Edgar Filing: WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)




ý		Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
		For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015 or

o		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: 001-32550

WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		88-0365922
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)



One E. Washington Street Suite 1400, Phoenix, AZ		85004
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(602) 389-3500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 ý 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 ý 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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No ý

Common stock issued and outstanding: 102,307,277 shares as of October 26, 2015.

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INDEX



		Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	Consolidated Balance Sheets	4
	Consolidated Income Statements	5
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	7
	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity	8
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	9
	Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements	11
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	64
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	92
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	94

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	95
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	95
Item 6.	Exhibits	96

SIGNATURES		98

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PART I

GLOSSARY OF ENTITIES AND TERMS

The acronyms and abbreviations identified below are used in various sections of this Form 10-Q, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in Item 2 and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item I of this Form 10-Q.



ENTITIES:
AAB	Alliance Association Bank	FIB	First Independent Bank
ABA	Alliance Bank of Arizona	LVSP	Las Vegas Sunset Properties
BON	Bank of Nevada	TPB	Torrey Pines Bank
Bridge	Bridge Bank	WAB or Bank	Western Alliance Bank
Centennial	Centennial Bank	WAL or Parent	Western Alliance Bancorporation
Company	Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries	Western Liberty	Western Liberty Bancorp
TERMS:
AFS	Available-for-Sale	HFI	Held for Investment
ALCO	Asset and Liability Management Committee	HFS	Held for Sale
AOCI	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	HTM	Held-to-Maturity
ARPS	Adjustable-Rate Preferred Stock	ICS	Insured Cash Sweep Service
ASC	Accounting Standards Codification	IRC	Internal Revenue Code
ASU	Accounting Standards Update	ISDA	International Swaps and Derivatives Association
ATM	At-the-Market	LIBOR	London Interbank Offered Rate
BOD	Board of Directors	LIHTC	Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
CBL	Central Business Lines	MBS	Mortgage-Backed Securities
CDARS	Certificate Deposit Account Registry Service	NOL	Net Operating Loss
CDO	Collateralized Debt Obligation	NPV	Net Present Value
CEO	Chief Executive Officer	NUBILs	Net Unrealized Built In Losses
CFO	Chief Financial Officer	OCI	Other Comprehensive Income
CRA	Community Reinvestment Act	OREO	Other Real Estate Owned
CRE	Commercial Real Estate	OTTI	Other-than-Temporary Impairment
EPS	Earnings per share	PCI	Purchased Credit Impaired
EVE	Economic Value of Equity	SBA	Small Business Administration
Exchange Act	Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended	SBIC	Small Business Investment Company
FASB	Financial Accounting Standards Board	SEC	Securities and Exchange Commission
FDIC	Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation	SERP	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
FHLB	Federal Home Loan Bank	SSAE	Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements
FRB	Federal Reserve Bank	TDR	Troubled Debt Restructuring
FVO	Fair Value Option	TEB	Tax Equivalent Basis
GAAP	U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles	XBRL	eXtensible Business Reporting Language
GSE	Government-Sponsored Enterprise

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Item 1.	Financial Statements.

WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	161,944		$	125,329
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions	163,466			39,067
Cash and cash equivalents	325,410			164,396
Money market investments	1,087			451
Investment securities - measured at fair value	1,537			1,858
Investment securities - AFS, at fair value; amortized cost of $1,899,580 at September 30, 2015 and $1,493,648 at December 31, 2014	1,932,980			1,520,237
Investments in restricted stock, at cost	57,986			25,275
Loans - HFS	24,356			—
Loans - HFI, net of deferred loan fees and costs	10,763,939			8,398,265
Less: allowance for credit losses	(117,072		)	(110,216		)
Net loans held for investment	10,646,867			8,288,049
Premises and equipment, net	121,739			113,818
Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	57,719			57,150
Bank owned life insurance	161,705			141,969
Goodwill	289,347			23,224
Other intangible assets, net	16,420			2,689
Deferred tax assets, net	78,550			62,686
Other assets	239,867			198,696
Total assets	$	13,955,570		$	10,600,498
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Non-interest-bearing demand	$	4,077,461		$	2,288,048
Interest-bearing	7,532,942			6,642,995
Total deposits	11,610,403			8,931,043
Customer repurchase agreements	53,227			54,899
Other borrowings	300,027			390,263
Qualifying debt	206,787			40,437
Other liabilities	201,428			182,928
Total liabilities	12,371,872			9,599,570
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock - par value $0.0001 and liquidation value per share of $1,000; 20,000,000 authorized; 70,500 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014	70,500			70,500
Common stock - par value $0.0001; 200,000,000 authorized; 102,304,663 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and 88,691,249 at December 31, 2014	10			9
Additional paid in capital	1,273,648			828,327
Accumulated other comprehensive income	20,643			16,639
Retained earnings	218,897			85,453
Total stockholders’ equity	1,583,698			1,000,928
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	13,955,570		$	10,600,498

