
companies with less than $15 billion in consolidated assets, non-qualifying capital instruments issued before May 19, 2010 
that exceed 25% of tier 1. 

Under the guidelines, capital is compared with the relative risk related to the balance sheet. To derive the risk included in 
the balance sheet, a risk weighting is applied to each balance sheet asset and off-balance sheet item, primarily based on the 
relative credit risk of the asset or counterparty.  The revised capital rules also modified the risk-weights applied to 
particular on and off balance sheet assets.  

The revised capital rules require banks and bank holding companies to maintain a minimum common equity tier 1 capital 
ratio of 4.5%, a total tier 1 capital ratio of 6%, a total capital ratio of 8%, and a leverage ratio of 4%.  Bank holding 
companies will ultimately be required to hold a capital conservation buffer of common equity tier 1 capital of 2.5% to 
avoid limitations on capital distributions and executive compensation payments.  Most of these new capital ratios became 
effective as of January 1, 2015. 

Further, the federal bank regulatory agencies may, however, set higher capital requirements for an individual bank or when 
a bank’s particular circumstances warrant. At this time, the bank regulatory agencies are more inclined to impose higher 
capital requirements in order to be considered well-capitalized, and future regulatory change could impose higher capital 
standards as a routine matter. 

The Federal Reserve may also set higher capital requirements for holding companies whose circumstances warrant it. For 
example, holding companies experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions are expected to maintain strong capital 
positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels, without significant reliance on intangible assets.  

Prompt Corrective Action

The FDI Act requires federal bank regulatory agencies to take “prompt corrective action” with respect to FDIC-insured 
depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. A depository institution’s treatment for purposes of 
the prompt corrective action provisions will depend upon how its capital levels compare to various capital measures and 
certain other factors, as established by regulation. Under this system, the federal banking regulators have established five 
capital categories, well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically 
undercapitalized, in which all institutions are placed. The federal banking regulators have specified by regulation the 
relevant capital levels for each of the five categories. The revised capital rules require banks to maintain a common equity 
tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5%, a total tier 1 capital ratio of 8%, a total capital ratio of 10%, and a leverage ratio of 5% to be 
deemed “well capitalized.”  Federal banking regulators are required to take various mandatory supervisory actions and are 
authorized to take other discretionary actions with respect to institutions in the three undercapitalized categories. The 
severity of the action depends upon the capital category in which the institution is placed. Generally, subject to a narrow 
exception, the banking regulator must appoint a receiver or conservator for an institution that is critically undercapitalized.  
Our regulatory capital ratios and those of NBH Bank are in excess of the levels established for “well-capitalized” 
institutions.

Bank Holding Companies as a Source of Strength 

The Federal Reserve requires that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to each 
bank that it controls and, under appropriate circumstances, commit resources to support each such controlled bank. This 
support may be required at times when the bank holding company may not have the resources to provide the support. 

14

Because we are a bank holding company, the Federal Reserve views the Company (and its consolidated assets) as a source 
of financial and managerial strength for any controlled depository institutions. 

Under the prompt corrective action provisions, if a controlled bank is undercapitalized, then the regulators could require its 
bank holding company to guarantee a capital restoration plan. In addition, if the Federal Reserve believes that a bank 
holding company’s activities, assets or affiliates represent a significant risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of 
a controlled bank, then the Federal Reserve could require the bank holding company to terminate the activities, liquidate 
the assets or divest the affiliates. The regulators may require these and other actions in support of controlled banks even if 
such action is not in the best interests of the bank holding company or its shareholders. 

The Dodd-Frank Act codified the requirement that holding companies, like the Company, serve as a source of financial 
strength for their subsidiary depository institutions, by providing financial assistance to its insured depository institution 
subsidiaries in the event of financial distress. Under the source of strength requirement imposed by the Federal Reserve and 
codified in the Dodd-Frank Act, the Company could be required to provide financial assistance to NBH Bank should it 
experience financial distress. If the capital of NBH Bank were to become impaired, the OCC could assess the Company for 
the deficiency. If we failed to pay the assessment within three months, the OCC could order the sale of our stock in NBH 
Bank to cover the deficiency. 

In addition, capital loans by us to NBH Bank will be subordinate in right of payment to deposits and certain other 
indebtedness of NBH Bank. In the event of our bankruptcy, any commitment by us to a federal bank regulatory agency to 
maintain the capital of NBH Bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment. 

Dividend Restrictions

The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. Because the Company’s consolidated net income 
consists largely of the net income of NBH Bank, the Company’s ability to pay dividends depends upon its receipt of 
dividends from its subsidiary. The ability of a bank to pay dividends and make other distributions is limited by federal and 
state law. The specific limits depend on a number of factors, including the bank’s type of charter, recent earnings, recent 
dividends, level of capital and regulatory status. The regulators are authorized, and under certain circumstances are 
required, to determine that the payment of dividends or other distributions by a bank would be an unsafe or unsound 
practice and to prohibit that payment. For example, the FDI Act generally prohibits a depository institution from making 
any capital distribution (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding company if 
the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. 

Dividends that may be paid by a national bank without the express approval of the OCC are limited in the aggregate for 
any calendar year to that bank’s retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years plus retained net profits up to the 
date of any dividend declaration in the current calendar year. Retained net profits, as defined by the OCC, consist of net 
income less dividends declared during the period. State-chartered subsidiary banks are also subject to state regulations that 
limit dividends. Non-bank subsidiaries are also limited by certain federal and state statutory provisions and regulations 
covering the amount of dividends that may be paid in any given year. 

Currently, the OCC Operating Agreement imposes certain restrictions on payment of dividends by NBH Bank to the 
Company, including by requiring prior non-objection from the OCC before any distribution is made. 

The ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends and make other distributions can also be limited. The Federal 
Reserve has authority to prohibit a bank holding company from paying dividends or making other distributions. The 
Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement that provides that a bank holding company should not pay dividends unless: 
(a) its net income over the last four quarters (net of dividends paid) has been sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (b) the 
prospective rate of earnings retention appears to be consistent with the capital needs, asset quality and overall financial 
condition of the bank holding company and its subsidiaries; and (c) the bank holding company will continue to meet 
minimum required capital adequacy ratios. Accordingly, a bank holding company should not pay cash dividends that 
exceed its net income or that can only be funded in ways that weaken the bank holding company’s financial health, such as 
by borrowing. 

Depositor Preference 

The FDI Act provides that, in the event of the “liquidation or other resolution” of an insured depository institution, the 
claims of depositors of the institution (including the claims of the FDIC as subrogee of insured depositors) and certain 
claims for administrative expenses of the FDIC as a receiver will have priority over other general unsecured claims against 
the institution. If our insured depository institution fails, insured and uninsured depositors, along with the FDIC, will have 

15

priority in payment ahead of unsecured, nondeposit creditors, including us, with respect to any extensions of credit they 
have made to such insured depository institution. 

Liability of Commonly Controlled Institutions 

FDIC-insured depository institutions can be held liable for any loss incurred, or reasonably expected to be incurred, by the 
FDIC due to the default of an FDIC-insured depository institution controlled by the same bank holding company and for 
any assistance provided by the FDIC to an FDIC-insured depository institution that is in danger of default and that is 
controlled by the same bank holding company. “Default” means generally the appointment of a conservator or receiver for 
the institution. “In danger of default” means generally the existence of certain conditions indicating that a default is likely 
to occur in the absence of regulatory assistance. The cross-guarantee liability for a loss at a commonly controlled institution 
would be subordinated in right of payment to deposit liabilities, secured obligations, any other general or senior liability 
and any obligation subordinated to depositors or general creditors, other than obligations owed to any affiliate of the 
depository institution (with certain exceptions). 

Limits on Transactions with Affiliates 

Federal law restricts the amount and the terms of both credit and non-credit transactions (generally referred to as “Covered 
Transactions”) between a bank and its non-bank affiliates. Covered Transactions with any single affiliate may not exceed 
10% of the capital stock and surplus of the bank, and Covered Transactions with all affiliates may not exceed, in the 
aggregate, 20% of the bank’s capital and surplus. For a bank, capital stock and surplus refers to the bank’s tier 1 and tier 2 
capital, as calculated under the risk-based capital guidelines (which were revised in 2013), plus the balance of the 
allowance for credit losses excluded from tier 2 capital. The bank’s transactions with all of its affiliates in the aggregate are 
limited to 20% of the foregoing capital. In addition, in connection with Covered Transactions that are extensions of credit, 
the bank may be required to hold collateral to provide added security to the bank, and the types of permissible collateral 
may be limited. The Dodd-Frank Act generally enhances the restrictions on transactions with affiliates, including an 
expansion of what types of transactions are Covered Transactions to include credit exposures related to derivatives, 
repurchase agreements and securities lending arrangements and an increase in the amount of time for which collateral 
requirements regarding Covered Transactions must be satisfied.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any 
outstanding Covered Transactions.

Regulatory Notice and Approval Requirements for Acquisitions of Control 

We must generally receive federal bank regulatory approval before we can acquire an institution or business. Specifically, 
as a bank holding company, we must obtain prior approval of the Federal Reserve in connection with any acquisition that 
would result in the Company owning or controlling 5% or more of any class of voting securities of a bank or another bank 
holding company. In acting on such applications, the Federal Reserve considers, among other factors: the effect of the 
acquisition on competition; the financial condition and future prospects of the applicant and the banks involved; the 
managerial resources of the applicant and the banks involved; the convenience and needs of the community, including the 
record of performance under the CRA; the effectiveness of the applicant in combating money laundering activities; and the 
extent to which the proposal would result in greater or more concentrated risks to the stability of the United States banking 
or financial system. Our ability to make investments in depository institutions will depend on our ability to obtain approval 
for such investments from the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve could deny our application based on the above criteria 
or other considerations. For example, we could be required to sell banking centers as a condition to receiving regulatory 
approval, which condition may not be acceptable to us or, if acceptable to us, may reduce the benefit of any acquisition. 

Federal and state laws, including the BHCA and the Change in Bank Control Act, impose additional prior notice or 
approval requirements and ongoing regulatory requirements on any investor that seeks to acquire direct or indirect 
“control” of an FDIC-insured depository institution or bank holding company. Whether an investor “controls” a depository 
institution is based on all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the investment. As a general matter, an investor is 
deemed to control a depository institution or other company if the investor owns or controls 25% or more of any class of 
voting securities. Subject to rebuttal, an investor is presumed to control a depository institution or other company if the 
investor owns or controls 10% or more of any class of voting securities and either the depository institution or company is 
a public company or no other person will hold a greater percentage of that class of voting securities after the acquisition. If 
an investor’s ownership of our voting securities were to exceed certain thresholds, the investor could be deemed to 
“control” us for regulatory purposes. This could subject the investor to regulatory filings or other regulatory consequences. 

16

Anti-Money Laundering Requirements 

Under federal law, including the Bank Secrecy Act and the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate 
Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA PATRIOT Act”), certain types of financial 
institutions, including insured depository institutions, must maintain anti-money laundering programs that include 
established internal policies, procedures and controls; a designated compliance officer; an ongoing associate training 
program; and testing of the program by an independent audit function. Among other things, these laws are intended to 
strengthen the ability of U.S. law enforcement agencies and intelligence communities to work together to combat terrorism 
on a variety of fronts. Financial institutions are prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account 
relationships and must meet enhanced standards for due diligence, client identification, and recordkeeping, including in 
their dealings with non-U.S. financial institutions and non-U.S. clients. Financial institutions must take reasonable steps to 
conduct enhanced scrutiny of account relationships to guard against money laundering and to report any suspicious 
information maintained by financial institutions. Bank regulators routinely examine institutions for compliance with these 
obligations and they must consider an institution’s anti-money laundering compliance when considering regulatory 
applications filed by the institution, including applications for banking mergers and acquisitions. The regulatory authorities 
have imposed “cease and desist” orders and civil money penalty sanctions against institutions found to be violating these 
obligations. 

Consumer Laws and Regulations 

Banks and other financial institutions are subject to numerous laws and regulations intended to protect consumers in their 
transactions with banks. These laws include, among others, laws regarding unfair and deceptive acts and practices and 
usury laws, as well as the following consumer protection statutes: Truth in Lending Act, Truth in Savings Act, Electronic 
Funds Transfer Act, Flood Disaster Protection Act, Expedited Funds Availability Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair 
and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, Fair Housing Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Act, GLB Act, 
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, Right to Financial Privacy Act and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. 

Many states and local jurisdictions have consumer protection laws analogous, and in addition, to those listed above. These 
state and local laws regulate the manner in which financial institutions deal with clients when taking deposits, making 
loans or conducting other types of transactions. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could give rise to 
regulatory sanctions, client rescission rights, action by state and local attorneys general and civil or criminal liability. 

The Dodd-Frank Act created a new independent Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (the “Consumer Bureau”) that has 
broad authority to regulate and supervise retail financial services activities of banks and various non-bank providers. The 
Consumer Bureau has authority to promulgate regulations, issue orders, guidance and policy statements, conduct 
examinations and bring enforcement actions with regard to consumer financial products and services. In general, however, 
banks with assets of $10 billion or less, such as NBH Bank, will continue to be examined for consumer compliance by their 
primary bank regulator. 

The Community Reinvestment Act 

The CRA is intended to encourage banks to help meet the credit needs of their entire communities, including low- and 
moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound operations. The regulators examine banks and assign each 
bank a public CRA rating. The CRA then requires bank regulators to take into account the bank’s record in meeting the 
needs of its community when considering certain applications by a bank, including applications to establish a banking 
center or to conduct certain mergers or acquisitions. The Federal Reserve is required to consider the CRA records of a bank 
holding company’s controlled banks when considering an application by the bank holding company to acquire a bank or to 
merge with another bank holding company. 

When we apply for regulatory approval to make certain investments, the regulators will consider the CRA record of the 
target institution and our depository institution subsidiary. An unsatisfactory CRA record could substantially delay approval 
or result in denial of an application. 

Reserve Requirements 

Pursuant to regulations of the Federal Reserve, all banks are required to maintain average daily reserves at mandated ratios 
against their transaction accounts. In addition, reserves must be maintained on certain non-personal time deposits. These 
reserves must be maintained in the form of vault cash or in an account at a Federal Reserve Bank. 

17

Deposit Insurance Assessments 

FDIC-insured banks are required to pay deposit insurance premiums to the FDIC. The FDIC has adopted a risk-based 
assessment system whereby FDIC-insured depository institutions pay insurance premiums at rates based on their risk 
classification. An institution’s risk classification is assigned based on its capital levels and the level of supervisory concern 
the institution poses to the regulators. 

The Dodd-Frank Act makes permanent the general $250,000 deposit insurance limit for insured deposits. Beginning 
January 1, 2013, all of a depositor’s accounts at an insured bank, including all non-interest bearing transaction accounts, 
were insured by the FDIC up to $250,000. 

The Dodd-Frank Act changed the deposit insurance assessment framework, primarily by basing assessments on an 
institution’s average total consolidated assets less average tangible equity (subject to risk-based adjustments that would 
further reduce the assessment base for custodial banks) rather than domestic deposits, shifting a greater portion of the 
aggregate assessments to large banks, as described in detail below. The Dodd-Frank Act also eliminated the upper limit for 
the reserve ratio designated by the FDIC each year, increased the minimum designated reserve ratio of the DIF from 1.15% 
to 1.35% of the estimated amount of total insured deposits by September 30, 2020, and eliminated the requirement that the 
FDIC pay dividends to depository institutions when the reserve ratio exceeds certain thresholds. 

The Dodd-Frank Act requires the DIF to reach the reserve ratio of 1.35% of insured deposits by September 30, 2020. On 
December 20, 2010, the FDIC raised the minimum designated reserve ratio of DIF to 2%. The ratio is higher than the 
minimum reserve ratio of 1.35% as set by the Dodd-Frank Act. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC is required to offset 
the effect of the higher reserve ratio on small insured depository institutions, those with consolidated assets of less than $10 
billion. 

Continued action by the FDIC to replenish the DIF as well as changes contained in the Dodd-Frank Act may result in 
higher assessment rates. NBH Bank may be able to pass part or all of this cost on to its clients, including in the form of 
lower interest rates on deposits, or fees to some depositors, depending on market conditions. 

The FDIC may terminate a depository institution’s deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution’s financial condition 
is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or has violated any applicable rule, 
regulation, order or condition enacted or imposed by the institution’s regulatory agency. If deposit insurance for a banking 
business we invest in or acquire were to be terminated, that would have a material adverse effect on that banking business 
and potentially on the Company as a whole. 

Interstate Banking for State and National Banks 

Under the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act (the “Riegle- Neal Act”), a bank holding company 
may acquire banks in states other than its home state, subject to any state requirement that the bank has been organized and 
operating for a minimum period of time, not to exceed five years, and the requirement that the bank holding company not 
control, prior to or following the proposed acquisition, more than 10% of the total amount of deposits of insured depository 
institutions nationwide or, unless the acquisition is the bank holding company’s initial entry into the state, more than 30% 
of such deposits in the state (or such lesser or greater amount set by the state). Bank holding companies must be well 
capitalized and well managed, not merely adequately capitalized and adequately managed, in order to acquire a bank 
located outside of the bank holding company’s home state. 

The Riegle-Neal Act also authorizes banks to merge across state lines, thereby creating interstate banking centers. A 
national or state bank, with the approval of its regulator, may open a de novo banking center in any state if the law of the 
state in which the banking center is proposed would permit the establishment of the banking center if the bank were a bank 
chartered in that state. National banks may provide trust services in any state to the same extent as a trust company 
chartered by that state. 

Changes in Laws, Regulations or Policies and the Dodd-Frank Act 

Congress and state legislatures may introduce from time to time measures or take actions that would modify the regulation 
of banks or bank holding companies. In addition, federal and state regulatory agencies also periodically propose and adopt 
changes to their regulations or change the manner in which existing regulations are applied. Such changes could increase or 
decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance among banks 
and other financial institutions, all of which could affect our investment opportunities and our assessment of how attractive 

18

such opportunities may be. We cannot predict whether potential legislation will be enacted and, if enacted, the effect that it 
or any implementing regulations would have on our business, results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. 

The Dodd-Frank Act, which was signed into law in 2010, continues to have a broad impact on the financial services 
industry, imposing significant regulatory and compliance changes, increased capital, leverage and liquidity requirements 
and numerous other provisions designed to improve supervision and oversight of the financial services sector. In addition 
to certain implications of the Dodd-Frank Act discussed above, the following items are also key provisions of the Dodd-
Frank Act: 

• 

Limitation on Federal Preemption. The Dodd-Frank Act may reduce the ability of national banks to rely upon 
federal preemption of state consumer financial laws. The Dodd-Frank Act also eliminates the extension of 
preemption under the National Bank Act to operating subsidiaries of national banks. The Dodd-Frank Act 
authorizes state enforcement authorities to bring lawsuits under non-preempted state law against national banks 
and authorizes suits by state attorney generals against national banks to enforce rules issued by the Consumer 
Bureau. 

•  Mortgage Loan Origination and Risk Retention. The Dodd-Frank Act imposes new standards for mortgage loan 

originations on all lenders, including banks, in an effort to require steps to verify a borrower’s ability to repay. The 
Dodd-Frank Act also generally requires lenders or securitizers to retain an economic interest in the credit risk 
relating to loans the lender sells or mortgages and other asset-backed securities that the securitizer issues. The risk 
retention requirement generally will be 5%, but could be increased or decreased by regulation. 

•  Corporate Governance. The Dodd-Frank Act addresses many investor protection, corporate governance and 

executive compensation matters that will affect most U.S. publicly traded companies, including the Company. The 
Dodd-Frank Act: (1) grants shareholders of U.S. publicly traded companies an advisory vote on executive 
compensation (unless exempted by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”)); (2) enhances 
independence requirements for compensation committee members and advisors; (3) requires companies listed on 
national securities exchanges to adopt incentive-based compensation clawback policies for executive officers; and 
(4) provides the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) with authority to adopt proxy access rules 
that would allow shareholders of publicly traded companies to nominate candidates for election as a director and 
have those nominees included in a company’s proxy materials. 

Many of the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act will continue to be implemented over time, and most will be subject to 
regulations implemented over the course of several years. Given the uncertainty surrounding the manner in which many of 
the Dodd-Frank Act’s provisions will be implemented by the various regulatory agencies and through regulations, the full 
extent of the impact on our operations is unclear. The changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may impact the 
profitability of our business activities, require changes to certain of our business practices, impose upon us more stringent 
capital, liquidity and leverage requirements or otherwise materially and adversely affect us. 

More Information

Our website is www.nationalbankholdings.com.  We make available free of charge, through our website, annual reports on 
Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or 
furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably 
practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the SEC. In addition, the public may 
read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, 
DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-
SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other 
information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS.

Risks Relating to Our Banking Operations 

We are a relatively young Company with a limited and complex operating history from which investors can evaluate our past 
financial and operating performance and future prospects. 

We were organized in June 2009 and acquired selected assets and assumed selected liabilities of Hillcrest Bank, Bank Midwest, 
Bank of Choice and Community Banks of Colorado in October 2010, December 2010, July 2011 and October 2011, respectively.  
In January 2015, we announced our agreement to acquire Pine River Bank Corporation, which acquisition we currently expect 

19

to complete in the third quarter of 2015.  Because our banking operations began in late 2010, we have a limited operating 
history  upon  which  investors  can  evaluate  our  operational  performance  or  compare  our  recent  performance  to  historical 
performance.  The business models and experiences of the depository institutions we have acquired to date and may acquire 
in the future may not be reflective of our plans.  Moreover, because a portion of our loans and OREO are covered by loss 
sharing agreements with the FDIC and all of the loans and OREO we acquired were marked to fair value at the time of our 
acquisitions, we believe that the historical financial results of the acquisitions are less useful to an evaluation of our future 
prospects and financial and operating performance.

Certain other factors may also make it difficult for investors to evaluate our future prospects and financial and operating 
performance, including, among others: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

our current asset mix, loan quality and allowance for loan losses are not representative of our anticipated future 
asset mix, loan quality and allowance for loan losses, which may change materially as we continue to undertake 
organic loan origination and banking activities and pursue future acquisitions;

a portion of our loans and OREO have been, and continue to be, covered by loss sharing agreements with the 
FDIC, which reimburse a variable percentage of losses experienced on these assets; thus, we may face higher 
losses once the FDIC loss sharing arrangements expire and losses may exceed the discounts we received; 

the income we report from certain acquired assets due to loan discounts and accretable yield may be higher than 
the returns available in the current market and, if we are unable to make new performing loans and acquire other 
performing assets in sufficient volume, we may be unable to generate the earnings necessary to implement our 
growth strategy; 

our excess cash reserves and liquid investment securities portfolio, may not be representative of our future cash 
position; 

our historical cost structure and capital expenditure requirements are not necessarily reflective of our anticipated 
cost structure and capital spending as we continue to identify efficiencies and operate our organic banking 
platform; and 

our regulatory capital ratios, minimums of which are required by agreements we have reached with our regulators 
and which result in part from the proceeds of our private offering of common stock, are not necessarily 
representative of our future regulatory capital ratios. 

Changes in general business and economic conditions could materially and adversely affect us. 

Our business and operations are sensitive to general business and economic conditions in the United States and in our two 
core markets in Colorado and the greater Kansas City region. If the economies in our core markets, or the U.S. economy 
more generally, are unable to continue to steadily emerge from the recession that began in 2007 or we experience 
worsening economic conditions, including industry-specific conditions, we could be materially and adversely affected. 
Weak economic conditions may be characterized by deflation, fluctuations in debt and equity capital markets, including a 
lack of liquidity and/or depressed prices in the secondary market for mortgage loans, increased delinquencies on loans, 
residential and commercial real estate price declines and lower home sales and commercial activity, and further or 
prolonged pressure on energy prices. All of these factors would be detrimental to our business. Our business is significantly 
affected by monetary and related policies of the U.S. federal government, its agencies and government-sponsored entities. 
Changes in any of these policies are influenced by macroeconomic conditions and other factors that are beyond our control 
and could have a material adverse effect on us. 

Changes in the assumptions underlying our loss share accounting, acquisition method of accounting, or other significant 
accounting estimates could affect our financial information and have a material adverse effect on us. 

A material portion of our financial results is based on, and subject to, significant assumptions and judgments made by us 
and our regulators.  As a result of our acquisitions, our financial information is heavily influenced by the application of the 
acquisition method of accounting and loss share accounting. Both methodologies require us to make complex assumptions, 
and these assumptions materially affect our financial results. As such, any financial information generated through the use 
of loss share accounting or the acquisition method of accounting is subject to modification or change. If our assumptions 
are incorrect and we change or modify our assumptions, it could have a material adverse effect on us or our previously 
reported results.  Additionally, a change in our accounting estimates, such as our ability to realize deferred tax assets, the 
need for a valuation allowance or the recoverability of the goodwill recorded at the time of our acquisitions, could have a 
material adverse effect on our financial results.

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Our business is highly susceptible to credit risk and fluctuations in the value of real estate and other collateral securing 
such credit. 

As a lender, we are exposed to the risk that our clients will be unable to repay their loans according to their terms and that 
the collateral securing the payment of their loans (if any) may not be sufficient to assure repayment. The risks inherent in 
making any loan include risks with respect to the ability of borrowers to repay their loans and, if applicable, the period of 
time over which the loan is repaid, risks relating to proper loan underwriting and guidelines, risks resulting from changes in 
economic and industry conditions, risks inherent in dealing with individual borrowers and risks resulting from uncertainties 
as to the future value of collateral. Similarly, we have credit risk embedded in our securities portfolio. Our credit standards, 
procedures and policies may not prevent us from incurring substantial credit losses, particularly in light of market 
developments in recent years.  A correction in residential real estate market prices and reduced levels of home sales, could 
adversely affect the value of collateral securing mortgage loans, mortgage loan originations and gains on sale of mortgage 
loans. Declines in real estate values and home sales volumes, and financial stress on borrowers as a result of job losses or 
other factors, could have further adverse effects on borrowers that result in higher delinquencies and greater charge-offs in 
future periods, which could materially and adversely affect us. 

We depend on our executive officers and key personnel to implement our strategy and could be harmed by the loss of their 
services. 

The execution of our strategy depends in large part on the skills of our executive management team and our ability to motivate 
and retain these and other key personnel.  Accordingly, the loss of service of one or more of our executive officers or key 
personnel could reduce our ability to successfully implement our growth strategy and materially and adversely affect us.  Our 
success also depends on the experience of our banking center managers and relationship managers and on their relationships 
with the clients and communities they serve.  The loss of these key personnel could negatively impact our banking operations.  
The loss of key senior personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could have a material 
adverse effect on us. 

Our allowance for loan losses and fair value adjustments may prove to be insufficient to absorb losses inherent in our loan 
or OREO portfolio. 

We maintain an allowance for loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, 
which we believe is appropriate to provide for probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio.  The amount of this allowance 
is determined by our management through periodic reviews. 

The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity 
and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material 
changes.    Changes  in  economic  conditions  affecting  borrowers,  new  information  regarding  our  loans,  identification  of 
additional problem loans by us and other factors,  both within  and outside  of our  control, may require  an increase  in the 
allowance for loan losses.  If the real estate markets deteriorate, we expect that we will experience increased delinquencies 
and credit losses, particularly with respect to construction, land development and land loans.  In addition, our regulators 
periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses or the recognition 
of further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management.  In addition, if charge-offs in future 
periods exceed the allowance for loan losses, we will need additional provisions to increase the allowance for loan losses.  
Any increases in the allowance for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and capital and may have a material 
adverse effect on us. 

Our loss sharing agreements impose restrictions on the operation of our business and extensive record-keeping 
requirements, and failure to comply with the terms of our loss sharing agreements with the FDIC may result in significant 
losses. 

A portion of our revenue is derived from assets acquired in Hillcrest Bank and Community Banks of Colorado transactions. 
Certain of the loans, commitments and foreclosed assets acquired in those transactions are covered by the loss sharing 
agreements, which provide that a significant portion of the losses related to those covered assets will be borne by the FDIC. 
We may, however, experience difficulties in complying with the requirements of the loss sharing agreements, including the 
extensive record-keeping and documentation relating to the status and reimbursement of covered assets. The required terms 
of the agreements are extensive and failure to comply with any of the terms could result in a specific asset or group of 
assets losing their loss sharing coverage. Additionally, complying with the extensive requirements to avail ourselves of the 
loss sharing coverage could take management time and attention away from other aspects of running our business. 

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Our loss sharing agreements also impose limitations on the manner in which we manage loans covered by loss sharing.  For 
example, under the loss sharing agreements, we may not, without FDIC consent, sell a covered loan even if in the ordinary 
course of our business we determine that taking such action would be advantageous for us.  These restrictions could impair 
our ability to manage problem loans, extend the amount of time that such loans remain on our balance sheet and increase the 
amount of our losses. 

We hold and acquire an amount of OREO from time to time, which may lead to increased operating expenses and vulnerability 
to declines in real property values. 

When necessary, we foreclose on and take title to the real estate (some of which is covered by our FDIC loss-sharing 
arrangements) serving as collateral for our loans as part of our business.  Real estate that we own but do not use in the 
ordinary course of our operations is referred to as “other real estate owned,” or “OREO” property.  Higher OREO balances 
as a result of our acquisitions have led to greater expenses as we incur costs to manage and dispose of the properties.  
Despite some of the OREO being covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, we expect that our earnings will 
continue to be negatively affected by various expenses associated with OREO, including personnel costs, insurance and 
taxes, completion and repair costs, valuation adjustments and other expenses associated with property ownership, as well 
as by the funding costs associated with OREO assets.  We evaluate OREO properties periodically and write down the 
carrying value of the properties if the results of our evaluation require it.  The expenses associated with OREO and any 
further OREO write-downs could have a material adverse effect on us. 

We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities. 

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property, and we could become subject to environmental liabilities 
with respect to one or more of these properties.  During the ordinary course of business, we may foreclose on and take title 
to properties securing defaulted loans.  There is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties, 
and we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage, civil fines and criminal 
penalties regardless of when the hazardous conditions or toxic substances first affected any particular property.  Environmental 
laws  may  require  us  to  incur  substantial  expenses  to  address  unknown  liabilities  and  may  materially  reduce  the  affected 
property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property.  In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations 
or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase our exposure to environmental liability.  Although we have 
policies and procedures to perform an environmental review before initiating any foreclosure action on nonresidential real 
property, these reviews may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards.  The remediation costs and any 
other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on us. 

The expanding body of federal, state and local regulation and/or the licensing of loan servicing, collections or other 
aspects of our business may increase the cost of compliance and the risks of noncompliance. 

We service our own loans, and loan servicing is subject to extensive regulation by federal, state and local governmental 
authorities as well as to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing requirements and restrictions on those 
activities.  The volume of new or modified laws and regulations has increased in recent years and, in addition, some individual 
municipalities have begun to enact laws that restrict loan servicing activities including delaying or temporarily preventing 
foreclosures or forcing the modification of certain mortgages.  If regulators impose new or more restrictive requirements, we 
may incur additional significant costs to comply with such requirements which may further adversely affect us.  In addition, 
our failure to comply with these laws and regulations could possibly lead to: civil and criminal liability; loss of licensure; 
damage to our reputation in the industry; fines and penalties and litigation, including class action lawsuits; and administrative 
enforcement actions.  Any of these outcomes could materially and adversely affect us. 

The fair value of our investment securities can fluctuate due to market conditions outside of our control. 

We have historically taken a conservative investment strategy with our securities portfolio, with concentrations of securities 
that are primarily backed by government sponsored enterprises.  In the future, we may seek to increase yields through more 
aggressive strategies, which may include a greater percentage of corporate securities and structured credit products.  Factors 
beyond our control can significantly influence the fair value of securities in our portfolio and can cause potential adverse 
changes to the fair value of these securities.  These factors include, but are not limited to, rating agency actions in respect of 
the securities, defaults by the issuer or with respect to the underlying securities, and changes in market interest rates and 
instability in the capital markets.  These factors, among others, could cause other-than-temporary impairments and realized 
and/or unrealized losses in future periods and declines in other comprehensive income, which could have a material adverse 
effect on us.  The process for determining whether impairment of a security is other-than-temporary usually requires complex, 
subjective judgments about the future financial performance and liquidity of the issuer and any collateral underlying the 
security in order to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the security. 

22

We face significant competition from other financial institutions and financial services providers, which may materially and 
adversely affect us. 

Consumer and commercial banking is highly competitive.  Our markets contain a large number of community and regional 
banks as well as a significant presence of the country’s largest commercial banks.  We compete with other state and national 
financial institutions, including savings and loan associations, savings banks and credit unions, for deposits and loans.  In 
addition,  we  compete  with  financial  intermediaries,  such  as  consumer  finance  companies,  mortgage  banking  companies, 
insurance companies, securities firms, mutual funds and several government agencies, as well as major retailers, in providing 
various types of loans and other financial services.  Some of these competitors have a long history of successful operations 
in our markets, greater ties to local businesses and more expansive banking relationships, as well as better established depositor 
bases.  Some of our competitors also have greater resources and access to capital and possess an advantage by being capable 
of  maintaining  numerous  banking  locations  in  more  convenient  sites,  operating  more ATMs  and  conducting  extensive 
promotional and advertising campaigns or operating a more developed internet platform.  Competitors may also exhibit a 
greater tolerance for risk and behave more aggressively with respect to pricing in order to increase their market share. 

Our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including, among others: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the ability to develop, maintain and build upon long-term client relationships based on quality service, effective and 
efficient products and services, high ethical standards and safe and sound assets; 

the scope, relevance and pricing of products and services offered to meet client needs and demands;

the rate at which we introduce new products and services relative to our competitors;

the ability to attract and retain highly qualified associates to operate our business;

the ability to expand our market position;

client satisfaction with our level of service;

the ability to operate our business effectively and efficiently; and

industry and general economic trends.

Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken our competitive position, which could materially and 
adversely affect us. 

We may not be able to meet the cash flow requirements of deposit withdrawals and other business needs unless we maintain 
sufficient liquidity.

We require liquidity to make loans and to repay deposit and other liabilities as they become due or are demanded by clients.  
We principally depend on checking, savings and money market deposit account balances and other forms of client deposits 
as our primary source of funding for our lending activities.  As a result of a decline in overall depositor confidence, an increase 
in interest rates paid by competitors, general interest rate levels, FDIC insurance costs, higher returns being available to clients 
on alternative investments and general economic conditions, a substantial number of our clients could withdraw their bank 
deposits with us from time to time, resulting in our deposit levels decreasing substantially, and our cash on hand may not be 
able to cover such withdrawals and our other business needs, including amounts necessary to operate and grow our business. 
This would require us to seek third party funding or other sources of liquidity, such as asset sales.  Our access to third party 
funding sources, including our ability to raise funds through the issuance of additional shares of our common stock or other 
equity or equity-related securities, incurrence of debt, and federal funds purchased, may be impacted by our financial strength, 
performance and prospects and may also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a disruption in the financial 
markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry in light of recent turmoil 
faced by banking organizations and the unstable credit markets, all of which may make potential funding sources more difficult 
to access, less reliable and more expensive. We may not have access to third party funding in sufficient amounts on favorable 
terms, or the ability to undertake asset sales or access other sources of liquidity, when needed, or at all, which could materially 
and adversely affect us. 

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Like other financial services institutions, our asset and liability structures are monetary in nature.  Such structures are affected 
by a variety of factors, including changes in interest rates, which can impact the value of financial instruments held by us. 

Like other financial services institutions, we have asset and liability structures that are essentially monetary in nature and 
are directly affected by many factors, including domestic and international economic and political conditions, broad trends 
in business and finance, legislation and regulation affecting the national and international business and financial 
communities, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation, currency values, market conditions, the availability and terms 
(including cost) of short-term or long-term funding and capital, the credit capacity or perceived creditworthiness of clients 
and counterparties and the level and volatility of trading markets. Such factors can impact clients and counterparties of a 
financial services institution and may impact the value of financial instruments held by a financial services institution. 

Our earnings and cash flows largely depend upon the level of our net interest income, which is the difference between the 
interest income we earn on loans, investments and other interest earning assets, and the interest we pay on interest bearing 
liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Because different types of assets and liabilities may react differently and at 
different times to market interest rate changes, changes in interest rates can increase or decrease our net interest income. 
When interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice more quickly than interest earning assets in a period, an increase in 
interest rates would reduce net interest income. Similarly, when interest earning assets mature or reprice more quickly, and 
because the magnitude of repricing of interest earning assets is often greater than interest bearing liabilities, falling interest 
rates would reduce net interest income. 

Accordingly, changes in the level of market interest rates affect our net yield on interest earning assets and liabilities, loan 
and investment securities portfolios and our overall results. Changes in interest rates may also have a significant impact on 
any future loan origination revenues. Historically, there has been an inverse correlation between the demand for loans and 
interest rates. Loan origination volume and revenues usually decline during periods of rising or high interest rates and 
increase during periods of declining or low interest rates. Changes in interest rates also have a significant impact on the 
carrying value of a significant percentage of the assets, both loans and investment securities, on our balance sheet. We may 
incur debt in the future and that debt may also be sensitive to interest rates and any increase in interest rates could 
materially and adversely affect us. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors beyond our control, including general 
economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve.  
Changes in the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies or other changes in monetary policies and economic conditions 
could materially and adversely affect us. 

We are dependent on our information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party providers, and systems 
failures or interruptions could have a material adverse effect on us. 

Our business is highly dependent on the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and 
telecommunications systems and third-party providers. We outsource many of our major systems, such as data processing, 
loan servicing systems and deposit processing systems. The failure of these systems, or the termination of a third-party 
software license or service agreement on which any of these systems is based, could interrupt our operations. Because our 
information technology and telecommunications systems interface with and depend on third-party systems, we could 
experience service denials if demand for such services exceeds capacity or such third-party systems fail or experience 
interruptions. If significant, sustained or repeated, a system failure or service denial could compromise our ability to 
operate effectively, damage our reputation, result in a loss of client business, and/or subject us to additional regulatory 
scrutiny and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us. 

A failure in or breach of our security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party providers, could result in 
financial losses to us or in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, including client information.

As a financial institution, we may be the target of fraudulent activity that may result in financial losses to us or our clients, 
privacy breaches against our clients or damage to our reputation.  Such fraudulent activity may take many forms, including 
check fraud, electronic fraud, wire fraud, phishing, unauthorized intrusion into or use of our systems, and other dishonest acts.  
We provide our clients with the ability to bank remotely, including online over the internet and over the telephone.  The secure 
transmission of confidential information over the internet and other remote channels is a critical element of remote banking. 

Our network could be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes and other security breaches.  
We may be required to spend significant capital and other resources to protect against the threat of security breaches and 
computer viruses, or to alleviate problems caused by security breaches or viruses.  Given the increasingly high volume of our 
transactions, certain errors may be repeated or compounded before they can be discovered and rectified.  To the extent that 
our activities or the activities of our clients involve the storage and transmission of confidential information, security breaches 

24

and viruses could expose us to reputational damage, claims, regulatory scrutiny, litigation and other possible liabilities.  Any 
inability to prevent security breaches or computer viruses could also cause existing clients to lose confidence in our systems 
and could materially and adversely affect us.  Our risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened because of the 
evolving nature and complexity of the threats from organized cybercriminals and hackers, and our plans to continue to provide 
electronic banking services to our clients.

Information security risks for financial institutions like us have increased recently in part because of new technologies, the 
use of the internet and telecommunications technologies (including mobile devices) to conduct financial and other business 
transactions and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, perpetrators of fraud, hackers, terrorists and 
others. In addition to cyber-attacks or other security breaches involving the theft of sensitive and confidential information, 
hackers recently have engaged in attacks against large financial institutions, particularly denial of service attacks, that are 
designed to disrupt key business services, such as client-facing web sites. We are not able to anticipate or implement effective 
preventive measures against all security breaches of these types, especially because the techniques used change frequently 
and because attacks can originate from a wide variety of sources.  We employ detection and response mechanisms designed 
to contain and mitigate security incidents, but early detection may be thwarted by sophisticated attacks and malware designed 
to avoid detection.

We also face risks related to cyber-attacks and other security breaches in connection with credit card transactions that typically 
involve  the  transmission  of  sensitive  information  regarding  our  clients  through  various  third  parties,  including  merchant 
acquiring banks, payment processors, payment card networks (e.g., Visa, MasterCard) and our processors.  Some of these 
parties have in the past been the target of security breaches and cyber-attacks, and because the transactions involve third parties 
and environments such as the point of sale that we do not control or secure, future security breaches or cyber-attacks affecting 
any of these third parties could impact us through no fault of our own, and in some cases we may have exposure and suffer 
losses for breaches or attacks relating to them. We also rely on numerous other third party service providers to conduct other 
aspects of our business operations and face similar risks relating to them. While we regularly conduct security assessments 
on these third parties, we cannot be sure that their information security protocols are sufficient to withstand a cyber-attack or 
other security breach.

We are required to evaluate our internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 
2002, and any adverse results from such evaluation could result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports 
and have an adverse effect on our stock price. 

As a publicly traded company, we are required to file periodic reports containing our consolidated financial statements with 
the SEC within a specified time following the completion of quarterly and annual periods.  We also are required to comply 
with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 concerning internal control over financial reporting.  We may experience 
difficulty in meeting the SEC’s reporting requirements.  Any failure by us to file our periodic reports with the SEC in a timely 
manner could harm our reputation and cause investors and potential investors to lose confidence in us and reduce the market 
price of our common stock. 

During the course of our testing, we may identify deficiencies that would have to be remediated to satisfy the SEC rules for 
certification of our internal control over financial reporting.  A material weakness is defined by the standards issued by the 
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board as a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial 
reporting that results in a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will 
not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  As a consequence, we would have to disclose in periodic reports we file with 
the SEC any material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.  The existence of a material weakness would 
preclude management from concluding that our internal control over financial reporting is effective and would preclude our 
independent auditors from attesting to our assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting is 
effective.  In addition, disclosures of this type in our SEC reports could cause investors to lose confidence in our financial 
reporting and may negatively affect the market price of our common stock.  Moreover, effective internal controls are necessary 
to produce reliable financial reports and to prevent fraud.  If we have deficiencies in our disclosure controls and procedures 
or internal control over financial reporting, it may materially and adversely affect us. 

Risks Relating to our Growth Strategy

We may not be able to effectively manage our growth.

Our future operating results depend to a large extent on our ability to successfully manage our rapid growth.  Our rapid growth 
has placed, and it may continue to place, significant demands on our operations and management.  Whether through additional 
acquisitions or organic growth, our current plan to expand our business is dependent upon our ability to: 

25

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• 

continue to implement and improve our  operational, credit,  financial, legal, management  and other  internal risk 
controls and processes and our reporting systems and procedures in order to manage a growing number of client 
relationships; 

scale our technology platform;

integrate our acquisitions and develop consistent policies throughout the various lines of businesses; and

attract and retain management talent.

We  may  not  successfully  implement  improvements  to,  or  integrate,  our  management  information  and  control  systems, 
procedures and processes in an efficient or timely manner and may discover deficiencies in existing systems and controls.  In 
particular, our controls and procedures must be able to accommodate an increase in loan volume in various markets and the 
infrastructure that comes with new banking centers and banks.  Thus, our growth strategy may divert management from our 
existing  franchises  and  may  require  us  to  incur  additional  expenditures  to  expand  our  administrative  and  operational 
infrastructure and, if we are unable to effectively manage and grow our financial services franchise, we could be materially 
and  adversely  affected.    In  addition,  if  we  are  unable  to  manage  future  expansion  in  our  operations,  we  may  experience 
compliance and operational problems, have to slow the pace of growth, or have to incur additional expenditures beyond current 
projections to support such growth, any one of which could materially and adversely affect us. 

Our acquisitions generally will require regulatory approvals, and failure to obtain them would restrict our growth. 

We intend to complement and expand our business by pursuing strategic acquisitions of financial services franchises.  Generally, 
any acquisition of target financial institutions, banking centers or other banking assets by us will require approval by, and 
cooperation from, a number of governmental regulatory agencies, possibly including the Federal Reserve, the OCC and the 
FDIC, as well as state banking regulators.  In acting on applications, federal banking regulators consider, among other factors: 

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• 

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the effect of the acquisition on competition;

the financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, capital levels and future prospects of the applicant and the 
bank(s) involved;

the quantity and complexity of previously consummated acquisitions;

the managerial resources of the applicant and the bank(s) involved;

the convenience and needs of the community, including the record of performance under the Community Reinvestment 
Act (which we refer to as the “CRA”); and

the effectiveness of the applicant in combating money laundering activities.

Such regulators could deny our application based on the above criteria or other considerations, which would restrict our growth, 
or the regulatory approvals may not be granted on terms that are acceptable to us.  For example, we could be required to sell 
banking centers as a condition to receiving regulatory approvals, and such a condition may not be acceptable to us or may 
reduce the benefit of any acquisition.  In addition, prior to the submission of an application our regulators could discourage 
us  from  pursuing  strategic  acquisitions  or  indicate  that  regulatory  approvals  may  not  be  granted  on  terms  that  would  be 
acceptable to us, which could have the same effect of restricting our growth or reducing the benefit of any acquisitions.

The success of future transactions will depend on our ability to successfully identify and consummate acquisitions of financial 
services franchises that meet our investment objectives.  Because of the intense competition for acquisition opportunities and 
the limited number of potential targets, we may not be able to successfully consummate acquisitions on attractive terms, or 
at all, that are necessary to grow our business. 