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Interest income:
Loans, including fees	$	133,087		$	94,436		$	338,946		$	271,823
Investment securities	10,559			9,263			27,075			29,416
Dividends	1,480			1,272			4,028			3,338
Other	1,107			583			3,764			1,651
Total interest income	146,233			105,554			373,813			306,228
Interest expense:
Deposits	5,550			5,172			16,058			14,767
Other borrowings	1,246			1,846			5,558			7,351
Qualifying debt	2,008			443			2,900			1,307
Other	22			20			64			55
Total interest expense	8,826			7,481			24,580			23,480
Net interest income	137,407			98,073			349,233			282,748
Provision for credit losses	—			419			700			4,426
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	137,407			97,654			348,533			278,322
Non-interest income:
Service charges and fees	4,327			2,457			10,344			7,777
Income from bank owned life insurance	984			1,136			2,733			3,044
Card income	954			854			2,666			2,500
(Loss) gain on sales of investment securities, net	(62		)	181			582			384
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(502		)	(81		)	(502		)
Unrealized gains (losses) on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net	5,371			896			(2,684		)	(145		)
Other income	2,252			1,051			4,008			3,171
Total non-interest income	13,826			6,073			17,568			16,229
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits	43,660			32,230			108,607			93,536
Occupancy	5,915			4,479			15,677			13,458
Legal, professional, and directors' fees	4,052			3,022			12,658			10,853
Data processing	4,338			2,404			10,147			7,713
Insurance	3,375			1,996			7,739			6,476
Loan and repossessed asset expenses	1,099			901			3,473			2,937
Card expense	757			609			1,844			1,739
Marketing	747			378			1,587			1,443
Intangible amortization	704			281			1,266			1,180
Net gain on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets	(104		)	(1,874		)	(1,673		)	(4,251		)
Acquisition / restructure expense	835			15			8,836			198
Other expense	7,538			5,418			17,997			16,290
Total non-interest expense	72,916			49,859			188,158			151,572
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	78,317			53,868			177,943			142,979
Income tax expense	19,183			12,949			43,900			34,279
Income from continuing operations	59,134			40,919			134,043			108,700
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			—			—			(1,158		)
Net income	59,134			40,919			134,043			107,542
Dividends on preferred stock	176			353			599			1,058
Net income available to common stockholders	$	58,958		$	40,566		$	133,444		$	106,484

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	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings per share from continuing operations:
Basic	$	0.59	$	0.47	$	1.45	$	1.24
Diluted	0.58		0.46		1.44		1.23
Loss per share from discontinued operations:
Basic	—		—		—		(0.01		)
Diluted	—		—		—		(0.01		)
Earnings per share available to common stockholders:
Basic	0.59		0.47		1.45		1.23
Diluted	0.58		0.46		1.44		1.22
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	100,776		86,723		92,345		86,495
Diluted	101,520		87,572		92,932		87,345
Dividends declared per common share	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Net income	$	59,134		$	40,919		$	134,043		$	107,542
Other comprehensive income, net:
Unrealized gain on transfer of HTM securities to AFS, net of tax effect of $0, $0, $0, and $(5,367), respectively	—			—			—			8,976
Unrealized gain on AFS securities, net of tax effect of $(3,437), $(672), $(2,579), and $(13,331), respectively	5,486			1,124			4,261			22,293
Unrealized (loss) gain on SERP, net of tax effect of $143, $0, $(63), $0, respectively	(229		)	—			108			—
Realized loss (gain) on sale of AFS securities included in income, net of tax effect of $(24), $68, $217, and $144, respectively	38			(113		)	(365		)	(240		)
Net other comprehensive income	5,295			1,011			4,004			31,029
Comprehensive income	$	64,429		$	41,930		$	138,047		$	138,571

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)



	Preferred Stock			Common Stock			Additional Paid in Capital		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Additional Paid in Capital		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	(in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2013	141	$	141,000	87,186	$	9	$	797,146	$	(21,546	)	$	(61,111	)	$	855,498
Net income	—	—		—	—		—		—			107,542			107,542
Exercise of stock options	—	—		216	—		2,774		—			—			2,774
Restricted stock, performance stock unit, and other grants, net	—	—		331	—		4,778		—			—			4,778
Issuance of common stock under ATM offering, net of offering costs	—	—		116	—		2,559		—			—			2,559
Dividends on preferred stock	—	—		—	—		—		—			(1,058		)	(1,058		)
Other comprehensive income, net	—	—		—	—		—		31,029			—			31,029
Balance, September 30, 2014	141	$	141,000	87,849	$	9	$	807,257	$	9,483		$	45,373		$	1,003,122

Balance, December 31, 2014	71	$	70,500	88,691	$	9	$	828,327	$	16,639		$	85,453		$	1,000,928
Net income	—	—		—	—		—		—			134,043			134,043
Exercise of stock options	—	—		166	—		1,738		—			—			1,738
Restricted stock, performance stock unit, and other grants, net	—	—		451	—		12,553		—			—			12,553
Issuance of common stock in connection with the acquisition of Bridge (1)	—	—		12,997	1		431,030		—			—			431,031
Dividends on preferred stock	—	—		—	—		—		—			(599		)	(599		)
Other comprehensive loss, net	—	—		—	—		—		4,004			—			4,004
Balance, September 30, 2015	71	$	70,500	102,305	$	10	$	1,273,648	$	20,643		$	218,897		$	1,583,698

(1) Includes value of certain share-based awards replaced in connection with the acquisition.

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	134,043		$	107,542
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for credit losses	700			4,426
Depreciation and amortization	6,039			4,328
Stock-based compensation	13,288			8,332
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	(5,660		)	(2,922		)
Deferred income taxes	(4,122		)	(7,913		)
Amortization of net premiums for investment securities	6,815			6,037
Accretion of fair market value adjustments on loans acquired from business combinations	(12,151		)	(12,919		)
Accretion and amortization of fair market value adjustments on other assets and liabilities acquired from business combinations	955			(655		)
Income from bank owned life insurance	(2,733		)	(3,044		)
Unrealized losses on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net	2,684			145
(Gains) / Losses on:
Sales of investment securities	(582		)	(384		)
Sale of loans	(387		)	—
Extinguishment of debt	81			502
Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	(2,585		)	(2,648		)
Valuation adjustments of other repossessed assets, net	931			1,175
Sale of premises, equipment, and other assets, net	(19		)	(2,778		)
Changes in, net of acquisitions:
Other assets	(2,898		)	(6,657		)
Other liabilities	3,242			14,556
Net cash provided by operating activities	137,641			107,123
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment securities - measured at fair value
Principal pay downs and maturities	301			1,071
Investment securities - AFS
Purchases	(661,417		)	(81,365		)
Principal pay downs and maturities	181,286			169,461
Proceeds from sales	129,323			32,235
Investment securities - HTM
Principal pay downs and maturities	—			6,600
Purchase of investment tax credits	(17,583		)	(23,317		)
(Purchase) sale of money market investments, net	(636		)	2,259
Proceeds from bank owned life insurance	382			—
(Purchase) liquidation of restricted stock	(25,695		)	4,911
Loan fundings and principal collections, net	(943,775		)	(1,117,166		)
Purchase of premises, equipment, and other assets, net	(11,860		)	(10,503		)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net	30,062			25,561
Cash and cash equivalents acquired in Bridge acquisition, net	342,427			—
Net cash used in investing activities	(977,185		)	(990,253		)

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	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits	937,514			859,847
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt	148,211			—
Net decrease in borrowings	(91,966		)	(21,157		)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options	1,738			2,774
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	5,660			2,922
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock	(599		)	(1,058		)
Proceeds from issuance of stock in offerings, net	—			2,559
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,000,558			845,887
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	161,014			(37,243		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	164,396			305,514
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	325,410		$	268,271
Supplemental disclosure:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	25,572		$	26,677
Income taxes	21,047			21,680
Non-cash investing and financing activity:
Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	27,570			9,156
Change in unfunded investment tax credits and SBIC commitments	4,652			12,298
Non-cash assets acquired in Bridge acquisition	1,587,626			—
Non-cash liabilities acquired in Bridge acquisition	1,765,146			—
Change in unrealized gain on AFS securities, net of tax	3,896			22,053
Change in unfunded obligations	(2,507		)	(26,905		)
Transfer of HTM securities to AFS, amortized cost	—			275,292
Unrealized gain on transfer of HTM securities to AFS, net of tax	—			8,976

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of operation

WAL is a bank holding company headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware. WAL provides a full spectrum of deposit, lending, treasury management, and online banking products and services through its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, WAB. On June 30, 2015, WAL acquired Bridge Capital Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridge Bank. Upon acquisition, Bridge Capital Holdings merged into WAL and its principal operating subsidiary, Bridge Bank, merged into WAB. Effective as of July 1, 2015, the existing Bridge offices and the two previously existing WAB Northern California offices are operating as a combined division under the Bridge trade name.