There are significant risks associated with our strategy to identify and successfully consummate acquisitions.  There are a 
limited number of acquisition opportunities, and we expect to encounter intense competition from other banking organizations 
competing for acquisitions and also from other investment funds and entities looking to acquire financial institutions and 
financial services franchises.  Many of these entities are well established and have extensive experience in identifying and 
consummating acquisitions directly or through affiliates.  Many of these competitors possess ongoing banking operations with 
greater financial, technical, human and other resources and access to capital than we do, which could limit the acquisition 
opportunities we pursue.  Our competitors may be able to achieve greater cost savings, through consolidating operations or 
otherwise, than we could.  These competitive limitations give others an advantage in pursuing certain acquisitions.  In addition, 
increased competition may drive up the prices for the acquisitions we pursue and make the other acquisition terms more 

26

onerous,  which  would  make  the  identification  and  successful  consummation  of  those  acquisitions  less  attractive  to  us.  
Competitors may be willing to pay more for acquisitions than we believe are justified, which could result in us having to pay 
more for them than we prefer or to forego the opportunity.  As a result of the foregoing, we may be unable to successfully 
identify and consummate acquisitions on attractive terms, or at all, that are necessary to grow our business. 

To the extent that we are unable to identify and consummate attractive acquisitions, or continue to increase loans through 
organic loan growth, we may be unable to successfully implement our growth strategy, which could materially and adversely 
affect us. 

We intend to grow our business through  strategic acquisitions of financial  services franchises coupled with organic loan 
growth.  Previous availability of attractive acquisition targets may not be indicative of future acquisition opportunities, and 
we may be unable to identify any acquisition targets that meet our investment objectives.  As our acquired loan portfolio, 
which generally produces higher yields than our originated loans due to loan discounts and accretable yield, is paid down, we 
expect downward pressure on our income to the extent that the runoff is not replaced with other high-yielding loans.  As a 
result of the foregoing, if we are unable to replace loans in our existing portfolio with comparable high-yielding loans, we 
could be materially and adversely affected.  We could also be materially and adversely affected if we choose to pursue riskier 
higher-yielding loans that fail to perform. 

Projected operating results for businesses acquired by us may be inaccurate and may vary significantly from actual results.  
To the extent that we make acquisitions that involve distressed assets, we may not be able to realize the value we predict from 
these assets or make sufficient provision for future losses in the value of, or accurately estimate the future writedowns to be 
taken in respect of, these assets. 

We will generally establish the pricing of transactions and the capital structure of financial services franchises to be acquired 
by us on the basis of financial projections for such financial services franchises.  In general, projected operating results will 
be based on the judgment of our management team.  In all cases, projections are only estimates of future results that are based 
upon assumptions made at the time that the projections are developed and the projected results may vary significantly from 
actual results.  General economic, political and market conditions can have a material adverse impact on the reliability of such 
projections.  In the event that the projections made in connection with our acquisitions, or future projections with respect to 
new acquisitions, are not accurate, such inaccuracies could materially and adversely affect us.  Any of the foregoing matters 
could materially and adversely affect us. 

Delinquencies and losses in the loan portfolios and other assets we acquire may exceed our initial forecasts developed during 
our due diligence investigation prior to their acquisition and, thus, produce lower returns than we believed our purchase price 
supported.  Furthermore, our due diligence investigation may not reveal all material issues.   If, during the diligence process, 
we fail to identify all relevant issues related to an acquisition, we may be forced to later write down or write off assets, 
restructure our operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in significant losses.  Any of these events 
could materially and adversely affect us.  Economic conditions may create an uncertain environment with respect to asset 
valuations and there is no certainty that we will be able to sell assets or institutions after we acquire them if we determine it 
would be in our best interests to do so.  In addition, there may be limited liquidity for certain asset classes we hold, including 
commercial real estate and construction and development loans. 

Risks Relating to the Regulation of Our Industry

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 continues to materially affect our business.

In 2010, the President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Act, which imposes significant regulatory and compliance changes.  
The key effects of the Dodd-Frank Act on our business are: 

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changes to regulatory capital requirements;

creation of new government regulatory agencies (such as the Financial Stability Oversight Council, which oversees 
systemic risk, and the Consumer Bureau, which develops and enforces rules for bank and non-bank providers of 
consumer financial products); 

potential limitations on federal preemption;

changes to deposit insurance assessments;

regulation of debit interchange fees we earn;

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• 

• 

changes in retail banking regulations, including potential limitations on certain fees we may charge; and

changes in regulation of consumer mortgage loan origination and risk retention.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act restricts the ability of banks to engage in certain proprietary trading or to sponsor or invest 
in private equity or hedge funds (i.e., the Volcker Rule).  The Dodd-Frank Act also contains provisions designed to limit the 
ability of insured depository institutions, their holding companies and their affiliates to conduct certain swaps and derivatives 
activities and to take certain principal positions in financial instruments. 

Some provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act became effective immediately upon its enactment, while many others have come into 
effect over the last few years.  Many provisions, however, still require regulations to be promulgated by various federal agencies 
in order to be implemented, some of which have been proposed by the applicable federal agencies.  The provisions of the 
Dodd-Frank Act may have unintended effects, which will not be clear until implementation.  The changes resulting from the 
Dodd-Frank Act could limit our business activities, require changes to certain of our business practices, impose upon us more 
stringent capital, liquidity and leverage requirements or otherwise materially and adversely affect us.  These changes may 
also require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes necessary to comply  
with new statutory and regulatory requirements.  Failure to comply with the new requirements could also materially and 
adversely affect us.  Any changes in the laws or regulations or their interpretations could be materially adverse to investors 
in our common stock 

We operate in a highly regulated environment and the laws and regulations that govern our operations, corporate governance, 
executive compensation and accounting principles, or changes in them, or our failure to comply with them, could materially 
and adversely affect us. 

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and legislation that govern almost all aspects of our operations.  Intended 
to  protect  clients,  depositors  and  the  DIF,  these  laws  and  regulations,  among  other  matters,  prescribe  minimum  capital 
requirements, impose limitations on the business activities in which we can engage (including foreclosure and collection 
practices), limit the dividends or distributions that we can pay, restrict the ability of institutions to guarantee our debt, and 
impose certain specific accounting requirements on us that may be more restrictive and may result in greater or earlier charges 
to earnings or reductions in our capital than GAAP. Compliance with laws and regulations can be difficult and costly, and 
changes  to  laws  and  regulations  often  impose  additional  compliance  costs.    Our  failure  to  comply  with  these  laws  and 
regulations, even if the failure follows good faith effort or reflects a difference in interpretation, could subject us to restrictions 
on our business activities, fines and other penalties, any of which could materially and adversely affect us.  Further, any new 
laws, rules and regulations could make compliance more difficult or expensive and also materially and adversely affect us. 

We are subject to substantial regulatory limitations that limit the way in which we may operate our business. 

Our bank subsidiary, NBH Bank, is subject to specific requirements pursuant to the OCC Operating Agreement entered into 
in connection with our acquisition of certain assets of Bank Midwest, N.A.  The OCC Operating Agreement requires, among 
other things, that the Bank provide notice to, and obtain non-objection from, the OCC with respect to any potential acquisition 
transactions (a) from the FDIC as a receiver of failed institution, (b) as part of a transaction in which the FDIC provides 
assistance, (c) as part of a transaction pursuant to the Bank Merger Act (which we refer to as the “BMA”), involving the 
probable failure of one or more depository institutions, (d) as part of a transaction pursuant to the 10-day/5-day emergency 
provisions of the BMA, or (e) in any other manner. Additionally, the OCC Operating Agreement imposes certain restrictions 
on payment of dividends by the Bank to the Company, including by requiring prior non-objection from the OCC before any 
distribution is made.  Also, the OCC Operating Agreement requires that the Bank maintain total capital at least equal to 12% 
of risk-weighted assets, tier 1 capital at least equal to 11% of risk-weighted assets and tier 1 capital at least equal to 10% of 
adjusted total assets. 

The Bank (and, with respect to certain provisions, the Company) is also subject to the FDIC Order issued in connection with 
the FDIC’s approval of our application for deposit insurance for the Bank. 

A failure by us or the Bank to comply with the requirements of the OCC Operating Agreement or the FDIC Order, or the 
objection by the OCC or the FDIC to any materials or information submitted pursuant to the OCC Operating Agreement or 
the FDIC Order, could prevent us from executing our business strategy and materially and adversely affect us. 

28

The FDIC’s restoration plan and the related increased assessment rate could materially and adversely affect us. 

The FDIC insures deposits at FDIC-insured depository institutions, such as our subsidiary bank, up to applicable limits.  The 
amount of a particular institution’s deposit insurance assessment is based on that institution’s risk classification under an FDIC 
risk-based  assessment  system.   An  institution’s  risk  classification  is  assigned  based  on  its  capital  levels  and  the  level  of 
supervisory concern the institution poses to its regulators.  As a result of recent economic conditions and the enactment of the 
Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC has increased the deposit insurance assessment rates and thus raised deposit insurance premiums 
for insured depository institutions.  If these increases are insufficient for the DIF to meet its funding requirements, there may 
need to be further special assessments or increases in deposit insurance premiums.  We are generally unable to control the 
amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance.  If there are additional bank or financial institution 
failures, we may be required to pay even higher FDIC premiums than the recently increased levels.  Any future additional 
assessments, increases or required prepayments in FDIC insurance premiums may materially and adversely affect us, including 
by reducing our profitability or limiting our ability to pursue certain business opportunities. 

Federal banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of our business, including compliance with laws and regulations, 
and our failure to comply with any supervisory actions to which we become subject as a result of such examinations could 
materially and adversely affect us. 

Federal banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of our business, including compliance with laws and regulations.  
If, as a result of an examination, a federal banking agency were to determine that the financial condition, capital resources, 
asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other aspects of any of our operations had become unsatisfactory, 
or that we or our management was in violation of any law or regulation, it may take a number of different remedial actions 
as it deems appropriate.  These actions include the power to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, to require affirmative actions 
to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, 
to direct an increase in our capital, to restrict our growth, to assess civil monetary penalties against our officers or directors, 
to remove officers and directors and, if it is concluded that such conditions cannot be corrected or there is an imminent risk 
of loss to depositors, to terminate our deposit insurance. If we become subject to such regulatory actions, we could be materially 
and adversely affected. 

We are subject to the Community Reinvestment Act and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to 
a wide variety of sanctions. 

The  CRA,  the  Equal  Credit  Opportunity Act,  the  Fair  Housing Act  and  other  fair  lending  laws  and  regulations  impose 
nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions.  The Department of Justice and other federal agencies are 
responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations.  A successful challenge to an institution’s performance under the CRA 
or fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, including damages and civil money penalties, 
injunctive relief, restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity, and restrictions on expansion activity.  Private parties may 
also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. 

The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support our subsidiary bank. 

As a matter of policy, the Federal Reserve, which examines us and our subsidiaries, expects a bank holding company to act 
as a source of financial and managerial strength to a subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support such subsidiary bank. 
Under the “source of strength” doctrine, the Federal Reserve may require a bank holding company to make capital injections 
into a troubled subsidiary bank and may charge the bank holding company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for 
failure to commit resources to such a subsidiary bank.  In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act directs the federal bank regulators to 
require that all companies that directly or indirectly control an insured depository institution serve as a source of strength for 
the institution.  Under this requirement, we could be required to provide financial assistance to our subsidiary bank should 
our subsidiary bank experience financial distress. 

A capital injection may be required at times when we do not have the resources to provide it and therefore we may be required 
to borrow the funds or raise additional equity capital from third parties.  Any loans by a holding company to its subsidiary 
bank are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of the subsidiary bank.  In the event of 
a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee will assume any commitment by the holding company to a 
federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank.  Moreover, bankruptcy law provides that claims 
based on any such commitment will be entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of the holding company’s general 
unsecured creditors, including the holders of its indebtedness.  Any financing that must be done by the holding company in 

29

order to make the required capital injection may be difficult and expensive and may not be available on attractive terms, or 
at all, which likely would have a material adverse effect on us. 

We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes 
and regulations. 

The federal Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act 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, established by the U.S. Treasury 
Department to administer the Bank Secrecy Act, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of 
those requirements, and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal banking regulators, 
as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Internal Revenue Service.  There is also 
increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”).  If our policies, 
procedures and systems are deemed deficient or the policies, procedures and systems of the financial institutions that we have 
already acquired or may acquire in the future are deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory 
actions (such as 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), which could materially and adversely affect us. Failure 
to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious 
reputational consequences for us. 

Federal, state and local consumer lending laws may restrict our ability to originate certain mortgage loans or increase our 
risk of liability with respect to such loans and could increase our cost of doing business. 

Federal, state and local laws have been adopted that are intended to eliminate certain lending practices considered “predatory.”  
These laws prohibit practices such as steering borrowers away from more affordable products, selling unnecessary insurance 
to  borrowers, repeatedly refinancing loans and making loans without a reasonable expectation that the borrowers will be able 
to repay the loans irrespective of the value of the underlying property.  It is our policy not to make predatory loans, but these 
laws create the potential for liability with respect to our lending and loan investment activities.  They increase our cost of 
doing business and, ultimately, may prevent us from making certain loans and cause us to reduce the average percentage rate 
or the points and fees on loans that we do make. 

Our ability to pay dividends is subject to regulatory limitations and our bank subsidiary’s ability to pay dividends to us is also 
subject to regulatory limitations. 

Our ability to declare and pay dividends depends both on the ability of our bank subsidiary to pay dividends to us and on 
certain federal regulatory considerations, including the guidelines of the Federal Reserve regarding capital adequacy and 
dividends.  Because we are a separate legal entity from our bank subsidiary and we do not have significant operations of our 
own, any dividends paid by us to our common shareholders would have to be paid from funds at the holding company level 
that are legally available therefor.  However, as a bank holding company, we are subject to general regulatory restrictions on 
the payment of cash dividends.  Federal bank regulatory agencies have the authority to prohibit bank holding companies from 
engaging in unsafe or unsound practices in conducting their business, which depending on the financial condition and liquidity 
of the holding company at the time, could include the payment of dividends.  Additionally, various federal and state statutory 
provisions limit the amount of dividends that our bank subsidiary can pay to us as its holding company without regulatory 
approval.  Our bank subsidiary is currently prohibited by our OCC Operating Agreement from paying dividends to us without 
receiving a prior non-objection from the OCC before any distribution is made.  Finally, holders of our common stock are only 
entitled to receive such dividends as our board of directors may, in its unilateral discretion, declare out of funds legally available 
for such purpose based on a variety of considerations, including, without limitation, our historical and projected financial 
condition, liquidity and results of operations, capital levels, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory prohibitions and other 
limitations, general economic conditions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Accordingly, we may 
not pay the amount of dividends referenced in our current intention above, or any dividends at all, to our common shareholders 
in the future. 

30

Item 1B. 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None

Item 2. 

PROPERTIES.

Our principal executive offices are located in the Denver Tech Center area immediately south of Denver, Colorado. We also 
have approximately 70,000 square feet of office and operations space in Kansas City, Missouri.  At December 31, 2014, we 
operated 50 banking centers in Colorado, 45 in Kansas and Missouri, and two in Texas. Of these banking centers, 21 
locations were leased and 76 were owned.  Prior to their closure at the conclusion of business on December 31, 2013, we 
also operated four banking centers in California and 32 limited-service retirement center locations, 20 locations in Kansas 
and Missouri and six locations each in Texas and Colorado.  See note 25 to our consolidated financial statements for further 
information regarding banking center closures.

Item 3. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

From time to time we are a party to various litigation matters incidental to the conduct of our business. We are not 
presently party to any legal proceedings the resolution of which we believe would have a material adverse effect on our 
business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Item 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

None.

31

PART II

Item 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Common Stock Data

Shares of the Company’s common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol 
“NBHC” on September 20, 2012. Prior to September 20, 2012, there was no established public trading market for the 
Company’s stock. The following table presents the high and low prices of actual transactions in the Company’s common 
stock and cash dividends paid for the periods indicated: 

Year
2014

2013

2012

Quarter
First
Second
Third
Fourth
First
Second
Third
Fourth
First
Second
Third
Fourth

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

High

Low

Cash
Dividends

21.48
20.61
20.89
19.95
19.75
19.82
21.39
21.88

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
— $
— $
$
$

20.25
19.92

18.77
18.50
18.94
18.11
17.85
17.69
18.55
19.86

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
— $
— $
$
$

19.23
17.90

0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
—
—
—
0.05

The last sale price of our common stock on the NYSE was $18.54 per share on February 26, 2015. The Company had 112 
shareholders of record as of February 26, 2015. Management estimates that the number of beneficial owners is 
significantly greater.

In October 2012, we commenced the payment of a $0.05 per share quarterly dividend to holders of our common stock.

As a bank holding company, any dividends paid to us by our bank subsidiary are subject to various federal and state 
regulatory limitations and also subject to the ability of our bank subsidiary to pay dividends to us. The OCC Operating 
Agreement imposes certain restrictions on payment of dividends by the Bank to the Company, including requiring prior 
non-objection from the OCC before any distribution is made. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the OCC permitted the 
Bank to pay a dividend of $313.0 million to the Company.  Other than dividends from the Bank paid as noted above, the 
cash held by the Company and any future financing at the holding company level, we do not have, and do not expect to 
have in the near future, liquidity sources at the holding company level to pay dividends to our common shareholders. In 
addition, in the future, we and our bank subsidiary may enter into credit agreements or other financing arrangements that 
prohibit or otherwise restrict our ability to declare or pay cash dividends.  Any determination to pay cash dividends in the 
future will be at the unilateral discretion of our board of directors and will depend on a variety of considerations, including, 
without limitation, our historical and projected financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, capital levels, tax 
considerations, statutory and regulatory prohibitions and other limitations, general economic conditions and other factors 
deemed relevant by our board of directors. See “Risk Factors—Our ability to pay dividends is subject to regulatory 
limitations and our bank subsidiary’s ability to pay dividends to us is also subject to regulatory limitations.”

32

Performance Graph

The following graph presents a comparison of the Company’s performance to the indices named below. It assumes $100 
invested on September 19, 2012, with dividends invested on a total return basis.

Total Return Performance 

NBH 

KBW Regional Banking Index 

Russell 2000 Index 

150 

145 

140 

135 

130 

125 

120 

115 

110 

105 

100 

95 

90 

e
u
l
a
V
x
e
d
n
I

85 
09/19/12 

12/31/12 

06/28/13 

12/31/13 

06/30/14 

12/31/14 

Index
NBH
KBW Regional Banking Index
Russell 2000 Index

9/19/2012
100.00
100.00
100.00

12/31/2012
98.92
95.19
99.74

Period Ending

6/28/2013
103.17
113.65
115.56

12/31/2013
112.63
139.76
138.46

6/30/2014
105.47
138.29
142.88

12/31/2014
103.18
143.16
145.24

The following table sets forth information about our repurchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2014:

Period

October 1-October 31, 2014 (1)
November 1-November 30, 2014 (2)
November 1-November 30, 2014 (1)
December 1-December 31, 2014

Total

(a) Total Number
of Shares (or
Units) Purchased
3,284
991,100

$

7,104

—

1,001,488

$

(b) Average
Price Paid Per
Share (or Unit)

(c) Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs

(d) Maximum Number
(or Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or
Units) that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs

18.46
19.43

19.18

—

19.15

— $

991,100

—

—

991,100

$

50,017,342
30,741,121

30,741,121

30,741,121

30,741,121

(1)  These represent shares surrendered to the Company as part of a net vesting of restricted stock awards.
(2)  These share repurchases were part of publicly announced, Board approved, stock repurchase authorizations.

33

 
 
 
Item 6. 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The following table sets forth summary selected historical financial information as of and for the five years ended 
December 31, 2014.  The summary selected historical consolidated financial information set forth below is derived from 
our audited consolidated financial statements.

Although we were incorporated on June 16, 2009, we did not have any substantive operations prior to the Hillcrest Bank 
acquisition on October 22, 2010.  We consummated the Bank Midwest acquisition on December 10, 2010, the Bank of 
Choice acquisition on July 22, 2011 and the Community Banks of Colorado acquisition on October 21, 2011, all of which 
were significant acquisitions.  All acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method.  Due to the timing of the 
acquisitions and the acquisition method of accounting, comparability may be limited.  See “Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

The summary selected historical consolidated financial data set forth below should be read together with our consolidated 
financial statements and the related notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this annual report. Such information is not necessarily indicative of 
anticipated future results.

Summary of Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data

Consolidated Balance Sheet Information 
  (unaudited, $ in thousands):

Cash and cash equivalents

$

256,979

$

189,460

$

769,180

$ 1,628,137

$ 1,907,730

December 31,
2014

December 31, 
2013

December 31, 
2012

December 31, 
2011

December 31, 
2010

Investment securities available-for-sale (at fair 
  value)

Investment securities held-to-maturity

Non-marketable securities
Loans (including covered loans) (1)

Allowance for loan losses

Loans, net

Loans held for sale

FDIC indemnification asset, net

Other real estate owned

Premises and equipment, net

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

Other assets

Total assets

Deposits

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

1,479,214

1,785,528

1,718,028

1,862,699

1,254,595

530,590

27,045

2,162,409

(17,613)

2,144,796

641,907

31,663

1,854,094
(12,521)
1,841,573

577,486

32,996

1,832,702
(15,380)
1,817,322

6,801

29,117

2,268,435
(11,527)
2,256,908

5,146

39,082

29,120

106,341

76,513

124,820

5,787

64,447

70,125

115,219

81,859

86,547

5,368

86,923

94,808

121,436

87,205

100,023

5,616

223,402

120,636

87,315

92,553

38,842

—

17,800

1,563,561
(48)
1,563,513

5,309

161,395

54,078

37,320

79,715

24,066

4,819,646
3,766,188

4,914,115
3,838,309

5,410,775
4,200,719

6,352,026
5,063,053

5,105,521
3,473,339

258,883

178,014

119,497

200,244

638,423

4,025,071

4,016,323

4,320,216

5,263,297

4,111,762

Total shareholders’ equity

794,575

897,792

1,090,559

1,088,729

993,759

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$ 4,819,646

$ 4,914,115

$ 5,410,775

$ 6,352,026

$ 5,105,521

34

As of and for the years ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

$

184,662

$

195,475

$

233,485

$

197,159

$

14,413

170,249

6,209

16,514

178,961

4,296

164,040

174,665

—

(1,696)

150,003

12,341

3,165

9,176

0.22

0.22

20.43
18.63

$

$

$

$
$

—

20,177

183,965

10,877

3,950

6,927

0.14

0.14

19.99
18.27

29,234

204,251

27,995

176,256

—

37,379

209,598

4,037

4,580
(543)

(0.01)
(0.01)
20.84
19.23

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$
$

41,696

155,463

20,002

135,461

60,520

28,966

155,538

69,409

27,446

41,963

0.81

0.81

20.87
19.13

$

$

$

$
$

21,422

5,512

15,910

88

15,822

37,778

4,385

48,981

9,004

2,953

6,051

0.11

0.11

19.13
17.60

15.25%

16.97%

18.89%

15.94%

18.19%

42,404,609

50,790,410

52,214,175

51,978,744

53,000,454

Consolidated Statement of 
  Operations Data:

Interest income

Interest expense

Net interest income

Provision for loan losses

Net interest income after 
  provision for loan losses

Bargain purchase gain

Non-interest income

Non-interest expense

Income before income taxes

Provision for income before 
  taxes

Net income (loss)
Share Information (2):
Earnings (loss) per share, basic

$

$

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted $

$
$

Book value per share
Tangible book value per share (3)
Tangible common equity to 
  tangible assets (3)
Weighted average common 
  shares outstanding, basic 

Weighted average common 
  shares outstanding, diluted 

Common shares outstanding

38,884,953

44,918,336

42,421,014

50,824,422

52,214,175

52,327,672

52,104,021

52,157,697

53,000,454

51,936,280

(1) Total loans are net of unearned discounts and deferred fees and costs.
(2) Per share information is calculated based on the aggregate number of our shares of Class A common stock and Class

B non-voting common stock outstanding.

(3) Tangible book value per share and tangible common equity to tangible assets are non-GAAP financial measures.

Tangible book value per share is computed as total shareholders’ equity less goodwill (adjusted for deferred taxes)
and other intangible assets, net, divided by common shares outstanding at the balance sheet date. For purposes of
computing tangible common equity to tangible assets, tangible common equity is calculated as common
shareholders’ equity less goodwill (adjusted for deferred taxes) and other intangible assets, net, and tangible assets is
calculated as total assets less goodwill (adjusted for deferred taxes) and other intangible assets, net. We believe that
the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are book value per share and total shareholders’ equity to
total assets. See the reconciliation under “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

35

Key Ratios

Return on average assets
Return on average tangible assets (1)
Return on average equity
Return on average tangible common equity (1)
Return on risk weighted assets

Interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities 
  (end of period) (2)
Loans to deposits ratio (end of period)

Average equity to average assets

Non-interest bearing deposits to total deposits (end 
  of period)
Net interest margin (3)
Net interest margin(fully taxable equivalent)(1)(3)
Interest rate spread (4)
Yield on earning assets
Yield on earning assets (fully taxable equivalent) (1)(2)
Cost of interest bearing liabilities (2)
Cost of deposits

Non-interest expense to average assets
Efficiency ratio (1)(5)
Efficiency ratio (fully taxable equivalent)(1)
Dividend payout ratio
Asset Quality Data (6) (7) (8)
Non-performing loans to total loans

Covered non-performing loans to total non-
  performing loans

Non-performing assets to total assets

Covered non-performing assets to total non-
  performing assets

Allowance for loan losses to total loans

Allowance for loan losses to total non-covered loans

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans

Net charge-offs to average loans

As of and for the years ended

December 31,
2014

December 31,
2013

December 31,
2012

December 31,
2011

December 31,
2010

0.19 %

0.26 %

1.07 %

1.58 %

0.37 %

0.13%

0.20%

0.67%

1.06%

0.33%

(0.01)%

0.05 %

(0.05)%

0.27 %

(0.03)%

0.81%

0.88%

4.01%

4.62%

2.21%

0.44 %

0.44 %

0.62 %

0.62 %

0.46 %

137.36 %

137.05%

134.44 %

127.91%

129.91 %

57.55 %

17.68 %

48.46%

20.07%

43.76 %

18.91 %

44.91%

20.26%

19.45 %

17.59%

16.14 %

13.41%

3.83 %

3.85 %

3.72 %

4.15 %

4.17 %

0.45 %

0.37 %

3.08 %

85.82 %

85.35 %

90.91 %

3.81%

3.81%

3.68%

4.16%

4.16%

0.48%

0.41%

3.55%

89.70%

89.70%

142.86%

3.98 %

3.98 %

3.81 %

4.55 %

4.55 %

0.74 %

0.64 %

3.62 %

84.53 %

84.53 %

NM

3.40%

3.40%

3.17%

4.31%

4.31%

1.15%

1.05%

3.01%

61.72%

61.72%

0.00%

45.17 %

71.45 %

9.39 %

1.21 %

1.21 %

(0.02)%

1.63 %

1.63 %

1.65 %

1.51 %

3.56 %

84.34 %

84.34 %

0.00 %

0.50 %

1.31%

1.26 %

1.66%

0.00 %

12.18 %

0.85 %

48.56 %

0.81 %

0.89 %

162.89 %

0.05 %

68.89%

1.94%

58.50%

0.68%

0.81%

51.43%

0.41%

26.15 %

2.20 %

43.68 %

0.84 %

1.26 %

66.53 %

1.20 %

34.74%

2.52%

0.00 %

1.06 %

56.83%

100.00 %

0.51%

0.88%

30.52%

0.51%

0.00 %

0.01 %

0.00 %

0.00 %

(1) Ratio represents non-GAAP financial measure.  See non-GAAP reconciliation on page 37.
(2)

Interest earning assets include assets that earn interest/accretion or dividends, except for the FDIC indemnification
asset, which is not part of interest earning assets.  Any market value adjustments on investment securities are
excluded from interest-earning assets.  Interest bearing liabilities include liabilities that must be paid interest.
(3) Net interest margin represents net interest income, including accretion income on interest earning assets, as a

(4)

percentage of average interest earning assets.
Interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest earning assets and the
weighted average cost of interest bearing liabilities.

(5) The efficiency ratio represents non-interest expense, less intangible asset amortization, as a percentage of net

interest income plus non-interest income on a fully taxable basis.

(6) Non-performing loans were redefined during the third quarter of 2014 to only include non-accrual loans and

restructured loans on non-accrual, and exclude any loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 in which the pool is still
performing.  All previous periods have been restated.

(7) Non-performing assets include non-performing loans, other real estate owned and other repossessed assets.
(8) Total loans are net of unearned discounts and fees.

36

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

Certain of the financial measures and ratios we present, including “tangible assets,” “return on average tangible assets,” “return 
on average tangible common equity,” “tangible common book value,” “tangible common book value per share,” “tangible 
common  equity,”  "tangible  common  equity  to  tangible  assets,"  and  "fully  taxable  equivalent"  metrics  are  supplemental 
measures that are not required by, or are not presented in accordance with, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 
(GAAP).  We refer to these financial measures and ratios as “non-GAAP financial measures.” We consider the use of select 
non-GAAP financial measures and ratios to be useful for financial and operational decision making and useful in evaluating 
period-to-period  comparisons.  We  believe  that  these  non-GAAP  financial  measures  provide  meaningful  supplemental 
information regarding our performance by excluding certain expenditures or assets that we believe are not indicative of our 
primary  business  operating  results  or  by  presenting  certain  metrics  on  a  fully  taxable  equivalent  basis.  We  believe  that 
management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our performance and 
when planning, forecasting, analyzing and comparing past, present and future periods. 

These non-GAAP financial measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered 
a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures we present may 
differ from non-GAAP financial measures used by our peers or other companies. In particular, the items that we exclude in 
our adjustments are not necessarily consistent with the items that our peers may exclude from their results of operations and 
key  financial  measures  and  therefore  may  limit  the  comparability  of  similarly  named  financial  measures  and  ratios. We 
compensate for these limitations by providing the equivalent GAAP measures whenever we present the non-GAAP financial 
measures and by including a reconciliation of the impact of the components adjusted for in the non-GAAP financial measure 
so that both measures and the individual components may be considered when analyzing our performance. 

A reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures is as follows (in 
thousands, except share and per share information).

37

Total shareholders’ equity

Less: goodwill and intangible assets, 
  net

Add: deferred tax liability related to 
  goodwill

As of and for the years ended

December 31,
2014
794,575

$

December 31,
2013
897,792

$

December 31,
2012
$ 1,090,559

December 31,
2011
$ 1,088,729

December 31,
2010
993,759

$

(76,513)

(81,859)

(87,205)

(92,553)

(79,715)

6,222

4,671

3,121

1,571

113

Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $

724,284

$

820,604

$ 1,006,475

$

997,747

$

914,157

Total assets

$ 4,819,646

$ 4,914,115

$ 5,410,775

$ 6,352,026

$ 5,105,521

Less: goodwill and intangible assets, 
  net

Add: deferred tax liability related to 
  goodwill

(76,513)

(81,859)

(87,205)

(92,553)

(79,715)

6,222

4,671

3,121

1,571

113

Tangible assets (non-GAAP)

$ 4,749,355

$ 4,836,927

$ 5,326,691

$ 6,261,044

$ 5,025,919

Tangible common equity to tangible 
  assets calculations:

Total shareholders’ equity to total 
  assets

Less: impact of goodwill and 
  intangible assets, net

Tangible common equity to tangible 
  assets (non-GAAP)

Common book value per share 
  calculations:

16.49 %

18.27 %

20.16 %

17.14 %

19.46 %

(1.24)%

(1.30)%

(1.27)%

(1.20)%

(1.27)%

15.25 %

16.97 %

18.89 %

15.94 %

18.19 %

Total shareholders' equity

$

794,575

$

897,792

$ 1,090,559

$ 1,088,729

$

993,759

Divided by: ending shares outstanding

38,884,953

44,918,336

52,327,672

52,157,697

51,936,280

Common book value per share

$

20.43

$

19.99

$

20.84

$

20.87

$

19.13

Tangible common book value per 
  share calculations:

Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $

724,284

$

820,604

$ 1,006,475

$

997,747

$

914,157

Divided by: ending shares outstanding

38,884,953

44,918,336

52,327,672

52,157,697

51,936,280

Tangible common book value per share 
  (non-GAAP)

$

Tangible common book value per 
  share, excluding accumulated other 
  comprehensive income (loss) 
  calculations:

18.63

$

18.27

$

19.23

$

19.13

$

17.60

Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $

724,284

$

820,604

$ 1,006,475

$

997,747

$

914,157

Less: accumulated other 
  comprehensive (income) loss, net of 
  tax

Tangible common book value, 
  excluding accumulated other 
  comprehensive income (loss), net of 
  tax (non-GAAP)

Divided by: ending shares outstanding
Tangible common book value per 
  share, excluding accumulated other 
  comprehensive income (loss), net of 
  tax (non-GAAP)

(5,839)

6,756

(40,573)

(47,022)

(6,085)

718,445

827,360

965,902

950,725

908,072

38,884,953

44,918,336

52,327,672

52,157,697

51,936,280

$

18.48

$

18.42

$

18.46

$

18.23

$

17.48

38

 
Return on Average Tangible Assets and Return on Average Tangible Equity

 As of and for the years ended

Net income

$

9,176

$

6,927

$

(543)

December 31,
2014

December 31,
2013

December 31,
2012

December 31,
2011
41,963

$

December 31,
2010

$

6,051

Add: impact of core deposit 
  intangible amortization expense, 
  after tax

Net income adjusted for impact of 
  core deposit intangible 
  amortization expense, after tax

Average assets

Less: average goodwill and 
  intangible assets, net of deferred 
  tax asset related to goodwill 

$

12,436

$ 4,867,929

(73,074)

Average tangible assets (non-
  GAAP)

$ 4,794,855

Average shareholder's equity

$

860,691

3,260

3,235

3,233

2,635

—

$

$

$

$

10,162

$

2,690

$

44,598

5,175,210

$ 5,786,762

$ 5,166,172

(79,964)

(86,841)

(80,248)

5,095,246

$ 5,699,921

$ 5,085,924

1,038,753

$ 1,093,998

$ 1,045,459

$

$

$

$

6,051

1,376,163

(6,637)

1,369,526

983,270

Less: average goodwill and 
  intangible assets, net of deferred 
  tax asset related to goodwill

Average tangible common equity 
  (non-GAAP)

Return on average assets

Return on average tangible assets 
  (non-GAAP)

Return on average equity

Return on average tangible 
  common equity (non-GAAP)

(73,074)

(79,964)

(86,841)

(80,248)

(6,637)

$

787,617

$

958,789

$ 1,007,157

$

965,211

$

976,633

0.19 %

0.26 %

1.07 %

1.58 %

0.13%

(0.01)%

0.20%

0.67%

1.06%

0.05 %

(0.05)%

0.27 %

0.81 %

0.88 %

4.01 %

4.62 %

0.44%

0.44%

0.62%

0.62%

Fully Taxable Equivalent Yield on Earning Assets and Net Interest Margin

Interest income

Add: impact of taxable equivalent 
  adjustment 

Interest income, fully taxable 
  equivalent (non-GAAP)

Net interest income

Add: impact of taxable equivalent 
  adjustment

Net interest income, fully taxable 
  equivalent (non-GAAP)

Average earning assets

Yield on earning assets

Yield on earning assets, fully 
  taxable equivalent (non-GAAP)

Net interest margin

Net interest margin, fully taxable 
  equivalent (non-GAAP)

 As of and for the years ended

December 31,
2014
184,662

$

December 31,
2013
195,475

$

December 31,
2012
233,485

$

December 31,
2011
197,159

$

930

—

—

—

$

$

185,592

170,249

$

$

195,475

178,961

$

$

233,485

204,251

$

$

197,159

155,463

930

—

—

—

December 31,
2010

$

$

$

21,422

—

21,422

15,910

—

$

171,179

$

178,961

$

204,251

$

155,463

$

15,910

4,446,903

4,698,552

5,130,836

4,571,331

1,310,348

4.15 %

4.17 %

3.83 %

3.85 %

4.16%

4.16%

3.81%

3.81%

39

4.55 %

4.55 %

3.98 %

3.98 %

4.31 %

4.31 %

3.40 %

3.40 %

1.63%

1.63%

1.21%

1.21%

Adjusted Efficiency Ratio

Net interest income

Add: impact of taxable 
  equivalent adjustment

Net interest income, fully taxable 
  equivalent (non-GAAP)

Non-interest income (expense)

Non-interest expense

Less: core deposit intangible 
  asset amortization

Non-interest expense, adjusted 
  for core deposit intangible asset 
  amortization

 As of and for the years ended

December 31,
2014
170,249

$

December 31,
2013
178,961

$

December 31,
2012
204,251

$

930

—

—

$

$

$

171,179

(1,696)

150,003

$

$

$

178,961

20,177

183,965

$

$

$

204,251

37,379

209,598

December 31,
2011
155,463

—

155,463

89,486

155,538

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(5,344)

(5,346)

(5,344)

(4,359)

December 31,
2010

15,910

—

15,910

42,163

48,981

—

$

144,659

$

178,619

$

204,254

$

151,179

$

48,981

Efficiency ratio

85.82%

89.70%

84.53%

61.72 %

84.34%

Efficiency ratio, fully taxable 
  equivalent (non-GAAP)

85.35%

89.70%

84.53%

61.72 %

84.34%

40

Item 7:  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS.

The following management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in 
conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 
2013, and 2012, and with the other financial and statistical data presented in this annual report.  This discussion and 
analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual 
results to differ materially from management's expectations. Factors that could cause such differences are discussed in the 
section entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and "Risk Factors” and should be read 
herewith.

Readers are cautioned that meaningful comparability of current period financial information to prior periods may be 
limited. Following our Hillcrest Bank acquisition on October 22, 2010, we completed three additional acquisitions: Bank 
Midwest on December 10, 2010, Bank of Choice on July 22, 2011 and Community Banks of Colorado on October 21, 2011. 
As a result, our operating results are limited to the periods since these acquisitions. Additionally, in accordance with 
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations, the assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed were recorded at fair value at their respective dates of acquisition. The comparability of data is compromised by 
the FDIC loss sharing agreements in place that cover a portion of losses incurred on certain assets acquired in the 
Hillcrest Bank and the Community Banks of Colorado acquisitions.

In May 2012, we changed the name of Bank Midwest, N.A. to NBH Bank, N.A. (“NBH Bank” or the “Bank”) and all 
references to NBH Bank, N.A. should be considered synonymous with references to Bank Midwest, N.A. prior to the name 
change. 

Overview 

National Bank Holdings Corporation is a bank holding company formed in 2009.  Through our subsidiary, NBH Bank, we 
provide a variety of banking products to both commercial and consumer clients through a network of 97 banking centers, 
located in Colorado, the greater Kansas City area and Texas, and through online and mobile banking products.  We operate 
under the following brand names:  Community Banks of Colorado in Colorado, Bank Midwest in Kansas and Missouri, 
and Hillcrest Bank in Texas.  

In just over four years, we have completed the acquisition and integration of four problem or failed banks, three of which 
were FDIC-assisted.  We have transformed these four banks into one collective banking operation with steadily increasing 
organic growth, prudent underwriting, and meaningful market share with continued opportunity for expansion.  Our long-
term business model utilizes our organic development infrastructure, low-risk balance sheet, continuous operational 
development and a disciplined acquisition strategy to create value and provide opportunities for growth.  

As of December 31, 2014, we had $4.8 billion in assets, $2.2 billion in loans, $3.8 billion in deposits and $0.8 billion in 
equity.  We believe that our established presence positions us well for growth opportunities. Our focus is on building strong 
banking relationships with small to mid-sized businesses and consumers, while maintaining a low risk profile designed to 
generate reliable income streams and attractive returns. Through our acquisitions, we have established a solid financial 
services franchise with a sizable presence for deposit gathering and client relationship building necessary for growth. 

Operating Highlights and Key Challenges  

Our operations resulted in the following highlights as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 (except as noted):

Strategy execution

• 

Strong organic growth - increased loan originations 21.7% over the prior year.

•  Maintained a conservatively structured loan portfolio - credit quality is strong.

•  Opportunistic capital management - repurchased 6.1 million shares at attractive prices.

•  Announced in January 2015 the Colorado market fill-in acquisition of Pine River Bank Corporation, which is 

expected to close in the third quarter of 2015.

•  Maintained focus on expenses and enhancing operational efficiencies - 2014 non-interest expenses down 

18.5% from prior year. 

Loan portfolio 

• 

Total loans ended 2014 at $2.2 billion, a 16.6% increase since December 31, 2013.

•  Organic loan originations totaled $869.2 million, a 21.7% increase from 2013. 

41

• 

• 

• 

Strategic loans at December 31, 2014 increased a strong $456.6 million, or 30.4%, since December 31, 2013.  

Strategic loans comprised $2.0 billion, or 90.7% of loans outstanding. 

Successfully exited $148.2 million, or 42.4%, of the non-strategic loan portfolio during 2014.

Credit quality

•  Non 310-30 loans

Net charge-offs in the non 310-30 loan portfolio declined to just 0.06% during 2014.

Credit quality remained strong, as 90 days past dues and non-accruing loans decreased to just 0.59%.

Loss-share coverage on 12.2% of non-performing non 310-30 loans.   

•  ASC 310-30 loans

Added a net $43.7 million to accretable yield for the acquired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30.

A $14.8 million covered commercial and industrial loan pool that had previously been on non-accrual 
status at December 31, 2013 was returned to accrual status during the first quarter of 2014 due to 
improved performance and predictability of cash flows within that pool.

Client deposit funded balance sheet

•  Average demand deposits continued solid growth, increasing $40.6 million, or 6.1%, as a result of our strategic 

focus on relationship banking.

•  Average transaction deposits and client repurchase agreements increased $37.1 million, or 1.5%, from 

December 31, 2013.

• 

• 

Transaction account balances improved to 64.0% of total deposits as of December 31, 2014 from 61.0% at 
December 31, 2013.

Total deposits decreased $72.1 million, or 1.9%, as higher-cost time deposits declined $138.6 million, or 9.3%. 

•  Continued a strongly client-funded balance sheet, with total deposits and client repurchase agreements 

comprising 96.9% of total liabilities as of December 31, 2014.

Revenues and expenses

•  Net interest margin widened to 3.85% on a fully taxable equivalent basis during 2014, from 3.81% during 2013, 
driven by a three basis point decrease in the cost of interest bearing liabilities coupled with a one basis point 
widening in the yield on interest earning assets.

• 

The yield on our loan portfolio was 6.60% during 2014, compared to 7.92% during 2013, as a result of the declining 
balances of higher-yielding purchased loans.

•  Cost of deposits decreased four basis points to 0.37% during 2014 from 0.41% during 2013, due to a $186.0 
million  decrease  in  time  deposits  as  we  focused  on  market-rate  time  deposits  and  in  developing  banking 
relationships.

•  Non-interest income for 2014 totaled a negative $1.7 million as a result of $27.7 million of FDIC indemnification 
asset  amortization  and  $8.9  million  of  FDIC  loss-share  related  expenses,  attributable  to  strong  covered  asset 
performance.

•  Operating costs (defined as non-interest expenses before problem loan/OREO workout expenses/(income), the 
benefit of the change in the warrant liability, contract termination expenses and banking center closure related 
expenses) declined $12.4 million, or 7.6%, during 2014, compared to 2013. The decrease in operating costs was 
attributable to operating efficiency improvements and banking center closures.

• 

Problem loan/OREO expenses/(income) resulted in income of $(1.9) million for 2014, decreasing $18.5 million 
from the same period in 2013. The decline is a result of strong OREO property sales and lower problem asset 
balances.

Strong capital position

•  As of December 31, 2014, our consolidated tier 1 leverage ratio was 15.0% and our consolidated tier 1 risk-based 

capital ratio was 28.9%. 

• 

The after-tax accretable yield on ASC 310-30 loans plus the after-tax yield on the FDIC indemnification asset, 
net, in excess of 4.0%, an approximate yield on new loan originations, and discounted at 5%, adds $0.83 per share 
to our tangible book value per share as of December 31, 2014. 

42

• 

Tangible common book value per share was $18.63 at December 31, 2014, before consideration of the excess 
accretable yield value of $0.83 per share.

•  During 2014, we repurchased 6.1 million shares, or 13.53% of outstanding shares, at a weighted average price of  
$19.63 per share.  Since early 2013 and through February 26, 2015, we have repurchased 15.3 million shares, or 
29.2% of outstanding shares, at an attractive weighted average price of $19.50 per share.

•  On February 11, 2015, we announced that the board of directors approved a new authorization to repurchase from 

time to time another $50.0 million of the Company’s common stock.

Key Challenges

There are a number of significant challenges confronting us and our industry.  In our short history, we have acquired 
distressed financial institutions, rebuilt them, and implemented operational efficiencies across the enterprise as a whole.  
We face continual challenges implementing our business strategy, including growing the assets and deposits of our business 
amidst intense competition, particularly for loans, low interest rates, changes in the regulatory environment and identifying 
and consummating disciplined merger and acquisition opportunities in a very competitive environment.

General economic conditions improved modestly during 2014, but were somewhat dampened by the uncertainty about the 
strength of the recovery, both nationally and in our markets.  Residential real estate values have largely recovered from 
their lows and commercial real estate property fundamentals continued to improve in our markets and nationally across all 
property types and classes.  We consider this with guarded optimism. A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured 
by real estate and any deterioration in real estate values or credit quality or elevated levels of non-performing assets would 
ultimately have a negative impact on the quality of our loan portfolio. 

Oil and gas prices declined significantly during 2014, and the full impact to the broad economy, to banks in general, and to 
us, is yet to be determined.  Energy loans comprise 8.1% of our total loans and prolonged or further pricing pressure on oil 
and gas could lead to increased credit stress in our energy portfolio.  Suppressed energy prices are putting more money into 
consumers pockets in the short term, but the decline could have unpredictable secondary impacts such as job losses in 
industries tied to energy, increased spending habits, lower borrowing needs, higher transaction deposit balances or a 
number of other effects that are difficult to isolate or quantify.  

Our total loan balances increased $308.3 million during 2014, or 16.6%, on the strength of $869.2 million of loan 
originations, partially offset by loan paydowns, particularly in our non-strategic portfolio.  Our acquired loans generally 
have produced higher yields than our originated loans due to the recognition of accretion of fair value adjustments and 
accretable yield. The tepid economic recovery and intense loan competition have kept interest rates low during 2014, 
limiting the yields we have been able to obtain on originated loans.  During 2014, our weighted average yield on loan 
originations was 3.78%, which is significantly lower than our 2014 weighted average yield of our loan portfolio of 6.60%.  
We expect downward pressure on the yields on our total loan portfolio to the extent that our originated loan portfolio does 
not provide sufficient yields to replace the high yields on the acquired loan portfolio as they pay down or pay off.  Growth 
in our interest income will ultimately be dependent on our ability to generate sufficient volumes of high-quality originated 
loans. 

Increased regulation, impending new liquidity and capital constraints, and a continual need to bolster cybersecurity are 
adding costs and uncertainty to all U.S. banks and could affect profitability.  Also, nontraditional participants in the market 
may offer increased competition as non-bank payment businesses are expanding into traditional banking products.  While 
certain external factors are out of our control and may provide obstacles to our business strategy, we believe that we are 
prepared to deal with these challenges. We seek to remain flexible, yet methodical and proactive, in our strategic decision 
making so that we can quickly respond to market changes and the inherent challenges and opportunities that accompany 
such changes. 

Performance Overview 

As a financial institution, we routinely evaluate and review our consolidated statements of financial condition and results of 
operations. We evaluate the levels, trends and mix of the statements of financial condition and statements of operations line 
items and compare those levels to our budgeted expectations, our peers, industry averages and trends. 

Within our statements of financial condition, we specifically evaluate and manage the following: 

Loan balances - We monitor our loan portfolio to evaluate loan originations, payoffs, concentrations and profitability. We 
forecast loan originations and payoffs within the overall loan portfolio, and we work to resolve problem loans and OREO 
in an expeditious manner. We track the runoff of our covered assets as well as the loan relationships that we have identified 
as “non-strategic” and put particular emphasis on the buildup of “strategic” relationships. 

43

Asset quality - We monitor the asset quality of our loans and OREO through a variety of metrics, and we work to resolve 
problem assets in an efficient manner. Specifically, we monitor the resolution of problem loans through payoffs, pay 
downs, troubled debt restructurings and foreclosure activity. We marked all of our acquired assets to fair value at the date 
of their respective acquisitions, taking into account our estimation of credit quality. 

Many of the loans that we acquired in the Hillcrest Bank, Bank of Choice and Community Banks of Colorado acquisitions 
had deteriorated credit quality at the respective dates of acquisition. These loans are accounted for under ASC Topic 
310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality.  This guidance is described more fully 
below under “Application of Critical Accounting Policies” and in note 2 in our consolidated financial statements.

Our evaluation of traditional credit quality metrics and the allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) levels, especially when 
compared to industry averages or to other financial institutions, takes into account that any credit quality deterioration that 
existed at the date of acquisition was considered in the original valuation of those assets on our balance sheet. Additionally, 
certain of these assets are covered by loss sharing agreements. All of these factors limit the comparability of our credit 
quality and ALL levels to peers or other financial institutions. 

Deposit balances - We monitor our deposit levels by type, market and rate. Our loans are funded through our deposit base, 
and we seek to optimize our deposit mix in order to provide reliable, low-cost funding sources. 

Liquidity - We monitor liquidity based on policy limits and through projections of sources and uses of cash. In order to test 
the adequacy of our liquidity, we routinely perform various liquidity stress test scenarios that incorporate wholesale 
funding maturities, if any, certain deposit run-off rates and access to borrowings. We manage our liquidity primarily 
through our balance sheet mix, including our cash and our investment security portfolio, and the interest rates that we offer 
on our loan and deposit products, coupled with contingency funding plans as necessary. 

Capital - We monitor our capital levels, including evaluating the effects of share repurchases and potential acquisitions, to 
ensure continued compliance with regulatory requirements and with the OCC Operating Agreement that we entered into in 
connection with our Bank Midwest acquisition, which is described under “Supervision and Regulation”.  We review our 
tier 1 leverage capital ratios, our tier 1 risk-based capital ratios and our total risk-based capital ratios on a regular basis. 

Within our consolidated results of operations, we specifically evaluate the following: 

Net interest income - Net interest income represents the amount by which interest income on interest earning assets exceeds 
interest expense incurred on interest bearing liabilities. We generate interest income through interest and dividends on 
loans, investment securities and interest bearing bank deposits. Our acquired loans have generally provided higher yields 
than our originated loans due to the recognition of accretion of fair value adjustments and accretable yield, and as a result, 
we have historically had downward pressure on our interest income.  While there is still some volatility in our interest 
income due to the nature of our portfolio, solid loan originations are helping to stabilize interest income by offsetting the 
decrease in interest income from the higher yielding purchased loans with the interest income earned on new loan 
originations. We incur interest expense on our interest bearing deposits, repurchase agreements and on our FHLB advances, 
and we would also incur interest expense on any future borrowings, including any debt assumed in acquisitions. We strive 
to maximize our interest income by acquiring and originating loans and investing excess cash in investment securities. 
Furthermore, we seek to minimize our interest expense through low-cost funding sources, thereby maximizing our net 
interest income. 

Provision for loan losses - The provision for loan losses includes the amount of expense that is required to maintain the 
ALL at an adequate level to absorb probable losses inherent in the non 310-30 loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. 
Additionally, we incur a provision for loan losses on loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 as a result of a decrease in the 
net present value of the expected future cash flows during the periodic remeasurement of the cash flows associated with 
these pools of loans. The determination of the amount of the provision for loan losses and the related ALL is complex and 
involves a high degree of judgment and subjectivity to maintain a level of ALL that is considered by management to be 
appropriate under GAAP. 

Non-interest income - Non-interest income consists of service charges, bank card fees, gains on sales of mortgages, gains 
on sales of investment securities, gains on previously charged-off acquired loans, OREO related write-ups and other 
income and other non-interest income. Also included in non-interest income is FDIC indemnification asset amortization 
and other FDIC loss sharing income (expense), which consists of reimbursement of costs related to the resolution of 
covered assets, and amortization of our clawback liability. For additional information, see “Application of Critical 
Accounting Policies-Acquisition Accounting Application and the Valuation of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed” 
and note 2 in our consolidated financial statements.  Due to fluctuations in the amortization rates on the FDIC 
indemnification asset and the amortization of the clawback liability and due to varying levels of expenses and income 
related to the resolution of covered assets, the FDIC loss sharing income is not consistent on a period-to-period basis.

44

Non-interest expense - The primary components of our non-interest expense are salaries and benefits, occupancy and 
equipment, telecommunications and data processing and intangible asset amortization.  Any expenses related to the 
resolution of covered assets are also included in non-interest expense. These expenses are dependent on individual 
resolution circumstances and, as a result, are not consistent from period to period. We seek to manage our non-interest 
expense in order to maximize efficiencies. 

Net income - We utilize traditional industry return ratios such as return on average assets, return on average tangible assets, 
return on average equity, return on average tangible equity and return on risk-weighted assets to measure and assess our 
returns in relation to our balance sheet profile. 

Application of Critical Accounting Policies 

We use accounting principles and methods that conform to GAAP and general banking practices. We are required to apply 
significant judgment and make material estimates in the preparation of our financial statements and with regard to various 
accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. Assumptions and estimates are required to apply these principles where actual 
measurement is not possible or practical. The most significant of these estimates relate to the fair value determination of 
assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations and the application of acquisition accounting, the 
accounting for acquired loans and the related FDIC indemnification asset and the determination of the ALL. These critical 
accounting policies and estimates are summarized below, and are further analyzed with other significant accounting 
policies in note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for 
the year ended December 31, 2014. 

Valuation of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed and Acquisition Accounting Application

We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 Business 
Combinations. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured and recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition, 
including any identifiable intangible assets. The initial fair values are determined in accordance with the guidance provided 
in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. If the fair value of net assets acquired exceeds the fair value of 
consideration paid, a bargain purchase gain is recognized at the date of acquisition. Conversely, if the consideration paid 
exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired, goodwill is recognized at the acquisition date. The determination of fair 
value requires the use of estimates and significant judgment is required. Fair values are subject to refinement for up to one 
year after the closing date of an acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available. Any 
change in the acquisition date fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed may materially affect our financial 
position, results of operations and liquidity.

The determination of the fair value of loans acquired takes into account credit quality deterioration and probability of loss; 
therefore, the related ALL is not carried forward. We segregate loans based on the accounting treatment into (a) loans 
accounted for under ASC 310-30 and (b) loans excluded from ASC 310-30, which also includes our originated loans.  We 
further segregate total loans into two separate categories: (a) loans receivable—covered and (b) loans receivable—non-
covered, both of which are more fully described below. 

OREO is recorded at fair value, less estimated selling costs. The fair value of OREO property is generally estimated using 
both market and income approach valuation techniques incorporating observable market data to formulate an opinion of the 
estimated fair value. When current appraisals are not available, judgment is used based on management's experience for 
similar properties.

Identifiable intangible assets are recognized separately if they arise from contractual or other legal rights or if they are 
separable (i.e., capable of being sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged separately from the entity). Deposit 
liabilities and the related depositor relationship intangible assets, known as the core deposit intangible assets, may be 
exchanged in observable exchange transactions. As a result, the core deposit intangible asset is considered identifiable, 
because the separability criterion has been met. The fair value of core deposit intangible assets is determined based on a 
discounted cash flow methodology that considers primary asset attributes such as expected client runoff rates, cost of the 
deposit base, and reserve requirements.

An FDIC indemnification asset is recognized when the FDIC contractually indemnifies, in whole or in part, us for a 
particular uncertainty. The recognition and measurement of an indemnification asset is based on the related indemnified 
items. We recognize an indemnification asset at the same time that the indemnified item is recognized and we measure it on 
the same basis as the indemnified items, subject to collectability or contractual limitations on the indemnified amounts.

Under FDIC loss sharing agreements, we may be required to return a portion of cash received from the FDIC at acquisition 
in the event that losses do not reach a specified threshold, based on the initial discount less cumulative servicing amounts 

45

for the covered assets acquired. Such liabilities are referred to as clawback liabilities and are considered to be contingent 
consideration as they require the return of a portion of the initial consideration in the event that certain contingencies are 
met. We recognize clawback liabilities that represent contingent consideration at fair value at the date of acquisition. The 
clawback liabilities are included in due to FDIC in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition, and 
are periodically re-measured. Any changes in value are reflected in both the carrying amount of the clawback liability and 
the related amortization that is recognized through FDIC loss sharing income in the consolidated statements of operations 
until the contingency is resolved.

Accounting for Acquired Loans and the Related FDIC Indemnification Asset

Included in our loan portfolio are covered loans, which consist of loans acquired in the Hillcrest Bank and Community 
Banks of Colorado transactions that are covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements, and non-covered loans, which consist of 
originated and acquired loans that are not covered by loss sharing agreements. The covered loan portfolio has significantly 
different risk characteristics due to the financial statement implications, which are summarized below. 

The estimated fair values of acquired loans are based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considers various 
factors, including the type of loan or pool of loans with similar characteristics, and related collateral, classification status, 
fixed or variable interest rate, maturity and any prepayment terms of loan, whether or not the loan is amortizing, and a 
discount rate reflecting our assessment of risk inherent in the cash flow estimates. The determination of the fair value of 
acquired loans, including covered loans, takes into account credit quality deterioration and probability of loss, and as a 
result, the related allowance for loan losses is not carried forward at the time of acquisition.

A significant portion of the loans acquired in the Hillcrest Bank, Bank of Choice, and Community Banks of Colorado 
acquisitions had deteriorated credit quality at the date of acquisition and management accounted for all loans acquired 
through these acquisitions under ASC 310-30 (with the exception of loans with revolving privileges which were outside the 
scope of ASC 310-30). These loans are grouped based on purpose and/or type of loan, geography and risk rating, and take 
into account the sources of repayment and collateral, and each such grouping is treated as a pool. Each pool is accounted 
for as a single loan for which the integrity is maintained throughout the life of the asset. When a pool exhibits evidence of 
credit deterioration since origination and it is probable at the date of acquisition that we will not collect all principal and 
interest payments in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, the expected shortfall in the expected future cash 
flows compared to the contractual amount due is recognized as a non-accretable difference. Any excess of the expected 
future cash flows over the acquisition date fair value is known as the accretable discount, or accretable yield, and through 
accretion, is recognized as interest income over the remaining life of each pool. Contractual fees not expected to be 
collected are not included in ASC 310-30 contractual cash flows.  Should fees be subsequently collected, the cash flows are 
accounted for as non 310-30 fee income in the period they are received.  Loans that meet the criteria for non-accrual of 
interest at the time of acquisition may be considered performing upon and subsequent to acquisition, regardless of whether 
the client is contractually delinquent, if the timing and expected cash flows on such loans can be reasonably estimated and 
if collection of the new carrying value of such loans is expected.  If the timing and expected cash flows of a pool can not be 
reasonably estimated, that pool may be placed on non-accrual status, the accretion of income will cease, and interest 
income will be recognized on a cash basis.

Loan pools accounted for under ASC 310-30 are periodically remeasured to determine expected future cash flows. In 
determining the expected cash flows, we evaluate the credit profile, contractual interest rates, collateral values and 
expected prepayments of the loan pools.  Prepayment assumptions are based on statistical models that take into account 
factors such as the loan interest rate, credit profile of the borrowers, the years in which the loans were originated, and 
whether the loans were fixed or variable rate loans.  Decreases to the expected future cash flows in the applicable pool 
generally result in an immediate provision for loan losses charged to the consolidated statements of operations.  
Conversely, subsequent increases in the expected future cash flows result in a transfer from the non-accretable difference to 
the accretable yield, which is then accreted as a yield adjustment over the remaining life of the pool once any previously 
recorded impairment expense has been recouped.  These cash flow estimations are inherently subjective as they require 
material estimates, all of which may be susceptible to significant change.

Loans outside the scope of ASC 310-30 are accounted for under ASC 310, Receivables. Discounts created when the loans 
are recorded at their estimated fair values at acquisition are accreted over the remaining life of the loan as an adjustment to 
the related loan’s yield. Similar to originated loans, the accrual of interest income is discontinued on acquired loans that are 
not accounted for under ASC 310-30 when the collection of principal or interest, in whole or in part, is doubtful. Interest is 
not accrued on loans 90 days or more past due unless they are well secured and in the process of collection.

The fair value of covered loans and covered OREO does not include the estimated fair value of the expected 
reimbursement of cash flows from the FDIC for the losses on these covered assets, as those cash flows are measured and 

46

recorded separately in the FDIC indemnification asset.  The indemnification assets were recorded at fair value on the 
respective dates of acquisition, and considered the estimated fair value of anticipated reimbursements from the FDIC for 
expected losses on covered assets, subject to the loss thresholds and any contractual limitations in the loss sharing 
agreements. Fair value was estimated using the net present value of projected cash flows related to the loss sharing 
agreements based on the expected reimbursements for losses and the applicable loss sharing percentages. These cash flows 
are discounted to reflect the uncertainty of the timing of the loss sharing reimbursement from the FDIC and the discount is 
amortized using the effective interest method in connection with the expected speed of reimbursements and is limited to the 
lesser of the contractual term of the indemnification agreement or the remaining life of the indemnified assets.  This 
amortization is included in FDIC indemnification asset amortization in the consolidated statements of operations. The 
expected indemnification asset cash flows are remeasured in conjunction with the periodic remeasurement of cash flows on 
covered loans and covered OREO. Improvements in cash flow expectations on covered loans and covered OREO generally 
result in a related decline in the expected indemnification cash flows from the FDIC and are recognized immediately in 
earnings to the extent that they relate to a reversal of a previously recorded valuation allowance related to the covered 
assets. Any remaining decreases in expected cash flows are reflected prospectively as a negative yield adjustment on the 
indemnification asset consistent with the approach taken to recognize increases in expected cash flows on the covered 
loans accounted for under ASC 310-30.  Conversely, declines in cash flow expectations on covered loans and covered 
OREO generally result in an increase in the expected indemnification asset cash flows from the FDIC and are reflected as 
both a decrease in the FDIC indemnification asset amortization and an increase to the balance of the indemnification asset 
in the current period. As indemnified assets are resolved, the indemnification asset is reduced by the amount claimed by us 
from the FDIC and a corresponding claim receivable is recorded in other assets in the consolidated statements of financial 
condition until cash is received from the FDIC.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The determination of the ALL, which represents management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio at 
the balance sheet date, including acquired and covered loans to the extent necessary, involves a high degree of judgment 
and complexity. The determination of the ALL takes into consideration, among other matters, the estimated fair value of 
the underlying collateral, economic conditions, particularly as such conditions relate to the market areas in which we 
operate, historical net loan losses and other factors that warrant recognition. Any change in these factors, or the rise of any 
other factors that we, or our regulators, may deem necessary to consider when estimating the ALL, may materially affect 
the ALL and provisions for loan losses. For further discussion of the ALL, see “—Financial Condition—Asset Quality” and 
“—Financial Condition—Allowance for Loan Losses” and notes 2 and 7 to our consolidated financial statements.

Financial Condition 

Total assets were $4.8 billion at December 31, 2014 compared to $4.9 billion at December 31, 2013, a decrease of $0.1 
billion, or 1.9%.  The decrease in total assets was primarily attributable to the successful repurchase of 6.1 million of our 
outstanding shares for $119.4 million.  We continued our strategy of remixing our earning assets during 2014, using the 
run-off from the investment securities portfolio and non-strategic loans to fund loan growth.  Total loans were $2.2 billion 
at December 31, 2014, and grew $308.3 million, or 16.6%, from December 31, 2013.  We originated $869.2 million of 
loans during 2014, which grew the balances in our strategic portfolio $456.6 million from December 31, 2013 to 
December 31, 2014, or 30.4%.  We reduced our non-strategic loan portfolio to $201.7 million at December 31, 2014, a 
decrease of $148.2 million from December 31, 2013, or 42.4%, which was a reflection of our successful workout progress 
on acquired problem loans (many of which were covered).  Our FDIC indemnification asset decreased $25.4 million during 
2014, primarily as a result of amortization that resulted from an increase in actual and expected cash flows on the 
underlying covered assets, resulting in lower expected reimbursements from the FDIC.  Strong OREO sales late in the 
fourth quarter of 2014, coupled with a relatively flat loan growth during that quarter, resulted in a $67.5 million increase in 
cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013.  Other assets increased $38.3 million 
due to the purchase of $44.2 million of bank-owned life insurance during 2014.  Total deposits of $3.8 billion at 
December 31, 2014 decreased $72.1 million from December 31, 2013.  Lower-cost demand, savings, and money market 
("transaction") deposits increased $66.5 million and was more than offset by a $138.6 million decrease in time deposits as 
we continued to focus our deposit base on clients who were interested in market-rate time deposits and in developing a 
banking relationship, coupled with the California banking center and limited-service retirement center exits on December 
31, 2013.

Total assets at December 31, 2013 were $4.9 billion compared to $5.4 billion at December 31, 2012, a decrease of $0.5 
billion. The decrease in total assets was driven by a $0.6 billion decrease in cash and cash equivalents, as we utilized cash 
to repurchase $146.7 million of our common stock.  Also contributing to the decrease in cash was the run-off of $0.3 
billion of time deposits, as many of these clients were single-service, highly rate-sensitive clients of the problem banks we 
acquired. We also utilized available cash and purchased $945.8 million of investment securities during 2013.  Total non-

47

strategic loan balances decreased $360.6 million, which was a reflection of our workout progress on acquired troubled 
loans (many of which were covered).  We also originated $714.0 million loans during 2013, which offset normal client 
payments and grew the loan balances in our strategic portfolio at an annualized rate of 34.0%.  As a result, total loan 
balances increased $21.4 million, after having reached an important loan balance inflection point during the third quarter of 
2013, whereby total loan balances began growing for the first time in our Company's short history, as organic loan 
originations began outpacing the resolution of acquired troubled loans. Our FDIC indemnification asset decreased 
$22.5 million during 2013 as a result of $17.6 million of payments from and claims submitted to the FDIC for 
reimbursement on continued workout progress on our covered loans and OREO.  The actual and expected cash flows 
increased on covered assets, and resulted in a net reclassification of $73.7 million of non-accretable difference to accretable 
yield during the period, which is being accreted to income over the remaining life of the loan pools.  Total deposits 
decreased $362.4 million, driven by a $257.0 million decline in time deposits, as we sought to retain only those depositors 
who were interested in market-rate deposits and developing a banking relationship and as we continued our focus on 
migrating toward a client-based deposit mix with higher concentrations of lower cost demand, savings and money market 
(“transaction”) deposits.  Also contributing to the decline in total deposits was our exit of four California banking centers 
and 32 limited-service retirement centers during the fourth quarter of 2013.  Shareholders' equity declined $192.8 million 
during 2013 and was primarily impacted by the repurchase of 7.4 million of our shares outstanding, or 14.2%, at a 
weighted average price of $19.77.  Also contributing to the decrease in total equity was a $47.3 million decline in 
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, as a result of market value fluctuations. 

Investment Securities 

Available-for-sale 

Total investment securities available-for-sale were $1.5 billion at December 31, 2014, compared to $1.8 billion at 
December 31, 2013, a decrease of $306.3 million, or 17.2%. During 2014, maturities and pay downs of available-for-sale 
securities totaled $327.4 million.  There were no purchases of available-for-sale securities during 2014.

Total investment securities available-for-sale were $1.8 billion at December 31, 2013, compared to $1.7 billion at 
December 31, 2012, an increase of $0.1 billion, or 3.9%. During 2013, we purchased $694.0 million of available-for-sale 
mortgage backed securities, which was largely funded by $550.0 million of maturities and paydowns during 2013.  

Our available-for-sale investment securities portfolio is summarized as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands): 

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

Amortized
cost

Fair
value

Percent of
portfolio

Weighted
average
yield

Amortized
cost

Fair
value

Percent of
portfolio

Weighted
average
yield

Asset-backed securities

$

— $

—

0.00%

0.00% $

4,534

$

4,537

0.26%

0.61%

Mortgage-backed securities
(“MBS”):

Residential mortgage pass-
  through securities issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government 
  agencies or sponsored 
  enterprises

Other residential MBS issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government 
  agencies or sponsored 
  enterprises

Other securities

Total investment securities 
  available-for-sale

395,244

404,215

27.33%

2.11%

490,321

494,990

27.72%

2.22%

1,088,834

1,074,580

419

419

72.64%

0.03%

1.75% 1,320,998

1,285,582

0.00%

419

419

72.00%

0.02%

1.83%

0.00%

$ 1,484,497

$ 1,479,214

100.00%

1.85% $ 1,816,272

$1,785,528

100.00%

1.94%

As of December 31, 2014, 100.0% of the available-for-sale investment portfolio was backed by mortgages as compared to 
99.7% at December 31, 2013.  The residential mortgage pass-through securities portfolio is comprised of both fixed rate 
and adjustable rate Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), Federal National Mortgage Association 
(“FNMA”) and Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) securities. The other mortgage-backed securities 
are comprised of securities backed by FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA securities. 

At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, adjustable rate securities comprised 7.4% and 7.8%, respectively, of the 
available-for-sale MBS portfolio.  The remainder of the portfolio was comprised of fixed rate amortizing securities with 10 
to 30 year contractual maturities, with a weighted average coupon of 2.2% per annum, at December 31, 2014 and 
December 31, 2013. 

48

 
The available-for-sale investment portfolio included $21.8 million and $49.2 million of gross unrealized losses at 
December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which were partially offset by $16.5 million and $18.4 million of 
gross unrealized gains, respectively.  In addition to the U.S. Government agency or sponsored enterprise backings of our 
MBS portfolio, we believe any unrecognized losses are a result of prevailing interest rates, and as such, we do not believe 
that any of the securities with unrealized losses were other-than-temporarily-impaired. 

The estimated weighted average life of the available-for-sale MBS portfolio as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 
2013 was 3.5 years and 3.9 years, respectively, the decrease of which is due to an adjustment in expected prepayment 
speeds and aging of the portfolio.  This estimate is based on various assumptions, including repayment characteristics and 
portfolio aging, and actual results may differ. As of December 31, 2014, the duration of the total available-for-sale 
investment portfolio was 3.2 years.  As of December 31, 2013, the duration of the total available-for-sale investment 
portfolio was 3.6 years.

 Held-to-maturity 

At December 31, 2014, we held $530.6 million of held-to-maturity investment securities, compared to $641.9 million at 
December 31, 2013, a decrease of $111.3 million, or 17.3%.  During 2014, we did not purchase any held-to-maturity 
securities, however, during 2013 we purchased $251.8 million of held-to-maturity securities. 

Held-to-maturity investment securities are summarized as follows as of the date indicated (in thousands): 

Residential mortgage pass-through securities issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored 
  enterprises

Other residential MBS issued or guaranteed by U.S. 
  Government agencies or sponsored enterprises

Total investment securities held-to-maturity

Residential mortgage pass-through securities issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored 
  enterprises

Other residential MBS issued or guaranteed by U.S. 
  Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
Total investment securities held-to-maturity

December 31, 2014

Amortized
cost

Fair
value

Percent of
portfolio

Weighted
average yield

422,622

$

428,323

79.65%

107,968

530,590

$

106,314

534,637

20.35%

100.00%

3.25%

1.68%

2.93%

December 31, 2013

Amortized
cost

Fair
value

Percent of
portfolio

Weighted
average yield

513,090

$

511,489

79.93%

128,817

641,907

$

124,916

636,405

20.07%

100.00%

3.31%

1.70%

2.99%

$

$

$

$

The residential mortgage pass-through and other residential MBS held-to-maturity investment portfolios are comprised of 
fixed rate FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA securities. 

The fair value of the held-to-maturity investment portfolio was $534.6 million and $636.4 million, at December 31, 2014 
and December 31, 2013, respectively, and included $4.0 million of net unrealized gains and $5.5 million of net unrealized 
losses for the respective periods. 

The estimated weighted average life of the held-to-maturity investment portfolio was 3.4 years as of December 31, 2014 
and 3.8 years as of December 31, 2013.  As of December 31, 2014, the duration of the total held-to-maturity investment 
portfolio was 3.2 years and the duration of the entire investment securities portfolio was 3.2 years.  As of December 31, 
2013, the duration of the total held-to-maturity investment portfolio was 3.5 years and the duration of the entire investment 
securities portfolio was 3.6 years. 

49

 
 
Non-marketable securities 

Non-marketable securities include Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") stock and FHLB stock. At December 31, 2014 and 
December 31, 2013, we held $19.5 million and $25.0 million, respectively, of FRB stock.  At December 31, 2014 and 
December 31, 2013 we held $7.6 million and $6.6 million of FHLB stock, respectively. We hold these securities in 
accordance with debt and regulatory requirements. These are restricted securities which lack a market and are therefore 
carried at cost. 

 Loans Overview 

At December 31, 2014, our loan portfolio was comprised of new loans that we have originated and loans that were 
acquired in connection with our four acquisitions to date. The majority of the loans acquired in the Hillcrest Bank and 
Community Banks of Colorado transaction are covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC. 

As discussed in note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, all 
acquired loans are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition, and an allowance for loan losses is not carried over with 
the loans but, rather, the fair value of the loans encompasses both credit quality and contractual interest rate considerations. 
Loans that exhibit signs of credit deterioration at the date of acquisition are accounted for in accordance with the provisions 
of ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310-30”). 
Management accounted for all loans acquired in the Hillcrest Bank, Bank of Choice and Community Banks of Colorado 
acquisitions under ASC 310-30, with the exception of loans with revolving privileges, which were outside the scope of 
ASC 310-30. In our Bank Midwest transaction, we did not acquire all of the loans of the former Bank Midwest but, rather, 
selected certain loans based upon specific criteria of performance, adequacy of collateral, and loan type that were 
performing at the time of acquisition. As a result, none of the loans acquired in the Bank Midwest transaction are accounted 
for under ASC 310-30. 

Consistent with differences in the accounting, the loan portfolio is presented in two categories:  (i) ASC 310-30 loans and 
(ii) non 310-30 loans.  The portfolio is further stratified based on (i) loans covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements, or 
“covered loans,” and (ii) loans that are not covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements, or “non-covered loans.”  
Additionally, inherent in the nature of acquiring problem banks, only certain of our acquired clients conform to our long-
term business model of in-market, relationship-oriented banking clients.  We have developed a management tool to 
evaluate the progress of working out the problem loans acquired in our FDIC-assisted acquisitions and the progress of 
organic loan growth, whereby we have designated loans as “strategic” or “non-strategic.”  Strategic loans include all 
originated loans in addition to those acquired loans inside our operating markets that meet our credit risk profile. 
Identification as strategic for acquired loans was made at the time of acquisition.  Criteria utilized in the designation of a 
loan as “strategic” include (a) geography, (b) total relationship with borrower and (c) credit metrics commensurate with our 
current underwriting standards. At December 31, 2014, strategic loans totaled $2.0 billion and had strong credit quality as 
represented by a non-accrual loans ratio of 0.4%. We believe this presentation of our loan portfolio provides a meaningful 
basis to understand the underlying drivers of changes in our loan portfolio balances. 

Due to the unique structure and accounting treatment in our loan portfolio, we utilize four primary presentations to analyze 
our loan portfolio, depending on the purpose of the analysis.  Those are:

To analyze:
Loan growth and production efforts
Workout efforts of our purchased non-strategic portfolio Non-strategic balances and accretable yield
Risk mitigants of our non-performing loans

We look at:
Strategic balances and loan originations

FDIC loss-share coverage and fair value marks

Interest income

Non 310-30 yields and 310-30 yields

For information regarding the loan portfolio composition and the breakdown of the portfolio between ASC 310-30 loans, 
non 310-30 loans, along with the amounts that are covered and non-covered, see note 6.

Strategic loans comprised 90.7% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2014, compared to 81.1% at December 31, 
2013. The table below shows the loan portfolio composition categorized between strategic and non-strategic at the 
respective dates (in thousands):

50

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

Commercial

Agriculture

Owner-occupied commercial real estate
Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total

Strategic

Non-strategic

Total

Strategic

Non-strategic

Total

$

765,114

$

30,282

$

795,396

$

411,589

$

71,906

$

483,495

135,559
140,729

275,311

610,583

33,371

1,972
19,228

126,326

22,117

1,817

137,531
159,957

401,637

632,700

35,188

154,811
123,386

210,265

570,455

33,599

5,141
30,306

210,263

29,469

2,904

159,952
153,692

420,528

599,924

36,503

$1,960,667

$

201,742

$2,162,409

$1,504,105

$

349,989

$1,854,094

Our loan portfolio totaled $2.2 billion at December 31, 2014 and increased $308.3 million from December 31, 2013.  The 
16.6% increase in total loans was primarily driven by a $456.6 million increase in our strategic loan portfolio, partially 
offset by a $148.2 million decrease in our non-strategic loan portfolio.  The increase in strategic loans of $456.6 million, or
30.4%, at December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013, was driven by strong loan originations.  We have 
successfully continued to generate new relationships with individuals and small to mid-sized businesses.  We have 
experienced particularly strong loan growth in our commercial portfolio, which at December 31, 2014, was comprised of 
energy-related loans of $175.5 million, public administration-related loans of $106.9 million, manufacturing-related loans 
of $103.8 million, finance and insurance-related loans of $82.4 million, and a variety of smaller subcategories of 
commercial and industrial loans. Our enterprise-level, dedicated special asset resolution team has had continued success 
working out non-strategic loans acquired in our FDIC-assisted transactions, which complimented the repayment of non-
strategic loans that do not conform to our business model of in-market, relationship-oriented loans with credit metrics 
commensurate with our current underwriting standards.  

Included in our commercial loans are energy related loans that comprised 8.1% of total loans and 4.0% of interest earning 
assets at December 31, 2014.  Energy production (loans to companies engaged in exploration and production), energy 
midstream (loans to companies that engage in consolidation, storage, and transportation of oil and gas) and energy services 
(loans to companies that provide products and services to oil/gas companies), made up 44.2%, 26.4% and 29.4%, 
respectively, of the total energy related portfolio at December 31, 2014.  We have an experienced energy banking team, 
which includes an in-house petroleum geologist and we have maintained a disciplined approach to energy lending that 
includes carefully selected clients based on strong balance sheets, low leverage and quality management and we perform 
regular reviews. The average loan balance per relationship in the energy sector was $7.0 million and these loans had strong 
credit quality at December 31, 2014.  Energy prices declined significantly during 2014 and prolonged or further pricing 
pressure could increase stress on our energy clients and ultimately the credit quality of this portfolio.  However, the capital
and liquidity of our energy clients, as well as the conservative loan structures, should protect us against significant credit 
loss.

Our loan origination strategy involves lending primarily to clients within our markets; however, our acquired loans include 
clients in various geographies. Additionally, our specialty commercial banking groups, and in particular, our capital finance 
and government and non-profit banking, cover regional markets including adjacent states. These specialty lending groups 
drove the year-over-year increase in loans noted as “other” in the table below. 

The table below shows the geographic breakout of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, based 
on the domicile of the borrower or, in the case of collateral-dependent loans, the geographic location of the collateral (in 
thousands):

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

Loan balance

Percent of loan portfolio

Loan balance

Percent of loan portfolio

Colorado
Missouri
Texas
Kansas
California
Other
Total

$

$

850,778
518,623
248,262
228,612
44,694
271,440
2,162,409

51

39.3% $
24.0%
11.5%
10.6%
2.1%
12.5%
100.0% $

710,967
537,267
186,870
194,044
45,370
179,576
1,854,094

38.3%
29.0%
10.1%
10.5%
2.4%
9.7%
100.0%

 
 
New loan origination is a direct result of our ability to recruit and retain top banking talent, connect with clients in our 
markets and provide needed services at competitive rates. New loan originations of $869.2 million during 2014, were up 
$155.2 million, or 21.7% from the same period of the prior year as a result of continued market penetration.  The following 
table represents new loan originations during 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):  

Commercial

Agriculture

Owner-occupied 
  commercial real estate

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total

Commercial

Agriculture

Owner-occupied 
  commercial real estate

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total

Fourth quarter

Third quarter

Second quarter

First quarter

2014

2014

2014

2014

$

102,732

$

110,083

$

133,671

$

130,096

$

4,952

11,139

27,617

31,680

4,111

7,014

10,293

33,817

35,404

6,678

10,288

28,803

45,903

44,539

3,556

4,959

21,002

29,633

27,812

3,461

$

182,231

$

203,289

$

266,760

$

216,963

$

Fourth quarter

Third quarter

Second quarter

First quarter

2013

2013

2013

2013

$

159,931

$

80,833

$

24,982

$

15,150

$

23,610

6,380

14,579

36,113

3,594

5,689

21,226

28,855

51,749

3,326

22,901

7,577

23,976

86,161

3,157

9,446

18,236

18,513

45,808

2,211

$

244,207

$

191,678

$

168,754

$

109,364

$

The tables below show the contractual maturities of our loans for the dates indicated (in thousands):

Commercial

Agriculture

Owner-occupied commercial real estate

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total loans

Covered

Non-covered

Total loans

December 31, 2014

Due within
1 Year

Due after 1 but
within 5 Years

Due after
5 Years

$

118,569

$

502,622

$

174,205

$

36,769

19,048

93,040

22,678

12,899

303,003

112,202

190,801

303,003

$

$

$

49,032

65,963

222,984

37,900

16,115

894,616

46,152

848,464

894,616

$

$

$

51,730

74,946

85,613

572,122

6,174

964,790

35,343

929,447

964,790

$

$

$

$

$

$

Total

2014

476,582

27,213

71,237

136,970

139,435

17,806

869,243

Total

2013

280,896

61,646

53,419

85,923

219,831

12,288

714,003

Total

795,396

137,531

159,957

401,637

632,700

35,188

2,162,409

193,697

1,968,712

2,162,409

52

 
 
Commercial

Agriculture

Owner-occupied commercial real estate

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total loans

Covered

Non-covered

Total loans

December 31, 2013

Due within
1 Year

Due after 1 but
within 5 Years

Due after
5 Years

$

128,368

$

297,120

$

58,007

$

32,258

20,382

135,673

36,085

14,284

367,050

175,452

191,598

367,050

$

$

$

80,681

72,839

205,046

52,079

15,281

723,046

96,216

626,830

723,046

$

$

$

47,013

60,472

79,808

511,760

6,938

763,998

37,729

726,269

763,998

$

$

$

$

$

$

Total

483,495

159,952

153,693

420,527

599,924

36,503

1,854,094

309,397

1,544,697

1,854,094

The stated interest rate sensitivity (which excludes the effects of non-refundable loan origination and commitment fees, net 
of costs and the accretion of fair value marks) of non 310-30 loans with maturities over one year is as follows at the dates 
indicated (in thousands):

Fixed

December 31, 2014
Variable

Total

Weighted
average rate

Balance

Weighted
average rate

Balance

3.80% $ 443,305

3.63% $ 665,753

Weighted
average rate
3.68%

Balance
$ 222,448

45,721

68,723

118,724

341,833

13,828

Commercial

Agriculture

Owner-occupied commercial real estate

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total loans with > 1 year maturity

Covered

Non-covered

4.83%

4.31%

4.59%

3.48%

5.32%

37,533

44,482

109,117

236,365

4,591

4.58%

4.10%

3.41%

3.59%

3.95%

83,254

113,205

227,841

578,198

18,419

$ 811,277

$

814

3.91% $ 875,393

3.66% $1,686,670

3.47% $

13,873

2.87% $

14,687

810,463

3.91%

861,520

3.67% 1,671,983

Total loans with > 1 year maturity

$ 811,277

3.91% $ 875,393

3.66% $1,686,670

Fixed

December 31, 2013
Variable

Total

Balance

Weighted
average rate

Balance

Weighted
average rate

Balance

$

76,521

4.36% $ 248,795

3.79% $ 325,316

Weighted
average rate
3.93%

Commercial

Agriculture

Owner-occupied commercial real estate

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total loans with > 1 year maturity

Covered

Non-covered

68,701

59,939

92,418

316,083

10,683

5.02%

4.61%

4.62%

3.49%

6.24%

35,898

31,492

83,678

208,361

4,617

4.47%

4.19%

3.81%

3.64%

4.20%

104,599

91,431

176,096

524,444

15,300

$ 624,345

$

11,044

4.11% $ 612,841

3.80% $1,237,186

3.74% $

7,057

5.97% $

18,101

613,301

4.11%

605,784

3.78% 1,219,085

Total loans with > 1 year maturity

$ 624,345

4.11% $ 612,841

3.80% $1,237,186

53

4.72%

4.23%

4.02%

3.53%

4.97%

3.78%

2.91%

3.79%

3.78%

4.83%

4.46%

4.29%

3.55%

5.63%

3.96%

4.54%

3.95%

3.96%

 
 
 
 
 
 
Accretable Yield 

At December 31, 2014, the accretable yield balance was $113.5 million compared to $130.6 million at December 31, 2013.  
We re-measure the expected cash flows of all 28 remaining loan pools accounted for under ASC 310-30 utilizing the same 
cash flow methodology used at the time of acquisition.  During 2014 and 2013, we reclassified a net $43.7 million and 
$73.7 million, respectively, from non-accretable difference to accretable yield, as a result of these remeasurements.  The 
accretable yield balance at December 31, 2013 includes $1.6 million of accretable yield related to a loan pool that was put 
on non-accrual status during 2013.  During 2014, a full recovery of the carrying value of this pool was realized and resulted 
in this pool being returned to accrual status after improved performance and predictability of cash flows within that pool. 
During 2013, two of the loan pools accounted for under ASC 310-30 paid-off early.  The early pay-off of one of  these 
pools resulted in an immediate recognition of $2.5 million of accretion on loans accounted for under ASC 310-30.  During 
2014, none of the loan pools accounted for under ASC 310-30 paid off early.  

In addition to the accretable yield on loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, the fair value adjustments on loans outside 
the scope of ASC 310-30 are also accreted to interest income over the life of the loans. Total remaining accretable yield and 
fair value mark was as follows for the dates indicated (in thousands): 

Remaining accretable yield on loans accounted for under ASC 310-30

Remaining accretable fair value mark on loans not accounted for under ASC 310-30

Total remaining accretable yield and fair value mark

December 31,
2014

December 31,
2013

$

$

113,463

7,618
121,081

$

$

130,624

10,755
141,379

Loss Share Coverage 

We have two loss sharing agreements with the FDIC for the assets related to the Hillcrest Bank acquisition and a separate 
loss sharing agreement that covers certain assets related to the Community Banks of Colorado acquisition, whereby the 
FDIC will reimburse us for a portion of the losses and expenses incurred as a result of the resolution and disposition of the 
covered assets of these banks.   The categories, and the respective loss thresholds and coverage amounts related to the 
Hillcrest Bank loss sharing agreement are as follows (in thousands): 

Tranche
1

2

3

Commercial

Loss Threshold
Up to $295,592

$295,593-405,293

>$405,293

Loss-Coverage
Percentage
60%

0%

80%

Tranche
1

2

3

Single family

Loss Threshold
Up to $4,618

$4,618-8,191

>$8,191

Loss-Coverage
Percentage
60%

30%

80%

The categories, and the respective loss thresholds and coverage amounts related to the Community Banks of Colorado 
commercial loss sharing agreement are as follows (in thousands):

Tranche
1

2

3

Loss Threshold
Up to $204,194

$204,195-308,020

>$308,020

Loss-Coverage Percentage
80%

30%

80%

Under the Hillcrest Bank and Community Banks of Colorado loss sharing agreements, the reimbursable losses from the 
FDIC are based on the book value of the related covered assets as determined by the FDIC at the date of acquisition, and 
the FDIC's book value does not necessarily correlate with our book value of the same assets. This difference is primarily 
because we recorded the assets at fair value at the date of acquisition in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. 

As of December 31, 2014, we had incurred $201.3 million of estimated losses on our Hillcrest Bank covered assets since 
the beginning of the loss sharing agreement as measured by the FDIC's book value, substantially all of which was related to 
the commercial assets.  The Hillcrest Bank loss sharing agreement covers losses incurred through the fourth quarter of 
2015.  As of December 31, 2014, there were 140 remaining covered assets totaling $76.3 million.  Of these, there were 48 
covered loans with carrying values of $32.9 million that were either past due or that have scheduled maturities after the end 
of the loss share term, and there were eight covered OREO assets with carrying values of $5.9 million.  With regard to our 
Community Banks of Colorado loss sharing agreement, as of December 31, 2014, we had incurred approximately $134.9 
million of estimated losses.  The claims filed are subject to review and approval, including extensive audits, by the FDIC or 

54

its assigned agents for compliance with the terms in the loss sharing agreements.  The Community Banks of Colorado loss 
sharing agreement covers losses through the fourth quarter of 2016.

Asset Quality 

All of the assets acquired in our acquisitions were marked to fair value at the date of acquisition, and the fair value 
adjustments to loans included a credit quality component. We utilize traditional credit quality metrics to evaluate the 
overall credit quality of our loan portfolio; however, our credit quality ratios are limited in their comparability to industry 
averages or to other financial institutions because: 

1. Any asset quality deterioration that existed at the date of acquisition was considered in the original fair value 
adjustments; and 

2. 48.6% of our non-performing assets (by dollar amount) at December 31, 2014 were covered by loss sharing 
agreements with the FDIC. 

Asset quality is fundamental to our success. Accordingly, for the origination of loans, we have established a credit policy 
that allows for responsive, yet controlled lending with credit approval requirements that are scaled to loan size. Within the 
scope of the credit policy, each prospective loan is reviewed in order to determine the appropriateness and the adequacy of 
the loan characteristics and the security or collateral prior to making a loan. We have established underwriting standards 
and loan origination procedures that require appropriate documentation, including financial data and credit reports. For 
loans secured by real property, we require property appraisals, title insurance or a title opinion, hazard insurance and flood 
insurance, in each case where appropriate. 

Additionally, we have implemented procedures to timely identify loans that may become problematic in order to ensure the 
most beneficial resolution to the Company. Asset quality is monitored by our credit risk management department and 
evaluated based on quantitative and subjective factors such as the timeliness of contractual payments received. Additional 
factors that are considered, particularly with commercial loans over $250,000, include the financial condition and liquidity 
of individual borrowers and guarantors, if any, and the value of our collateral. To facilitate the oversight of asset quality, 
loans are categorized based on the number of days past due and on an internal risk rating system, and both are discussed in 
more detail below. 

Our internal risk rating system uses a series of grades which reflect our assessment of the credit quality of covered and 
non-covered loans based on an analysis of the borrower's financial condition, liquidity and ability to meet contractual debt 
service requirements. Loans that are perceived to have acceptable risk are categorized as “Pass” loans. “Special mention” 
loans represent loans that have potential credit weaknesses that deserve close attention. Special mention loans include 
borrowers that have potential weaknesses or unwarranted risks that, unless corrected, may threaten the borrower's ability to 
meet debt service requirements. However, these borrowers are still believed to have the ability to respond to and resolve 
the financial issues that threaten their financial situation. Loans classified as “Substandard” have a well-defined credit 
weakness and are inadequately protected by the current paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. 
Although these loans are identified as potential problem loans, they may never become non-performing. Substandard loans 
have a distinct possibility of loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. “Doubtful” loans are loans that management believes 
that collection of payments in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement are highly questionable and improbable. 
Doubtful loans are deemed impaired and put on non-accrual status. 