WAB operates the following full-service banking divisions: ABA in Arizona, BON in Southern Nevada, Bridge in Northern California, FIB in Northern Nevada, and TPB in Southern California. The Company also serves business customers through a national platform of specialized financial services including AAB, Corporate Finance, Equity Fund Resources, Life Sciences Group, Mortgage Warehouse Lending, Public Finance, Renewable Resources Group, Resort Finance, and Technology Finance. In addition, the Company has one non-bank subsidiary, LVSP, which holds and manages certain non-performing loans and OREO.

Basis of presentation

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with GAAP and conform to practices within the financial services industry. The accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are included in the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses; estimated cash flows related to PCI loans; fair value determinations related to acquisitions and other assets and liabilities carried at fair value; and accounting for income taxes. Although management believes these estimates to be reasonably accurate, actual amounts may differ. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary have been reflected in the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Principles of consolidation

As of September 30, 2015, WAL has ten wholly-owned subsidiaries: WAB, LVSP, and eight unconsolidated subsidiaries used as business trusts in connection with the issuance of trust-preferred securities.

The Bank has the following significant wholly-owned subsidiaries: WAB Investments, Inc., BON Investments, Inc., and TPB Investments, Inc., which hold certain investment securities, municipal loans, and leases; BW Real Estate, Inc., which operates as a real estate investment trust and holds certain of WAB's real estate loans and related securities; and Western Alliance Equipment Finance, which offers equipment finance services nationwide. BW Nevada Holdings, LLC was dissolved on June 12, 2015 after contributing the Company’s 2700 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada office building to WAB.

The Company does not have any other significant entities that should be considered for consolidation. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2014 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 may have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The reclassifications have no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

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Interim financial information

The accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 have been prepared in condensed format and, therefore, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These statements have been prepared on a basis that is substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied to the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The information furnished in these interim statements reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for each respective period presented. Such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations in the interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other quarter or for the full year. The interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Business combinations

Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Under the acquisition method, the acquiring entity in a business combination recognizes all of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets and other identifiable intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. To the extent the fair value of net assets acquired, including identified intangible assets, exceeds the purchase price, a bargain purchase gain is recognized. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed from contingencies are also recognized at fair value if the fair value can be determined during the measurement period. Results of operations of an acquired business are included in the Consolidated Income Statement from the date of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs, including conversion and restructuring charges, are expensed as incurred.

Investment securities

Investment securities may be classified as HTM, AFS, or trading. The appropriate classification is initially decided at the time of purchase. Securities classified as HTM are those debt securities that the Company has both the intent and ability to hold to maturity regardless of changes in market conditions, liquidity needs, or general economic conditions. These securities are carried at amortized cost. The sale of a security within three months of its maturity date or after the majority of the principal outstanding has been collected is considered a maturity for purposes of classification and disclosure.

Securities classified as AFS or trading are reported as an asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at their estimated fair value. As the fair value of AFS securities changes, the changes are reported net of income tax as an element of OCI, except for other-than-temporarily-impaired securities. When AFS securities are sold, the unrealized gain or loss is reclassified from OCI to non-interest income. The changes in the fair values of trading securities are reported in non-interest income. Securities classified as AFS are both equity and debt securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity. Any decision to sell a security classified as AFS would be based on various factors, including significant movements in interest rates, changes in the maturity mix of the Company’s assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, decline in credit quality, and regulatory capital considerations.

Interest income is recognized based on the coupon rate and increased by accretion of discounts earned or decreased by the amortization of premiums paid over the contractual life of the security, adjusted for prepayment estimates, using the interest method.

In estimating whether there are any OTTI losses, management considers the 1) length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost; 2) financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer; 3) impact of changes in market interest rates; and 4) intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value and whether it is not more likely than not the Company would be required to sell the security.