In the event of borrower default, we may seek recovery in compliance with state lending laws, the respective loan 
agreements, and credit monitoring and remediation procedures that may include modifying or restructuring a loan from its 
original terms, for economic or legal reasons, to provide a concession to the borrower from their original terms due to 
borrower financial difficulties in order to facilitate repayment. Such restructured loans are considered “troubled debt 
restructurings” or "TDRs" in accordance with ASC 310-40 Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors. Under this 
guidance, modifications to loans that fall within the scope of ASC 310-30 are not considered troubled debt restructurings, 
regardless of otherwise meeting the definition of a troubled debt restructuring. Assets that have been foreclosed on or 
acquired through deed-in-lieu of foreclosure are classified as OREO until sold, and are carried at the lower of the related 
loan balance or the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell, with any initial valuation adjustments charged to 
the ALL and any subsequent declines in carrying value charged to impairments on OREO. 

Non-performing Assets 

Non-performing assets consist of covered and non-covered non-accrual loans, troubled debt restructurings on non-accrual, 
OREO and other repossessed assets.  Non-accrual loans and troubled debt restructurings on non-accrual accounted for 
under ASC 310-30, as described below, may be excluded from our non-performing assets to the extent that the cash flows 
of the loan pools are still estimable. During the third quarter of 2014, we revised our definition of non-performing assets 
and non-performing loans to exclude accruing loans 90 days past due and accruing troubled debt restructurings to more 

55

accurately align the financial metrics related to non-performing assets and non-performing loans with our financial results.  
Prior period information has been modified for this revision.

Our non-performing assets included $1.3 million and $16.8 million of covered loans and $18.5 million and $38.8 million of 
covered OREO at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  In addition to being covered by loss sharing 
agreements, these assets were marked to fair value at the time of acquisition, mitigating much of our loss potential on these 
non-performing assets. As a result, the levels of our non-performing assets are not fully comparable to those of our peers or 
to industry benchmarks. 

Loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 were recorded at fair value based on cash flow projections that considered the 
deteriorated credit quality and expected losses. These loans are accounted for on a pool basis and any non-payment of 
contractual principal or interest is considered in our periodic re-measurement of the expected future cash flows. To the 
extent that we decrease our cash flow projections, we record an immediate impairment expense through the provision for 
loan losses. We recognize any increases to our cash flow projections on a prospective basis through an increase to the 
pool's yield over its remaining life once any previously recorded impairment expense has been recouped. As a result of this 
accounting treatment, these pools may be considered to be performing, even though some or all of the individual loans 
within the pools may be contractually past due. 

During 2013, we identified one covered commercial and industrial loan pool accounted for under ASC 310-30, that had a 
balance of $14.8 million at December 31, 2013, for which the cash flows were not reasonably estimable.  In accordance 
with the guidance in ASC 310-30, this pool was put on non-accrual status.  During 2014, this loan pool was returned to 
accrual status due to improved performance and predictability of cash flows within that pool.  All other loans accounted for 
under ASC 310-30 were classified as performing assets at December 31, 2013.

All loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 were classified as performing assets at December 31, 2014, as the carrying 
values of the respective loan or pool of loans cash flows were considered estimable and probable of collection. Therefore, 
interest income, through accretion of the difference between the carrying value of the loans in the pool and the pool's 
expected future cash flows, is being recognized on all acquired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30. 

56

The following table sets forth the non-performing assets as of the dates presented (in thousands): 

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

December 31, 2011

December 31, 2010

Non-
covered

Covered

Total

Non-
covered

Covered

Total

Non-
covered

Covered

Total

Non-
covered

Covered

Total

Non-
covered

Covered

Total

$

474

$15,098

$ 15,572

$

276

$ 1,271

$ 1,547

$

641

$ 4,614

$ 5,255

$ —

$ —

$

Non-accrual
loans:

Commercial

$

110

$

111

$

130

385

222

2,845

37

—

—

—

—

—

221

130

385

222

153

467

1,131

2,845

3,437

37

10

—

—

—

—

—

153

186

44

230

29

—

29

467

1,994

1,141

3,135

758

1,038

1,796

1,131

3,437

3,936

10

—

—

—

—

1,400

5,094

7,009

12,103

3,936

1,838

—

1

460

—

2,298

1

3,729

111

3,840

5,672

15,098

20,770

7,792

2,456

10,248

8,361

13,121

21,482

5,767

1,206

6,973

1,901

1,673

3,574

9,308

3,563

12,871

16,288

—

16,288

9,496

1,317

10,813

7,573

16,771

24,344

17,100

6,019

23,119

24,649

13,121

37,770

OREO

10,653

18,467

29,120

31,300

38,825

70,125

49,297

45,511

94,808

43,530

77,106

120,636

829

20

849

784

302

1,086

800

531

1,331

873

680

1,553

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

54,078

54,078

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$20,978

$19,804

$ 40,782

$39,657

$55,898

$ 95,555

$67,197

$52,061

$119,258

$69,052

$90,907

$159,959

$ —

$54,078

$ 54,078

$

188

$

75

$

263

$

14

$

115

$

129

$

25

$ —

$

25

$

325

$

327

$

652

$ —

$14,540

$ 14,540

$ 9,489

$ 9,786

$ 19,275

$ 5,891

$ 5,714

$ 11,605

$12,673

$ 5,047

$ 17,720

$10,958

$ 1,367

$ 12,325

$

431

$ —

$

431

$ 17,613

$ 12,521

$ 15,380

$ 11,527

$ 12,521

0.48%

0.68%

0.50%

0.49%

5.42%

1.31%

1.11%

1.95%

1.26%

2.00%

1.38%

1.66%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.01%

0.04%

0.01%

0.00%

0.04%

0.01%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.03%

0.03%

0.03%

0.00%

2.07%

0.93%

0.85%

162.89%

1.94%

51.43%

2.20%

66.53%

2.52%

30.52%

1.06%

0.00%

Agriculture

Owner-
occupied
commercial
real estate

Commercial
real estate

Residential
real estate

Consumer

Total non-
accrual
loans

Restructured
loans on non-
accrual

Total non-
performing
loans

Other
repossessed
assets

Total non-
performing
assets

Loans 90 days
or more past
due and still
accruing
interest

Accruing 
restructured 
loans(1)

ALL

Total non-
performing 
loans to non-
covered, 
covered and 
total loans,
respectively

Loans 90 days
or more past
due and still
accruing
interest to non-
covered,
covered and
total loans,
respectively

Total non-
performing
assets to total
assets

ALL to non-
performing
loans

(1)  Includes restructured loans less than 90 days past due and still accruing.

From December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014, total non-performing loans decreased $13.5 million.  Non-covered non-
performing loans increased $1.9 million from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014, primarily due to an increase of 
$3.9 million in non-covered restructured loans on non-accrual.  The primary driver was one restructured non 310-30 loan 
relationship in the commercial segment, totaling $3.6 million at December 31, 2014, that was placed on non-accrual status 
during 2014.  The loans in this relationship were fully secured and current as to principal and interest payments at 
December 31, 2014.  The increase in non-covered non-performing loans was more than offset by a $15.5 million decrease 
in covered non-performing loans as a result of the previously mentioned 310-30 loan pool that was returned to accrual 
status during 2014.

During 2014, accruing TDRs increased $7.7 million.  The increase was primarily attributable to two loans in the 
commercial segment with a recorded balance of $10.9 million and two loans in the agriculture segment with a recorded 
balance of $2.7 million, all of which have been granted an extension of maturity.  

57

 
 
OREO balances were $29.1 million at December 31, 2014 and exclude $8.1 million of minority interest in participated 
OREO in connection with the repossession of collateral on loans for which we were not the lead bank and we do not have a 
controlling interest. These properties have been repossessed by the lead banks and we have recorded our receivable due 
from the lead banks in other assets as minority interest in participated OREO.  During 2014, $4.5 million of OREO was 
foreclosed on or otherwise repossessed and $56.5 million of OREO was sold.  The OREO sales resulted in $1.1 million of 
net non-covered gains and $12.0 million of net covered gains that are subject to reimbursement to the FDIC at the 
applicable loss-share coverage percentage. OREO write-downs of $2.1 million were recorded during 2014, of which $1.2 
million, or 56.7%, were covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements. 

OREO balances were $70.1 million at December 31, 2013 and include $4.2 million of participant interests in OREO in 
connection with our repossession of collateral on loans for which we were the lead bank and we have controlling interest 
and exclude $10.6 million of minority interest in participated OREO in connection with the repossession of collateral on 
loans for which we were not the lead bank and do not have a controlling interest.  During 2013, $40.0 million of OREO 
was foreclosed on or otherwise repossessed and $61.3 million of OREO was sold.  The OREO sales resulted in $1.2 
million of non-covered gains and $5.7 million of covered gains that are subject to reimbursement to the FDIC at the 
applicable loss-share coverage percentage. OREO write-downs of $10.3 million were recorded during 2013, of which $6.8 
million, or 66.2%, were covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements. 

The following tables represents the carrying value of our accruing and non-accrual loans compared to the unpaid principal 
balance ("UPB") as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

Unpaid
principal
balance

Accruing

Carrying
value

Non-accrual

Carrying
value/
UPB

Unpaid
principa
l balance

Carrying
value

Carrying
value/
UPB

Unpaid
principal
balance

Total

Carrying
value

Carrying
value/
UPB

Non 310-30 loans

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Covered non 310-30 
  loans

Non-covered non 310-30 
  loans

$

771,655

$

768,226

99.6% $

7,333

$

4,214

57.5% $

778,988

$

772,440

118,401

371,245

589,871

30,426

117,973

368,198

587,128

99.6%

99.2%

99.5%

30,426

100.0%

526

45,943

8,089

311

495

1,066

4,811

227

Total non 310-30 loans

1,881,598

1,871,951

99.5%

62,202

10,813

94.1%

2.3%

59.5%

73.0%

17.4%

118,927

417,188

597,960

30,737

118,468

369,264

591,939

30,653

1,943,800

1,882,764

99.2%

99.6%

88.5%

99.0%

99.7%

96.9%

32,656

31,505

96.5%

37,220

1,316

3.5%

69,876

32,821

47.0%

1,848,942

1,840,446

99.5%

99.5%

24,982

62,202

9,497

10,813

38.0%

17.4%

1,873,924

1,849,943

1,943,800

1,882,764

98.7%

96.9%

Total non 310-30 loans

1,881,598

1,871,951

Loans accounted for under 
  ASC 310-30

Commercial

Agriculture

53,636

23,477

22,956

19,063

Commercial real estate

317,677

192,330

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total loans accounted 
  for under ASC 310-30

Covered loans accounted 
  for under ASC 310-30

Non-covered loans 
  accounted for under 
  ASC 310-30

Total loans accounted 
  for under ASC 310-30

54,667

12,149

40,761

4,535

461,606

279,645

60.6%

288,597

160,876

55.7%

173,009

118,769

68.6%

461,606

279,645

60.6%

42.8%

81.2%

60.5%

74.6%

37.3%

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

53,636

23,477

22,956

19,063

317,677

192,330

54,667

12,149

40,761

4,535

42.8%

81.2%

60.5%

74.6%

37.3%

0.0%

461,606

279,645

60.6%

0.0%

288,597

160,876

55.7%

0.0%

173,009

118,769

68.6%

0.0%

461,606

279,645

Total loans

$ 2,343,204

$ 2,151,596

91.8% $ 62,202

$ 10,813

17.4% $ 2,405,406

$ 2,162,409

Total covered

$

321,253

$

192,381

59.9% $ 37,220

$

1,316

3.5% $

358,473

$

193,697

Total non-covered

2,021,951

1,959,215

96.9%

24,982

9,497

38.0%

2,046,933

1,968,712

Total loans

$ 2,343,204

$ 2,151,596

91.8% $ 62,202

$ 10,813

17.4% $ 2,405,406

$ 2,162,409

58

60.6%

89.9%

54.0%

96.2%

89.9%

 
 
Past Due Loans 

Past due status is monitored as an indicator of credit deterioration. Covered and non-covered loans are considered past due 
or delinquent when the contractual principal or interest due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement remains 
unpaid after the due date of the scheduled payment. Loans that are 90 days or more past due and not accounted for under 
ASC 310-30 are put on non-accrual status unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Pooled loans 
accounted for under ASC 310-30 that are 90 days or more past due and still accreting are included in loans 90 days or more 
past due and still accruing interest and are generally considered to be performing as is further described above under “Non-
Performing Assets.”  One covered loan pool accounted for under ASC 310-30 that was put on non-accrual during 2013 was 
included in non-accrual loans at December 31, 2013, but was excluded from non-accrual loans at December 31, 2014 as the 
pool was again considered performing. The table below shows the past due status of loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 
and loans not accounted for under ASC 310-30, based on contractual terms of the loans as of December 31, 2014 and 
December 31, 2013 (in thousands): 

Loans 30-89 days past due and still 
  accruing interest

Loans 90 days past due and still accruing 
  interest

Non-accrual loans

Restructured loans on non-accrual

Total past due and non-accrual loans

Total past due covered loans

Total 90 days past due and still accruing 
  interest and non-accrual loans to 
  310-30 loans, non 310-30 loans and 
  total loans, respectively

Total non-accrual loans to 310-30 loans, 
  non 310-30 loans and total loans, 
  respectively

% of total past due and non-accrual loans 
  that carry fair value adjustments

% of total past due and non-accrual loans 
  that are covered by FDIC loss sharing 
  agreements

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

ASC 310-30
loans

Non ASC 
310-30 loans

Total 
loans

ASC 310-30
loans

Non ASC
310-30 loans

Total 
loans

$

7,016

$

1,142

$

8,158

$

11,245

$

2,854

$

14,099

33,834

—

—

263

3,840

6,973

34,097

3,840

6,973

55,864

14,827

—

129

5,943

3,574

$

$

40,850

35,707

$

$

12,218

1,392

$

$

53,068

37,099

$

$

81,936

63,603

$

$

12,500

2,284

$

$

55,993

20,770

3,574

94,436

65,887

12.10%

0.59%

2.08%

15.68%

0.69%

4.33%

0.00%

0.57%

0.50%

3.29%

0.68%

1.31%

100.00%

34.66%

84.96%

100.00%

52.23%

93.68%

87.41%

11.39%

69.91%

77.63%

18.27%

69.77%

Loans 30-89 days past due and still accruing interest decreased by $5.9 million from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 
2014 and loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest decreased $21.9 million at December 31, 2014 
compared to December 31, 2013, for a collective decrease in total past due loans of $27.8 million.  Non-accrual loans 
(including restructured loans on non-accrual) decreased $13.5 million from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014.  
The decrease in non-accrual loans was primarily because of the covered commercial and industrial loan pool accounted for 
under ASC 310-30 that was on non-accrual status at December 31, 2013, with a balance $14.8 million, was returned to 
accrual status during 2014.  This decrease was partially offset by the addition to non-accrual status of one restructured loan 
relationship in the commercial segment, totaling $3.6 million at December 31, 2014.  The loans in this relationship were 
fully secured and current as to principal and interest payments at December 31, 2014. 

Loans 30-89 days past due and still accruing interest decreased $8.9 million at December 31, 2013 compared to 
December 31, 2012. Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest decreased $90.8 million at December 31, 
2013 compared to December 31, 2012. The collective decrease in past due loans of $99.7 million is reflective of improved 
credit quality in the broader loan portfolio and the successful workout strategies employed by our special assets division 
during the period.  Non-accrual loans (including restructured loans on non-accrual) increased just $1.2 million from 
December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013 primarily due to the addition of the covered commercial and industrial loan pool 
accounted for under ASC 310-30, totaling $14.8 million, to non-accrual status during the period.  Non-accrual loans not 
accounted for under ASC 310-30 decreased $13.6 million during the period primarily due to resolution of certain assets and 
foreclosures during the period.

59

 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses 

The ALL represents the amount that we believe is necessary to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the 
balance sheet date and involves a high degree of judgment and complexity. Determination of the ALL is based on an 
evaluation of the collectability of loans, the realizable value of underlying collateral, economic conditions, historical net 
loan losses, the estimated loss emergence period, estimated default rates, any declines in cash flow assumptions from 
acquisition, loan structures, growth factors and other elements that warrant recognition.and, to the extent applicable, prior 
loss experience. The ALL is critical to the portrayal and understanding of our financial condition, liquidity and results of 
operations. The determination and application of the ALL accounting policy involves judgments, estimates, and 
uncertainties that are subject to change. Changes in these assumptions, estimates or the conditions surrounding them may 
have a material impact on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations. 

In accordance with the applicable guidance for business combinations, acquired loans were recorded at their acquisition 
date fair values, which were based on expected future cash flows and included an estimate for future loan losses, therefore 
no ALL was recorded as of the acquisition date. Any estimated losses on acquired loans that arise after the acquisition date 
are reflected in a charge to the provision for loan losses. Losses incurred on covered loans are reimbursable at the 
applicable loss share percentages in accordance with the loss sharing agreements with the FDIC. Accordingly, any 
provision for loan losses relating to covered loans is partially offset by a corresponding increase to the FDIC 
indemnification asset and FDIC loss sharing income in non-interest income. 

Loans accounted for under the accounting guidance provided in ASC 310-30 have been grouped into pools based on the 
predominant risk characteristics of purpose and/or type of loan. The timing and receipt of expected principal, interest and 
any other cash flows of these loans are periodically remeasured and the expected future cash flows of the collective pools 
are compared to the carrying value of the pools. To the extent that the expected future cash flows of each pool is less than 
the book value of the pool, an allowance for loan losses will be established through a charge to the provision for loan losses 
and, for loans covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, a related adjustment to the FDIC indemnification asset 
for the portion of the loss that is covered by the loss sharing agreements. If the remeasured expected future cash flows are 
greater than the book value of the pools, then the improvement in the expected future cash flows is accreted into interest 
income over the remaining expected life of the loan pool. During 2014 and 2013, these re-measurements resulted in overall 
increases in expected cash flows in certain loan pools, which, absent previous valuation allowances within the same pool, 
are reflected in increased accretion as well as an increased amount of accretable yield and are recognized over the expected 
remaining lives of the underlying loans as an adjustment to yield. 

For all loans not accounted for under ASC 310-30, the determination of the ALL follows a process to determine the 
appropriate level of ALL that is designed to account for changes in credit quality and other risk factors. This process 
provides an ALL consisting of a specific allowance component based on certain individually evaluated loans and a general 
allowance component based on estimates of reserves needed for all other loans, segmented based on similar risk 
characteristics.  

 Impaired loans less than $250,000 are included in the general allowance population. Impaired loans over $250,000 are 
subject to individual evaluation on a regular basis to determine the need, if any, to allocate a specific reserve to the 
impaired loan. Typically, these loans consist of commercial, commercial real estate and agriculture loans and exclude 
homogeneous loans such as residential real estate and consumer loans. Specific allowances are determined by collectively 
analyzing: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the borrower's resources, ability, and willingness to repay in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement; 

the likelihood of receiving financial support from any guarantors; 

the adequacy and present value of future cash flows, less disposal costs, of any collateral; 

the impact current economic conditions may have on the borrower's financial condition and liquidity or the 
value of the collateral. 

In evaluating the loan portfolio for an appropriate ALL level, unimpaired loans are grouped into segments based on broad 
characteristics such as primary use and underlying collateral.  We have identified five primary loan segments that are 
further stratified into ten loan classes to provide more granularity in analyzing loss history and to allow for more definitive 
qualitative adjustments based upon specific factors affecting each loan class. Following are the loan classes within each of 
the five primary loan segments: 

60

Commercial

Commercial real estate

Agriculture

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total commercial

Construction

Total agriculture

Senior lien

Total consumer

Acquisition and development
Multi-family

Owner-occupied

Non-owner occupied

Junior lien

Appropriate ALL levels are determined by segment and class utilizing risk ratings, loss history, peer loss history and 
qualitative adjustments.  The qualitative adjustments consider the following risk factors: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

economic/external conditions;

loan administration, loan structure and procedures;

risk tolerance/experience;

loan growth;

trends;

concentrations; and

other.

Management derives an estimated annual loss rate adjusted for an estimated loss emergence period based on historical loss 
data categorized by segment and class.  The loss rates are applied at the loan segment and class level.  Our historical loss 
history began in 2012 and has resulted in minimal losses in our originated portfolio.  In order to address this lack of 
historical data, we incorporate not only our own historical loss rates since the beginning of 2012, but we also utilize peer 
historical loss data, including a 20-quarter historical average net charge-off ratio on each loan type, relying on the Uniform 
Bank Performance Reports compiled by the Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council (“FFIEC”).  We may also 
apply a long-term estimated default rate to pass rated credits as necessary to account for inherent risks to the portfolio.  
While we use our own loss history and peer loss history for both purchased and originated loans, we assign a higher portion 
of our own loss history to our purchased loans, because those loans are more seasoned and more of the actual losses in the 
portfolio have historically been in the purchased portfolio.  For originated loans, we assign an equal portion of the peer loss 
history, as we believe that this is likely more indicative of losses inherent in the portfolio.

The collective resulting ALL for loans not accounted for under ASC 310-30 is calculated as the sum of the specific reserves 
and the general reserves.  While these amounts are calculated by individual loan or segment and class, the entire ALL is 
available for any loan that, in our judgment, should be charged-off. 

Non 310-30 ALL

During 2014, we recorded $6.7 million of provision for loan losses for loans not accounted for under ASC 310-30, which 
primarily reflects reserves to support loan growth.  Net charge-offs for non ASC 310-30 loans during 2014 totaled $1.1 
million and were primarily from the consumer, residential real estate, and commercial loan segments.  At December 31, 
2014, there were five impaired loans that carried specific reserves totaling $0.3 million.

During 2013, we recorded $3.5 million of provision for loan losses for loans not accounted for under ASC 310-30, as we 
provided for $3.0 million of net loan charge-offs and loan growth.  During the year, $1.5 million, $0.5 million, and $0.4 
million, of the $3.0 million of net charge-offs were from the commercial, residential real estate, and commercial real estate 
segments, respectively.  At December 31, 2013, there were eight impaired loans that carried specific reserves totaling $0.9 
million. 

310-30 ALL

During 2014, several loan pools accounted for under ASC 310-30 had previous valuation allowances of $559 thousand that 
were reversed as a result of an increase in expected cash flows.  The remaining pools had minimal impairments during 
2014, as a result of decreases in expected cash flows.  The result of this activity resulted in net provision reversals of $520 
thousand during 2014. 

The ALL for ASC 310-30 loans totaled $1.3 million at December 31, 2013, compared to $4.7 million at December 31, 
2012.  During 2013, loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 and associated with the commercial real estate and consumer 
loan pools that had previous valuation allowances of $1.3 million were reversed as a result of increases in expected cash 
flows.  In addition, loans associated with the commercial, agriculture, and residential real estate pools experienced net 
impairments of $2.1 million as a result of decreases in expected cash flows.  The aforementioned activity resulted in a net 

61

provision of $0.8 million during 2013 for loans accounted for under ASC 310-30.  Additionally, $4.1 million of 310-30 
loans were charged-off during 2013, $2.8 million of which was from the commercial real estate segment.  

After considering the above mentioned factors, we believe that the ALL of $17.6 million and $12.5 million was adequate to 
cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. However, 
it is likely that future adjustments to the ALL will be necessary and any changes to the assumptions, circumstances or 
estimates used in determining the ALL could adversely affect the Company's results of operations, liquidity or financial 
condition.

The following schedule presents, by class stratification, the changes in the ALL during the periods listed (in thousands).  
We began operations in 2010 and did not record an ALL during that time period.

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

December 31, 2011

ASC
310-30
loans

Non 310-30
loans

Total

ASC
310-30
loans

Non 310-30
loans

Total

ASC
310-30
loans

Non 310-30
loans

Total

ASC
310-30
loans

Non 310-30
loans

Total

As of and for the years ended

Beginning ALL

$ 1,280

$

11,241

$

12,521

$

4,652

$

10,728

$

15,380

$

2,188

$

9,339

$

11,527

$

—

$

48

$

48

Charge-offs:

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real 
  estate

Residential real 
    estate

Consumer

Total charge-
    offs

Recoveries

Net charge-offs

Provision 
    (recoupment) for 
    loan loss

(3)

—

—

—

(36)

(39)

—

(39)

(507)

(510)

—

—

(739)

(783)

—

—

(739)

(819)

(496)

(221)

(1,654)

—

(2,150)

(221)

(216)

(144)

(8)

(152)

(3,140)

(3,356)

(3,111)

(1,399)

(4,510)

(2,801)

(943)

(3,744)

(15,578)

(2,605)

(18,183)

(623)

—

(1,505)

(1,001)

(872)

(19)

(1,132)

(1,502)

(2,004)

(1,521)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(3,378)

(3,378)

(288)

(288)

(1,330)

(1,330)

(2,029)

(2,068)

(4,141)

951

951

—

(1,078)

(1,117)

(4,141)

(8,621)

(16,829)

(8,387)

(25,216)

(3,111)

(6,395)

(9,506)

1,466

275

799

1,074

288

695

983

(7,155)

(16,554)

(7,588)

(24,142)

(2,823)

(5,700)

(8,523)

(882)

(1,001)

(4,480)

1,466

(3,014)

(520)

6,729

6,209

769

3,527

4,296

19,018

8,977

27,995

5,011

14,991

20,002

Ending ALL

$

721

$

16,892

$

17,613

$

1,280

$

11,241

$

12,521

$

4,652

$

10,728

$

15,380

$

2,188

$

9,339

$

11,527

Ratio of annualized 
    net charge-offs to 
    average total loans 
    during the period, 
    respectively

Ratio of ALL to total 
    loans outstanding 
    at period end, 
    respectively

Ratio of ALL to total 
    non-covered loans 
    outstanding at 
    period end, 
    respectively

Ratio of ALL to total 
    non-performing 
    loans at period end, 
    respectively

Ratio of ALL to total 
    non-performing, 
    non-covered loans 
    at period end, 
    respectively

0.01%

0.06%

0.05%

0.67%

0.27%

0.41%

1.56%

0.79%

1.20%

0.34%

0.68%

0.51%

0.26%

0.90%

0.81%

0.28%

0.80%

0.68%

0.57%

1.06%

0.84%

0.17%

0.97%

0.51%

0.61%

0.91%

0.89%

0.67%

0.83%

0.81%

1.58%

1.15%

1.26%

0.46%

1.12%

0.88%

0.00%

156.22%

162.89%

8.63%

118.11%

51.43%

0.00%

46.40%

66.53%

0.00%

24.73%

30.52%

0.00%

177.89%

185.48%

0.00%

148.44%

165.34%

0.00%

62.83%

90.08%

0.00%

37.89%

46.76%

Total loans

$279,645

$ 1,882,764

$ 2,162,409

$ 450,880

$ 1,403,214

$ 1,854,094

$ 822,021

$ 1,010,681

$ 1,832,702

$1,307,709

$

960,726

$2,268,435

Average total loans 
    outstanding during
    the period

Total non-covered 
    loans

Total non-performing 
    loans

Total non-performing, 
    covered loans

$361,806

$ 1,688,197

$ 2,050,003

$ 620,709

$ 1,128,545

$ 1,749,254

$ 1,058,092

$118,769

$ 1,849,943

$ 1,968,712

$ 191,516

$ 1,353,181

$ 1,544,697

$ 294,073

$

$

—

—

$

$

10,813

1,317

$

$

10,813

$ 14,827

1,317

$ 14,827

$

$

9,517

1,944

$

$

24,344

16,771

$

$

—

—

$

$

$

$

962,147

$ 2,020,239

$ 823,598

930,407

$ 1,224,480

$ 480,623

23,119

6,045

$

$

23,119

6,045

$

$

—

—

$

$

$

$

834,580

$1,658,178

835,097

$1,315,720

37,770

13,121

$

$

37,770

13,121

62

 
 
The following table presents the allocation of the ALL and the percentage of the total amount of loans in each loan 
category listed as of the dates presented (in thousands):

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer and overdrafts

Total

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate
Residential real estate

Consumer and overdrafts

Total

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer and overdrafts

Total

Commercial

Agriculture
Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer and overdrafts

Total

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer and overdrafts

Total

Total loans

% of total loans

Related ALL

% of ALL

December 31, 2014

$

795,396

137,531

561,594

632,700

35,188

36.8% $

6.4%

26.0%

29.2%

1.6%

8,598

1,009

3,819

3,771

416

48.8%

5.7%

21.7%

21.4%

2.4%

$

2,162,409

100.0% $

17,613

100.0%

Total loans

% of total loans

Related ALL

% of ALL

December 31, 2013

$

483,495

159,952

574,220
599,924

36,503

26.1% $

8.6%

31.0%
32.3%

2.0%

4,258

1,237

2,276
4,259

491

34.0%

9.9%

18.2%
34.0%

3.9%

$

1,854,094

100.0% $

12,521

100.0%

Total loans

% of total loans

Related ALL

% of ALL

December 31, 2012

$

270,588

173,407

804,999

533,377

50,331

14.8% $

9.5%

43.9%

29.1%

2.7%

2,798

592

7,396

4,011

583

18.2%

3.8%

48.1%

26.1%

3.8%

$

1,832,702

100.0% $

15,380

100.0%

Total loans

% of total loans

Related ALL

% of ALL

December 31, 2011

$

372,931

151,403

1,152,478

522,885

74,354

16.4% $

6.7%

50.6%

23.0%

3.3%

2,959

282

3,389

4,121

776

25.7%

2.4%

29.4%

35.8%

6.7%

$

2,274,051

100.0% $

11,527

100.0%

Total loans

% of total loans

Related ALL

% of ALL

December 31, 2010

$

256,003

61,278

927,543

295,910

28,136

16.3% $

3.9%

59.1%

18.9%

1.8%

$

1,568,870

100.0% $

—

—

—

—

48

48

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The ALL allocated to commercial loans increased to 48.8% at December 31, 2014 from 34.0% at December 31, 2013 
largely due to provisions of $6.7 million added during the period for loan growth in the non 310-30 commercial portfolio. 

FDIC Indemnification Asset and Clawback Liability 

At December 31, 2014, the FDIC indemnification asset was $39.1 million, compared to $64.4 million at December 31, 
2013.  In 2014, we recognized $27.7 million of amortization on the FDIC indemnification asset as the performance of our 
covered assets improved.  The amortization resulted from an increase in actual and expected cash flows on the underlying 
covered assets, resulting in lower expected reimbursements from the FDIC. The increase in expected cash flows from these 
underlying assets is primarily reflected in the increased accretable yield on loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, as most 
of the FDIC covered assets are accounted for under this guidance. The carrying value of the FDIC indemnification asset 
was increased by $2.0 million during 2014 as a result of FDIC loss share submissions. During 2014, we paid a net $2.0 
million in net loss-share payments to the FDIC for the aforementioned submissions.  The loss claims filed are subject to 
review and approval, including extensive audits, by the FDIC or its assigned agents for compliance with the terms in the 
loss sharing agreements. 

During 2013, we recognized $19.0 million of amortization related to the FDIC indemnification asset as a result of 
improved performance of our covered assets.  We also reduced the carrying value of the FDIC indemnification asset by 
$17.6 million as a result of claims filed with the FDIC.  During 2013, we received $77.0 million in loss-share payments 
from the FDIC. 

Within 45 days of the end of each of the loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, we may be required to reimburse the 
FDIC in the event that our losses on covered assets do not reach the second tranche in each related loss sharing agreement, 
based on the initial discount received less cumulative servicing amounts for the covered assets acquired. At December 31, 
2014 and December 31, 2013, this clawback liability was carried at $36.3 million and $32.5 million, respectively, and is 
included in Due to FDIC in our consolidated statements of financial condition. 

Other Assets

Significant components of other assets were as follows as of the periods indicated (in thousands): 

Deferred tax asset

Accrued income taxes receivable

Bank-owned life insurance

Minority interest in participated other real estate owned

Accrued interest on loans

Accrued interest on interest bearing bank deposits and investment securities

Other assets

Total other assets

December 31, 2014
45,506
$

December 31, 2013
37,474
$

5,743

44,242

8,082

7,199

4,266

9,782

$

124,820

$

16,558

—

10,627

6,134

5,221

10,533

86,547

Other assets totaled $124.8 million and $86.5 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and 
increased $38.3 million, or 44.2%, from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014.  The increase was primarily due to the 
purchase of bank-owned life insurance during 2014, which totaled $44.2 million at December 31, 2014.  Accrued income 
taxes receivable decreased $10.8 million due to tax payments made during the year. The deferred tax asset increased $8.0 
million, or 21.4%, during 2014, which was primarily attributable to a reduction in deferred tax liabilities related to 
purchased assets during the year, an increase in the allowance for loan loss and an offsetting adjustment for the decrease in 
the tax effect of unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities.

Other assets decreased $13.5 million, or 13.5%, during 2013.  The decrease was largely attributable to a $59.3 million 
decline in FDIC indemnification-claimed, as the 2012 claims were paid and no billings were outstanding at December 31, 
2013.  Accrued income taxes receivable and the deferred tax assets increased $46.8 million from December 31, 2012 to 
December 31, 2013 primarily as a result of unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities portfolio, the decline in the 
FDIC indemnification-claimed asset and the deferral of deductions for certain costs into future periods in accordance with 
applicable tax laws.

64

Other Liabilities

Significant components of other liabilities were as follows as of the dates indicated (in thousands):

Accrued expenses
Pending loan purchase settlement
Accrued contract termination expenses
Accrued interest payable
Warrant liability
Participant interest in other real estate owned
Other liabilities

Total other liabilities

December 31, 2014
15,192
$
10,038
4,110
3,608
3,328
—
7,044
43,320

$

December 31, 2013
15,425
$
5,063
—
3,058
6,281
4,243
2,515
36,585

$

Other liabilities totaled $43.3 million and $36.6 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and    
increased $6.7 million during 2014.  Pending loan purchase settlements increased $5.0 million from December 31, 2013 to 
December 31, 2014 primarily due to loan purchases that have not yet settled.  Accrued contract termination expenses 
totaled  $4.1 million at December 31, 2014, due to notification of our intent to terminate the existing core processing 
agreement.  Participant interest in other real estate owned decreased $4.2 million due to the sale of an OREO property 
during 2014, in which we had a controlling interest and had recorded a corresponding payable in other liabilities.  Other 
liabilities increased $4.5 million during 2014 primarily due to a $4.7 million increase in derivative liabilities.   

We have outstanding warrants to purchase 830,750 shares of our common stock, which are classified as a liability and 
included in other liabilities in our consolidated statements of financial condition.  We revalue the warrants at the end of 
each reporting period using a Black-Scholes model and any change in fair value is reported in the statements of operations 
as “loss (gain) from change in fair value of warrant liability” in non-interest expense in the period in which the change 
occurred. The warrant liability decreased $3.0 million during 2014 to $3.3 million. The value of the warrant liability, and 
the expense that results from an increase to this liability, is correlated to our stock price. Accordingly, an increase in our 
stock price generally results in an increase in the warrant liability and the associated expense and vice versa. More 
information on the accounting and measurement of the warrant liability can be found in notes 2 and 17 in our consolidated 
financial statements. 

Other liabilities increased $2.0 million during 2013, or 5.9%.  Included in total other liabilities is accrued income taxes 
payable which decreased by $5.0 million, primarily due to tax payments made during the period.  During 2013, we 
continued to lower the interest rates paid on our deposits, coupled with the shift from higher-cost time deposits to lower 
cost transaction accounts. The lower cost mix of deposits resulted in a decrease in accrued interest payable of $1.2 million, 
or 27.9%, during the period.  Accrued expenses ended December 31, 2013 at $15.4 million and increased $3.2 million, or 
25.8%, from December 31, 2012, primarily due to expenses accrued in connection with our announcement to integrate 32 
limited-service retirement center locations (acquired in our 2010 purchase of Hillcrest Bank) and exit of four banking 
centers in Northern California (acquired in our 2011 purchase of Community Banks of Colorado). 

Deposits 

Deposits from banking clients serve as a primary funding source for our banking operations and our ability to gather and 
manage deposit levels is critical to our success. Deposits not only provide a low cost funding source for our loans, but also 
provide a foundation for the client relationships that are critical to future loan growth. The following table presents 
information regarding our deposit composition at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands): 

65

Non-interest bearing demand deposits

Interest bearing demand deposits

Savings accounts

Money market accounts

Total transaction deposits

Time deposits < $100,000

Time deposits > $100,000

Total time deposits

Total deposits

December 31, 2014
732,580

$

19.5% $

December 31, 2013
674,989

386,121

255,246

1,035,190

2,409,137

859,910
497,141

1,357,051

10.3%

6.8%

27.4%

64.0%

22.8%
13.2%

36.0%

386,762

198,444

1,082,427

2,342,622

971,431
524,256

1,495,687

17.6%

10.1%

5.1%

28.2%

61.0%

25.3%
13.7%

39.0%

$

3,766,188

100.0% $

3,838,309

100.0%

The following table shows scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit with denominations greater than or equal to 
$100,000 as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands): 

Three months or less

Over 3 months through 6 months
Over 6 months through 12 months

Thereafter

Total time deposits > $100,000

December 31, 2014
78,593
$

81,938
160,610

176,000
497,141

$

During 2014, our total deposits decreased $72.1 million, or 1.9%.  Non-interest bearing demand deposits increased to 
$732.6 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of 8.5%, from December 31, 2013 and time deposits decreased $138.6 
million, or 9.3%, during 2014.  As a result, the mix of transaction deposits to total deposits improved to 64.0% at 
December 31, 2014, from 61.0% at December 31, 2013 as we continued to focus our deposit base on clients who were 
interested in market-rate time deposits and in developing a banking relationship, coupled with the California banking 
center and limited-service retirement center exits on December 31, 2013.  At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 
we had $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, of time deposits that were scheduled to mature within 12 months.  Of the 
$0.9 billion in time deposits scheduled to mature within 12 months, $0.3 billion were in denominations of $100,000 or 
more, and $0.6 billion were in denominations less than $100,000.  Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements 
provides a maturity schedule and weighted average rates of time deposits outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 
December 31, 2013. 

During 2013, our total deposits decreased $362.4 million, or 8.6%. During 2013 we continued to focus our deposit base on 
clients who were interested in market rate deposits and developing a banking relationship, rather than the highly rate-
sensitive time deposit clients of the predecessor banks.  As a result, our time deposits decreased $257.0 million, or 14.7%, 
during 2013.  At December 31, 2013, the mix of transaction deposits to total deposits improved to 61.0% from 58.3% at 
December 31, 2012.  At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had $1.0 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, of 
time deposits that were scheduled to mature within 12 months.  Of the $1.0 billion in time deposits scheduled to mature 
within 12 months of December 31, 2013, $0.3 billion of which were in denominations of $100,000 or more, and $0.7 
billion of which were in denominations less than $100,000. 

Regulatory Capital 

Our subsidiary bank and the holding company are subject to the regulatory capital adequacy requirements of the Federal 
Reserve Board, the FDIC and the OCC, as applicable. Failure to meet the minimum capital requirements can initiate 
certain mandatory and possibly further discretionary actions by regulators that could have a material adverse effect on us.   
At December 31, 2014 and at December 31, 2013, our subsidiary bank and the consolidated holding company exceeded all 
capital ratio requirements under prompt corrective action and other regulatory requirements, as further detailed in note 14 
of our consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations 

Our net income depends largely on net interest income, which is the difference between interest income from interest 
earning assets and interest expense on interest bearing liabilities. Our results of operations are also affected by provisions 
for loan losses and non-interest income, such as service charges, bank card income, FDIC indemnification asset 

66

 
amortization and FDIC loss sharing (expense) income. Our primary operating expenses, aside from interest expense, 
consist of salaries and benefits, occupancy costs, telecommunications data processing expense and intangible asset 
amortization.  Any expenses related to the resolution of covered assets are also included in non-interest expense. 

Overview of Results of Operations 

Year ended 2014

We recorded net income of $9.2 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, during 2014, compared to net income of $6.9 million, 
or $0.14 per diluted share, during 2013.  Net interest income totaled $170.2 million during 2014 and decreased $8.7 
million, or 4.9%, from 2013.  The decrease in interest income was largely attributable to a decrease in average interest 
earning assets of $251.6 million, or 5.4%, from the prior year, as we successfully repurchased 6.1 million of our shares 
outstanding and reduced the investment portfolio.  The decrease in the interest earning assets was partially offset by a four 
basis point widening of the net interest margin to 3.85% from 3.81% in the prior year (fully taxable equivalent).  The 
continued resolution of the higher-yielding acquired non-strategic loan portfolio was mostly offset by strong organic 
growth in the strategic loan portfolio.  As a result, the yield on interest earning assets increased by one basis point and was 
complemented by a three basis point decrease in the cost of interest bearing liabilities. 

Provision for loan loss expense was $6.2 million during 2014 compared to $4.3 million during 2013.  The $1.9 million 
increase in provision was primarily due to loan growth as credit quality remained strong and non 310-30 net charge-offs 
were significantly lower at only 0.06% during 2014 compared to 0.27% during the prior year. 

Non-interest income was a negative $1.7 million during 2014 compared to income of $20.2 million during 2013, a decrease 
of $21.9 million.  The decrease was largely due to $20.5 million lower FDIC loss-share related income.  An additional $8.8 
million of non-cash FDIC indemnification asset amortization and an $11.7 million decline in other FDIC loss-sharing 
income from the same period in 2013 was due to better performance of the underlying covered assets coupled with lower 
problem loan and OREO expenses.  Banking fees of $30.4 million during 2014 were up $0.2 million compared to the same 
period in 2013 as a result of increases in bank card fees, swap fees and bank owned life insurance income and were 
somewhat offset by a decrease in service charges.  

Non-interest expense totaled $150.0 million during 2014 compared to $184.0 million during 2013, a decrease of $34.0 
million, or 18.5%.  Operating expenses of $150.7 million during 2014 decreased $12.4 million.  The 7.6% year-over-year 
decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to lower salaries and benefits of $7.2 million as we continue to focus on 
operational efficiencies.  During 2014, OREO and problem loan expenses declined $18.5 million and were driven by $6.2 
million higher net gains on OREO sales coupled with lower levels of OREO and problem loan expenses of $12.3 million. 
Expenses for 2014 include a $4.1 million contract termination accrual related to a change in our core system provider and 
2013 included $3.4 million of expenses related to banking center closures.  The change in the warrant liability contributed 
$3.8 million to the year-over-year decline in non-interest expenses.

Years ended 2013 and 2012

We recorded net income of  $6.9 million during 2013, compared to a net loss of $0.5 million during 2012.  Net interest 
income declined $25.3 million from 2012 to 2013, which resulted from the lower purchased loan balances as non-strategic 
loans were paid off or paid down, coupled with lower yields earned on the non 310-30 loan portfolio and on the investment 
portfolio.  

Provision for loan loss expense was $4.3 million during 2013 compared to $28.0 million during 2012, a decrease of $23.7 
million.  The decrease in provision was due to lower impairment charges on the ASC 310-30 loan pools due to gross cash 
flow improvements resulting from the Company's re-measurement of expected future cash flows on those underlying 
pools, coupled with improved credit quality metrics in the non 310-30 portfolio. Non-interest income was $20.2 million 
during 2013 compared to $37.4 million in 2012.  The decrease of $17.2 million during 2013 was largely due to a $14.4 
million decrease in collective FDIC indemnification asset amortization and FDIC-related loss share income as a result of 
lower covered OREO expenses and higher amortization of the FDIC indemnification asset, coupled with a $3.0 million 
decrease in gain on previously charged-off acquired loans, and a $0.7 million decrease in gain on sale of securities.

Non-interest expense totaled $184.0 million during 2013 compared to $209.6 million during 2012, a decrease of $25.6 
million.     Operating expense, which excludes problem loan/OREO workout expenses, warrant liability changes, IPO 
related expenses in 2012, and banking center closure charges in 2013, decreased $11.0 million during 2013.  The year-over-
year decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to lower professional fees of $7.4 million, lower salaries and 
benefits of $4.1 million, and lower telecommunications and data processing expenses of $1.8 million, as management 
continues to realize efficiencies in the business.  Occupancy and equipment increased $4.1 million from 2012 to 2013 
primarily because of the settlement of premises and equipment purchased from the FDIC in the first half of 2012 related to 
our Bank of Choice and Community Banks of Colorado acquisitions.

67

OREO and problem loan expenses decreased $12.2 million during 2013.  The expenses have been steadily trending 
downward due to the resolution of purchased troubled assets throughout the year.  The increase in the warrant liability 
expense of $2.2 million was primarily attributable to the increase in our stock price during 2013.     

We recorded a net loss of $0.5 million during 2012, inclusive of initial public offering related expenses of $8.0 million, 
which represents our first full year with the operations of all of our acquisitions. These results reflect the increased 
revenues and expenses associated with our acquisitions of Bank of Choice and Community Banks of Colorado in the 
second half of 2011, in addition to the further build-out of our business development and operational functions that support 
our lending activities and the continued integration of our acquisitions. We completed the integration of Community Banks 
of Colorado in May 2012 and the integration of Bank of Choice in July 2012. During 2012, we continued to benefit from 
the strong yields on our loan portfolio while our dedicated workout group actively worked to resolve our acquired troubled 
assets. The activity in this resolution process is evidenced by the elevated levels of OREO related expenses and problem 
loan expenses. During 2012, in addition to net transfers of $47.5 million of non-accretable difference to accretable yield to 
be recognized in the future, we recorded $19.0 million of provision for loan losses, approximately $14.9 million of which 
was attributable to covered loans. The FDIC coverage of these impairments is reflected in the estimated cash flows 
underlying the FDIC indemnification asset.

Net Interest Income 

We regularly review net interest income metrics to provide us with indicators of how the various components of net interest 
income are performing. We regularly review: (i) our loan mix and the yield on loans;  (ii) the investment portfolio and the 
related yields; (iii) our deposit mix and the cost of deposits; and (iv) net interest income simulations for various forecast 
periods. 

The following tables present the components of net interest income for the periods indicated. The tables include: (i) the 
average daily balances of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities; (ii) the average daily balances of non-
interest earning assets and non-interest bearing liabilities; (iii) the total amount of interest income earned on interest 
earning assets; (iv) the total amount of interest expense incurred on interest bearing liabilities; (v) the resultant average 
yields and rates; (vi) net interest spread; and (vii) net interest margin, which represents the difference between interest 
income and interest expense, expressed as a percentage of interest earning assets. The effects of trade-date accounting of 
investment securities for which the cash had not settled are not considered interest earning assets and are excluded from 
this presentation for time frames prior to their cash settlement, as are the market value adjustments on the investment 
securities available-for-sale. Non-accrual and restructured loan balances are included in the average loan balances; 
however, the forgone interest on non-accrual and restructured loans is not included in the dollar amounts of interest earned. 
All amounts presented are on a pre-tax basis. 

68

 
The table below presents the components of net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis for the years ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands):

For the year ended December 31,
2014

For the year ended December 31,
2013

For the year ended December 31,
2012

Average
balance

Interest

Average
rate

Average
balance

Interest

Average
rate

Average
Balance

Interest

Average
Rate

$ 361,806

$ 60,841

16.82% $ 620,709

$ 76,661

12.35% $ 1,058,092

$100,407

1,691,253

74,565

4.41% 1,133,895

62,387

5.50%

968,345

69,249

9.49%

7.15%

1,655,730

31,887

1.93% 1,951,039

35,460

1.82% 1,785,785

42,590

2.38%

588,909

25,855

16,764

1,206

2.85%

4.66%

597,920

32,135

18,485

1,559

3.09%

4.85%

516,490

31,796

17,752

1,535

3.44%

4.83%

123,350

329

0.27%

362,854

923

0.25%

770,328

1,952

0.25%

$ 4,446,903

$185,592

4.17% $ 4,698,552

$195,475

4.16% $ 5,130,836

$233,485

4.55%

Interest earning assets:

ASC 310-30 loans
Non 310-30 loans (1)(2)(3)(4)

Investment securities 
  available-for-sale

Investment securities held-to-
  maturity

Other securities

Interest earning deposits and 
  securities purchased under 
  agreements to resell

Total interest earning 
  assets(4)

Cash and due from banks

Other assets

Allowance for loan losses

57,763

378,723

(15,460)

60,922

428,426

(12,690)

$ 5,175,210

69,129

599,327

(12,531)

$ 5,786,761

Total assets

$ 4,867,929

Interest bearing liabilities:

Interest bearing demand, 
  savings and money market 
  deposits

$ 1,701,344

$

4,323

0.25% $ 1,719,507

$

4,271

0.25% $ 1,691,645

$

5,482

Time deposits

1,421,726

9,797

0.69% 1,607,676

12,122

0.75% 2,192,469

23,643

0.32%

1.08%

Securities sold under 
  agreements to repurchase

Federal Home Loan Bank 
  advances

Total interest bearing 
  liabilities

Demand deposits

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and 
  shareholders’ equity

Net interest income

Interest rate spread

Net interest earning assets
Net interest margin(4)

Ratio of average interest 
  earning assets to average 
  interest bearing liabilities

99,057

9,975

129

164

0.13%

84,354

121

0.14%

52,385

109

0.21%

1.64%

—

—

0.00%

—

—

0.00%

$ 3,232,102

$ 14,413

0.45% $ 3,411,537

$ 16,514

0.48% $ 3,936,499

$ 29,234

0.74%

700,809

74,327

4,007,238

860,691

$ 4,867,929

$ 1,214,801

660,254

64,666

4,136,457

1,038,753

$ 5,175,210

641,890

114,374

4,692,763

1,093,998

$ 5,786,761

$171,179

$178,961

$204,251

3.72%

3.85%

$ 1,287,015

3.68%

3.81%

$ 1,194,337

3.81%

3.98%

137.59%

137.73%

130.34%

(1)  Originated loans are net of deferred loan fees, less costs, which are included in interest income over the life of the 

(2) 

loan.
Includes originated loans with average balances of $1.4 billion, $734.0 million, and $305.5 million, interest income 
of $58.1 million, $33.6 million, and $16.7 million and yields of 4.10%, 4.57%, and 5.48% for the years ended 2014, 
2013, and 2012, respectively.

(3)  Non 310-30 loans include loans held-for-sale.  Average balances during 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $3.1 million, 
$5.4 million, and $6.2 million, and interest income was $267 thousand, $329 thousand, and $368 thousand for the 
same periods, respectively.

(4)  Presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the statutory tax rate of 35%.  The taxable equivalent adjustments 

included above are $930 thousand, $0, and $0 for the years ended 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

69

 
 
 
Net interest income totaled $170.2 million, $179.0 million, and $204.3 million for the years ended 2014, 2013, and 2012, 
respectively.  On a fully tax equivalent basis, net interest income totaled $171.2 million, $179.0 million, and $204.3 million 
for  the years ended 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  Average interest earning assets decreased $251.6 million, or 5.4%, 
from 2013, largely due to the successful repurchase of $119.4 million of our shares outstanding during 2014, coupled with 
a reduction in the investment portfolio.  A one basis point widening in the yield on interest earning assets coupled with a 
three basis point decrease in the cost of interest bearing liabilities, resulted in a four basis point widening of the net interest 
margin to 3.85% (fully taxable equivalent) during 2014 compared to 2013. 

Average loans comprised $2.1 billion, or 46.2%, of total average interest earning assets during 2014, compared to $1.8 
billion, or 37.3%, during 2013, and $2.0 billion, or 39.5% during 2012.  The continued resolution of the acquired non-
strategic loan portfolio was more than offset by strong organic growth in the strategic loan portfolio during 2014.  The 
yield on the ASC 310-30 loan portfolio was 16.82% during 2014, compared to 12.35% during 2013, and 9.49% during 
2012.  This increase in yield was attributable to the effects of the favorable life-to-date transfers of non-accretable 
difference to accretable yield that are being accreted to interest income over the remaining life of these loan pools. 

Average investment securities comprised 50.5% of total interest earning assets during 2014, compared to 54.2% during 
2013, and 44.9% during 2012.  The lower average balances were somewhat offset by a five basis point widening of the 
yields earned on the total investment portfolio during 2014. Short-term investments, comprised of the interest earning 
deposits and securities purchased under agreements to resell, also decreased substantially to 2.8% of interest earning assets 
during 2014, compared to 7.7% during 2013 and 15.0% during 2012.  The decreases in the investment portfolio and short-
term investments reflect the re-mixing of the interest-earning assets as we have utilized the run-off of the investment 
portfolio to fund loan originations and have reduced our short-term investments to fund significant share repurchases. 

Average balances of interest bearing liabilities during 2014 declined $179.4 million to $3.2 billion from $3.4 billion during 
2013, driven by a $186.0 million decrease in average time deposits and partially offset by a $14.7 million increase in 
securities sold under agreements to repurchase.  During 2014, total interest expense related to interest bearing liabilities 
was $14.4 million, compared to $16.5 million during 2013 and $29.2 million during 2012.  The $2.1 million decrease in 
interest expense from 2013 to 2014 was attributable to a combination of lower average balances of time deposits and lower 
rates paid on time deposits as we continued our strategy of transitioning high-priced time deposits to lower-cost transaction 
accounts coupled with our exit of the four California and 32 retirement center banking locations on December 31, 2013.  
We have increased our average transaction deposits (defined as total deposits less time deposits) and client repurchase 
agreements as a percentage of average total deposits and client repurchase agreements to 63.8% during 2014 from 60.5% 
during 2013.  This strategy benefited the average cost of interest bearing liabilities, which decreased three basis points to 
0.45% during 2014 from 0.48% during 2013. 

70

The following table summarizes the changes in net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis by major category of 
interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, identifying changes related to volume and changes related to rates for 
2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands): 

The year ended December 31, 2014
compared to
the year ended December 31, 2013

The year ended December 31, 2013
compared to
the year ended December 31, 2012

Increase (decrease) due to

Increase (decrease) due to

Volume

Rate

Net

Volume

Rate

Net

Interest income:

ASC 310-30 loans
Non 310-30 loans(1)(2)(3)
Investment securities available-for-sale

Investment securities held-to-maturity

Other securities

Interest earning deposits and securities 
  purchased under agreements to resell

Total interest income

Interest expense:

24,573

$ (43,537) $ 27,717
(12,395)
2,114
(1,464)
(60)

(5,687)

(293)

(257)

9,109

$ (15,820) $ (54,019) $ 30,273
(15,971)
(10,133)
(1,784)
8

12,178
(3,573)
(1,721)
(353)

3,003

2,517

16

(639)

45

$ (25,840) $ 15,957

$

(594)

8
(9,883) $ (40,411) $ 2,401

(1,037)

$ (23,746)
(6,862)
(7,130)
733

24

(1,029)
$ (38,010)

Interest bearing demand, savings and money 
  market deposits

$

Time deposits

Securities sold under agreements to 
  repurchase

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

Total interest expense

Net change in net interest income

(46) $

(1,281)

$

98
(1,044)

$

52
(2,325)

69
(4,409)

$ (1,280) $
(7,112)

(1,211)
(11,521)

19

164

(11)
—
(957)
$ (24,696) $ 16,914

(1,144)

$

8

46

(34)
—
164
(2,101)
(8,426)
(7,782) $ (36,117) $ 10,827

—
(4,294)

12

—
(12,720)
$ (25,290)  

(1)  Originated loans are net of deferred loan fees, less costs, which are included in interest income over the life of the 

loan.

(2)  Non 310-30 loans include loans held-for-sale.  Average balances during 2014 and 2013 were $3.1 million and $5.4 

million, and interest income was $267 thousand and $329 thousand for the same periods, respectively.

(3)  Presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the statutory tax rate of 35%.  The taxable equivalent adjustments 

included above are $930 thousand and $0 for the years ended 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Below is a breakdown of deposits and the average rates paid during the periods indicated (in thousands): 

For the three months ended

December 31, 2014

September 30, 2014

June 30, 2014

March 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

Average
balance

Average
rate
paid

Average
balance

Average
rate
paid

Average
balance

Average
rate
paid

Average
balance

Average
rate
paid

Average
balance

Average
rate
paid

Non-interest bearing demand

$ 728,345

0.00% $ 715,198

0.00% $ 691,851

0.00% $ 667,009

0.00% $ 676,959

Interest bearing demand

372,085

0.08%

375,761

0.08%

389,187

0.08%

394,452

0.09%

379,052

Money market accounts

1,055,280

0.32% 1,062,060

0.32% 1,078,682

0.32% 1,098,041

0.32% 1,097,009

Savings accounts

Time deposits

250,129

0.22%

251,871

0.23%

254,242

0.24%

224,145

0.18%

191,592

1,375,779

0.70% 1,412,916

0.69% 1,435,155

0.69% 1,464,120

0.68% 1,544,223

Total average deposits

$ 3,781,618

0.37% $ 3,817,806

0.37% $ 3,849,117

0.37% $ 3,847,767

0.37% $ 3,888,835

0.00%

0.09%

0.32%

0.12%

0.70%

0.38%

Provision for Loan Losses 

The provision for loan losses represents the amount of expense that is necessary to bring the ALL to a level that we deem 
appropriate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The ALL is in addition to 
the remaining purchase accounting marks of $7.6 million on purchased non 310-30 loans that were established at the time 
of acquisition.  The determination of the ALL, and the resultant provision for loan losses, is subjective and involves 
significant estimates and assumptions. 

71

 
 
 
 
 
Losses incurred on covered loans are reimbursable at the applicable loss share percentages in accordance with the loss 
sharing agreements with the FDIC. Accordingly, any provisions (recoupments) made that relate to covered loans are 
partially offset by a corresponding increase (decrease) to the FDIC indemnification asset and FDIC loss sharing income in 
non-interest income. Below is a summary of the provision for loan losses for the periods indicated (in thousands): 

Provision for impairment (recoupment) of loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 $
Provision for loan losses

(520) $
6,729

Total provision for loan losses

$

6,209

$

769

3,527

4,296

$

$

2014

2013

2012
19,018

8,977

27,995

For the years ended December 31,

Provision for loan loss expense was $6.2 million during 2014, compared to $4.3 million during 2013, an increase of $1.9 
million.  The increase was primarily due to loan growth in our non ASC 310-30 loan portfolio as credit quality remained 
strong and net-charge offs on non ASC 310-30 loans were significantly lower at 0.06% during 2014 compared to 0.27% 
during 2013.

During 2014 and 2013, we recouped $0.5 million and recorded $0.8 million, respectively, of provision for loan losses for 
loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 in connection with our re-measurements of expected cash flows. The net 
recoupments on loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 reflect $0.6 million in recoupments during 2014 across several loan 
pools.  Decreased expected future cash flows in our consumer pools were more than offset by provision recoupments and 
resulted in the net recoupment for the year.  The decreases in expected future cash flows are reflected immediately in our 
financial statements through increased provisions for loan losses. Increases in expected future cash flows are reflected 
through an increase in accretable yield that is accreted to income in future periods once any previously recorded provision 
expense has been reversed. 

The net provision for impairment on loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 during 2013 reflect $1.3 million of provision 
recoupment as a result of increased cash flows primarily across the commercial real estate state pool.  Decreases in 
expected future cash flows, which result in a charge to the provision for loan losses, were experienced by the commercial, 
residential real estate, and agriculture pools and totaled $2.1 million.  The provision recoupment of $1.3 million, when 
coupled with the impairment of $2.1 million related to decreased expected future cash flows, resulted in the net provision 
of $0.8 million for 2013.  

Non-Interest Income (Expense)

The table below details the components of non-interest income during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively (in thousands): 

FDIC indemnification asset amortization

FDIC loss sharing income (expense)

Service charges

Bank card fees

Gain on sale of mortgages, net

Gain on sale of securities, net

Other non-interest income

Gain on previously charged-off acquired loans

OREO related write-ups and other income

Total non-interest income (expense)

Year ended 2014

For the years ended December 31,
2013
2012
2014
$ (27,741) $ (18,960) $ (13,820)
12,069

2,811

(8,862)
15,430

10,123

1,000

—

3,810

737

3,807
(1,696) $

$

15,955

17,392

9,956

1,358

—

2,901

1,339

4,817

9,699

1,214

674

2,912

4,298

2,941

20,177

$

37,379

Non-interest income for 2014 was a negative $1.7 million compared to $20.2 million during 2013, a decrease of $21.9 
million.  The decrease was largely due to $20.5 million lower FDIC loss-share related income.  An additional $8.8 million 
of non-cash FDIC indemnification asset amortization and an $11.7 million decline in other FDIC loss-sharing income 
(expense) from the same period in 2013 was the result of improved performance of the underlying covered assets coupled 
with higher OREO gains, both of which resulted in lower expected reimbursements from the FDIC.  Most of the FDIC 
covered assets are accounted for in the ASC 310-30 loan pools and the benefit of the increased client cash flows is 
primarily captured in the corresponding increased accretion rates on ASC 310-30 loans. 

72

 
 
 
FDIC loss sharing income (expense) represents the income recognized in connection with the actual reimbursement of 
costs/recoveries related to the resolution of covered assets by the FDIC.  FDIC loss sharing income (expense) activity 
during 2014, 2013, and 2012 was as follows (in thousands): 

Clawback liability amortization

Clawback liability remeasurement

Reimbursement to FDIC for gain on sale of and income from covered OREO

Reimbursement to FDIC for recoveries

FDIC reimbursement of covered asset resolution costs

FDIC loss sharing income (expense)

For the years ended December 31,
2012
2013
2014

$

$

(1,364) $
(2,509)
(10,053)
(193)
5,257
(8,862) $

(1,259) $
65
(5,235)
(87)
9,327

(1,377)
100
(3,457)
(3)
16,806

2,811

$

12,069

Other FDIC loss sharing income (expense) contributed to a decrease of $11.7 million to total  non-interest income for 2014 
from 2013.  Other FDIC loss sharing income (expense) was primarily comprised of FDIC reimbursements of costs of 
resolution of covered assets of $5.3 million during 2014, offset with reimbursements to the FDIC for gains on sales of and 
income from covered OREO of $10.1 million.  The activity in the FDIC loss sharing income line fluctuates based on 
specific loan and OREO workout circumstances and may not be consistent from period to period.   

Banking-related non-interest income (excludes FDIC-related non-interest income, gain on previously charged-off acquired 
loans and OREO related income) totaled $30.4 million during 2014, and increased $0.2 million from the same period in 
2013.  Service charges, which represent various fees charged to clients for banking services, including fees such as non-
sufficient funds (“NSF”) charges and service charges on deposit accounts, decreased $0.5 million, or 3.3%, during 2014 
compared to 2013.  The decrease was largely due to declines in NSF/overdraft charges.  Bank card fees are comprised 
primarily of interchange fees on the debit cards that we have issued to our clients.  Bank card fees totaled $10.1 million 
during 2014 and $10.0 million during 2013, an increase of 1.7% for the respective periods. 

Gain on previously charged-off acquired loans represents recoveries on loans that were previously charged-off by the 
predecessor bank prior to takeover by the FDIC. During 2014, these gains were $0.7 million, compared to $1.3 million 
during the same period in the prior year. 

OREO related write-ups and other income include rental income and insurance proceeds received on OREO properties and 
write-ups to the fair-value of collateral that exceed the loan balance at the time of foreclosure. During 2014 and 2013, this 
income totaled $3.8 million and $4.8 million, respectively. 

Years ended 2013 and 2012

Non-interest income for 2013 totaled $20.2 million compared to $37.4 million during 2012. We recognized amortization of 
$19.0 million during 2013 and $13.8 million during 2012, related to the FDIC indemnification asset.  The amortization resulted 
from an increase in actual and expected cash flows on the underlying covered assets, resulting in lower expected reimbursements 
from the FDIC. The increase in expected cash flows from these underlying assets is reflected in increased accretion rates on 
covered loans and is being recognized over the remaining expected lives of the underlying covered loans as an adjustment to 
yield.

Other FDIC loss sharing income in our statement of operations was primarily comprised of FDIC reimbursements of costs 
of resolution of covered assets of $9.3 million and $16.8 million during 2013 and 2012, respectively, offset with 
reimbursements to the FDIC for gains on sales of and income from covered OREO of $5.2 million and $3.5 million, 
coupled with the clawback liability remeasurement and clawback liability amortization of $1.2 million and  $1.3 million, 
for the aforementioned periods.   The activity in the FDIC loss sharing income line fluctuates based on specific loan and 
OREO workout circumstances and may not be consistent from period to period.  

Service charges represent various fees charged to clients for banking services, including fees such as non-sufficient funds 
(“NSF”) charges and service charges on deposit accounts. Service charges decreased $1.4 million, or 8.3%, during 2013 
compared to 2012.  The decrease was largely due to declines in NSF charges. 

Bank card fees are comprised primarily of interchange fees on the debit cards that we have issued to our clients.  Bank card 
fees increased slightly to $10.0 million during 2013, as compared to $9.7 million during 2012.

Gain on previously charged-off acquired loans represents recoveries on loans that were previously charged-off by the 
predecessor bank prior to takeover by the FDIC. During 2013, these gains totaled $1.3 million, compared to $4.3 million 
during 2012.

73

 
OREO related write-ups and other income include rental income and insurance proceeds received on OREO properties and 
write-ups to the fair-value of collateral that exceeded the loan balance at the time of foreclosure.  During 2013, OREO 
related write-ups and other income totaled $4.8 million compared to $2.9 million during 2012.  The primary reason for the 
increase was a $1.9 million increase in collective rent income and insurance proceeds. 

Non-Interest Expense 

The table below details non-interest expense for the periods presented (in thousands): 

Salaries and benefits

Occupancy and equipment

Telecommunications and data processing

Marketing and business development

FDIC deposit insurance

ATM/debit card expenses

Professional fees

Supplies and printing

Other non-interest expense

(Gain) loss from change in fair value of warrant liability

Intangible asset amortization

Other real estate owned expenses (income)

Problem loan expenses

Contract termination expenses

Banking center closure related expenses
Initial public offering related expenses

Acquisition related costs

Total non-interest expense

Year ended 2014

For the years ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

$

82,834

$

90,002

$

25,101

11,927

4,571

4,130

3,079

3,257

963

9,508
(2,953)
5,344
(5,350)
3,482

4,110

—

—

—

24,700

13,073

5,280

4,122

4,262

3,734

1,575

11,061

820

5,346

10,957

5,644

—

3,389

—

—

94,111

20,558

14,857

5,540

4,731

4,269

11,156

2,967

9,761
(1,385)
5,344

20,313

8,532

—

—

7,974

870

$

150,003

$

183,965

$

209,598

Non-interest expense totaled $150.0 million during 2014 compared to $184.0 million for 2013, a decrease of $34.0 million, 
or 18.5%.  Operating expenses, which exclude OREO expenses, problem loan expense, the impact from the change in the 
warrant liability, contract termination expenses, and banking center closure related expenses, totaled $150.7 million and 
decreased $12.4 million, or 7.6%, from 2013.  We have been focused on operational streamlining and continue to seek 
additional efficiencies, particularly through vendor consolidations and contract negotiations.  Salaries and benefits is our 
largest component of non-interest expense and totaled $82.8 million in 2014, compared to $90.0 million for 2013.  The 
8.0% decrease in salaries and benefits during 2014 was attributable to a decrease in salaries as a result of efficiency 
initiatives and the exits of the California banking centers and limited-service retirement centers at December 31, 2013. 

Occupancy and equipment expense totaled $25.1 million for 2014, an increase of  $0.4 million over 2013.  The increase 
over the prior period was primarily due to software licensing.

 Marketing and business development expense totaled $4.6 million for 2014, compared to $5.3 million during 2013.  The 
decrease of $0.7 million from 2013 was due to reduced levels of marketing campaigns. 

Significant components of our non-interest expense are problem loan expenses and OREO related expenses. We incur these 
expenses in connection with the resolution process of our acquired problem loan portfolios.  During 2014, we incurred $3.5 
million of problem loan expense, a decrease of $2.2 million, or 38.3%, from 2013.  Of these $3.5 million in problem loan 
expenses incurred during 2014, $2.6 million were covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC.  Other real estate 
owned expenses (income) resulted in net income of $5.4 million during 2014, an increase in income of $16.3 million 
compared to 2013, primarily because of gains on sales of other real estate owned.  Included in this $5.4 million of other 
real estate owned expenses (income) was $5.2 million of covered expenses related to OREO properties and a net $11.9 
million of covered gains on sale of other real estate owned.  Collectively, these OREO and problem loan expenses 

74

 
decreased $18.5 million from 2013.  The overall decline of the volume of problem assets is a result of persistent workout 
efforts on the acquired problem loan portfolio. 

Years ended 2013 and 2012

Non-interest expense totaled $184.0 million during 2013, compared to $209.6 million during 2012.  During 2012, we 
incurred certain expenses in connection with our initial public offering.  We did not sell new shares in our initial public 
offering, and as a result, none of those expenses were offset against any proceeds, but were expensed. Such expenses 
included underwriting discounts and related fees, listing fees on the New York Stock Exchange and related registration and 
filing fees, legal and account expenses. These expenses totaled approximately $8.0 million during 2012. Additionally, we 
incurred,$4.9 million stock-based compensation on awards that had a public listing vesting requirement. 

Salaries and benefits totaled $90.0 million during 2013, compared to $94.1 million for 2012.  The 4.4% decrease was 
primarily due to an $8.2 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense during 2013 compared to 2012.  Stock-
based compensation expense during 2012 was elevated because we incurred $4.9 million of stock-based compensation 
expense related to our initial public offering.

Occupancy and equipment expense totaled $24.7 million for 2013, an increase of $4.1 million over 2012. The increase was 
driven by an increase in depreciation expense as a result of the purchase and subsequent depreciation of the premises and 
equipment purchased from the FDIC in the first half of 2012 related to our Bank of Choice and Community Banks of 
Colorado acquisitions. 

Professional fees totaled $3.7 million during 2013 and decreased $7.4 million from 2012.  Professional fees were elevated 
during 2012 primarily due to professional fees incurred in conjunction with our acquisitions of Bank of Choice in the third 
quarter of 2011 and Community Banks of Colorado during the fourth quarter of 2011.  Additionally, we have outsourced 
fewer professional functions as we have built out our internal management functions. 

Telecommunications and data processing expense totaled $13.1 million during 2013, compared to $14.9 million for 2012, a 
decrease of $1.8 million. During 2012, telecommunications and data processing expense was elevated due to the 
conversions of Bank of Choice and Community Banks of Colorado to our data processing platforms.

During 2013, we incurred $11.0 million of OREO related expenses and $5.6 million of problem loan expenses.  Of the 
collective OREO and problem loan expenses incurred during 2013, $10.3 million were covered by loss sharing agreements 
with the FDIC.  During 2012, we incurred $20.3 million of OREO related expenses and $8.5 million of problem loan 
expenses.  Of the $28.8 million in collective OREO and problem loan expenses incurred during 2012, $15.0 million was 
covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC. 

On September 30, 2013, the Company announced plans to integrate 32 limited-service retirement center locations and exit 
four banking centers as of December 31, 2013.  Included in the 2013 operating results are $3.4 million of expenses in 
connection with the closures, including $3.3 million related to facilities expense.  Valuation adjustments to banking center 
properties and fixed assets account for $2.5 million of the facilities expense and $0.8 million of the facilities expense 
relates to lease costs. 

Income taxes 

Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. Under this guidance, deferred income taxes are 
determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets 
and liabilities given the provisions of enacted tax laws. ASC 740 requires the establishment of a valuation allowance 
against the net deferred tax asset unless it is more-likely-than-not that the tax benefit of the deferred tax asset will be 
realized. For purposes of projecting whether the deferred tax asset will be realized, we consider tax regulations of the 
jurisdictions in which we operate, estimates of future taxable income, and available tax planning strategies. If tax 
regulations, operating results, or the ability to implement tax planning strategies varies, adjustments to the carrying value of 
the deferred tax assets may be required.  We believe that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will 
generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets.  

Certain stock-based compensation awards have market-based vesting/exercisability criteria.  For restricted stock with 
market-based vesting, the target share prices of the Company's stock that is required for vesting range from $25.00 to 
$34.00 per share.  The strike prices for options range from $18.09 to $20.54, with a large portion of the awards having 
strike prices of $20.00.  Due to our current stock price, these stock-based compensation awards may expire unexercised or 
may be exercised at an intrinsic value that is less than the fair value recorded at the time of grant, and therefore, the related 
tax benefits may not be realizable in future periods.  In this case, upon the expiration or exercise (or forfeiture in the case of 

75

the restricted stock with market-based vesting criteria) of these awards, any related remaining deferred tax asset would be 
written off through a charge to income tax expense.  In particular, certain awards granted to former executives are expected 
to expire in 2015 and may result in the write-off of the related deferred tax asset of up to $2.0 million, with the majority of 
these awards expiring in the second quarter of 2015. Similar expirations resulted in the write-off of $1.0 million of deferred 
tax assets to income tax expense in 2014.  As of December 31, 2014, we had $13.5 million of deferred tax assets related to 
stock-based compensation, $9.7 million of which is associated with executive officers still employed by the Company. 

ASC 740 also requires the projected realization of tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions to be evaluated based upon 
the likelihood of successfully defending those positions. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the 
amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has greater than 50 percent likelihood of being 
realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. Interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are 
recognized as a component of other non-interest expense. If our assessment of whether a tax position meets or no longer 
meets the more likely than not threshold were to change, adjustments to income tax benefits may be required.  As of 
December 31, 2014 and 2013, we have not identified any uncertain tax positions.

Income tax expense totaled $3.2 million for 2014, as compared to $4.0 million for 2013, and $4.6 million for 2012.  These 
amounts equate to effective tax rates of 25.6%, 36.3%, and 113.4% for the respective periods.

The decrease in the effective tax rate for 2014 compared to 2013 was attributable to the non-taxable changes in the fair 
value of the warrant liability, continued increases in tax-exempt lending and a reduction in our state tax rate associated with 
tax planning implemented during the third quarter of 2014, somewhat offset by an increase in tax expense related to the 
write-off of deferred tax assets related to expired stock-based compensation.  The decrease in the effective tax rate for 2013 
compared to 2012 is primarily attributable to the non-deductibility of $8.0 million of initial public offering related charges 
incurred in 2012.  Additional information regarding income taxes can be found in note 20 of our consolidated financial 
statements. 

Our marginal tax rate (the rate we pay on each incremental dollar of earnings) is approximately 38%. However, our 
effective tax rate (income tax expense divided by income before income taxes) for a given period is driven largely by 
income and expense items that are non-taxable or non-deductible in the calculation of income tax expense. Due to the 
impact of the non-deductible expenses discussed above, our effective tax rate of 113.4% at December 31, 2012 was inflated 
and therefore not comparable to subsequent years. 

In September 2013, the Internal Revenue Service enacted final guidance regarding the deduction and capitalization of 
expenditures related to tangible property ("tangible property regulations").  The tangible property regulations clarify and 
expand sections 162(a) and 263(a) of the Internal Revenue Code which relate to amounts paid to acquire, produce, or 
improve tangible property.  Additionally, the tangible property regulations provide final guidance under section 167 of the 
Internal Revenue Code regarding accounting for, and retirement of, depreciable property and regulations under section 168 
relating to the accounting for property under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System.  The tangible property 
regulations affect all taxpayers that acquire, produce, or improve tangible property, which includes the Company, and 
generally apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.  We have evaluated the tangible property 
regulations and have determined the regulations will not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of 
operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Liquidity is monitored and managed to ensure that sufficient funds are available to operate our business and pay our 
obligations to depositors and other creditors, while providing ample available funds for opportunistic and strategic 
investments. On-balance sheet liquidity is represented by our cash and cash equivalents and unencumbered investment 
securities, and is detailed in the table below as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands): 

Cash and due from banks

Due from Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

Interest bearing bank deposits

Unencumbered investment securities, at fair value

Total

December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013
67,420
$

61,461

$

185,463

10,055

1,651,395

$

1,908,374

$

107,894

14,146

2,177,239

2,366,699

Cash and cash equivalents increased $67.5 million from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014, largely as a result of 
several OREO sales late in the fourth quarter and relatively flat loans, coupled with the cash provided by routine 
investment securities pay downs.  Total on-balance sheet liquidity decreased $458.3 million from December 31, 2013 to 

76

December 31, 2014. The decrease was largely due to a reduction in unencumbered available-for-sale and held-to-maturity 
securities balances. 

Our primary sources of funds are deposits from clients, prepayments and maturities of loans and investment securities, the 
sale of investment securities, FHLB advances and the funds provided from operations.  As a member of the Des Moines 
FHLB, the Bank has access to term financing.  During 2014, we borrowed $40.0 million from the Des Moines FHLB.  
During 2013, we entered into a master repurchase agreement with a large financial institution and we anticipate that, 
through this agreement, we would have access to a significant amount of liquidity.  We anticipate having access to other 
third party funding sources, including the ability to raise funds through the issuance of shares of our common stock or other 
equity or equity-related securities, incurrence of debt, and federal funds purchased, that may also be a source of liquidity. 
We anticipate that these sources of liquidity will provide adequate funding and liquidity for at least a 12 month period.

Our primary uses of funds are loan originations, investment security purchases, withdrawals of deposits, settlement of 
repurchase agreements, capital expenditures, operating expenses, stock repurchases, and debt payments, particularly 
subsequent to acquisitions and share repurchases. For additional information regarding our operating, investing, and 
financing cash flows, see our consolidated statements of cash flows in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. 

Our primary investing activities are originations and pay-offs and pay downs of loans and purchases and sales of 
investment securities. At December 31, 2014, pledgeable investment securities represented our largest source of liquidity. 
Our available-for-sale investment securities are carried at fair value and our held-to-maturity securities are carried at 
amortized cost. Our collective investment securities portfolio totaled $2.0 billion at December 31, 2014, inclusive of pre-
tax net unrealized losses of $5.3 million on the available-for-sale securities portfolio. Additionally, our held-to-maturity 
securities portfolio had $4.0 million of pre-tax net unrealized gains at December 31, 2014.  The gross unrealized gains and 
losses are detailed in note 4 of our consolidated financial statements.  As of December 31, 2014, our investment securities 
portfolio consisted primarily of mortgage-backed securities, all of which were issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government 
agencies or sponsored enterprises. The anticipated repayments and marketability of these securities offer substantial 
resources and flexibility to meet new loan demand, reinvest in the investment securities portfolio, or provide optionality for 
reductions in our deposit funding base. 

Our capital outlays were $1.6 million during 2014, which were primarily for the general upkeep of our facilities and the 
purchase of software that will aid our associates as we grow our business.  During 2013, we had $6.8 million of capital 
outlays that were primarily for the build out of our corporate headquarters in Greenwood Village, Colorado.  During 2012, 
we had $41.1 million of capital outlays related to the development and implementation of an operating platform and the 
purchase of banking center assets from the FDIC subsequent to our acquisitions.  

At present, financing activities primarily consist of changes in deposits and repurchase agreements, and advances from 
FHLB, in addition to the payment of dividends and the repurchase of our common stock.  Maturing time deposits represent 
a potential use of funds.  As of December 31, 2014, $0.9 billion of time deposits were scheduled to mature within 12 
months. Based on the current interest rate environment, market conditions, and our consumer banking strategy focusing on 
both lower cost transaction accounts and term deposits, we expect to replace a significant portion of those maturing time 
deposits with transaction deposits and market-rate time deposits. 

We are members of the FHLB of Des Moines and hold $7.6 million of FHLB stock in order to meet the requirements of 
our membership agreement. Through this relationship, we have pledged qualifying loans allowing us to obtain additional 
liquidity through FHLB advances.  These FHLB advances totaled $40.0 million at December 31, 2014, and we can obtain 
additional liquidity through FHLB advances if required.

NBH Bank is subject to specific dividend restrictions pursuant to the Operating Agreement with the OCC, which are 
further discussed under "Supervision and Regulation." At December 31, 2014, the holding company sources of funds were 
comprised of cash and cash equivalents on hand, which totaled $123.1 million.  The holding company may seek to borrow 
funds and raise capital in the future, the success and terms of which will be subject to market conditions and other factors.

Our shareholders' equity is impacted by the retention of earnings, changes in unrealized gains on securities, net of tax, 
share repurchases and the payment of dividends. We have agreed to maintain capital levels of at least 10% tier 1 leverage 
ratio, 11% tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and 12% total risk-based capital ratio at NBH Bank under the OCC Operating 
Agreement.  At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, NBH Bank and the consolidated holding company exceeded 
all capital requirements to which they were subject. 

During 2014, the Board of Directors authorized multiple programs to repurchase shares of the Company's common stock 
from time to time either in open market or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable regulations of 
the SEC.  During 2014, we repurchased 6.1 million shares of our common stock at a weighted average price of $19.63, and 
all such shares are held as treasury shares.  On February 11, 2015, our board of directors approved a new authorization to 
repurchase from time to time another $50.0 million of the Company’s common stock, which is expected to be purchased 

77

with excess cash.  Subsequent to December 31, 2014 and through February 26, 2015, we repurchased an additional 1.7 
million shares.  These repurchases have brought our cumulative repurchases to 29.2% of shares outstanding since we 
started repurchasing our shares in early 2013, at a weighted average price of $19.50 per share.  We believe that our 
repurchases could serve to offset any future share issuances for future acquisitions.  On January 22, 2015, our board of 
directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per common share, payable on March 13, 2015 to shareholders of record at 
the close of business on February 27, 2015.

Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk 

Management and the Board of Directors are responsible for managing interest rate risk and employing risk management 
policies that monitor and limit this exposure. Interest rate risk is measured using net interest income simulations and 
market value of portfolio equity analyses. These analyses use various assumptions, including the nature and timing of 
interest rate changes, yield curve shape, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on 
loans and deposits, and reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows. 

The principal objective of the Company's asset and liability management function is to evaluate the interest rate risk within 
the balance sheet and pursue a controlled assumption of interest rate risk while maximizing earnings and preserving 
adequate levels of liquidity and capital. The asset and liability management function is under the guidance of the Asset 
Liability Committee from direction of the Board of Directors. The Asset Liability Committee meets monthly to review, 
among other things, the sensitivity of the Company's assets and liabilities to interest rate changes, local and national market 
conditions and rates. The Asset Liability Committee also reviews the liquidity, capital, deposit mix, loan mix and 
investment positions of the Company.   

Instantaneous parallel rate shift scenarios are modeled and utilized to evaluate risk and establish exposure limits for 
acceptable changes in net interest margin. These scenarios, known as rate shocks, simulate an instantaneous change in 
interest rates and use various assumptions, including, but not limited to, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay 
rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, reinvestment and replacement of asset and liability cash flows. 

We also analyze the economic value of equity as a secondary measure of interest rate risk. This is a complementary 
measure to net interest income where the calculated value is the result of the market value of assets less the market value of 
liabilities. The economic value of equity is a longer term view of interest rate risk because it measures the present value of 
the future cash flows. The impact of changes in interest rates on this calculation is analyzed for the risk to our future 
earnings and is used in conjunction with the analyses on net interest income. 

Our interest rate risk model indicated that the Company was asset sensitive in terms of interest rate sensitivity at 
December 31, 2014. During 2014, we increased our asset sensitivity as a result of the balance sheet mix towards more 
variable rate assets, even after adjusting our models for the excess capital deployment.  The table below illustrates the 
impact of an immediate and sustained 200 and 100 basis point increase and a 50 basis point decrease in interest rates on net 
interest income based on the interest rate risk model at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013: 

Hypothetical

shift in interest

rates (in bps)
200

100

-50

% change in projected net interest income

December 31, 2014
4.72%

2.94%

-0.88%

December 31, 2013
4.09%

2.32%

-1.11%

Many assumptions are used to calculate the impact of interest rate fluctuations. Actual results may be significantly different 
than our projections due to several factors, including the timing and frequency of rate changes, market conditions and the 
shape of the yield curve. The computations of interest rate risk shown above do not include actions that management may 
undertake to manage the risks in response to anticipated changes in interest rates and actual results may also differ due to 
any actions taken in response to the changing rates. 

The federal funds rate is the basis for overnight funding and the market expectations for changes in the federal funds rate 
influence the yield curve. The federal funds rate is currently at 0.00%-0.25% and has been since December 2008. Should 
interest rates decline further, net interest margin and net interest income would be compressed given the current mix of rate 
sensitive assets and liabilities. 

As part of the asset/liability management strategy to manage primary market risk exposures expected to be in effect in 
future reporting periods, management has emphasized the origination of shorter duration loans as well as variable rate 
loans to limit the negative exposure to a rate increase. The strategy with respect to liabilities has been to emphasize 
transaction accounts, particularly non-interest or low interest bearing non-maturing deposit accounts which are less 

78

 
 
sensitive to changes in interest rates. In response to this strategy, non-maturing deposit accounts have grown $66.5 million 
during 2014, and totaled 64.0% of total deposits at December 31, 2014 compared to 61.0% at December 31, 2013. We 
currently have no brokered time deposits and intend to continue to focus on our strategy of increasing non-interest or low-
cost interest bearing non-maturing deposit accounts.

Off-Balance Sheet Activities 

In the normal course of business, we are a party to various contractual obligations, commitments and other off-balance 
sheet activities that contain credit, market, and operational risk that are not required to be reflected in our consolidated 
financial statements.  The most significant of these are the loan commitments that we enter into to meet the financing needs 
of clients, including commitments to extend credit, commercial and consumer lines of credit and standby letters of credit. 
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had loan commitments totaling $485.5 million and $383.9 million, 
respectively, and standby letters of credit that totaled $10.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively. Unused commitments do 
not necessarily represent future credit exposure or cash requirements, as commitments often expire without being drawn 
upon. We do not anticipate any material losses arising from commitments or contingent liabilities and we do not believe 
that there are any material commitments to extend credit that represent risks of an unusual nature.  

Contractual Obligations

In addition to the financing commitments detailed above under “Off-Balance Sheet Activities,” in the normal course of 
business, we enter into contractual obligations that require future cash settlement. The following table summarizes the 
contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2014 and the expected timing of those payments (in thousands):

Less than 1
year

1-3 years

3-5 years

More than 5
years

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
Operating lease obligations
Purchase obligations
Time deposits
Clawback liability

Total

$

$

— $

3,656
6,951
934,721
—
945,328

$

15,000
6,160
10,128
384,879
—
416,167

$

$

10,000
4,173
7,790
32,215
—
54,178

$

$

15,000
13,804
13,985
5,236
36,338
84,363

$

$

Total

40,000
27,793
38,854
1,357,051
36,338
1,500,036

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The primary impact of inflation on our operations is reflected in increasing operating costs and is reflected in non-interest 
expense. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, 
changes in interest rates have a more significant impact on our performance than do changes in the general rate of inflation 
and changes in prices. Interest rate changes do not necessarily move in the same direction, nor have the same magnitude, as 
changes in the prices of goods and services. Although not as critical to the banking industry as many other industries, 
inflationary factors may have some impact on our ability to grow, total assets, earnings, and capital levels. We do not 
expect inflation to be a significant factor in the near future.

Item 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

The information required by this item is set forth on page 78 of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations.

79

 
Item 8. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
National Bank Holdings Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of National Bank Holdings Corporation 
and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, 
period ended 
comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the 
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 National Bank Holdings Corporation 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 
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), 
the Company’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. 

Denver, Colorado
February 27, 2015

80

 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
December 31, 2014 and 2013
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

ASSETS

Cash and due from banks

Due from Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

Interest bearing bank deposits

Cash and cash equivalents

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

$

61,461

$

185,463

10,055

256,979

67,420

107,894

14,146

189,460

Investment securities available-for-sale (at fair value)

1,479,214

1,785,528

Investment securities held-to-maturity (fair value of $534,637 and $636,405 at 
  December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)

Non-marketable securities

Loans (including covered loans of $193,697 and $309,397 at December 31, 2014 and 
  December 31, 2013, respectively)

Allowance for loan losses

Loans, net

Loans held for sale

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) indemnification asset, net

Other real estate owned

Premises and equipment, net

Goodwill

Intangible assets, net

Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Liabilities:

Deposits:

Non-interest bearing demand deposits

Interest bearing demand deposits

Savings and money market

Time deposits

Total deposits

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

Due to FDIC

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Shareholders’ equity:

530,590

27,045

2,162,409

(17,613)

2,144,796

5,146

39,082

29,120

106,341

59,630

16,883

124,820

641,907

31,663

1,854,094

(12,521)

1,841,573

5,787

64,447

70,125

115,219

59,630

22,229

86,547

$

$

4,819,646

$

4,914,115

732,580

$

386,121

1,290,436

1,357,051

3,766,188

133,552
40,000
42,011

43,320

674,989

386,762

1,280,871

1,495,687

3,838,309

99,547
—
41,882

36,585

4,025,071

4,016,323

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share: 400,000,000 shares authorized; 52,223,460 and 
  52,289,347 shares issued; 38,884,953 and 44,918,336 shares outstanding at December 
  31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively

Additional paid in capital

Retained earnings

Treasury stock of 12,383,109 and 6,306,551 shares at December 31, 2014 and 
  December 31, 2013, respectively, at cost

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Total shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

512

993,212

40,528

(245,516)

5,839

794,575

$

4,819,646

$

512

990,216

39,966

(126,146)

(6,756)

897,792

4,914,115

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

81

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

2014

2013

2012

Interest and dividend income:
Interest and fees on loans
Interest and dividends on investment securities
Dividends on non-marketable securities
Interest on interest-bearing bank deposits

Total interest and dividend income

Interest expense:

Interest on deposits
Interest on borrowings
Total interest expense

Net interest income before provision for loan losses

Provision for loan losses

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

Non-interest income:

FDIC indemnification asset amortization
FDIC loss sharing income (expense)
Service charges
Bank card fees
Gain on sales of mortgages, net
Gain on sale of securities, net
Other non-interest income
Gain on previously charged-off acquired loans
OREO related write-ups and other income

Total non-interest income (expense)

Non-interest expense:

Salaries and benefits
Occupancy and equipment
Telecommunications and data processing
Marketing and business development
FDIC deposit insurance
ATM/debit card expenses
Professional fees
Supplies and printing
Other non-interest expense
(Gain) loss from the change in fair value of warrant liability
Intangible asset amortization
Other real estate owned expenses (income)
Problem loan expenses
Contract termination expenses
Banking center closure related expenses
Initial public offering related expenses
Acquisition related costs

Total non-interest expense
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net income (loss)

Income (loss) per share—basic
Income (loss) per share—diluted
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

Basic
Diluted

$

$
$
$

134,476
48,651
1,206
329
184,662

14,120
293
14,413
170,249
6,209
164,040

(27,741)
(8,862)
15,430
10,123
1,000
—
3,810
737
3,807
(1,696)

82,834
25,101
11,927
4,571
4,130
3,079
3,257
963
9,508
(2,953)
5,344
(5,350)
3,482
4,110
—
—
—
150,003
12,341
3,165
9,176
0.22
0.22

$

$
$
$

139,048
53,945
1,559
923
195,475

16,393
121
16,514
178,961
4,296
174,665

(18,960)
2,811
15,955
9,956
1,358
—
2,901
1,339
4,817
20,177

90,002
24,700
13,073
5,280
4,122
4,262
3,734
1,575
11,061
820
5,346
10,957
5,644
—
3,389
—
—
183,965
10,877
3,950
6,927
0.14
0.14

$

$
$
$

169,656
60,342
1,535
1,952
233,485

29,125
109
29,234
204,251
27,995
176,256

(13,820)
12,069
17,392
9,699
1,214
674
2,912
4,298
2,941
37,379

94,111
20,558
14,857
5,540
4,731
4,269
11,156
2,967
9,761
(1,385)
5,344
20,313
8,532
—
—
7,974
870
209,598
4,037
4,580
(543)
(0.01)
(0.01)

42,404,609
42,421,014

50,790,410
50,824,422

52,214,175
52,214,175

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

82

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012
(In thousands)

Net income (loss)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

Securities available-for-sale:

Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax 
  (expense) benefit of ($9,694), $26,294, and $(75) for the years ended 
  2014, 2013, 2012, respectively.