Declines in the fair value of individual AFS debt securities that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings when identified. The fair value of the debt security then becomes the new cost basis. For individual debt securities where the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the other-than-temporary decline in fair value of the debt security related to 1) credit loss is recognized in earnings; and 2) interest rate, market, or other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income or loss.

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For individual debt securities where the Company either intends to sell the security or more likely than not will not recover all of its amortized cost, the OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security's cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For individual debt securities for which a credit loss has been recognized in earnings, interest accruals and amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are suspended when the credit loss is recognized. Interest received after accruals have been suspended is recognized on a cash basis.

Restricted stock

On January 30, 2015, WAB became a member of the Federal Reserve System and, as part of its membership, is required to maintain stock in the FRB in a specified ratio to its capital. In addition, WAB is a member of the FHLB system and, accordingly, maintains an investment in capital stock of the FHLB based on the borrowing capacity used. The Company also maintains an investment in its primary correspondent bank. All of these investments are considered equity securities with no actively traded market. Therefore, the shares are considered restricted investment securities. These investments are carried at cost, which is equal to the value at which they may be redeemed. The dividend income received from the stock is reported in interest income. The Company conducts a periodic review and evaluation of its restricted stock to determine if any impairment exists. No impairment has been recorded to date.

Loans, held for investment

The Company generally holds loans for investment and has the intent and ability to hold loans until their maturity. Therefore, they are reported at book value. Net loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, reduced by net deferred fees and costs, purchase accounting fair value adjustments, and an allowance for credit losses. In addition, the book value of loans that are subject to a fair value hedge is adjusted for changes in value attributable to the effective portion of the hedged benchmark interest rate risk. Purchased loans are recorded at estimated fair value on the date of purchase, comprised of unpaid principal less estimated credit losses and interest rate fair value adjustments.

The Company may acquire loans through a business combination or in a purchase for which differences may exist between the contractual cash flows and the cash flows expected to be collected, which are due, at least in part, to credit quality. Loans are evaluated individually to determine if there has been credit deterioration since origination. Such loans may then be aggregated and accounted for as a pool of loans based on common characteristics. When the Company acquires such loans, the yield that may be accreted (accretable yield) is limited to the excess of the Company’s estimate of undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected over the Company’s initial investment in the loan. The excess of contractual cash flows over the cash flows expected to be collected may not be recognized as an adjustment to yield, loss, or a valuation allowance. Subsequent increases in cash flows expected to be collected generally are recognized prospectively through adjustment of the loan’s yield over the remaining life. Subsequent decreases to cash flows expected to be collected are recognized as impairment. The Company may not carry over or create a valuation allowance in the initial accounting for loans acquired under these circumstances. For purchased loans that are not deemed impaired, fair value adjustments attributable to both credit and interest rates are accreted (or amortized) over the contractual life of the individual loan. For additional information, see "Note 4. Loans, Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Loan fees collected for the origination of loans less direct loan origination costs (net deferred loan fees) are amortized over the contractual life of the loan through interest income. If the loan has scheduled payments, the amortization of the net deferred loan fee is calculated using the interest method over the contractual life of the loan. If the loan does not have scheduled payments, such as a line of credit, the net deferred loan fee is recognized as interest income on a straight-line basis over the contractual life of the loan commitment. Commitment fees based on a percentage of a customer’s unused line of credit and fees related to standby letters of credit are recognized over the commitment period. When loans are repaid, any remaining unamortized balances of premiums, discounts, or net deferred fees are recognized as interest income.

Non-accrual loans: For all loan types except credit cards, when a borrower discontinues making payments as contractually required by the note, the Company must determine whether it is appropriate to continue to accrue interest. The Company ceases accruing interest income when the loan has become delinquent by more than 90 days or when management determines that the full repayment of principal and collection of interest according to contractual terms is no longer likely. The Company may decide to continue to accrue interest on certain loans more than 90 days delinquent if the loans are well secured by collateral and in the process of collection. Credit card loans and other personal loans are typically charged off no later than 180 days delinquent.

For all loan types, when a loan is placed on non-accrual status, all interest accrued but uncollected is reversed against interest income in the period in which the status is changed and, the Company makes a loan-level decision to apply either the cash basis or cost recovery method. The Company recognizes income on a cash basis only for those non-accrual loans for which the collection of the remaining principal balance is not in doubt. Under the cost recovery method, subsequent payments received

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from the customer are applied to principal and generally no further interest income is recognized until the principal has been paid in full or until circumstances have changed such that payments are again consistently received as contractually required.