Reclassification adjustment for net securities losses included in net 
  income, net of tax benefit of $263 for the year ended 2012.

Reclassification adjustment for net unrealized holding gains on 
  securities transferred between available-for-sale and held-to-maturity, 
  net of tax expense of $15,159 for the year ended 2012.

Net unrealized holding gains on securities transferred between available-
  for-sale to held-to-maturity:

Net unrealized holding gains on securities transferred, net of tax expense 
  of  $15,159 for the year ended 2012.

Less: amortization of net unrealized holding gains to income, net of tax 
  benefit of $1,950, $3,567, and $3,571 for the years ended 2014, 2013, 
  and 2012, respectively.

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss)

2014

2013

2012

$

9,176

$

6,927

$

(543)

15,765

(41,731)

83

—

—

15,765

—

(411)

—
(41,731)

(23,711)
(24,039)

—

—

23,711

(3,170)
(3,170)
12,595

$

21,771

$

(5,598)
(5,598)
(47,329)
(40,402) $

(6,121)
17,590
(6,449)
(6,992)

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

83

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the Year Ended 2014, 2013, and 2012 
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Common
stock

Additional
paid-in
capital

Retained
earnings

Treasury
stock

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss), 
net

Balance, December 31, 2011

$

522

$ 994,705

$

Net loss

  Stock-based compensation

Restricted stock vesting

Issuance under equity 
  compensation plan

Repurchase of shares (240 shares)

Dividends paid ($0.05 per share)

Other comprehensive income

Balance, December 31, 2012

Net income

Stock-based compensation

Issuance under equity 
  compensation plan
(Repurchase of 7,421,179 shares)/
  retirement of 7,421,419 treasury 
  shares

Dividends paid ($.20 per share)

Other comprehensive loss

Balance, December 31, 2013

Net income

Stock-based compensation

Issuance under equity 
  compensation plan

Repurchase of 6,076,558 shares

Dividends paid ($.20 per share)
Other comprehensive income

—

—

1

—

—

—

—
523

—

—

—

(11)

—

—

512

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

13,078

—

(1,589)
—

—

—
1,006,194

—

4,861

(256)

(20,583)
—

—

990,216

—

3,572

(576)
—

—

—

46,480
(543)
—

—

—

—
(2,664)
—
43,273

6,927

—

—

—
(10,234)
—

39,966

9,176

—

—

—
(8,614)
—

$

— $

47,022

—

—

—

—
(4)
—

—
(4)
—

—

—

(126,142)
—

—
(126,146)
—

—

—
(119,370)
—

—

—

—

—

—

—
(6,449)
40,573

—

—

—

—

—
(47,329)
(6,756)
—

—

—

—

—

—

12,595

Total

$ 1,088,729
(543)
13,078

1

(1,589)
(4)
(2,664)
(6,449)
1,090,559

6,927

4,861

(256)

(146,736)
(10,234)
(47,329)
897,792

9,176

3,572

(576)
(119,370)
(8,614)
12,595

Balance, December 31, 2014

$

512

$ 993,212

$

40,528

$ (245,516) $

5,839

$ 794,575

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

84

 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012
(In thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

Provision for loan losses
Depreciation and amortization
Gain on sale of securities, net
Current income tax receivable
Deferred income tax asset
Discount accretion, net of premium amortization on securities
Loan accretion
Net gain on sale of mortgage loans
Origination of loans held for sale, net of repayments
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
Amortization of indemnification asset
Gain on the sale of other real estate owned, net
Impairment on other real estate owned
Impairment on fixed assets related to banking center closures
Gain on sale of fixed assets
Stock-based compensation
Increase (decrease) in due to FDIC, net
Decrease in other assets
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
Net cash used in operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines stock
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines stock
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Reserve Bank stock
Sales of investment securities available-for-sale
Maturities of investment securities held-to-maturity
Maturities of investment securities available-for-sale
Purchase of investment securities held-to-maturity
Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale
Net (increase) decrease in loans
Purchase of premises and equipment, net
Purchase of bank-owned life insurance
Proceeds from sales of loans
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
(Decrease) increase in FDIC indemnification asset

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Net decrease in deposits
Increase in repurchase agreements
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
Issuance under equity compensation plan
Payment of dividends
Repurchase of shares
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation

Net cash used in financing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Cash paid during the period for interest
Cash paid during the period for taxes

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:

Loans transferred to other real estate owned at fair value
FDIC submissions transferred to (other liabilities) other assets
Available-for-sale investment securities transferred to investment securities held-to-maturity
Loans purchased but not settled

2014

2013

2012

$

9,176

$

6,927

$

(543)

6,209
15,930
—
10,815
(15,776)
5,010
(63,881)
(1,000)
(44,490)
45,584
27,741
(13,126)
2,103
—
(123)
3,572
129
2,737
6,628
(2,762)

(952)
—
5,570
—
105,594
327,368
—
—
(253,102)
(1,585)
(43,800)
3,607
56,519
(2,376)
196,843

(72,121)
34,005
40,000
(576)
(8,507)
(119,370)
7
(126,562)
67,519
189,460
256,979

13,863
8,119

$

$
$

4,491
$
(5,673) $
— $
$

10,038

4,296
15,833
—
(20,498)
(1,618)
8,285
(85,447)
(1,358)
(58,391)
57,947
18,960
(6,953)
10,349
2,531
—
4,861
10,611
945
7,142
(25,578)

—
1,333
—
—
178,420
549,857
(251,792)
(693,881)
(26,648)
(6,801)
—
44,958
61,260
62,807
(80,487)

(362,410)
45,862
—
(256)
(10,139)
(146,736)
24
(473,655)
(579,720)
769,180
189,460

17,694
26,211

39,973
17,605
—
5,063

27,995
12,300
(674)
(17,825)
(23,233)
17,459
(120,034)
(1,214)
(52,965)
49,312
13,820
(9,563)
20,215
—
—
13,078
(36,701)
2,143
(24,407)
(130,837)

(4,018)
139
—
20,794
176,650
493,224
(2,234)
(1,131,749)
454,296
(41,077)
—
—
102,941
63,368
132,334

(862,334)
6,088
—
(1,588)
(2,616)
(4)
—
(860,454)
(858,957)
1,628,137
769,180

36,012
45,652

82,444
135,213
754,063
—

$

$
$

$
$

$

$

$
$

$
$
$
$

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

85

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Note 1 Basis of Presentation

National Bank Holdings Corporation ("NBHC" or the "Company") is a bank holding company that was incorporated in the 
State of Delaware in June 2009 with the intent to acquire and operate financial services franchises and other 
complementary businesses in targeted markets.  The Company is headquartered immediately south of Denver, in 
Greenwood Village, Colorado, and its primary operations are conducted through its wholly owned subsidiary, NBH Bank, 
N.A. (the "Bank").  The Company provides a variety of banking products to both commercial and consumer clients through 
a network of 97 banking centers located in Colorado, the greater Kansas City area and Texas, and through online and 
mobile banking products. 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned 
subsidiary, NBH Bank, N.A. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and where applicable, with general practices in the banking 
industry or guidelines prescribed by bank regulatory agencies.  The consolidated financial statements reflect all 
adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results presented.  All such 
adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated 
in consolidation. Certain reclassifications of prior years' amounts are made whenever necessary to conform to current 
period presentation. 

The Company's significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are 
disclosed in note 2.  GAAP requires management to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, 
revenues and expenses, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. By their nature, estimates are based on 
judgment and available information. Management has made significant estimates in certain areas, such as the amount and 
timing of expected cash flows from assets, the valuation of the FDIC indemnification asset and clawback liability, the 
valuation of other real estate owned (“OREO”), the fair value adjustments on assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the 
valuation of core deposit intangible assets, the evaluation of investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment 
(“OTTI”), the valuation of stock-based compensation, the fair values of financial instruments, the allowance for loan losses 
(“ALL”), and contingent liabilities. Because of the inherent uncertainties associated with any estimation process and future 
changes in market and economic conditions, it is possible that actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

a) Acquisition activities—The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. 
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured and recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition, including 
identifiable intangible assets. If the fair value of net assets acquired exceeds the fair value of consideration paid, a bargain 
purchase gain is recognized at the date of acquisition. Conversely, if the consideration paid exceeds the fair value of the net 
assets acquired, goodwill is recognized at the acquisition date. Fair values are subject to refinement for up to a maximum of 
one year after the closing date of an acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available. The 
determination of the fair value of loans acquired takes into account credit quality deterioration and probability of loss 
therefore, the related ALL is not carried forward at the time of acquisition. 

Identifiable intangible assets are recognized separately if they arise from contractual or other legal rights or if they are 
separable (i.e., capable of being sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged separately from the entity). Deposit 
liabilities and the related depositor relationship intangible assets, known as the core deposit intangible assets, may be 
exchanged in observable exchange transactions. As a result, the core deposit intangible asset is considered identifiable, 
because the separability criterion has been met.

b) Cash and cash equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents include cash, cash items, amounts due from other banks, 
amounts due from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, federal funds sold, and interest-bearing bank deposits.

c) Investment securities—Investment securities may be classified in three categories: trading, available-for-sale and held-
to-maturity. Management determines the appropriate classification at the time of purchase and reevaluates the classification 
at each reporting period. The Company has classified the majority of its investment portfolio as available-for-sale. Any 
sales of available-for-sale securities are for the purpose of executing the Company’s asset/liability management strategy, 
reducing borrowings, funding loan growth, providing liquidity, or eliminating a perceived credit risk in a specific security. 
Held-to maturity securities are carried at amortized cost and the available-for-sale securities are carried at estimated fair 

86

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

value. Unrealized gains or losses on securities available-for-sale are reported as accumulated other comprehensive income 
(“AOCI”), a component of shareholders’ equity, net of income tax. Gains and losses realized upon sales of securities are 
calculated using the specific identification method and are included in gains or losses on sale of securities, net in the 
consolidated statements of operations. Premiums and discounts are amortized to interest income over the estimated lives of 
the securities. Prepayment experience is periodically evaluated and a determination made regarding the appropriate 
estimate of the future rates of prepayment. When a change in a bond’s estimated remaining life is necessary, a 
corresponding adjustment is made in the related premium amortization or discount accretion. Purchases and sales of 
securities, including any corresponding gains or losses, are recognized on a trade-date basis and a receivable or payable is 
recognized for pending transaction settlements.

Management evaluates all investments for OTTI on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market 
conditions warrant such evaluation. Impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary if it is likely that all amounts 
contractually due will not be received for debt securities and when there is no positive evidence indicating that an 
investment’s carrying amount is recoverable in the near term for equity securities. When impairment is considered other 
than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value, with the impairment charge related to credit 
included in earnings, while the impairment charge related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. 
If the Company has the intent to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the 
security, the entire amount of the OTTI is recorded in earnings. In evaluating whether the impairment is temporary or other 
than temporary, the Company considers, among other things, the severity and duration of the unrealized loss position; 
adverse conditions specifically related to the security; changes in expected future cash flows; downgrades in the rating of 
the security by a rating agency; the failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments; whether the 
Company has the intent to sell the security; and whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell 
the security.

d) Non-marketable securities—Non-marketable securities include Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") stock and Federal Home 
Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock. These securities have been acquired for debt or regulatory purposes and are carried at cost.

e) Loans receivable— Loans receivable include loans originated by the Company and loans that are acquired through 
acquisitions. Loans originated by the Company are carried at the principal amount outstanding, net of premiums, discounts, 
unearned income, and deferred loan fees and costs. Acquired loans are initially recorded at fair value and are accounted for 
under either Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310-30 (see additional information below) or ASC 310, 
Receivables.  Non-refundable loan origination and commitment fees, net of direct costs of originating or acquiring loans, 
and fair value adjustments for acquired loans, are deferred and recognized over the remaining lives of the related loans in 
accordance with ASC 310-20. 

Acquired loans are recorded at their estimated fair value at the time of acquisition and accounted for under either ASC 
310-30 or ASC 310. Estimated fair values of acquired loans were based on a discounted cash flow methodology that 
considers various factors including the type of loan and related collateral, the expected timing of cash flows, classification 
status, fixed or variable interest rate, term of loan and whether or not the loan was amortizing, and a discount rate reflecting 
the Company’s assessment of risk inherent in the cash flow estimates. Acquired loans were grouped together according to 
similar characteristics such as type of loan, loan purpose, geography, risk rating and underlying collateral and were treated 
as distinct pools when applying various valuation techniques and, in certain circumstances, for the ongoing monitoring of 
the credit quality and performance of the pools. Each pool is accounted for as a single loan for which the integrity is 
maintained throughout the life of the asset.  Discounts created when the loans are recorded at their estimated fair values at 
acquisition are accreted over the remaining term of the loan as an adjustment to the related loan’s yield. Similar to 
originated loans described below, the accrual of interest income on acquired loans that are not accounted for under ASC 
310-30 is discontinued when the collection of principal or interest, in whole or in part, is doubtful. 

Interest income on acquired loans that are accounted for under ASC 310 and interest income on loans originated by the 
Company is accrued and credited to income as it is earned using the interest method based on daily balances of the 
principal amount outstanding. However, interest is generally not accrued on loans 90 days or more past due, unless they are 
well secured and in the process of collection. Additionally, in certain situations, loans that are not contractually past due 
may be placed on non-accrual status due to the continued failure to adhere to contractual payment terms by the borrower 
coupled with other pertinent factors, such as insufficient collateral value or deficient primary and secondary sources of 
repayment. Accrued interest receivable is reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status and payments received 
generally reduce the carrying value of the loan. Interest is not accrued while a loan is on non-accrual status and interest 

87

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

income is generally recognized on a cash basis only after payment in full of the past due principal and collection of 
principal outstanding is reasonably assured. A loan may be placed back on accrual status if all contractual payments have 
been received, or sooner under certain conditions and collection of future principal and interest payments is no longer 
doubtful.

In the event of borrower default, the Company may seek recovery in compliance with state lending laws, the respective 
loan agreements, and credit monitoring and remediation procedures that may include modifying or restructuring a loan 
from its original terms, for economic or legal reasons, to provide a concession to the borrower from their original terms due 
to borrower financial difficulties in order to facilitate repayment. Such restructured loans are considered “troubled debt 
restructurings” and are identified in accordance with ASC 310-40 Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors. Under this 
guidance, modifications to loans that fall within the scope of ASC 310-30 are not considered troubled debt restructurings, 
regardless of otherwise meeting the definition of a troubled debt restructuring.

Loans acquired in FDIC assisted transactions that are covered under loss sharing agreements are referred to as covered 
loans. Pursuant to the terms of the loss sharing agreements, the FDIC will reimburse the Company for a percentage of 
losses on covered assets up to stated loss thresholds during the stated loss sharing coverage period. The Company must 
reimburse the FDIC for its share of recoveries with respect to losses for which the FDIC paid the Company a 
reimbursement under loss sharing agreements and for certain recoveries or gains realized during the recovery sharing 
periods, which generally last longer than the loss sharing coverage periods.

Loans receivable accounted for under ASC 310-30
The Company accounts for and evaluates acquired loans in accordance with the provisions of ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt 
Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. When loans exhibit evidence of credit deterioration since origination 
and it is probable at the date of acquisition that the Company will not collect all principal and interest payments in 
accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, the expected shortfall in future cash flows, as compared to the contractual 
amount due, is recognized as a non-accretable difference. Any excess of expected cash flows over the acquisition date fair 
value is known as the accretable yield, and is recognized as accretion income over the life of each pool.  Contractual fees 
not expected to be collected are not included in ASC 310-30 contractual cash flows.  Should fees be subsequently 
collected, the cash flows are accounted for as non 310-30 fee income in the period they are received. Loans that are 
accounted for under ASC 310-30 that meet the criteria for non-accrual of interest at the time of acquisition or subsequent to 
acquisition, may be considered performing, regardless of whether the client is contractually delinquent, if the timing and 
expected cash flows on such loans can be reasonably estimated and if collection of the new carrying value of such loans is 
expected.

The expected cash flows of loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 are periodically remeasured utilizing the same cash 
flow methodology used at the time of acquisition and subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows will generally result 
in a provision for loan losses charge to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Any increases to the cash 
flow projections are recognized on a prospective basis through an increase to the pool’s accretion income over its 
remaining life once any previously recorded provision expense has been reversed. These cash flow evaluations are 
inherently subjective as they require material estimates, all of which may be susceptible to significant change.

f) Loans held for sale—Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of 
aggregate cost or estimated fair value. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance that is 
recorded as a charge to income. Deferred fees and costs related to these loans are not amortized, but are recognized as part 
of the cost basis of the loan at the time it is sold. Gains or losses are recognized upon sale and are included in gain on sale 
of mortgages, net. Loans held for sale have primarily been fixed rate single-family residential mortgage loans under 
contract to be sold in the secondary market. In most cases, loans in this category are sold within 45 days. These loans are 
generally sold with the mortgage servicing rights released. Under limited circumstances, buyers may have recourse to 
return a purchased loan to the Company. Recourse conditions may include early payment default, breach of representations 
or warranties, or documentation deficiencies. 

g) Allowance for loan losses—The allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) represents management’s estimate of probable credit 
losses inherent in loans, including acquired and covered loans to the extent necessary, as of the balance sheet date. The 
determination of the ALL takes into consideration, among other matters, the estimated fair value of the underlying 
collateral, economic conditions, historical net loan losses, the estimated loss emergence period, estimated default rates, any 
declines in cash flow assumptions from acquisition, loan structures, growth factors and other elements that warrant 

88

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

recognition. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of the examination process, periodically review the 
ALL. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the ALL or increases to adversely graded 
classified loans based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

The Company uses an internal risk rating system to indicate credit quality in the loan portfolio. The risk rating system is 
applied to all loans and uses a series of grades, which reflect management’s assessment of the risk attributable to loans 
based on an analysis of the borrower’s financial condition and ability to meet contractual debt service requirements. Loans 
that management perceives to have acceptable risk are categorized as “Pass” loans. The “Special Mention” loans represent 
loans that have potential credit weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. Special mention loans include 
borrowers that have potential weaknesses or unwarranted risks that, unless corrected, may threaten the borrower’s ability to 
meet debt requirements. However, these borrowers are still believed to have the ability to respond to and resolve the 
financial issues that threaten their financial situation. Loans classified as “Substandard” are inadequately protected by the 
current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard loans have a 
distinct possibility of loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. “Doubtful” loans are loans that management believes the 
collection of payments in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement is highly questionable and improbable. Loans 
accounted for under ASC 310-30, despite being 90 days or more past due or internally adversely classified, may be 
classified as performing upon and subsequent to acquisition, regardless of whether the client is contractually delinquent, if 
the timing and expected cash flows on such loans can be reasonably estimated and if collection of the carrying value of 
such loans is expected. Interest accrual is discontinued on doubtful loans and certain substandard loans that are excluded 
from ASC 310-30, as is more fully discussed in note 6.

The Company routinely evaluates risk-rated credits for impairment. Impairment, if any, is typically measured for each loan 
based on a thorough analysis of the most probable source of repayment, including the present value of the loan’s expected 
future cash flows, the loan’s estimated fair value, or the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less costs of 
disposition for collateral dependent loans. General allowances are established for loans with similar characteristics. In this 
process, general allowance factors are based on an analysis of historical loss and recovery experience, if any, related to 
originated and acquired loans, as well as certain industry experience, with adjustments made for qualitative or 
environmental factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses to differ from historical experience. To the extent that 
the data supporting such factors has limitations, management’s judgment and experience play a key role in determining the 
allowance estimates.

Additions to the ALL are made by provisions for loan losses that are charged to operations. The allowance is decreased by 
charge-offs due to losses and is increased by provisions for loan losses and recoveries. When it is determined that specific 
loans, or portions thereof, are uncollectible, these amounts are charged off against the ALL. If repayment of the loan is 
collateral dependent, the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell, is used to determine charge-off amounts.

The Company maintains an ALL for loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 as a result of impairment to loan pools arising 
from the periodic re-valuation of these loans. Any impairment in the individual pool is generally recognized in the current 
period as provision for loan losses. Any improvement in the estimated cash flows, is generally not recognized immediately, 
but is instead reflected as an adjustment to the related loan pools yield on a prospective basis once any previously recorded 
impairment has been recaptured.

h) FDIC indemnification asset—An FDIC indemnification asset results from loss sharing agreements in FDIC-assisted 
transactions and is measured separately from the related covered assets as they are not contractually embedded in those 
assets and are not transferable should the Company choose to dispose of the covered assets. Pursuant to the terms of the 
loss sharing agreements, covered loans and OREO are subject to stated loss thresholds whereby the FDIC will reimburse 
the Company for a percentage of losses and expenses up to the stated loss thresholds. The indemnification assets were 
recorded at fair value on the respective dates of acquisition, and considered the estimated fair value of anticipated 
reimbursements from the FDIC for expected losses on covered assets, subject to the loss thresholds and any contractual 
limitations in the loss sharing agreements. Fair value was estimated using the net present value of projected cash flows 
related to the loss sharing agreements based on the expected reimbursements for losses multiplied by the applicable loss 
sharing percentages. 

The expected indemnification asset cash flows are remeasured in conjunction with the periodic remeasurement of cash 
flows on covered loans and covered OREO. Improvements in cash flow expectations on covered loans and covered OREO 
generally result in a related decline in the expected indemnification cash flows from the FDIC and are recognized 
immediately in earnings to the extent that they relate to a reversal of a previously recorded valuation allowance related to 
89

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

the covered assets. Any remaining decreases in expected cash flows are reflected prospectively as a negative yield 
adjustment on the indemnification asset consistent with the approach taken to recognize increases in expected cash flows 
on the covered loans accounted for under ASC 310-30.  Any prospective negative yield adjustment is amortized using the 
effective interest method in connection with the expected speed of future FDIC reimbursements and is limited to the lesser 
of the contractual term of the indemnification agreement or the remaining life of the indemnified assets.  This amortization 
is included in FDIC indemnification asset amortization in the consolidated statements of operations.

Conversely, declines in cash flow expectations on covered loans and covered OREO generally result in an increase in the 
expected indemnification asset cash flows from the FDIC and are reflected as both a decrease in the FDIC indemnification 
asset amortization and an increase to the balance of the indemnification asset in the current period. As indemnified assets 
are resolved, the indemnification asset is reduced by the amount claimed by us from the FDIC and a corresponding claim 
receivable is recorded in other assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition until cash is received from the 
FDIC.  Depending on the timing of claims and covered asset resolution, the Company may also owe payments to the FDIC 
for the recovery of prior claims.  The liability for these payments is recorded in other liabilities in the consolidated 
statements of financial condition until cash is paid to the FDIC.

i) Clawback liability—A clawback liability is recorded to reflect the contingent liability assumed in an FDIC-assisted 
transaction whereby the Company is obligated to refund a portion of cash received from the FDIC at acquisition in the 
event that losses do not reach a specified threshold, based on the initial discount received less cumulative servicing 
amounts for the covered assets acquired. Such a liability is considered to be contingent consideration as it requires a 
payment by the Company to the FDIC in the event that certain contingencies are met. The clawback liability was recorded 
at its acquisition date fair value and is included in due to FDIC in the accompanying statements of financial condition. The 
clawback liability is remeasured at each reporting period and any changes are reflected in both the carrying amount of the 
clawback liability and the related amortization that is recognized through other FDIC loss sharing income in the 
consolidated statements of operations until the contingency is resolved.

j) Value appreciation rights—Value appreciation rights (“VAR”) may be issued in business combinations as part of the 
consideration transferred and a finite term is set forth in each VAR agreement. The VAR was tied to the Company’s stock 
price and was remeasured at each reporting period based on the spread between the strike price of the VAR and the average 
multiple of price to tangible book value indicated by national and regional bank indices, multiplied by the maximum 
number of applicable units.  The Company settled the VAR in 2012. 

k) Premises and equipment—With the exception of premises and equipment acquired through business combinations, 
which are initially measured and recorded at fair value, purchased land is stated at cost, and buildings and equipment are 
carried at cost, including capitalized interest when appropriate, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed 
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. The Company generally assigns depreciable lives 
of 39 years for buildings, 7 to15 years for building improvements, and 3 to 7 years for equipment. Leasehold improvements 
are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or remaining lease terms. Maintenance and repairs are charged 
to non-interest expense as incurred. The Company reviews premises and equipment whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized 
when the sum of the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual 
disposal is less than its carrying amount. In the case of a property that is subject to an operating lease that the Company no 
longer expects to use, a liability is recorded equal to the remaining lease rentals, adjusted for the effects of any prepaid or 
deferred items recognized under the lease, and reduced by estimated sublease rentals that could be reasonably obtained for 
the property, even if the entity does not intend to enter into a sublease. A ratable portion of the sublease allocation is then 
expensed until the property is subleased.

l) Goodwill and intangible assets—Goodwill is established and recorded if the consideration given during an acquisition 
transaction exceeds the fair value of the net assets received. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is not amortized, but 
is evaluated annually for potential impairment, or when events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment. Such 
events or circumstances may include deterioration in general economic conditions, deterioration in industry or market 
conditions, an increased competitive environment, a decline in market-dependent multiples or metrics, declining financial 
performance, entity-specific events or circumstances or a sustained decrease in share price (either in absolute terms or 
relative to peers). The Company first evaluates potential impairment of goodwill by comparing the fair value of the 
reporting unit to its carrying amount. Any excess of carrying value over fair value would indicate a potential impairment 
and the Company would proceed to perform an additional test to determine whether goodwill has been impaired and 

90

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

calculate the amount of that impairment. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives, such as core deposit intangibles, are 
amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company’s core deposit intangible assets represent the value of the 
anticipated future cost savings that will result from the acquired core deposit relationships versus an alternative source of 
funding.

Judgment may be used in assessing goodwill and intangible assets for impairment. Estimates of fair value are based on 
projections of revenues, operating costs and cash flows of the reporting unit considering historical and anticipated future 
results, general economic and market conditions, as well as the impact of planned business or operational strategies. The 
valuations use a combination of present value techniques to measure fair value and consider market factors. Additionally, 
judgment is used in determining the useful lives of finite-lived intangible assets. Adverse changes in the economic 
environment, operations of the reporting unit, or changes in judgments and projections could result in a significantly 
different estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit and could result in an impairment of goodwill and/or intangible 
assets.

m) Other real estate owned—OREO consists of property that has been foreclosed on or repossessed by deed in lieu of 
foreclosure. The assets are initially recorded at the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell, with any initial 
valuation adjustments charged to the ALL. Subsequent downward valuation adjustments, if any, in addition to gains and 
losses realized on sales and net operating expenses, are recorded in other non-interest expense, while any subsequent write-
ups are recorded in non-interest income. Costs associated with maintaining property, such as utilities and maintenance, are 
charged to expense in the period in which they occur, while costs relating to the development and improvement of property 
are capitalized to the extent the balance does not exceed fair value. All OREO acquired through acquisition is recorded at 
fair value, less cost to sell, at the date of acquisition. The Company’s loss sharing agreements with the FDIC cover losses 
and expenses incurred on OREO resulting from the covered assets in the Hillcrest Bank and Community Banks of 
Colorado transactions in the same manner, and are included in the same loss thresholds for the same coverage periods, as 
the covered loans.

n)  Bank owned life insurance— The Company purchased bank-owned life insurance ("BOLI") policies on certain 
associates of the Company.  The Company is the owner and beneficiary of these policies.  The BOLI is carried at net 
realizable value with changes in net realizable value recorded in non-interest income.  

o) Securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase—The Company 
periodically enters into purchases or sales of securities under agreements to resell or repurchase as of a specified future 
date.  The securities purchased under agreements to resell are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and are 
reflected as an asset in the consolidated statements of financial condition.  The securities pledged by the counterparties are  
held by a third party custodian and valued daily.  The Company may require additional collateral to ensure full 
collateralization for these transactions.  The repurchase agreements are considered financing agreements and the obligation 
to repurchase assets sold is reflected as a liability in the consolidated statements of financial condition of the Company. The 
repurchase agreements are collateralized by debt securities that are under the control of the Company.

p) Stock-based compensation—The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, 
Compensation—Stock Compensation. The Company grants stock-based awards including stock options and restricted 
stock. Stock option grants are for a fixed number of common shares and are issued to associates and directors at exercise 
prices which are not less than the fair value of a share of stock at the date of grant. The options vest over a time period 
stated in each option agreement and may be subject to other performance vesting conditions, which require the related 
compensation expense to be recorded ratably over the requisite service period starting when such conditions become 
probable. Certain stock options contain vesting conditions that were tied to the Company’s shares becoming publicly listed 
on a national exchange. Restricted stock is granted for a fixed number of shares, the transferability of which is restricted 
until such shares become vested according to the terms in the award agreement. Restricted shares may have multiple 
vesting qualifications which can include time vesting of a set portion of the restricted shares,  performance criterion, such 
as a qualified investment transaction, market criteria that are tied to specified market conditions of the Company’s common 
stock price and/or vesting tied to the Company’s shares becoming publicly listed on a national exchange.

The fair value of awards is measured using either a Black-Scholes model or a Monte Carlo simulation model, depending on 
the vesting requirement of each grant. Compensation expense for the portion of the awards that contain a market vesting 
condition is recognized over the derived service period based on the fair value of the awards on the grant date.  
Compensation expense for the portion of the awards that contain performance and service vesting conditions is recognized 
over the requisite service period based on the fair value of the awards on the grant date.  In accordance with ASC 718, the 

91

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Company recognized compensation expense on the grants that have vesting requirements tied to the Company’s shares 
becoming listed on a national exchange subsequent to that vesting requirement being met. The amortization of stock-based 
compensation reflects any estimated forfeitures and the expense realized in subsequent periods may be adjusted to reflect 
the actual forfeitures realized. The outstanding stock options carry a maximum contractual term of 10 years and restricted 
shares carry contractual terms that range from 7-10 years, with certain awards having no defined contractual term. To the 
extent that any award is forfeited, surrendered, terminated, expires, or lapses without being exercised, the shares of stock 
subject to such award not delivered as a result thereof are again made available for awards under the Plan.

q) Warrants—The Company issued warrants to certain lead shareholders. The warrants are for a fixed number of shares 
and expire ten years from the date of issuance. If exercised, the Company must settle the warrants in its own stock. The 
exercise price and the number of warrants are subject to certain down-round provisions, whereby certain subsequent equity 
issuances at a price below the existing exercise price will result in a downward adjustment to the exercise price and an 
increase to the number of warrants, and as a result, the warrants are classified as a liability in the Company’s consolidated 
statements of financial condition. The Company is required to revalue the warrants at the end of each reporting period and 
any change in fair value is reported in the statements of operations as other non-interest expense in the period in which the 
change occurred. The fair value of the warrants is calculated using a Black-Scholes model. 

r) Income taxes—The Company and its subsidiaries file U.S. federal and certain state income tax returns on a consolidated 
basis. Additionally, the Company and its subsidiaries file separate state income tax returns with various state jurisdictions. 
The provision for income taxes includes the income tax balances of the Company and all of its subsidiaries.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for 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. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax rates in the period of change. The 
Company establishes a valuation allowance when management believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is 
more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company recognizes and measures income tax benefits based upon a two-step model: 1) a tax position must be more 
likely than not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits in order to be recognized; and 2) the benefit is measured 
as the largest dollar amount of that position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon settlement. The difference 
between the benefit recognized for a position in this model and the tax benefit claimed on a tax return is treated as an 
unrecognized tax benefit. The Company recognizes income tax related interest and penalties in other non-interest expense.

s) Income (loss) per share — The Company applies the two-class method of computing income (loss) per share as certain 
of the Company's restricted shares are entitled to non-forfeitable dividends and are therefore considered to be a class of 
participating securities.  The two-class method allocates income (loss) according to dividends declared and participation 
rights in undistributed income (loss).  Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing income (loss) allocated to 
common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted income 
(loss) per common share is computed by dividing income (loss) allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average 
common shares outstanding during the period, plus amounts representing the dilutive effect of stock options outstanding, 
certain unvested restricted shares, warrants to issue common stock, or other contracts to issue common shares (“common 
stock equivalents”). Common stock equivalents are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per common 
share in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect.    

t) Derivatives — The Company carries all derivatives on the statement of financial condition at fair value.  All derivative 
instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities depending on the rights or obligations under the contracts.  All 
gains and losses on the derivatives due to changes in fair value are recognized in earnings each period. 

The Company offers interest rate swap products to certain of its clients to manage potential changes in interest rates. Each 
contract between the Company and a client is offset with a contract between the Company and an institutional counterparty, 
thus minimizing the Company's exposure to rate changes. The Company's portfolio consists of a “matched book,” and as 
such, changes in fair value of the swap pairs will largely offset in earnings.  In accordance with applicable accounting 
guidance, if certain conditions are met, a derivative may be designated as (1) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair 
value of a recognized asset or liability, or of an unrecognized firm commitment, that are attributable to a particular risk 
(referred to as a fair value hedge) or (2) a hedge of the exposure to variability in the cash flows of a recognized asset or 
liability, or of a forecasted transaction, that is attributable to a particular risk (referred to as a cash flow hedge).  The 
Company documents all hedging relationships at the inception of each hedging relationship and uses industry accepted 

92

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

methodologies and ranges to determine the effectiveness of each hedge.  The fair value of the hedged item is calculated 
using the estimated future cash flows of the hedged item and applying discount rates equal to the market interest rate for 
the hedged item at the inception of the hedging relationship (inception benchmark interest rate plus an inception credit 
spread), adjusted for changes in the designated benchmark interest rate thereafter. 

Note 3 Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure - In January 
2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-04, “Reclassification of Residential Real Estate 
Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure.”  This update amends ASC Topic 310-40 and clarifies that an 
“in substance repossession or foreclosure” has occurred upon the creditor obtaining either legal title to the property upon 
completion of foreclosure, or the borrower conveying all interest in the property through completion of a deed in lieu of 
foreclosure.  Upon occurrence, the creditor derecognizes the loan receivable and recognizes the collateralized real estate 
property.  The amendments in the ASU will be effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after 
December 15, 2014.  Early adoption is permitted.  Adoption of this amendment can be made using either a modified 
retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method.  The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a 
material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers  - In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers."  This update supersedes revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most 
industry-specific revenue recognition guidance in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The new guidance 
stipulates that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an 
amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. 
The guidance provides specific steps that entities should apply in order to achieve this principle. The amendments are 
effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2017 and must be applied retrospectively. The Company is in 
the process of evaluating the impact of the ASU's adoption on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note 4 Investment Securities

The Company’s investment securities portfolio is comprised of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment 
securities. These investment securities totaled $2.0 billion at December 31, 2014 and $2.4 billion at December 31, 2013. 
Included in the aforementioned $2.0 billion were $1.5 billion of available-for-sale securities and $0.5 billion of held-to-
maturity securities.

Available-for-sale

Available-for-sale investment securities are summarized as follows as of the dates indicated (in thousands):

Asset backed securities

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”):

Residential mortgage pass-through securities issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or 
  sponsored enterprises

Other residential MBS issued or guaranteed by U.S. 
  Government agencies or sponsored enterprises

Other securities

Total

December 31, 2014

Amortized
cost

Gross
unrealized gains

Gross
unrealized losses

Fair value

$

— $

— $

— $

—

(43)

404,215

1,074,580

(21,718)
—

419
(21,761) $ 1,479,214

395,244

1,088,834

419

9,014

7,464

—

$ 1,484,497

$

16,478

$

93

 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Asset backed securities

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”):

Residential mortgage pass-through securities issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or 
  sponsored enterprises

Other residential MBS issued or guaranteed by U.S. 
  Government agencies or sponsored enterprises

Other securities

Total

December 31, 2013

Amortized
cost

$

4,534

Gross
unrealized gains
3
$

Gross
unrealized losses
$

— $

Fair value

4,537

490,321

7,670

(3,001)

494,990

1,320,998

419

10,764

—

$ 1,816,272

$

18,437

$

1,285,582

(46,180)
—

419
(49,181) $ 1,785,528

At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, mortgage-backed securities represented 100.0% and 99.7%, respectively, 
of the Company’s available-for-sale investment portfolio and all mortgage-backed securities were backed by government 
sponsored enterprises (“GSE”) collateral such as Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) and Federal 
National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), and the government sponsored agency Government National Mortgage 
Association (“GNMA”).

The table below summarizes the unrealized losses as of the dates shown, along with the length of the impairment period (in 
thousands):

December 31, 2014

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

Fair
value

Unrealized
losses

Fair
value

Unrealized
losses

Fair
value

Unrealized
losses

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”):

Residential mortgage pass-through 
  securities issued or guaranteed by 
  U.S. Government agencies or 
  sponsored enterprises

Other residential MBS issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government 
  agencies or sponsored enterprises

Total

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”):

Residential mortgage pass-through 
  securities issued or guaranteed by 
  U.S. Government agencies or 
  sponsored enterprises

Other residential MBS issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government 
  agencies or sponsored enterprises

Total

$

17

$

— $

89,749

$

(43) $

89,766

$

(43)

88,854

$

88,871

$

(2,053)
667,368
(2,053) $ 757,117

(19,665)

756,222
$ (19,708) $ 845,988

(21,718)
$ (21,761)

December 31, 2013

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

Fair
value

Unrealized
losses

Fair
value

Unrealized
losses

Fair
value

Unrealized
losses

$

283,177

$

(3,000) $

13

$

(1) $ 283,190

$

(3,001)

876,225

$ 1,159,402

(44,101)
$ (47,101) $

40,740

40,753

$

(2,079)
916,965
(2,080) $1,200,155

(46,180)
$ (49,181)

Management evaluated all of the available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position and concluded that no OTTI 
existed at December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013. The unrealized losses in the Company's investments issued or 
guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or sponsored enterprises at December 31, 2014 were caused by changes in 

94

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

interest rates.  The Company had no intention to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost and believes it 
will not be required to sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost. 

Certain securities are pledged as collateral for public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and to secure 
borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve Bank, if needed. The fair value of available-for-sale investment securities 
pledged as collateral totaled $274.4 million at December 31, 2014 and $177.6 million December 31, 2013. The increase in 
pledged available-for-sale investment securities was primarily attributable to an increase in average deposit account 
balances during 2014, an increase in pledged securities for derivative instruments, as well as an increase in securities 
pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank. Certain investment securities may also be pledged as collateral for the line of credit 
at the FHLB of Des Moines; however, no investment securities were pledged for this purpose at December 31, 2014 or 
December 31, 2013. 

Mortgage-backed securities do not have a single maturity date and actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities 
depending on the repayment characteristics and experience of the underlying financial instruments. The estimated weighted 
average life of the available-for-sale mortgage-backed securities portfolio was 3.5 years as of December 31, 2014 and 3.9 
years as of December 31, 2013. This estimate is based on assumptions and actual results may differ. Other securities of 
$0.4 million have no stated contractual maturity date as of December 31, 2014.

Held-to-maturity

At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company held $530.6 million and $641.9 million of held-to-maturity 
investment securities, respectively. Held-to-maturity investment securities are summarized as follows as of the dates 
indicated (in thousands):

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”):

Residential mortgage pass-through securities issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored 
  enterprises

Other residential MBS issued or guaranteed by U.S. 
  Government agencies or sponsored enterprises

Total investment securities held-to-maturity

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”):

Residential mortgage pass-through securities issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored 
  enterprises

Other residential MBS issued or guaranteed by U.S. 
  Government agencies or sponsored enterprises

Total investment securities held-to-maturity

Amortized
cost

December 31, 2014

Gross
unrealized
gains

Gross
unrealized
losses

Fair value

422,622

$

5,773

$

(72) $

428,323

107,968

217

530,590

$

5,990

$

(1,871)
(1,943) $

106,314

534,637

Amortized
cost

December 31, 2013

Gross
unrealized
gains

Gross
unrealized
losses

Fair value

513,090

$

175

$

(1,776) $

511,489

128,817

641,907

$

104

279

$

(4,005)
(5,781) $

124,916

636,405

$

$

$

$

95

 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

The table below summarizes the unrealized losses as of the dates shown, along with the length of the impairment period (in 
thousands):

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”):

Residential mortgage pass-through 
  securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. 
  Government agencies or sponsored 
  enterprises

Other residential MBS issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government 
  agencies or sponsored enterprises

Total

$

$

December 31, 2014

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

Fair
Value

Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Unrealized
Losses

— $

— $

35,139

$

(72) $

35,139

$

(72)

—

—

75,139

— $

— $ 110,278

$

(1,871)
75,139
(1,943) $ 110,278

$

(1,871)
(1,943)

December 31, 2013

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

Fair
Value

Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Unrealized
Losses

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”):

Residential mortgage pass-through 
  securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. 
  Government agencies or sponsored 
  enterprises

Other residential MBS issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government 
  agencies or sponsored enterprises

Total

$

472,973

$

(1,776) $

— $

— $ 472,973

$

(1,776)

105,124

$

578,097

$

(4,005)
(5,781) $

—

—

105,124

— $

— $ 578,097

$

(4,005)
(5,781)

Management evaluated all of the held-to-maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and concluded that no OTTI 
existed at December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013. The unrealized losses in the Company's investments issued or 
guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or sponsored enterprises at December 31, 2014 were caused by changes in 
interest rates.  The Company had no intention to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost and believes it 
will not be required to sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost. 

The carrying value of held-to-maturity investment securities pledged as collateral totaled $88.3 million and $68.5 million at 
December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  

Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities may differ from scheduled maturities depending on the repayment 
characteristics and experience of the underlying financial instruments. The estimated weighted average expected life of the 
held-to-maturity mortgage-backed securities portfolio as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was 3.4 years and 
3.8 years, respectively. This estimate is based on assumptions and actual results may differ.

Note 5 Non-marketable Securities

Non-marketable securities include Federal Reserve Bank stock and FHLB stock. At December 31, 2014, the Company held 
$19.5 million of Federal Reserve Bank stock, $7.5 million of FHLB Des Moines stock, and $0.1 million of FHLB San 
Francisco stock, for regulatory or debt facility purposes. At December 31, 2013, the Company held $25.0 million of 
Federal Reserve Bank stock, $6.4 million of FHLB Des Moines stock, and $0.3 million of FHLB San Francisco stock.

This stock is restricted and is carried at cost. There have been no identified events or changes in circumstances that may 
have an adverse effect on the investments carried at cost. Management evaluated all of the non-marketable securities and 
concluded that no OTTI existed at December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

96

 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Note 6 Loans

The loan portfolio is comprised of  loans originated by the Company and loans that were acquired in connection with the 
Company’s acquisitions of Bank of Choice and Community Banks of Colorado in 2011, and Hillcrest Bank and Bank 
Midwest in 2010. The majority of the loans acquired in the Hillcrest Bank and Community Banks of Colorado transactions 
are covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, and covered loans are presented separately from non-covered loans 
due to the FDIC loss sharing agreements associated with these loans.  Covered loans comprised 9.0% of the total loan 
portfolio at December 31, 2014, compared to 16.7% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2013.

The table below shows the loan portfolio composition including carrying value by segment of loans accounted for under 
ASC Topic 310-30 Receivables—Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality and loans not 
accounted for under this guidance, which includes our originated loans.  The table also shows the amounts covered by the 
FDIC loss sharing agreements as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  The carrying value of loans are net of 
discounts on loans excluded from Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 310-30, and fees and costs of $10.5 
million and $13.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively (in thousands):

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total

Covered

Non-covered

Total

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total

Covered

Non-covered

Total

December 31, 2014

Non 310-30 loans

Total loans

% of total

ASC 310-30 loans
22,956
$

$

19,063

192,330

40,761

4,535

279,645

160,876

118,769

279,645

$

$

$

772,440

$

118,468

369,264

591,939

30,653

795,396

137,531

561,594

632,700

35,188

$

$

$

1,882,764

32,821

1,849,943

1,882,764

$

$

$

2,162,409

193,697

1,968,712

2,162,409

36.8%

6.4%

26.0%

29.2%

1.6%

100.0%

9.0%

91.0%

100.0%

ASC 310-30 loans
61,511
$

$

27,000

291,198

63,011

8,160

450,880

259,364

191,516

450,880

$

$

$

$

$

$

December 31, 2013

Non 310-30 loans

Total loans

% of total

421,984

$

132,952

283,022

536,913

28,343

483,495

159,952

574,220

599,924

36,503

1,403,214

50,033

1,353,181

1,403,214

$

$

$

1,854,094

309,397

1,544,697

1,854,094

26.1%

8.6%

31.0%

32.3%

2.0%

100.0%

16.7%

83.3%

100.0%

Included in commercial loans are $175.5 million of energy-related loans at December 31, 2014. Energy prices declined 
significantly during 2014 and prolonged or further pricing pressure could increase stress on energy clients and ultimately 
the credit quality of this portfolio.  However, the capital and liquidity of the borrowers, as well as the loan structures, 
should protect against significant credit loss.

Loans are considered past due or delinquent when the contractual principal or interest due in accordance with the terms of 
the loan agreement remains unpaid after the due date of the scheduled payment.  During 2013, the Company determined 
that the cash flows of one covered commercial and industrial loan pool were no longer reasonably estimable, and in 
accordance with the guidance in ASC 310-30, this pool was put on non-accrual status.  During 2014, this loan pool was 
returned to accrual status due to improved performance and predictability of cash flows within that pool.  At December 31, 
2014, this loan pool had a carrying value of $2.5 million.  Interest income is recognized on all accruing loans accounted for 
under ASC 310-30 through accretion of the difference between the carrying value of the loans and the expected cash flows.  

97

 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Pooled loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 that are 90 days or more past due and still accreting are generally considered 
to be performing and are included in loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing.  Non-accrual loans include troubled 
debt restructurings on non-accrual status.  At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $10.8 million and $9.5 million, 
respectively, of loans excluded from the scope of ASC 310-30 were on non-accrual and $14.8 million of loans accounted 
for under ASC 310-30 were on non-accrual status at December 31, 2013. Loan delinquency for all loans is shown in the 
following tables at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively (in thousands):

Total Loans December 31, 2014

30-59
days  past
due

60-89
days
past
due

Greater
than 90
days past
due

Total  past
due

Current

Total
loans

Loans > 90
days past
due and
still
accruing

Non-
accrual

Loans excluded from ASC 310-30

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Construction

Acquisition/development

Multifamily

Owner-occupied

Non owner-occupied

Total commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Senior lien

Junior lien

Total residential real estate

Consumer

Total loans excluded from ASC 
  310-30

Covered loans excluded from ASC 
  310-30

Non-covered loans excluded from 
  ASC 310-30

Total loans excluded from ASC 
  310-30

Loans accounted for under ASC 
  310-30

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total loans accounted for under 
  ASC 310-30

Covered loans accounted for under 
  ASC 310-30

Non-covered loans accounted for 
  under ASC 310-30

Total loans accounted for under 
  ASC 310-30

Total loans

Covered loans

Non-covered loans

Total loans

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

83

47

—

41

—

336

158

535

378

133

511

266

$

97

—

—

—

—

78

—

78

1,403

1

1,404

21

$

318

$

498

$

771,942

$

772,440

$

215

$ 4,215

10

—

—

—

101

222

323

732

101

833

39

57

—

41

—

515

380

936

2,513

235

2,748

326

118,411

118,468

11,748

4,532

10,856

119,710

221,482

368,328

537,022

52,169

589,191

30,327

11,748

4,573

10,856

120,225

221,862

369,264

539,535

52,404

591,939

30,653

10

—

—

(1)

—

—

(1)

—

—

—

39

495

—

—

—

843

222

1,065

4,335

476

4,811

227

1,442

$ 1,600

17

$ 1,016

$

$

1,523

152

$

$

4,565

$ 1,878,199

$ 1,882,764

1,185

$

31,636

$

32,821

$

$

263

$ 10,813

75

$ 1,317

1,425

584

1,371

3,380

1,846,563

1,849,943

188

9,496

1,442

$ 1,600

$

1,523

$

4,565

$ 1,878,199

$ 1,882,764

$

263

$ 10,813

152

$

— $

1,755

$

1,907

$

21,049

$

22,956

$

1,754

$

—

564

2,014

369

—

92

3,826

—

3,099

$ 3,918

576

$ 3,892

2,523

26

3,099

$ 3,918

4,541

$ 5,518

593

$ 4,908

3,948

610

4,541

$ 5,518

$

$

$

$

$

$

367

31,013

646

54

33,835

31,239

2,596

33,835

35,358

31,391

3,967

35,358

98

$

$

$

$

$

$

367

31,669

6,486

423

18,696

160,661

34,275

4,112

19,063

192,330

40,761

4,535

40,852

35,707

$

$

238,793

125,169

$

$

279,645

160,876

5,145

113,624

118,769

40,852

$

238,793

$

279,645

45,417

$ 2,116,992

$ 2,162,409

36,892

$

156,805

$

193,697

8,525

1,960,187

1,968,712

45,417

$ 2,116,992

$ 2,162,409

$

$

$

$

$

$

367

31,013

646

54

33,834

31,238

$

$

2,596

33,834

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

34,097

$ 10,813

31,313

$ 1,317

2,784

9,496

34,097

$ 10,813

 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Total Loans December 31, 2013

30-59
days  past
due

60-89
days
past
due

Greater
than 90
days past
due

Total  past
due

Current

Total
loans

Loans > 90
days past
due and
still
accruing

Non-
accrual

Loans excluded from ASC 310-30

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Construction

Acquisition/development

Multifamily

Owner-occupied

Non owner-occupied

Total commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Senior lien

Junior lien

Total residential real estate

Consumer

Total loans excluded from ASC 
  310-30

Covered loans excluded from ASC 
  310-30

Non-covered loans excluded from 
  ASC 310-30

Total loans excluded from ASC 
  310-30

Loans accounted for under ASC 
  310-30

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total loans accounted for under 
  ASC 310-30

Covered loans accounted for under 
  ASC 310-30

Non-covered loans accounted for 
  under ASC 310-30

Total loans accounted for under 
  ASC 310-30

Total loans

Covered loans

Non-covered loans

Total loans

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

897

188

316

45

1,003

52

329

1,745

733

204

937

191

3,958

194

3,764

$

156

$

555

$

1,608

$

420,376

$

421,984

$

115

$ 1,280

7

—

—

—

7

—

7

415

—

415

21

606

60

546

$

$

$

$

—

—

—

—

21

203

224

1,062

80

1,142

23

1,944

155

195

132,757

132,952

316

45

1,003

80

532

1,976

2,210

284

2,494

235

5,023

7,975

9,681

93,367

165,000

281,046

482,381

52,038

534,419

28,108

5,339

8,020

10,684

93,447

165,532

283,022

484,591

52,322

536,913

28,343

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

14

153

—

1

1,096

692

203

1,992

5,326

519

5,845

247

$

$

6,508

$ 1,396,706

$ 1,403,214

409

$

49,624

$

50,033

$

$

129

$ 9,517

115

$ 1,944

1,789

6,099

1,347,082

1,353,181

14

7,573

3,958

$

606

$

1,944

$

6,508

$ 1,396,706

$ 1,403,214

$

129

$ 9,517

$

322

$

4,505

$

5,409

$

56,102

$

61,511

$

4,505

$ 14,827

582

714

—

1,902

5,179

977

327

977

265

4,502

$ 6,743

1,471

$ 4,949

3,031

1,794

4,502

$ 6,743

8,460

$ 7,349

1,665

$ 5,009

6,795

2,340

8,460

$ 7,349

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,010

56,309

3,771

611

25,990

234,889

59,240

7,549

27,000

291,198

63,011

8,160

296

49,227

1,817

19

—

—

—

—

$

$

$

$

$

$

67,110

48,776

$

$

383,770

210,588

$

$

450,880

259,364

18,334

173,182

191,516

67,110

$

383,770

$

450,880

73,618

$ 1,780,476

$ 1,854,094

49,185

$

260,212

$

309,397

24,433

1,520,264

1,544,697

73,618

$ 1,780,476

$ 1,854,094

$

$

$

$

$

$

55,864

$ 14,827

42,355

$ 14,827

13,509

—

55,864

$ 14,827

55,993

$ 24,344

42,470

$ 16,771

13,523

7,573

55,993

$ 24,344

296

49,228

1,817

19

55,865

42,356

13,509

55,865

57,809

42,511

15,298

57,809

99

 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Credit exposure for all loans as determined by the Company’s internal risk rating system was as follows as of 
December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively (in thousands):

Total Loans December 31, 2014

Pass

Special
mention

Substandard

Doubtful

Total

$ 742,944

$

10,166

$

19,250

$

114,642

11,748

4,573

10,856

115,178

199,817
342,172

533,630

51,059

584,689

30,426

85

—

—

—

158

17,607
17,765

23

—

23

—

28,039

171

27,868

28,039

282

30

3,770

1,403

105

3,741

—

—

—

4,889

4,430
9,319

5,744

1,345

7,089

227

39,626

11,301

28,325

39,626

11,092

2,179

101,966

10,289

789

$

$

$

$

5,590

$ 126,315

3,036

$ 103,451

2,554

22,864

5,590

$ 126,315

33,629

$ 165,941

3,207

$ 114,752

30,422

51,189

33,629

$ 165,941

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

80

—

—

—

—

—

8
8

138

—

138

—

226

109

117

226

$

772,440

118,468

11,748

4,573

10,856

120,225

221,862
369,264

539,535

52,404

591,939

30,653

$ 1,882,764

$

32,821

1,849,943

$ 1,882,764

544

$

—

3,991

—

—

22,956

19,063

192,330

40,761

4,535

4,535

4,533

$

$

279,645

160,876

2

118,769

4,535

$

279,645

4,761

$ 2,162,409

4,642

$

193,697

119

1,968,712

4,761

$ 2,162,409

Loans excluded from ASC 310-30

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Construction

Acquisition/development

Multifamily

Owner-occupied

Non owner-occupied

Total commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Senior lien

Junior lien

Total residential real estate

Consumer

Total loans excluded from ASC 310-30

Covered loans excluded from ASC 310-30

$ 1,814,873

$

21,240

Non-covered loans excluded from ASC 310-30

1,793,633

Total loans excluded from ASC 310-30

$ 1,814,873

Loans accounted for under ASC 310-30

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

$

11,038

16,854

82,603

29,069

3,641

Total loans accounted for under ASC 310-30

$ 143,205

Covered loans accounted for under ASC 310-30

$

49,856

Non-covered loans accounted for under ASC 
  310-30

93,349

Total loans accounted for under ASC 310-30

$ 143,205

Total loans

Total covered

Total non-covered

Total loans

$ 1,958,078

$

71,096

1,886,982

$ 1,958,078

100

 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Total Loans December 31, 2013

Pass

Special
mention

Substandard

Doubtful

Total

$ 374,281

$

9,882

$

37,414

$

407

$

421,984

123,216

9,049

687

5,339

1,366

9,588

87,984

142,159

246,436

475,041

49,874

524,915

28,092

—

2,247

—

169

18,536

20,952

1,495

200

1,695

—

41,578

3,439

38,139

41,578

3,221

1,117

12,493

1,098

244

—

4,407

1,068

5,294

4,837

15,606

7,620

2,248

9,868

251

63,826

24,005

39,821

63,826

34,440

3,983

157,748

18,009

995

$

$

$

$

18,173

$ 215,175

8,498

$ 145,041

9,675

70,134

18,173

$ 215,175

59,751

$ 279,001

11,937

$ 169,046

47,814

109,955

59,751

$ 279,001

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

—

—

—

28

—

—

28

435

—

435

—

870

414

456

870

132,952

5,339

8,020

10,684

93,447

165,532

283,022

484,591

52,322

536,913

28,343

$ 1,403,214

$

50,033

1,353,181

$ 1,403,214

721

$

—

5,054

—

—

61,511

27,000

291,198

63,011

8,160

5,775

5,775

$

$

450,880

259,364

—

191,516

5,775

$

450,880

6,645

$ 1,854,094

6,189

$

309,397

456

1,544,697

6,645

$ 1,854,094

Loans excluded from ASC 310-30

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Construction

Acquisition/development

Multifamily

Owner-occupied

Non owner-occupied

Total commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Senior lien

Junior lien

Total residential real estate

Consumer

Total loans excluded from ASC 310-30

Covered loans excluded from ASC 310-30

$ 1,296,940

$

22,175

Non-covered loans excluded from ASC 310-30

1,274,765

Total loans excluded from ASC 310-30

$ 1,296,940

Loans accounted for under ASC 310-30

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

$

23,129

21,900

115,903

43,904

6,921

Total loans accounted for under ASC 310-30

$ 211,757

Covered loans accounted for under ASC 310-30

$ 100,050

Non-covered loans accounted for under ASC 
  310-30

111,707

Total loans accounted for under ASC 310-30

$ 211,757

Total loans

Total covered

Total non-covered

Total loans

$ 1,508,697

$ 122,225

1,386,472

$ 1,508,697

101

 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Impaired Loans

Loans are considered to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due in 
accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are comprised of loans excluded from ASC 
310-30 on non-accrual status and troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) described below. If a specific allowance is 
warranted based on the borrower’s overall financial condition, the specific allowance is calculated based on discounted 
cash flows using the loan’s initial contractual effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral less selling costs for 
collateral dependent loans. At December 31, 2014, the Company measured $15.1 million of impaired loans using 
discounted cash flows and the loan’s initial contractual effective interest rate and $8.1 million of impaired loans based on 
the fair value of the collateral less selling costs.  Impaired loans totaling $8.9 million that individually were less than $250 
thousand each, were measured through our general ALL reserves due to their relatively small size. 

At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s recorded investments in impaired loans was $32.1 million 
and $21.6 million, respectively, of which $11.1 million and $7.7 million were covered by loss sharing agreements, for the 
aforementioned periods.  The increase in impaired loans was primarily in the commercial loan segment, and largely the 
result of two relationships, the first of which totaled $3.6 million and was fully secured and current as to principal and 
interest payments as of December 31, 2014.  The second relationship totaled $7.9 million, is covered by loss-share and is 
also current as to principal and interest payments as of December 31, 2014.  Impaired loans had a collective related 
allowance for loan losses allocated to them of $0.3 million and $0.9 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 
respectively. Additional information regarding impaired loans at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is set forth in 
the table below (in thousands):

102

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Impaired Loans

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Allowance
for loan
losses
allocated

Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Allowance
for loan
losses
allocated

$ 16,953

$

16,771

$

— $

4,981

$

4,981

$

3,065

3,061

With no related allowance recorded:

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Construction

Acquisition/development

Multifamily

Owner-occupied
Non-owner occupied

Total commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Senior lien

Junior lien

Total residential real estate

Consumer

Total impaired loans with no related 
  allowance recorded

$ 21,876

With a related allowance recorded:

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Construction

Acquisition/development

Multifamily

Owner-occupied

Non-owner occupied

Total commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Senior lien

Junior lien

Total residential real estate

Consumer

$

894

177

—

—

—

1,321

1,140

2,461

7,360

1,768

9,128

277

—

—

—

1,164
—

1,164

694

—

694

—

$

$

$

$

—

—

—

970
—

970

248

—

248

—

21,050

693

145

—

—

—

1,024

1,060

2,084

6,359

1,515

7,874

245

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

987

1,872
561

3,420

506

—

506

—

— $

8,907

$

2,529

191

—

—

178

825

640

—

—

—

929

1,655
488

3,072

494

—

494

—

$

$

$

$

8,547

2,379

173

—

1

168

607

628

1,643

1,404

8,147

1,815

9,962

290

7,266

1,605

8,871

273

$ 14,615

$ 23,522

$

$

13,100

21,647

$

$

82

—

—

—

—

5

9

14

172

9

181

2

279

279

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

416

1

—

—

28

4

4

36

474

16

490

3

946

946

Total impaired loans with a related 
  allowance recorded

Total impaired loans

$ 12,937

$ 34,813

$

$

11,041

32,091

$

$

103

 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

The table below shows additional information regarding the average recorded investment and interest income recognized 
on impaired loans for the periods presented (in thousands):

For the years ended

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
income
recognized

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
income
recognized

With no related allowance recorded:

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Construction

Acquisition/development

Multifamily

Owner-occupied

Non-owner occupied

Total commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Senior lien

Junior lien

Total residential real estate

Consumer

Total impaired loans with no related 
  allowance recorded

With a related allowance recorded:

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Construction

Acquisition/development

Multifamily

Owner-occupied

Non-owner occupied

Total commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Senior lien

Junior lien

Total residential real estate

Consumer

Total impaired loans with a related 
  allowance recorded

Total impaired loans

414

126

—

—

—

51

—

51

7

—

7

—

598

7

—

—

—

—

40

56

96

101

60

161

1

265

863

$

5,722

$

—

—

—

947

1,914

513

3,374

497

—

497

—

9,593

2,830

210

—

1

182

651

634

1,468

7,455

1,649

9,104

297

$

$

$

$

$

$

13,909

23,502

$

$

355

—

—

—

—

136

33

169

5

—

5

—

529

90

—

—

—

—

14

28

42

110

54

164

2

298

827

$

21,827

$

3,458

—

—

—

1,018

—

1,018

605

—

605

—

26,908

893

158

—

—

—

1,166

1,095

2,261

6,594

1,568

8,162

265

$

$

$

$

$

$

11,739

38,647

$

$

104

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Troubled debt restructurings

It is the Company’s policy to review each prospective credit in order to determine the appropriateness and the adequacy of 
security or collateral prior to making a loan. In the event of borrower default, the Company seeks recovery in compliance 
with lending laws, the respective loan agreements, and credit monitoring and remediation procedures that may include 
restructuring a loan to provide a concession by the Company to the borrower from their original terms due to borrower 
financial difficulties in order to facilitate repayment. Additionally, if a borrower’s repayment obligation has been 
discharged by a court, and that debt has not been reaffirmed by the borrower, regardless of past due status, the loan is 
considered to be a TDR.  At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $19.3 million and $11.6 
million, respectively, of accruing TDRs that had been restructured from the original terms in order to facilitate repayment. 
Of these, $9.8 million and $5.7 million, respectively, were covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements.

Non-accruing TDRs at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 totaled $7.0 million and $3.6 million, respectively. Of 
these, $1.2 million and $1.7 million were covered by the FDIC loss sharing agreements as of December 31, 2014 and 
December 31, 2013, respectively. 

During 2014, the Company restructured 15 loans with a recorded investment of $15.0 million to facilitate repayment. 
Substantially all of the loan modifications were an extension of term.  Loan modifications to loans accounted for under 
ASC 310-30 are not considered TDRs.  The table below provides additional information related to accruing TDRs at 
December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total

Accruing TDRs

December 31, 2014

Recorded
investment

Average
year-to-
date
recorded
investment

Unpaid
principal
balance

Unfunded
commitments
to fund
TDRs

$

13,249

$

12,496

$

13,249

$

2,711

610

2,687

18

3,110

627

2,767

20

2,715

622

2,714

18

$

19,275

$

19,020

$

19,318

$

375

—

—

2

—

377

Accruing TDRs

December 31, 2013

Recorded
investment

Average
year-to-
date
recorded
investment

Unpaid
principal
balance

Unfunded
commitments
to fund
TDRs

$

6,079

$

7,113

$

6,084

$

20

2,484

2,995

27

20

2,759

3,055

30

20

2,743

3,023

27

$

11,605

$

12,977

$

11,897

$

144

—

—

12

12

168

105

 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

The following table summarizes the Company’s carrying value of non-accrual TDRs as of  December 31, 2014 and 
December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

Commercial

Agriculture

Commercial real estate

Residential real estate

Consumer

Total

Non - Accruing TDRs

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

Covered

Non-covered

Covered

Non-covered

$

$

1

$

3,993

$

— $

201

94

910

—

164

364

1,056

190

—

296

1,377

—

1,206

$

5,767

$

1,673

$

535

—

98

1,031

237

1,901

Accrual of interest is resumed on loans that were on non-accrual only after the loan has performed sufficiently. The 
Company had two TDRs that were modified within the past 12 months and had defaulted on their restructured terms.  The 
defaulted TDRs consisted of a commercial loan and a consumer loan totaling $112 thousand.  

During 2013, the Company had two TDRs that had been modified within the past 12 months that defaulted on its 
restructured terms.  The defaulted TDRs were a consumer loan and a residential real estate loan totaling $51 thousand.  For 
purposes of this disclosure, the Company considers “default” to mean 90 days or more past due on principal or interest.

Loans accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30 

Loan pools accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30 are periodically remeasured to determine expected future cash flows. In 
determining the expected cash flows, the timing of cash flows and prepayment assumptions for smaller homogeneous loans 
are based on statistical models that take into account factors such as the loan interest rate, credit profile of the borrowers, 
the years in which the loans were originated, and whether the loans are fixed or variable rate loans. Prepayments may be 
assumed on large loans if circumstances specific to that loan warrant a prepayment assumption. No prepayments were 
presumed for small homogeneous commercial loans; however, prepayment assumptions are made that consider similar 
prepayment factors listed above for smaller homogeneous loans. The re-measurement of loans accounted for under ASC 
310-30 resulted in the following changes in the carrying amount of accretable yield during 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

Accretable yield beginning balance

Reclassification from non-accretable difference

Reclassification to non-accretable difference
Accretion

Accretable yield ending balance

December 31,
2014

December 31,
2013

$

130,624

$

47,252
(3,572)
(60,841)
113,463

$

$

133,585

80,694
(6,994)
(76,661)
130,624

Below is the composition of the net book value for loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 at December 31, 2014 and 
December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

Contractual cash flows

Non-accretable difference

Accretable yield

Loans accounted for under ASC 310-30

December 31,
2014

December 31,
2013

$

$

751,932
(358,824)
(113,463)
279,645

$

$

984,019
(402,515)
(130,624)
450,880

106

 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Note 7 Allowance for Loan Losses

The tables below detail the Company’s allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) and recorded investment in loans as of and for 
the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

Beginning balance

Non 310-30 beginning balance

Charge-offs

Recoveries

Provision (recoupment)

Non 310-30 ending balance
ASC 310-30 beginning balance

Charge-offs

Recoveries

Provision (recoupment)

ASC 310-30 ending balance

Ending balance

Ending allowance balance 
  attributable to:

Non 310-30 loans individually 
  evaluated for impairment

Non 310-30 loans collectively 
  evaluated for impairment

ASC 310-30 loans

Commercial
4,258
$

Agriculture
1,237
$

Year ended December 31, 2014

Commercial
real estate

Residential
real estate

Consumer

$

2,276

$

4,259

$

491

$

4,029

(507)

315

4,761

8,598
229

(3)

—

(226)

—

572

—

8
(39)
541
665

—

—
(197)
468

1,984

—

146

1,467

3,597
292

—

—
(70)
222

4,165
(739)
212

105

3,743
94

—

—
(66)
28

491
(783)
270

435

413
—
(36)
—

39

3

Total
12,521

11,241
(2,029)
951

6,729

16,892
1,280
(39)
—
(520)
721

$

8,598

$

1,009

$

3,819

$

3,771

$

416

$

17,613

$

82

$

— $

14

$

181

$

2

$

279

8,516

—

541

468

3,583

222

3,562

28

411

3

16,613

721

Total ending allowance balance

$

8,598

$

1,009

$

3,819

$

3,771

$

416

$

17,613

Loans:

Non 310-30 individually evaluated 
  for impairment

Non 310-30 collectively evaluated 
  for impairment

ASC 310-30 loans

Total loans

$

17,468

$

3,206

$

3,054

$

8,133

$

245

$

32,106

754,972

22,956

115,262

19,063

366,210

192,330

583,806

40,761

30,408

1,850,658

4,535

279,645

$ 795,396

$ 137,531

$

561,594

$ 632,700

$

35,188

$ 2,162,409

107

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Beginning balance

Non 310-30 beginning balance

Charge-offs

Recoveries

Provision (recoupment)

Non 310-30 ending balance

ASC 310-30 beginning balance

Charge-offs

Recoveries

Provision (recoupment)

ASC 310-30 ending balance

Ending balance

Ending allowance balance
attributable to:

Non 310-30 loans individually 
  evaluated for impairment

Non 310-30 loans collectively 
  evaluated for impairment

ASC 310-30 loans

Total ending allowance balance

Loans:

Non 310-30 individually evaluated 
  for impairment

Non 310-30 collectively evaluated 
  for impairment

ASC 310-30 loans

Total loans

$

$

$

$

Commercial
2,798
$

Agriculture
592
$

Year ended December 31, 2013

Commercial
real estate

Residential
real estate

Consumer

$

7,396

$

4,011

$

583

$

2,798

(1,654)

203

2,682

4,029

—

(496)

—

725

323

—

13

236

572

269
(221)
—

617

229
4,258

$

665
1,237

$

3,056
(943)
567
(696)
1,984

4,340
(2,801)
—
(1,247)
292
2,276

4,011
(882)
397

639

4,165

—
(623)
—

717

94
4,259

$

$

540
(1,001)
286

666

491

43

—

—
(43)
—
491

$

Total
15,380

10,728
(4,480)
1,466

3,527

11,241

4,652
(4,141)
—

769

1,280
12,521

416

$

1

$

36

$

490

$

3

$

946

3,613

229

571

665

1,948

292

3,675

94

488

—

10,295

1,280

4,258

$

1,237

$

2,276

$

4,259

$

491

$

12,521

7,360

$

173

$

4,476

$

9,365

$

273

$

21,647

414,624

61,511

132,779

27,000

278,546

291,198

527,548

63,011

28,070

1,381,567

8,160

450,880

$ 483,495

$ 159,952

$

574,220

$ 599,924

$

36,503

$ 1,854,094

In evaluating the loan portfolio for an appropriate ALL level, non-impaired loans that were not accounted for under ASC 
310-30 were grouped into segments based on broad characteristics such as primary use and underlying collateral. Within 
the segments, the portfolio was further disaggregated into classes of loans with similar attributes and risk characteristics for 
purposes of applying loss ratios and determining applicable subjective adjustments to the ALL. The application of 
subjective adjustments was based upon qualitative risk factors, including economic trends and conditions, industry 
conditions, asset quality, loss trends, lending management, portfolio growth and loan review/internal audit results. 

The Company had $1.1 million net charge-offs of non 310-30 loans during 2014.  Strong credit quality trends of the non 
310-30 loan portfolio continued during 2014, and, through management's evaluation, resulted in a provision for loan losses 
on the non 310-30 loans of $6.7 million during 2014.  

During 2014, the Company remeasured the expected cash flows of the loan pools accounted for under ASC 310-30 
utilizing the same cash flow methodology used at the time of acquisition. The re-measurement resulted in net recoupment 
of impairment of $520 thousand for 2014, which was comprised primarily of recoupment of previous valuation allowances 
of $197 thousand in the agriculture segment and $226 thousand in the commercial segment. 

The Company charged off $3.0 million, net of recoveries, of non ASC 310-30 loans during 2013.  The Company had 
previously provided specific reserves for $1.7 million of the net charge-offs realized during 2013.  Improvements in credit 
quality trends of the non 310-30 portfolio were seen in both past due and non-performing loans during 2013, and through 
management's evaluation, resulted in a provision for loan losses on non 310-30 loans of $3.5 million. 

108

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

During 2013, the Company remeasured the expected cash flows of the loans pools accounted for under ASC 310-30 
utilizing the same cash flow methodology used at the time of acquisition.  The re-measurement resulted in a net impairment 
of  $0.8 million for 2013.  During 2013, the re-measurements resulted in a reversal of previous valuation allowances of 
$1.2 million  in the commercial real estate segment and net impairments of  $0.7 million, $0.6 million and $0.7 million in 
the residential real estate, agriculture, and commercial segments, respectively.

Note 8 FDIC Indemnification Asset

Under the terms of the purchase and assumption agreements with the FDIC with regard to the Hillcrest Bank and 
Community Banks of Colorado acquisitions, the Company is reimbursed for a portion of the losses incurred on covered 
assets. Covered assets may be resolved through repayment, short sale of the underlying collateral, the foreclosure on and 
sale of collateral, or the sale or charge-off of loans or OREO.  Any gains or losses realized from the resolution of covered 
assets reduce or increase, respectively, the amount recoverable from the FDIC.  Covered gains or losses that are incurred in 
excess of the expected reimbursements (which are reflected in the FDIC indemnification asset balance), are recognized in 
the consolidated statements of operations as FDIC loss sharing income in the period in which they occur. 

Below is a summary of the activity related to the FDIC indemnification asset during 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

Balance at beginning of period
Amortization
FDIC portion of charge-offs exceeding fair value marks
Changes for FDIC loss share submissions

Balance at end of period

For the years ended December 31,

2014

2013

$

$

64,447
(27,741)
332
2,044
39,082

$

$

86,923
(18,960)
14,089
(17,605)
64,447

The $27.7 million of amortization of the FDIC indemnification asset recognized during 2014 resulted from an overall 
increase in actual and expected cash flows of the underlying covered assets, resulting in lower expected reimbursements 
from the FDIC. The increase in overall expected cash flows from these underlying assets is reflected in increased accretion 
rates on covered loans and is being recognized over the expected remaining lives of the underlying covered loans as an 
adjustment to yield.  The loss claims filed with the FDIC are subject to review and approval, including extensive audits by 
the FDIC or its assigned agents for compliance with the terms in the loss sharing agreements. During 2014, the Company 
paid a net $2.0 million to the FDIC.  

During 2013, the Company recognized $19.0 million of amortization on the FDIC indemnification asset, and further 
reduced the carrying value of the FDIC indemnification asset by $17.6 million as a result of claims filed with the FDIC.  
During 2013, the Company received $77.0 million in payments from the FDIC.

Note 9 Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

Land
Buildings and improvements
Equipment

Total

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

Premises and equipment, net

December 31, 2014
30,106
$
69,046
37,732
136,884
(30,543)
106,341

$

December 31, 2013
29,238
$
69,446
36,692
135,376
(20,157)
115,219

$

The Company incurred $10.6 million, $10.5 million, and $7.1 million of depreciation expense during 2014, 2013, and 
2012, respectively, which is included in occupancy and equipment expense.  The Company disposed of $1.0 million, $3.4 
million, and $0.1 million of premises and equipment, net, during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  See note 25 for more 
information on the Company's banking center closures in 2013.

109

 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Space in certain facilities is leased under operating leases. Below is a summary of future minimum lease payments for the 
years following 2014 (in thousands):

2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total

$

$

3,656
3,400
2,760
2,254
1,919
13,804
27,793

Note 10 Other Real Estate Owned

A summary of the activity in the OREO balances during 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):

Beginning balance

Transfers from loan portfolio, at fair value

Impairments

Sales

Gain on sale of OREO, net

Ending balance

For the years ended December 31,

2014

2013

$

$

70,125

$

4,491
(2,103)
(56,519)
13,126

29,120

$

94,808

39,973
(10,349)
(61,260)
6,953

70,125

Of the $29.1 million of OREO at December 31, 2014, $18.5 million, or 63.4%, was covered by loss sharing agreements 
with the FDIC. At December 31, 2013, $38.8 million, or 55.4%, of the $70.1 million of OREO was covered by loss sharing 
agreements. Any losses on these assets are substantially offset by a corresponding change in the FDIC indemnification 
asset. 

The OREO balance at December 31, 2013 includes the interests of several outside participating banks totaling $4.2 million, 
for which an offsetting liability is recorded in other liabilities.  At December 31, 2014, the Company did not own property 
that contained the interest of outside participating banks.  The OREO balances exclude $8.1 million and $10.6 million at 
December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, of the Company’s minority interests in OREO which are held by 
outside banks where the Company was not the lead bank and does not have a controlling interest. The Company maintains 
a receivable in other assets for these minority interests. 

Note 11 Goodwill and Intangible Assets

In connection with the Hillcrest Bank, Bank Midwest, Bank of Choice, and Community Banks of Colorado transactions, 
the Company recorded core deposit intangible assets of $5.8 million, $21.7 million, $5.2 million, and $4.8 million, 
respectively. The Company is amortizing the core deposit intangibles on a straight line basis over 7 years from the date of 
the respective acquisitions, which represents the expected useful life of the assets. This is expected to result in 
approximately $5.3 million of core deposit intangible amortization expense each year through 2017 and $1.0 million in 
2018. The Company recognized core deposit intangible amortization expense of $5.3 million in each of 2014, 2013, and 
2012.  The accumulated amortization of the core deposit intangible assets was $20.4 million and $15.0 million at  
December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

The Company had goodwill of $59.6 million at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.  The goodwill is measured as the 
excess of the fair value of consideration paid over the fair value of assets acquired. No goodwill impairment was recorded 
during 2014, 2013, or 2012.

Note 12 Deposits

Total deposits were $3.8 billion at both December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  Time deposits decreased from $1.5 
billion at December 31, 2013 to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2014.  The following table summarizes the Company’s time 

110

 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

deposits, based upon contractual maturity, at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, by remaining maturity (in 
thousands):

Three months or less
Over 3 months through 6 months
Over 6 months through 12 months
Over 12 months through 24 months
Over 24 months through 36 months
Over 36 months through 48 months
Over 48 months through 60 months
Thereafter

Total time deposits

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

Balance

256,091
255,301
423,329
321,073
63,806
24,467
7,748
5,236
1,357,051

$

$

Weighted
Average
Rate

0.46% $
0.56%
0.71%
0.89%
1.05%
1.24%
1.22%
1.47%
0.71% $

Balance

361,454
258,715
402,791
365,100
63,290
21,362
17,519
5,456
1,495,687

Weighted
Average
Rate

0.55%
0.49%
0.54%
0.92%
1.46%
1.35%
1.29%
1.62%
0.69%

The Company incurred interest expense on deposits as follows during the periods indicated (in thousands):

Interest bearing demand deposits

Money market accounts

Savings accounts

Time deposits

Total

For the years ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

$

$

317

$

620

$

3,467

539

9,797

3,424

227

12,122

14,120

$

16,393

$

1,230

3,969

283

23,643

29,125

The Federal Reserve System requires cash balances to be maintained at the Federal Reserve Bank based on certain deposit 
levels.  The minimum reserve requirement for the Bank at December 31, 2014 was $24.9 million.  

Note 13 Borrowings

The following table sets forth selected information regarding repurchase agreements during 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in 
thousands):

As of and for the year ended December 31,
2013

2012

2014

Maximum amount of outstanding agreements at any month 
  end during the period

Average amount outstanding during the period

Weighted average interest rate for the period

$

$

133,552

99,057

$

$

0.13%

122,879

84,355

$

$

0.14%

74,050

52,385

0.18%

As of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company had pledged mortgage-backed securities with a fair value of 
approximately $152.4 million, $119.1 million, and $90.9 million, respectively, for securities sold under agreements to 
repurchase. Additionally, there was $18.8 million, $19.5 million, and $37.2 million of excess collateral pledged for 
repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

The vast majority of the Company’s repurchase agreements are overnight transactions with clients that mature the day after 
the transaction. During 2014, 2013, and 2012, the overnight agreements had a weighted average interest rate of 0.13%, 
0.14%, and 0.18%, respectively. At December 31, 2014, none of the Company’s repurchase agreements were for periods 
longer than one day.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $20.0 million and $20 thousand, respectively, of the Company’s 
repurchase agreements were for periods longer than one day.  The repurchase agreements are subject to a master netting 
arrangement; however, the Company has not offset any of the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements. 

111

 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

As a member of the Des Moines FHLB, the Bank has access to term financing from the FHLB.  These borrowing are 
secured under an advance, pledge and securities agreement, which includes primarily real estate loans.  Total advances at 
December 31, 2014 were $40.0 million.  All of the outstanding advances have fixed interest rates.  At December 31, 2013, 
the Company had no FHLB advances.  More information about FHLB advances at December 31, 2014 is detailed in the 
table below (dollars in thousands):

Maturity Year

December 31, 2014 balance

Rate

2016

2018

2020

$

$

$

15,000

10,000

15,000

0.84%

1.81%

2.33%

Note 14 Regulatory Capital

The Company and its subsidiary bank are subject to the regulatory capital adequacy requirements of the Federal Reserve 
Board, the FDIC and the OCC, as applicable. Failure to meet the minimum capital requirements can initiate certain 
mandatory and possibly further discretionary actions by regulators that could have a material adverse effect. Under capital 
adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, banks must meet specific capital 
requirements that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under 
regulatory accounting practices.

Capital amounts and classifications are subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-
weightings and other factors. Through these judgments, assets are risk-weighted according to the perceived risk they pose 
to capital on a scale of 0% to 100%, with 100% risk-weighted assets signifying higher risk assets that warrant higher levels 
of capital. While many non-covered assets (particularly loans and OREO) typically fall in to 50% or 100% risk-weighted 
classifications, covered assets are all considered to be 20% risk-weighted for risk-based capital calculations.

Typically, banks are required to maintain a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.00%, a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.00% 
and a tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.00% in order to meet minimum, adequately capitalized regulatory requirements. To be 
considered well-capitalized (under prompt corrective action provisions), banks must maintain minimum capital ratios of 
6.00% for tier 1 risk-based capital, 10.00% for total risk-based capital and 5.00% for the tier 1 leverage ratio. Effective 
January 2015, the minimum capital ratio of 6.00% for tier 1 risk-based capital will increase to 8.00%.  In connection with 
the approval of the de novo charter for NBH Bank, the Company agreed to maintain capital levels of at least 10.00% tier 1 
leverage ratio, 11.00% tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and 12.00% total risk-based capital ratio at our subsidiary bank.  In 
October 2013, NBH Bank received approval and a waiver from the OCC under the OCC Operating Agreement to 
permanently reduce the bank's capital by $313.00 million.  As a result, the bank paid a $313.00 million cash dividend to the 
Company.  

112

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, NBH Bank and the consolidated holding company exceeded all capital 
ratio requirements under prompt corrective action or other regulatory requirements, as is detailed in the table below (in 
thousands):

December 31, 2014

Required to be
considered well
capitalized (1)

Required to be
considered
adequately
capitalized

Actual

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Amount

15.0% $

712,222

12.1%

573,934

N/A

N/A

10% $

473,478

4% $

190,148

4%

189,391

28.9% $

712,222

23.5%

573,934

6% $

147,796

11%

268,855

4% $

4%

98,530

97,766

29.6% $

730,086

24.2%

591,799

10% $

246,326

12%

293,297

8% $

197,061

8%

195,531

December 31, 2013

Required to be
considered well
capitalized (1)

Required to be
considered
adequately
capitalized

Actual

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Amount

16.6% $
11.3%

822,688
556,876

N/A
10% $

N/A
491,294

4% $
4%

197,906
196,518

38.9% $
26.6%

822,688
556,876

6% $
11%

126,865
230,334

4% $
4%

84,577
83,758

39.5% $
27.2%

835,810
569,998

10% $
12%

211,442
251,273

8% $
8%

169,153
167,515

Tier 1 leverage ratio

Consolidated

NBH Bank, N.A.

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (2)

Consolidated

NBH Bank, N.A.

Total risk-based capital ratio (2)

Consolidated

NBH Bank, N.A.

Tier 1 leverage ratio

Consolidated
NBH Bank, N.A.

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (2)

Consolidated
NBH Bank, N.A.

Total risk-based capital ratio (2)

Consolidated
NBH Bank, N.A.

(1)  These ratio requirements for NBH Bank are reflective of the agreements NBH Bank has made with its regulators in 

connection with the approval of its de novo charter.

(2)  Due to the conditional guarantee represented by the loss sharing agreements, the FDIC indemnification asset and 

covered assets are risk-weighted at 20% for purposes of risk-based capital computations.

Note 15 FDIC Loss Sharing (Expense) Income 

In connection with the loss sharing agreements that the Company has with the FDIC with regard to the Hillcrest Bank and 
Community Banks of Colorado transactions, the Company recognizes the actual reimbursement of costs of resolution of 
covered assets from the FDIC through the statements of operations. The table below provides additional details of the 

113

 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Company’s FDIC loss sharing (expense) income during 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands):

Clawback liability amortization

Clawback liability remeasurement

Reimbursement to FDIC for gain on sale of and income from 
  covered OREO

Reimbursement to FDIC for recoveries

FDIC reimbursement of covered asset resolution costs

Total

Note 16 Stock-based Compensation and Benefits

For the years ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

$

$

(1,364) $
(2,509)

(10,053)
(193)
5,257
(8,862) $

(1,259) $
65

(5,235)
(87)
9,327

2,811

$

(1,377)
100

(3,457)
(3)
16,806

12,069

The Company provides stock-based compensation in accordance with shareholder-approved plans.  During the second 
quarter of 2014, shareholders approved the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2014 Plan").  The 2014 Plan replaces the 
NBH Holdings Corp. 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Prior Plan"), pursuant to which the Company granted equity awards 
prior to the approval of the 2014 Plan.  Pursuant to the 2014 Plan, the compensation committee of the board of directors 
has the authority to grant, from time to time, awards of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock 
units, performance units, other stock-based awards, or any combination thereof to eligible persons. 

The aggregate number of  Class A common stock available for issuance under the 2014 Plan is 5,129,670 shares. Any 
shares that are subject to stock options or stock appreciation rights under the 2014 Plan will be counted against the amount 
available for issuance as one share for every one share granted, and any shares that are subject to awards under the 2014 
Plan other than stock options or stock appreciation rights will be counted against the amount available for issuance as 3.25 
shares for every  one share granted. The 2014 Plan provides for recycling of shares from both the Prior Plan and the 2014 
Plan, the terms of which are further described in the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of 
Shareholders. 

To date, the Company has issued stock options and restricted stock under the plans. The compensation committee sets the 
option exercise price at the time of grant, but in no case is the exercise price less than the fair market value of a share of 
stock at the date of grant. 

The Company issued stock options and restricted stock during 2014, 2013, and 2012. The expense associated with the 
awarded stock options was measured at fair value using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  Restricted stock with time-
based vesting was valued at the fair value of the shares on the date of grant since they are assumed to be held beyond the 
vesting period. Restricted stock awards with market vesting components (granted in 2012) were valued using a Monte 
Carlo Simulation with 100,000 simulation paths to assess the expected percentage of vested shares. A Geometric Brownian 
Motion was used for simulating the equity prices for a period of 10 years and if the restricted stock were not vested during 
the 10-year period, it was assumed they were forfeited.

The option awards vest on a graded basis over 1-4 years of continuous service and have 7-10  year contractual terms.  
Below are the weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine fair value of the 
Company’s stock options granted in 2014:

Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility
Expected term (years)
Dividend yield

Black-Scholes

2.02%
33.94%
6.01
1.06%

Prior to September 20, 2012, the Company’s shares were not publicly traded and had limited private trading. As a private 
entity, volatility was estimated using the calculated value method, whereby the expected volatility was calculated based on 
the median historical volatility of 17 comparable companies that were publicly traded, for a period commensurate with the 
expected term of the options. Upon becoming a publicly traded entity, the Company was subject to a change in accounting 
policy under the provisions of ASC Topic 718 Compensation-Stock Compensation, whereby expected volatility of grants, 

114

 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

modifications, repurchases or cancellations that occur subsequent to the Company becoming a publicly traded entity were 
calculated using a time-based weighted migration of the Company’s own stock price volatility coupled with those of the 
peer group. The weighting will become increasingly dependent on the Company’s own stock-price volatility as time passes, 
until such time that the Company’s stock has a historical volatility equal in length to that of the expected term of the awards 
being measured. For awards granted after the Company became a publicly traded entity, expected volatility was calculated 
using a time-based weighted migration of the Company’s own stock price volatility coupled with those of a peer group of 
eight comparable publicly traded companies for a period commensurate with the expected term of the options. The risk-
free rate for the expected term of the options was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the date of grant and based on 
the expected term. The expected term was estimated to be the average of the contractual vesting term and time to 
expiration.  The dividend yield was assumed to be zero for grants made prior to the initial public offering and for 
subsequent grants was assumed to be $0.05  per share per quarter in accordance with the Company’s dividend policy at the 
time of grant.

During 2014, the Company granted 114,668 options.  The options are time-vesting with 1/3 vesting on each of the first, 
second, and third anniversary of the date of grant or date of hire. 

The Company issued stock options and restricted stock in accordance with the plans during 2014. The following table 
summarizes stock option activity for 2014: 

Outstanding at December 31, 2013

Granted

Forfeited

Surrendered

Exercised

Expired

Outstanding at December 31, 2014

Options fully vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014

Options expected to vest

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

19.92

18.93

18.15

20.00

20.00

20.00

19.90

19.99

19.09

Options
3,515,486

114,668
(19,460)
(9,705)
(295)
(3,583)
3,597,111

3,254,331

331,176

$

$

$

$

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term in
Years

6.13

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
$ 5,183,567

4.46

4.04

8.18

$

$

$

223,211

—

191,914

Options granted during 2014, 2013, and 2012 had weighted average grant date fair values of $6.08, $5.56, and $8.43.  The 
following table summarizes information about the Company's outstanding stock options at December 31, 2014:

Options outstanding

Options vested

Exercise price

18.09

18.23

18.92

19.39

19.56

20.00

20.48

20.54

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Number outstanding
101,700

30,000

109,300

520

1,168

3,325,222

2,801

26,400

Weighted average
remaining contractual
life (years)

Weighted average
exercise price

Number vested

Weighted average
exercise price

8.25

7.55

9.42

9.85

9.36

$

$

$

$

$

4.11 $

8.85

8.60

$

$

18.09

18.23

18.92

19.39

19.56

20.00

20.48

20.54

— $

15,000

$

— $

— $

— $

—

18.23

—

—

—

3,239,331

$

20.00

— $

— $

—

—

Stock option expense is included in salaries and benefits in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and 
totaled $1.2 million,  $2.2 million, and $6.7 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2014, there 

115

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

was $0.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under the plans. The 
cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.6 years.

Expense related to non-vested restricted stock totaled $2.3 million, $2.7 million, and $6.3 million during 2014, 2013, and 
2012,  respectively, and is included in salaries and benefits in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. As of 
December 31, 2014, there was $2.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted shares 
granted under the plans, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.9 years.  The following 
table summarizes restricted stock activity for 2014:

Unvested at December 31, 2013

Vested

Granted

Forfeited

Surrendered

Unvested at December 31, 2014

Note 17 Warrants

Total
Restricted
Shares
1,064,460
(42,880)
147,606
(184,790)
(28,998)
955,398

Weighted
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value
15.16
$

19.32

18.98

19.49

19.08
14.61

$

At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had 830,750 issued and outstanding warrants to purchase 
Company stock. The warrants were granted to certain lead shareholders of the Company, all with an exercise price of 
$20.00 per share. The term of the warrants is for ten years from the date of grant and the expiration dates of the warrants 
range from October 20, 2019 to September 30, 2020. The fair value of the warrants was estimated to be $3.3 million and 
$6.3 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The fair value of the warrants was estimated 
using a Black-Scholes option pricing model utilizing the following assumptions at the indicated dates: 

Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility
Expected term (years)
Dividend yield

December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
1.18%
37.72%
7-8
1.05%

1.67%
24.18%
5-6
1.03%

2.16%
33.80%
6-7
0.93%

The Company’s shares became publicly traded on September 20, 2012 and prior to that, had limited private trading.  Due to 
the limited historical volatility of the Company's own stock, expected volatility was calculated using a time-based weighted 
migration of the Company’s own stock price volatility coupled with the median historical volatility, for a period 
commensurate with the expected term of the warrants, of those of a peer group. The risk-free rate for the expected term of 
the warrants was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve and based on the expected term. The expected term was estimated 
based on the contractual term of the warrants.

The Company recorded a benefit of $3.0 million during 2014, expense of $0.8 million in 2013, and a benefit of $1.4 
million during 2012, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations resulting from the change in fair value of the 
warrant liability.

Note 18 Common Stock

During 2014, the Company repurchased 6,076,558 shares for $119.4 million at a weighted average price of $19.63 per 
share.  On October 21, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $50.0 million in share 
repurchases from time to time in either the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. As of December 31, 
2014, the Company has repurchased $19.3 million of shares under the $50.0 million share repurchase program approved by 
the Board of Directors on October 21, 2014.  On February 11, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a new share 
repurchase program for up to $50.0 million from time to time in either the open market or through privately negotiated 
transactions.

The Company had 38,017,179 shares of Class A common stock and 867,774 shares of Class B common stock outstanding 
as of December 31, 2014, and 41,890,562 shares of Class A common stock and 3,027,774 shares of Class B common stock 

116

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

outstanding as of December 31, 2013.  Additionally, as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had 
955,398 and 1,064,460 shares, respectively, of restricted Class A common stock issued but not yet vested under the 2014 
Plan and the Prior Plan. 

Note 19 Income (Loss) Per Share

The Company calculates income (loss) per share under the two-class method, as certain non-vested share awards contain 
non-forfeitable rights to dividends.  As such, these awards are considered securities that participate in the earnings of the 
Company.  Non-vested shares are discussed further in note 16.

The Company had 38,884,953 and 44,918,336 shares outstanding (inclusive of Class A and B) as of December 31, 2014 
and 2013, respectively.  Certain stock options and non-vested restricted shares are potentially dilutive securities, but are not 
included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for 2014, 2013, and 
2012. 

The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted income per share for 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in 
thousands, except share and earnings per share information):

For the years ended December 31,
2013

2012

2014

Distributed earnings

Undistributed earnings (distributions in excess of earnings)

Net income (loss)

Less: earnings allocated to participating securities

Earnings allocated to common shareholders

$

$

$

8,614

562

9,176
(38)
9,138

$

$

$

10,234
(3,307)
6,927
(17)
6,910

Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share

42,404,609

50,790,410

$

$

$

2,664
(3,207)
(543)
—
(543)
52,214,175

Dilutive effect of equity awards

Dilutive effect of warrants

16,405

—

34,012

—

—

—

Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share

42,421,014

50,824,422

Basic earnings (loss) per share

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

$

$

0.22

0.22

$

$

0.14

0.14

52,214,175
(0.01)
(0.01)

$

$

The Company had 3,597,111, 3,515,486, and 3,471,665 outstanding stock options to purchase common stock at weighted 
average exercise prices of $19.90, $19.92, and $19.98 per share at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, which 
have time-vesting criteria, and as such, any dilution is derived only for the time frame in which the vesting criteria had 
been met and where the inclusion of those stock options is dilutive.  Additionally, the Company had 830,750 outstanding 
warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012. The warrants have an 
exercise price of $20.00, which was out-of-the-money for purposes of dilution calculations during all of the years presented 
above.  The Company had 955,398, 1,064,460, and 951,668 unvested restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 
2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, which have performance, market and/or time-vesting criteria, and as such, any dilution 
is derived only for the time frame in which the vesting criteria had been met and where the inclusion of those restricted 
shares is dilutive.

117

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Note 20 Income Taxes

(a) Income taxes

Total income taxes for 2014, 2013, and 2012 were allocated as follows (in thousands):

Current expense:
U.S. federal
State and local

Total

Deferred (benefit) expense:

U.S. federal
State and local

Total

Income tax expense

(b) Tax Rate Reconciliation

For the years ended December 31,
2013

2012

2014

$

$

$

$

17,032
1,909
18,941

$

$

(13,830) $
(1,946)
(15,776)
3,165

$

5,058
486
5,544

$

$

(1,278) $
(316)
(1,594)
3,950

$

24,987
2,826
27,813

(21,078)
(2,155)
(23,233)
4,580

Income tax expense attributable to income before taxes was $3.2 million, $4.0 million, and $4.6 million for 2014, 2013, 
and 2012, respectively, and differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to pretax 
income as a result of the following (in thousands):

Income tax at federal statutory rate (35%)
State income taxes, net of federal benefits
Tax-exempt loan interest income
Bank-owned life insurance income
Stock-based compensation
Warrant valuation
Nondeductible initial public offering related expenses
Other

Income tax expense

For the years ended December 31,
2013

2012

2014

$

$

4,319
(24)
(889)
(177)
930
(1,034)
—
40
3,165

$

$

3,807
111
(64)
—
130
287
—
(321)
3,950

$

$

1,413
436
(82)
—
49
(485)
3,127
122
4,580

118

 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

(c) Significant Components of Deferred Taxes

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax 
liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below (in thousands):

Deferred tax assets:

Excess tax basis of acquired loans over carrying value
Allowance for loan losses
Intangible assets
Other real estate owned
Accrued stock-based compensation
Accrued compensation
Capitalized start-up costs
Accrued expenses
Net deferred loan fees
Net unrealized losses on investment securities
Other

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

FDIC indemnification asset net of clawback liability
Net unrealized gains on investment securities
Premises and equipment
Prepaid expenses
Other

Total deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax asset

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

$

$

$

$

6,787
6,707
16,660
1,411
13,527
1,519
5,576
1,917
997
—
549
55,650

$

$

(2,064) $
(3,590)
(4,040)
(450)
—
(10,144)
45,506

$

5,437
4,767
18,681
2,088
13,734
1,056
6,098
1,851
832
4,154
283
58,981

(14,486)
—
(6,437)
(569)
(15)
(21,507)
37,474

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some 
portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon 
the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. 
Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, if any (including the impact of available 
carryforward periods), projected future taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. For the 
years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, management believes a valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset is not 
necessary based on the current and future projected earnings of the Company. The Company has no ASC Topic 740-10 
unrecognized tax benefits recorded as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and does not expect the total amount of 
unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase within the next 12 months. The Company and its subsidiary bank are 
subject to income tax by federal, state and local government taxing authorities. The Company’s tax returns for the years 
ended December 31, 2011 through 2014 remain subject to examination for U.S. federal income tax authorities. The years 
open to examination by state and local government authorities vary by jurisdiction.

Certain stock-based compensation awards granted by the Company have market-based vesting/exercisability criteria.  For 
restricted stock with market-based vesting, the target share prices of the Company's stock that is required for vesting range 
from $25.00 to $34.00 per share.  The strike prices for options range from $18.09 to $20.54, with a large portion of the 
awards having strike prices of $20.00.  Due to the Company's stock price, these stock-based compensation awards may 
expire unexercised or may be exercised at an intrinsic value that is less than the fair value recorded at the time of grant, and 
therefore, the related tax benefits may not be realizable in future periods.  In this case, upon the expiration or exercise (or 
forfeiture in the case of the restricted stock with market-based vesting criteria) of these awards, any related remaining 
deferred tax asset would be written off through a charge to income tax expense.  In particular, certain awards granted to 
former executives are expected to expire in 2015 and may result in the write-off of the related deferred tax asset of up to 
$2.0 million.  Of the $13.5 million deferred tax asset related to stock-based compensation at December 31, 2014, $9.7 
million is associated with executive officers still employed by the Company. 

119

 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Note 21 Derivatives

Risk management objective of using derivatives

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions.  The Company 
has established policies that neither carrying value nor fair value at risk should exceed established guidelines.  The 
Company has designed strategies to confine these risks within the established limits and identify appropriate trade-offs in 
the financial structure of its balance sheet.  These strategies include the use of derivative financial instruments to help 
achieve the desired balance sheet repricing structure while meeting the desired objectives of its clients.  Currently the 
Company employs certain interest rate swaps that are designated as fair value hedges as well as economic hedges.  The 
Company manages a matched book with respect to its derivative instruments in order to minimize its net risk exposure 
resulting from such transactions.      

Fair values of derivative instruments on the balance sheet

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on 
the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands).

Information about the valuation methods used to measure fair value is provided in note 23.

Asset Derivatives

Fair Value

Liability Derivatives

Fair Value

Balance Sheet
Location

December 31,
2014

December 31,
2013

Balance Sheet
Location

December 31,
2014

December 31,
2013

Derivatives designated as 
  hedging instruments

Interest rate products

 Other assets

Total derivatives designated as 
  hedging instruments

Derivatives not designated as 
  hedging instruments

Interest rate products

 Other assets

Total derivatives not designated 
  as hedging instruments

Fair value hedges of interest rate risk

$

$

$

$

10

10

1,418

1,418

$

$

$

$

129

129

73

73

 Other
liabilities

 Other
liabilities

$

$

$

$

3,206

3,206

1,522

1,522

$

$

$

$

—

—

74

74

Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in 
exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the 
underlying notional amount.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company had eleven interest rate swaps with a notional 
amount of $68.8 million that were designated as fair value hedges of interest rate risk associated with the Company’s fixed-
rate loans. The Company had one outstanding interest rate swap with a notional amount of $10.0 million that was 
designated as a fair value hedge as of December 31, 2013. 

For derivatives designated and that qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting 
loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. The Company includes the gain 
or loss on the hedged items in the same line item as the offsetting loss or gain on the related derivatives.  During 2014, the 
Company recognized a net loss of $354.2 thousand in non-interest expense related to hedge ineffectiveness.  During 2013, 
the Company recognized a net gain of $10 thousand in non-interest income related to hedge ineffectiveness.

Non-designated hedges

Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and consist of interest rate swaps with commercial banking clients 
that facilitate their respective risk management strategies.  Those interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by 
offsetting interest rate swaps that the Company executes with a third party, such that the Company minimizes its net risk 
exposure resulting from such transactions.  As the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict 

120

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the client swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized 
directly in earnings.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company had eleven matched interest rate swap transactions with an 
aggregate notional amount of $35.9 million related to this program.  As of December 31, 2013, the Company had three 
matched interest rate swap transactions with an aggregate notional amount of $7.3 million related to this program.  

Effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations

The tables below present the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statement of 
operations for 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

Derivatives in fair value
hedging relationships

Interest rate products

Total

Location of (loss) or gain
recognized in income on
derivatives
Interest income

Amount of (loss) or gain recognized in income on derivatives

For the years ended December 31,

2014

2013

$

$

(3,325) $
— $

129

129

Derivatives in fair value
hedging relationships

Interest rate products

Total

Location of gain or (loss)
recognized in income on
derivatives
Interest income

Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments

Interest rate products

Total

Location of gain or loss
recognized in income on
derivatives
Other non-interest income

Credit-risk-related contingent features 

Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on hedged items

For the years ended December 31,

2014

2013

$

$

$

$

2,971

2,971

$

$

(120)
(120)

Amount of gain or loss recognized in income on derivatives

For the years ended December 31,

2014

2013

(103) $
(103) $

(1)
(1)

The Company has agreements with its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company defaults on 
any of its indebtedness for reasons other than an error or omission of an administrative or operational nature, 
including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could 
also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

The Company also has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the 
Company fails to maintain its status as a well/adequately capitalized institution, then the counterparty has the right to 
terminate the derivative positions and the Company would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements.

As of December 31, 2014, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position related to these agreements was 
$1.9 million, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk. The Company has 
minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of its derivative counterparties and as of December 31, 2014, the 
Company had posted $5.5 million in eligible collateral.

Note 22 Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various off-balance sheet commitments to help meet the 
financing needs of clients. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, commercial and consumer 
lines of credit and standby letters of credit. The same credit policies are applied to these commitments as the loans on the 
consolidated statements of financial condition; however, these commitments involve varying degrees of credit risk in 

121

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition. At December 31, 2014 and 
December 31, 2013, the Company had loan commitments totaling $485.5 million and $383.9 million, respectively, and 
standby letters of credit that totaled $10.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively. The total amounts of unused commitments 
do not necessarily represent future credit exposure or cash requirements, as commitments often expire without being drawn 
upon. However, the contractual amount of these commitments, offset by any additional collateral pledged, represents the 
Company’s potential credit loss exposure. Amounts funded under non-cancelable commitments in effect at the date of 
acquisition are covered under the applicable loss sharing agreements if certain conditions are met.

Total unfunded commitments at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

Covered

Non-covered

Total

Covered

Non-covered

Total

Commitments to fund loans

Residential

Commercial and commercial real estate
Construction and land development

Consumer

Credit card lines of credit

Unfunded commitments under lines of credit

Commercial and standby letters of credit

$

— $

1,683

$

1,683

$

— $

1,303

$

1,303

11
—

—

—

7,645

234

202,593
35,814

4,376

18,065

202,604
35,814

4,376

18,065

415
—

—

—

169,214
2,911

4,435

17,322

169,629
2,911

4,435

17,322

215,305

222,950

13,162

175,177

188,339

9,731

9,965

443

5,487

5,930

Total

$

7,890

$ 487,567

$ 495,457

$ 14,020

$ 375,849

$ 389,869

Commitments to fund loans—Commitments to fund loans are legally binding agreements to lend to clients in accordance 
with predetermined contractual provisions providing there have been no violations of any conditions specified in the 
contract. These commitments are generally at variable interest rates and are for specific periods or contain termination 
clauses and may require the payment of a fee. The total amounts of unused commitments are not necessarily representative 
of future credit exposure or cash requirements, as commitments often expire without being drawn upon.

Credit card lines of credit—The Company extends lines of credit to clients through the use of credit cards issued by the 
Bank. These lines of credit represent the maximum amounts allowed to be funded, many of which will not exhaust the 
established limits, and as such, these amounts are not necessarily representations of future cash requirements or credit 
exposure.

Unfunded commitments under lines of credit—In the ordinary course of business, the Company extends revolving credit to 
its clients. These arrangements may require the payment of a fee.

Commercial and standby letters of credit—As a provider of financial services, the Company routinely issues commercial 
and standby letters of credit, which may be financial standby letters of credit or performance standby letters of credit. 
These are various forms of “back-up” commitments to guarantee the performance of a client to a third party. While these 
arrangements represent a potential cash outlay for the Company, the majority of these letters of credit will expire without 
being drawn upon. Letters of credit are subject to the same underwriting and credit approval process as traditional loans, 
and as such, many of them have various forms of collateral securing the commitment, which may include real estate, 
personal property, receivables or marketable securities.

Contingencies

In the ordinary course of business, the Company and the Bank may be subject to litigation. Based upon the available 
information and advice from the Company’s legal counsel, management does not believe that any potential, threatened or 
pending litigation to which it is a party will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity, financial condition 
or results of operations.

122

 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Note 23 Fair Value Measurements

The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to disclose 
the fair value of its financial instruments. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to 
transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. For disclosure purposes, 
the Company groups its financial and non-financial assets and liabilities into three different levels based on the nature of 
the instrument and the availability and reliability of the information that is used to determine fair value. The three levels are 
defined as follows:

•  Level 1—Includes assets or liabilities in which the inputs to the valuation methodologies are based on unadjusted 

quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

•  Level 2—Includes assets or liabilities in which the inputs to the valuation methodologies are based on similar 
assets or liabilities in inactive markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive 
markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, 
prepayment speeds, and other inputs obtained from observable market input.

•  Level 3—Includes assets or liabilities in which the inputs to the valuation methodology are based on at least one 
significant assumption that is not observable in the marketplace. These valuations may rely on management’s 
judgment and may include internally-developed model-based valuation techniques.

Level 1 inputs are considered to be the most transparent and reliable and level 3 inputs are considered to be the least 
transparent and reliable. The Company assumes the use of the principal market to conduct a transaction of each particular 
asset or liability being measured and then considers the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the 
asset or liability. Whenever possible, the Company first looks for quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active 
markets (level 1 inputs) to value each asset or liability. However, when inputs from identical assets or liabilities on active 
markets are not available, the Company utilizes market observable data for similar assets and liabilities. The Company 
maximizes the use of observable inputs and limits the use of unobservable inputs to occasions when observable inputs are 
not available. The need to use unobservable inputs generally results from the lack of market liquidity of the actual financial 
instrument or of the underlying collateral. Although, in some instances, third party price indications may be available, 
limited trading activity can challenge the observability of these quotations.

Changes in the valuation inputs used for measuring the fair value of financial instruments may occur due to changes in 
current market conditions or other factors. Such changes may necessitate a transfer of the financial instruments to another 
level in the hierarchy based on the new inputs used. The Company recognizes these transfers at the end of the reporting 
period that the transfer occurs. During 2014 and 2013, there were no transfers of financial instruments between the 
hierarchy levels.

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well 
as the general classification of each instrument under the valuation hierarchy:

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis

Investment securities available-for-sale—Investment securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value on a recurring 
basis. To the extent possible, observable quoted prices in an active market are used to determine fair value and, as such, 
these securities are classified as level 1. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not hold any 
level 1 securities.  When quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities are not available, quoted 
prices of securities with similar characteristics, discounted cash flows or other pricing characteristics are used to estimate 
fair values and the securities are then classified as level 2. At December 31, 2014, the Company’s level 2 securities 
included mortgage-backed securities comprised of residential mortgage pass-through securities and other residential 
mortgage-backed securities.  At  December 31, 2013, the Company’s level 2 securities included asset backed securities, 
mortgage-backed securities comprised of residential mortgage pass-through securities, and other residential mortgage-
backed securities. All other investment securities are classified as level 3. 

Derivatives—The Company's derivative instruments are limited to interest rate swaps that may be accounted for as fair 
value hedges or non-designated hedges.  The fair values of the swaps incorporate credit valuation adjustments in order to 
appropriately reflect nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. The credit valuation adjustment is the dollar 
amount of the fair value adjustment related to credit risk and utilizes a probability weighted calculation to quantify the 
potential loss over the life of the trade.  The credit valuation adjustments are calculated by determining the total expected 
exposure of the derivatives (which incorporates both the current and potential future exposure) and then applying the 
respective counterparties’ credit spreads to the exposure offset by marketable collateral posted, if any.  Certain derrivative 

123

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

transactions are executed with counterparties who are large financial institutions ("dealers").  International Swaps and 
Derivative Association Master Agreements ("ISDA") and Credit Support Annexes ("CSA") are employed for all contracts 
with dealers.  These contracts contain bilateral collateral arrangements.  The fair value inputs of these financial instruments 
are determined using discounted cash flow analysis through the use of third-party models whose significant inputs are 
readily observable market parameters, primarily yield curves, with appropriate adjustments for liquidity and credit risk, and 
are classified as level 2.  

Warrant liability—The Company measures the fair value of the warrant liability on a recurring basis using a Black-Scholes 
option pricing model. The Company’s shares became publicly traded on September 20, 2012 and prior to that, had limited 
private trading; therefore, expected volatility was estimated using a time-based weighted migration of the Company’s own 
stock price volatility coupled with the median historical volatility, for a period commensurate with the expected term of the 
warrants, of those eight comparable companies with publicly traded shares, and is deemed a significant unobservable input 
to the valuation model, as such these investments are classified as level 3.  

Clawback liability—The Company periodically measures the net present value of expected future cash payments to be 
made by the Company to the FDIC that must be made within 45 days of the conclusion of the loss sharing. The expected 
cash flows are calculated in accordance with the loss sharing agreements and are based primarily on the expected losses on 
the covered assets, which involve significant inputs that are not market observable, as such these investments are classified 
as level 3.

The tables below present the financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 
December 31, 2013 on the consolidated statements of financial condition utilizing the hierarchy structure described above 
(in thousands):

December 31, 2014

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Assets:

Investment securities available-for-sale:

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”):

Residential mortgage pass-through securities issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or 
  sponsored enterprises

Other residential MBS issued or guaranteed by U.S. 
  Government agencies or sponsored enterprises

Other securities

Derivatives

Total assets at fair value

Liabilities:

Warrant liability

Clawback liability

Derivatives

Total liabilities at fair value

$

$

$

$

— $

404,215

$

— $

404,215

—

—

—

1,074,580

—

1,428

—

419

—

1,074,580

419

1,428

— $ 1,480,223

$

419

$ 1,480,642

— $

— $

3,328

$

—

—

—

4,728

36,338

—

— $

4,728

$

39,666

$

3,328

36,338

4,728

44,394

124

 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Assets:

Investment securities available-for-sale:

Asset backed securities

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”):

Residential mortgage pass-through securities issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or 
  sponsored enterprises

Other residential MBS issued or guaranteed by U.S. 
  Government agencies or sponsored enterprises

Other securities

Derivatives

Total assets at fair value

Liabilities:

Warrant liability

Clawback liability

Derivatives

Total liabilities at fair value

$

$

$

December 31, 2013

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

$

— $

4,537

$

— $

4,537

—

—

—

—

494,990

1,285,582

—

202

—

—

419

—

494,990

1,285,582

419

202

— $ 1,785,311

$

419

$ 1,785,730

— $

— $

6,281

$

—

—

— $

—

74

74

32,465

—

6,281

32,465

74

$

38,746

$

38,820

The table below details the changes in level 3 financial instruments during 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2012
Change in value
Amortization

Net change in level 3

Balance at December 31, 2013
Change in value
Amortization

Net change in Level 3

Balance at December 31, 2014

Warrant
liability

Clawback
liability

5,461
820
—
820
6,281
(2,953)
—
(2,953)
3,328

$

$

$

31,271
(65)
1,259
1,194
32,465
2,509
1,364
3,873
36,338

$

$

$

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Measured on a Non-recurring Basis

Certain assets may be recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis as conditions warrant. These non-recurring fair value 
measurements typically result from the application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or a write-down occurring 
during the period.

The Company records collateral dependent loans that are considered to be impaired at their estimated fair value. A loan is 
considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all contractual amounts due in 
accordance with the terms of the loan agreement. Collateral dependent impaired loans are measured based on the fair value 
of the collateral. The Company relies on third-party appraisals and internal assessments in determining the estimated fair 
values of these loans. The inputs used to determine the fair values of loans are considered level 3 inputs in the fair value 
hierarchy.  During 2014, the Company measured 19 loans not accounted for under ASC 310-30 at fair value on a non-
recurring basis. These loans carried specific reserves totaling $0.2 million at December 31, 2014. During 2014, the 
Company added specific reserves of $0.3 million for nine loans with carrying balances of $2.4 million at December 31, 
2014. The Company also eliminated specific reserves of $1.0 million for 13 loans during 2014, primarily due to paydowns, 
charge offs, or transfers to OREO.

125

 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

During 2013, the Company measured 31 loans not accounted for under ASC 310-30 at fair value on a non-recurring basis. 
These loans carried specific reserves totaling $0.9 million at December 31, 2013. During 2013, the Company added 
specific reserves of $0.9 million for 13 loans with carrying balances of $4.3 million at December 31, 2013. The Company 
also eliminated specific reserves of $2.0 million for 35 loans during 2013, primarily due to paydowns on these loans.

The Company may be required to record fair value adjustments on loans held-for-sale on a non-recurring basis. The non-
recurring fair value adjustments could involve lower of cost or fair value accounting and may include write-downs.

OREO is recorded at the lower of the loan balance or the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs. The 
estimated fair values of OREO are updated periodically and further write-downs may be taken to reflect a new basis. The 
Company recognized $2.1 million of OREO impairments in its consolidated statements of operations during 2014, of 
which $1.2 million, or 56.7%, were on OREO that was covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC.  During 2013, 
the Company recognized $10.3 million  of OREO impairments in its consolidated statements of operations, of which $6.8 
million, or 66.1% , were on OREO that was covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC.  The fair values of OREO 
are derived from third party price opinions or appraisals that generally use an income approach or a market value approach. 
If reasonable comparable appraisals are not available, then the Company may use internally developed models to determine 
fair values. The inputs used to determine the fair values of OREO are considered level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.

The table below provides information regarding the assets recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 
2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

Other real estate owned
Impaired loans

Other real estate owned

Impaired loans

$

$

December 31, 2014

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Losses from fair
value changes

— $
—

— $
—

$

29,120
32,091

$

29,120
32,091

2,103
552

December 31, 2013

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Losses from fair
value changes

— $

—

— $

70,125

$

70,125

$

10,349

—

21,647

21,647

133

The Company did not record any liabilities for which the fair value was made on a non-recurring basis during 2014 and 
2013.

The following table provides information about the valuation techniques and unobservable inputs used in the valuation of 
financial instruments falling within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2014. The table below excludes 
non-recurring fair value measurements of collateral value used for impairment measures for OREO. These valuations 
utilize third party appraisal or broker price opinions, and are classified as level 3 due to the significant judgment involved 
(in thousands):

Fair value at
December 31,
2014

Valuation Technique

Unobservable Input

Quantitative
Measures

Other securities

$

Cash investment in private
equity fund

419

Cash investment

Impaired loans

32,091 Appraised value

Clawback liability

36,338

Contractually defined
discounted cash flows

Warrant liability

3,328 Black-Scholes

Appraised values

Discount rate

Intrinsic loss estimates

Expected credit losses

Discount rate

Volatility

0-25%

$323.3 million -
$405 million

—

4%

18%-30%

126

 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Note 24 Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be exchanged between willing parties, other than in a 
forced liquidation. Fair value is determined based upon quoted market prices to the extent possible; however, in many 
instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market 
prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques that may be 
significantly impacted by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.  Changes in 
any of these assumptions could significantly affect the fair value estimates. The fair value of the financial instruments listed 
below does not reflect a premium or discount that could result from offering all of the Company’s holdings of financial 
instruments at one time, nor does it reflect the underlying value of the Company, as ASC Topic 825 excludes certain 
financial instruments and all non-financial instruments from its disclosure requirements. In connection with the Hillcrest 
Bank, Bank Midwest, Bank of Choice and Community Banks of Colorado acquisitions, the Company recorded all of the 
acquired assets and assumed liabilities at fair value at the respective dates of acquisition. The fair value of financial 
instruments at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, including methods and assumptions utilized for determining 
fair value of financial instruments, are set forth below (in thousands):

127

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Level in fair
value
measurement
hierarchy

Level 1

Level 2

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

Carrying
amount

Estimated
fair value

Carrying
amount

Estimated
fair value

$

256,979

$

256,979

$

189,460

$

189,460

—

—

4,537

4,537

Level 2

404,215

404,215

494,990

494,990

Level 2
Level 3

1,074,580
419

1,074,580
419

1,285,582
419

1,285,582
419

Level 2

422,622

428,323

513,090

511,489

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 3

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 3

Level 3

Level 2

Level 2

107,968

106,314

128,817

124,916

7,595

19,450

7,595

19,450

6,643

25,020

6,643

25,020

2,144,796

2,193,222

1,841,573

1,923,888

5,146

11,465

1,428

5,146

11,465

1,428

5,787

11,355

202

5,787

11,355

202

2,409,137

1,357,051

2,409,137

1,357,885

2,342,622

1,495,687

2,342,622

1,498,798

133,552

133,552

40,000

42,011

3,328

3,608

4,728

40,465

42,011

3,328

3,608

4,728

99,547

—

41,882

6,281

3,058

74

99,547

—

41,882

6,281

3,058

74

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

Asset backed securities available-for-sale

Mortgage-backed securities—residential 
  mortgage pass-through securities issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or 
  sponsored enterprises available-for-sale

Mortgage-backed securities—other 
  residential mortgage-backed securities 
  issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government 
  agencies or sponsored enterprises available-
  for-sale
Other securities

Mortgage-backed securities—residential 
  mortgage pass-through securities issued or 
  guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or 
  sponsored enterprises held-to-maturity

Mortgage-backed securities—other 
  residential mortgage-backed securities 
  issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government 
  agencies or sponsored enterprises held-to-
  maturity

Capital stock of FHLB

Capital stock of FRB

Loans receivable, net

Loans held-for-sale

Accrued interest receivable

Derivatives

LIABILITIES

Deposit transaction accounts

Time deposits
Securities sold under agreements to 
  repurchase

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

Due to FDIC

Warrant liability

Accrued interest payable

Derivatives

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents have a short-term nature and the estimated fair value is equal to the carrying value.

Investment securities

The estimated fair value of investment securities is based on quoted market prices or bid quotations received from 
securities dealers. Other investment securities, including securities that are held for regulatory purposes are carried at cost, 
less any other than temporary impairment.

128

 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Loans receivable

The estimated fair value of the loan portfolio is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis using a discount rate based 
on interest rates offered at the respective measurement dates for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit 
quality. The allowance for loan losses is considered a reasonable estimate of any required adjustment to fair value to reflect 
the impact of credit risk. The estimates of fair value do not incorporate the exit-price concept prescribed by ASC Topic 820 
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.

Loans held-for-sale

Loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value. The portfolio consists primarily of 
fixed rate residential mortgage loans that are sold within 45 days. The estimated fair value is based on quoted market prices 
for similar loans in the secondary market and are classified as level 2.

Accrued interest receivable

Accrued interest receivable has a short-term nature and the estimated fair value is equal to the carrying value.

Deposits

The estimated fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest bearing demand deposits, savings, NOW 
accounts, and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand. The fair value of interest-bearing time 
deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows of such deposits, taking into account the option for 
early withdrawal. The discount rate is estimated using the rates offered by the Company, at the respective measurement 
dates, for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Derivative assets and liabilities

Fair values for derivative assets and liabilities are fully described in note 23.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

The vast majority of the Company’s repurchase agreements are overnight transactions that mature the day after the 
transaction, and as a result of this short-term nature, the estimated fair value is equal to the carrying value.

Due to FDIC

The amount due to FDIC is specified in the purchase agreements and, as it relates to the clawback liability, is discounted to 
reflect the uncertainty in the timing and payment of the amount due by the Company.

Warrant liability

The warrant liability is estimated using a Black-Scholes model, the assumptions of which are detailed in note 17 of our 
audited consolidated financial statements.

Accrued interest payable

Accrued interest payable has a short-term nature and the estimated fair value is equal to the carrying value.

129

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Note 25 Banking Center Closures

On September 30, 2013, the Company announced plans to integrate 32 limited-service retirement center locations 
(acquired in its 2010 purchase of Hillcrest Bank) and exit four banking centers in Northern California (acquired in its 2011 
purchase of Community Banks of Colorado).  The affected centers were closed at the conclusion of business on 
December 31, 2013.  Included in the year ended December 31, 2013 operating results are $3.4 million of expenses incurred 
in connection with the closures, including $3.3 million related to facilities expense, which are included in the Banking 
center closure related expenses line on the consolidated statement of operations in the accompanying financial statements.  
Valuation adjustments to banking center properties and fixed assets were based on prices for similar assets and account for 
$2.5 million of the facilities expense and $0.8 million of the facilities expense relates to lease costs.  No additional material 
charges or future cash expenditures are expected at this time.  

Prior to the announcement, the impacted centers had $0.2 million loans outstanding, the limited-service retirement center 
locations had $94.0 million in total deposits and the California banking centers had $65.8 million in total deposits.  

Note 26 Parent Company Only Financial Statements

Parent company only financial information for National Bank Holdings Corporation is summarized as follows:

Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
(In thousands)

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents
Investment in subsidiaries
Other assets
Total assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Other liabilities
Total liabilities

Stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013

$

$

$

$

123,144
656,287
19,121
798,552

3,977
3,977
794,575
798,552

$

$

$

$

252,848
631,980
3,024
887,852

(9,940)
(9,940)
897,792
887,852

Condensed Statements of Operations
(In thousands)

Interest income
Undistributed equity from subsidiaries
Dividends from subsidiaries
Other income
Total income

Expenses

Salaries and benefits
Other expenses
Total expenses

Operating income (loss)
Income tax benefit

Net income (loss)

For the years ended December 31,
2013

2012

2014

$

$

2
11,712
—
—
11,714

3,572
751
4,323
7,391
(1,785)
9,176

$

$

98
(299,836)
313,000
3
13,265

4,861
4,521
9,382
3,883
(3,044)
6,927

$

$

255
17,699
—
—
17,954

15,934
9,216
25,150
(7,196)
(6,653)
(543)

130

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

For the years ended December 31,
2013

2012

2014

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)

Undistributed equity from subsidiaries
Stock-based compensation expense
Other

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of premises and equipment
Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Repurchase of common stock
Issuance of vested restricted stock
Payment of dividends
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation

Net cash used in financing activities

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

$

$

$

9,176
(11,712)
3,572
(2,325)
(1,289)

$

6,927
299,836
4,861
(2,311)
309,313

—
—

—
—

(119,370)
(576)
(8,476)
7
(128,415)
(129,704)
252,848
123,144

$

(146,736)
(256)
(10,139)
24
(157,107)
152,206
100,642
252,848

$

Note 27 Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)

The following is a summary of quarterly results (in thousands, except per share data):

Interest and dividend income

$

46,280

$

45,492

$

46,005

$

46,885

$

Interest expense

3,696

3,597

3,582

3,538

December 31, 2014

Fourth
quarter

Third
quarter

Second
quarter

First
quarter

Net interest income before provision for 
  loan losses

Provision for loan losses

Net interest income after provision for loan 
  losses

Non-interest income

Non-interest expense

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net income

Income per share-basic

Income per share-diluted

42,584

1,265

41,319

(5,117)

33,149

3,053

774

2,279

0.06

0.06

$

$

$

131

$

$

$

41,895

1,515

40,380

1,614

37,981

4,013

676

3,337

0.08

0.08

$

$

$

42,423

1,660

40,763

2,161

39,855

3,069

940

2,129

0.05

0.05

$

$

$

43,347

1,769

41,578
(354)
39,018

2,206

775

1,431

0.03

0.03

$

$

$

(543)
(17,699)
13,078
(3,530)
(8,694)

(10)
(10)

(4)
(1,588)
(2,664)
—
(4,256)
(12,960)
113,602
100,642

Total
184,662

14,413

170,249

6,209

164,040
(1,696)
150,003

12,341

3,165

9,176

0.22

0.22

NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Fourth
quarter

Third
quarter

December 31, 2013
Second
quarter

First
quarter

Interest and dividend income

$

47,377

$

49,522

$

48,478

$

50,098

$

Interest expense

3,787

4,007

4,191

4,529

Net interest income before provision for 
  loan losses

Provision for loan losses

Net interest income after provision for loan 
  losses

Non-interest income

Non-interest expense

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income

Income per share-basic

Income per share-diluted

43,590

772

42,818

2,364

44,238

944

(56)

1,000

0.02

0.02

$

$

$

45,515

437

45,078

3,338

46,613

1,803

856

947

0.02

0.02

$

$

$

44,287

1,670

42,617

7,324

45,230

4,711

1,813

2,898

0.06

0.06

$

$

$

45,569

1,417

44,152

7,151

47,884

3,419

1,337

2,082

0.04

0.04

$

$

$

$

$

$

Interest and dividend income

Interest expense

Net interest income before provision for 
  loan losses

Provision for loan losses

Net interest income after provision for loan 
  losses

Non-interest income

Non-interest expense

Income (loss) before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net income (loss)

Income (loss) per share-basic

Income (loss) per share-diluted

December 31, 2012

Fourth
quarter

Third
quarter

Second
quarter

First
quarter

$

54,708

$

56,042

$

59,845

$

62,890

$

5,124

6,546

7,932

9,632

49,584

2,670

46,914

8,997

51,367

4,544

1,541

3,003

0.06

0.06

$

$

$

49,496

5,263

44,233

8,063

59,957
(7,661)
230
(7,891) $
(0.15) $
(0.15) $

51,913

12,226

39,687

10,049

45,301

4,435

1,733

2,702

0.05

0.05

$

$

$

53,258

7,836

45,422

10,270

52,973

2,719

1,076

1,643

0.03

0.03

$

$

$

$

$

$

Total
195,475

16,514

178,961

4,296

174,665

20,177

183,965

10,877

3,950

6,927

0.14

0.14

Total
233,485

29,234

204,251

27,995

176,256

37,379

209,598

4,037

4,580
(543)
(0.01)
(0.01)

132

 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012

Note 28 Subsequent Event

On January 30, 2015, the Company announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement with Pine River Bank 
Corporation, the parent company of Pine River Valley Bank.  Under the terms of the merger agreement, the Company will 
acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Pine River Bank Corporation in exchange for approximately $14.0 million 
in cash, subject to adjustment.  The transaction is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2015 and is subject 
to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, including the approval of Pine River Bank Corporation 
shareholders. Upon the closing of the transaction, Pine River Valley Bank, the bank subsidiary of Pine River Bank 
Corporation, will be merged into NBH Bank and operated as part of its Community Banks of Colorado division.

Item 9. 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 

There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosures.

Item 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, conducted an 
evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of December 31, 2014. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer 
and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 
2014.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such 
term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer 
and principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting 
as of December 31, 2014 based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management 
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.  KPMG LLP, the 
independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K, has issued a report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, which 
report is included in this Item 9A below.

We intend to implement the new “Internal Control - Integrated Framework,” issued in May 2013 by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, during our fiscal year 2015.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

None.

133

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
National Bank Holdings Corporation:

We have audited National Bank Holdings Corporation and subsidiaries’ (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). The Company’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, National Bank Holdings Corporation and subsidiaries 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 (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the consolidated statements of financial condition of National Bank Holdings Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 
2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ 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.

Denver, Colorado
February 27, 2015

134

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

PART III

Item 10. 

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

The Information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement (Schedule 14A) for our 
2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of our fiscal year-end.

The Company's Supplemental Code of Ethics for CEO and Senior Financial Officers, which applies to the CEO, Chief 
Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer, is available at www.nationalbankholdings.com.  Amendments to, and 
waivers of, the code of ethics are publicly disclosed as required by applicable law, regulation or rule.  

Item 11. 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The Information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement (Schedule 14A) for our 
2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of our fiscal year-end.

Item 12. 
RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 

The Information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement (Schedule 14A) for our 
2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of our fiscal year-end.

Item 13. 
INDEPENDENCE.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR 

The Information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement (Schedule 14A) for our 
2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of our fiscal year-end.

Item 14. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The Information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement (Schedule 14A) for our 
2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of our fiscal year-end.

135

Item 15. 

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

(a)  The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

(1)  Financial Statements:

PART IV

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)  Financial Statement Schedules:

Page

81
82
83
84
85
86

All schedules are omitted as such information is inapplicable or is included in the financial statements.

(b)  The exhibits filed as part of this report and exhibits incorporated herein by reference to other documents are listed in the 

Index to Exhibits.

136

 
 
 
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 February 27, 2015, on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

National Bank Holdings Corporation

By

/s/ G. Timothy Laney
G. Timothy Laney
Chairman, President Chief Executive Officer  and Director

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on February 27, 
2015, by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.

/s/ G. TIMOTHY LANEY
G. Timothy Laney,
Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(principal executive officer)

/s/ BRIAN F. LILLY
Brian F. Lilly,
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)

/s/ H. WAYNE MCGAUGH
H. Wayne McGaugh,
Chief Accounting Officer
(principal accounting officer)

/s/ RALPH W. CLERMONT
Ralph W. Clermont, Lead Director

/s/ FRANK V. CAHOUET

Frank V. Cahouet, Director

/s/ ROBERT E. DEAN
Robert E. Dean, Director

/s/ LAWRENCE K. FISH
Lawrence K. Fish, Director

/s/ FRED J. JOSEPH

Fred J. Joseph, Director

/s/ MICHO F. SPRING
Micho F. Spring, Director

/s/ BURNEY S. WARREN, III
Burney S. Warren, III, Director

137

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

4.3

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated as of July 6, 2010, among the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, Receiver of Hillcrest Bank, Overland Park, Kansas, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and
Hillcrest Bank, National Association (Single Family Shared-Loss Agreement and Commercial Shared-Loss
Agreement included as Exhibits 4.15A and 4.15B thereto, respectively) (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 2.1 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-177971), filed on November 14, 2011)
†

Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement by and among Dickinson Financial Corporation, Bank Midwest,
N.A. and NBH Holdings Corp. (on behalf of itself and its to-be-formed national banking association subsidiary),
dated as of August 31, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to our Form S-1 Registration
Statement (Registration No. 333-177971), filed on November 14, 2011)†

Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2011, among the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, Receiver of Bank of Choice, Greeley Colorado, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and
Bank Midwest, National Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to our Form S-1
Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-177971), filed on November 14, 2011)†

Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated as of October 21, 2011, among the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, Receiver of Community Banks of Colorado, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Bank
Midwest, National Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.4 to our Form S-1 Registration
Statement (Registration No. 333-177971), filed on November 14, 2011)†

Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our
Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-177971), filed on August 22, 2012)

Second Amended and Restated By-Laws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Form 10-Q, filed
on November 7, 2014)

Specimen common stock certificate (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Form S-1 Registration
Statement (Registration No. 333-177971), filed on August 22, 2012)

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2009, by and between NBH Holdings Corp. and FBR
Capital Markets, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement
(Registration No. 333-177971), filed on November 14, 2011)

Amendment No. 1, dated as of July 20, 2011, to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2009
by and between NBH Holdings Corp. and FBR Capital Markets, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
4.3 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-177971), filed on November 14, 2011)

Value Appreciation Instrument Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2010 by and between NBH Holdings Corp.
and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Form S-1
Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-177971), filed on November 14, 2011)

Value Appreciation Instrument Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2011 by and between NBH Holdings Corp. and
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Form S-1
Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-177971), filed on November 14, 2011)

Value Appreciation Instrument Agreement, dated as of October 21, 2011 by and among NBH Holdings Corp.,
Bank Midwest, National Association and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-177971), filed on
November 14, 2011)

Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between NBH Holdings Corp. and each of its directors and executive
officers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration
Statement No. 333-177971), filed on September 10, 2012)^

Employment Agreement, dated May 22, 2010, by and between G. Timothy Laney and NBH Holdings Corp.
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration Statement
No. 333-177971), filed on September 10, 2012)^

Employment Agreement, October 15, 2011, by and between Thomas M. Metzger and NBH Holdings Corp.
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration Statement
No. 333-177971), filed on September 10, 2012)^

Employment Agreement, dated October 24, 2011, by and between Richard U. Newfield and NBH Holdings Corp.
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration Statement
No. 333-177971), filed on September 10, 2012)^

138

10.8

10.9

Letter Agreement dated February 13, 2012, between Brian F. Lilly and National Bank Holdings Corporation
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration Statement
No. 333-177971), filed on September 10, 2012)^

Letter Agreement dated June 5, 2013, between Zsolt K. Besskó, National Bank Holdings Corporation and NBH
Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q, filed on November 12, 2013)^

10.10 Transition and Consulting Agreement, dated April 7, 2014, by and among NBH Bank, N.A., National Bank
Holdings Corporation, and Donald Gaiter (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K,
filed on April 8, 2014)^

10.11 Senior Executive Bonus Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to our Form S-1 Registration

Statement (Registration No. 333-177971), filed on August 22, 2012)^

10.12 NBH Holdings Corp. 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form

S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-177971), filed on November 14, 2011)^

10.13 National Bank Holdings Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Annex A

to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed on March 31, 2014)^

10.14 Form of National Bank Holdings Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement

(For Management) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q, filed on May 9, 2014)^

10.15 Form of National Bank Holdings Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan Nonqualified Stock Option

Agreement (For Management) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q, filed on May
9, 2014)^

10.16 Form of National Bank Holdings Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement
(For Non-Employee Directors) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Form 10-Q, filed on May
9, 2014)^

21.1

23.1

31.1

31.2

32

101

†

*

^

Subsidiaries of National Bank Holdings Corporation

Consent of KPMG LLP

Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certifications of CEO and CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the
Consolidated Statements of Operation, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv)
the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and in detail*

Schedules and similar attachments have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K.  The
registrant will furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedules or similar attachment to the SEC upon
request.

This information is deemed furnished, not filed.

Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan.

139

Corporate Headquarters
National Bank Holdings Corporation
7800 East Orchard Road, Suite 300
Greenwood Village, CO  80111
Tel:  720.554.6680
www.nationalbankholdings.com

Stock Exchange Listings
NYSE
Symbol:  NBHC

Independent Accountants
KPMG LLP
Denver, CO

Transfer Agent, Registrar and
Dividend Disbursing Agent
American Stock Exchange &
Trust Company, LLC
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY  11219
Tel:  718.921.8275
Fax:  718.765.8717
www.amstock.com

140

ABOUT NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION

AT

AT

National Bank Holdings Corporation is a bank holding company created to build a leading community bank
franchise delivering high-quality client service and committed to shareholder results. We operate a network
of 97 banking centers located in Colorado, the greater Kansas City region and Texas. Through our subsidiary,
NBH  Bank,  N.A.,  we  operate  under  the  following  brand  names:  Bank  Midwest  in  Kansas  and  Missouri,
Community Banks of Colorado in Colorado and Hillcrest Bank in Texas.  Additional information about us can
be found at www.nationalbankholdings.com.

HISTORY &  
HIGHLIGHTS

LOCATIONS AND 
MARKET SHARE2

Began banking operations in 2010/2011 with four 
acquisitions in 12 months (three failed banks)

Created meaningful scale and market share in attractive 
markets of Colorado and Kansas City MSA

Completed initial public offering in 2012

Executing successful organic loan growth strategy

Maintaining low-risk operating model and excellent
credit quality

Exiting non-strategic assets with attractive returns

Intensifying our focus on industry specialization and 
small business

Opportunistic manager of capital

OUR FAMILY OF 
BRANDS 1

BANK MIDWEST 

45 banking centers
3.6% deposit market share in 
Kansas City MSA
Ranks 6th in banking centers in 
Kansas City MSA

COMMUNITY BANKS
OF COLORADO

50 banking centers
1.4% deposit market share 
across Colorado
Ranks 5th in market share of
Colorado headquartered banks

HILLCREST BANK

2 banking centers, including 
commercial and private banking 
offices, located in Austin and 
Dallas, TX

1 NBH, Bank Midwest, Community Banks of Colorado, Hillcrest Bank, 
and the corresponding logo marks, are registered trademarks and 
service marks, as applicable, of National Bank Holdings Corporation.

© 2015, National Bank Holdings Corporation.  All rights reserved.

2Source:   SNL Financial.  Financial information and rank as of June 30, 2014.

NBH Bank, N.A. banking centers as of December 31, 2014.

3/18/15   6:11 PM

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