Impaired loans: A loan is identified as impaired when it is no longer probable that interest and principal will be collected according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement. Generally, impaired loans are classified as non-accrual. However, in certain instances, impaired loans may continue on an accrual basis, if full repayment of all principal and interest is expected and the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. Impaired loans are measured for reserve requirements in accordance with ASC 310, Receivables, based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less applicable disposition costs if the loan is collateral dependent. The amount of an impairment reserve, if any, and any subsequent changes are recorded as a provision for credit losses. Losses are recorded as a charge-off when losses are confirmed. In addition to management's internal loan review process, regulators may from time to time direct the Company to modify loan grades, loan impairment calculations, or loan impairment methodology.

Troubled Debt Restructured Loans: A TDR loan is a loan on which the Company, for reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that the Company would not otherwise consider. The loan terms that have been modified or restructured due to a borrower’s financial situation include, but are not limited to, a reduction in the stated interest rate, an extension of the maturity or renewal of the loan at an interest rate below current market, a reduction in the face amount of the debt, a reduction in the accrued interest, or deferral of interest payments. A TDR loan is also considered impaired. A TDR loan may be returned to accrual status when the loan is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual restructured terms for a reasonable period of time (generally six months) and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual restructured principal and interest is no longer in doubt. However, such loans continue to be considered impaired. Consistent with regulatory guidance, a TDR loan that is subsequently modified in another restructuring agreement but has shown sustained performance and classification as a TDR, will be removed from TDR status provided that the modified terms were market-based at the time of modification.

Allowance for credit losses

Credit risk is inherent in the business of extending loans and leases to borrowers, for which the Company must maintain an adequate allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses recorded to expense. Loans are charged against the allowance for credit losses when management believes that the contractual principal or interest will not be collected. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance is an amount believed adequate to absorb estimated probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectable, based on evaluation of the collectability of loans and prior credit loss experience, together with other factors. The Company formally re-evaluates and establishes the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses on a quarterly basis.

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific allowance applies to impaired loans. For impaired collateral dependent loans, the reserve is calculated based on the collateral value, net of estimated disposition costs. Generally, the Company obtains independent collateral valuation analysis for each loan every twelve months. Loans not collateral dependent are evaluated based on the expected future cash flows discounted at the original contractual interest rate. The Company's impairment analysis also incorporates various valuation considerations, including loan type, loss experience, and geographic criteria.

The general allowance covers all non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for the various qualitative and quantitative factors listed above.

The Company’s allowance for credit loss methodology incorporates several quantitative and qualitative risk factors used to establish the appropriate allowance for credit losses at each reporting date. Quantitative factors include: 1) the Company's historical loss experience; 2) levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; 3) levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; 4) trends in volume and terms of loans; 5) changes in underwriting standards or lending policies; 6) experience, ability, depth of lending staff; 7) national and local economic trends and conditions; 8) changes in credit concentrations; 9) out-of-market exposures; 10) changes in quality of loan review system; and 11) changes in the value of underlying collateral.

An internal ten-year loss history is also incorporated into the allowance calculation model. Due to the credit concentration of our loan portfolio in real estate secured loans, the value of collateral is heavily dependent on real estate values in Nevada, Arizona, and California. While management uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic or other conditions. In addition, regulators, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review the Bank's allowance for credit losses, and may require us to make additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination. Management regularly reviews the assumptions and formulae used in determining the allowance and makes adjustments if required to reflect the current risk profile of the portfolio.

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Other assets acquired through foreclosure

Other assets acquired through foreclosure consist primarily of properties acquired as a result of, or in-lieu-of, foreclosure. Properties or other assets (primarily repossessed assets formerly leased) are classified as OREO and other repossessed property and are initially reported at fair value of the asset less estimated selling costs. Subsequent adjustments are based on the lower of carrying value or fair value less estimated costs to sell the property. Costs related to the development or improvement of the assets are capitalized and costs related to holding the assets are charged to non-interest expense. Property is evaluated regularly to ensure the recorded amount is supported by its current fair value and valuation allowances.

Derivative financial instruments

The Company uses interest-rate swaps to mitigate interest-rate risk associated with changes to 1) the fair value of certain fixed-rate financial instruments (fair value hedges) and 2) certain cash flows related to future interest payments on variable rate financial instruments (cash flow hedges).

The Company recognizes derivatives as assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at their fair value in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge. Derivative instruments designated in a hedge relationship to mitigate exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or liability attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivative instruments designated in a hedge relationship to mitigate exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges.

Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a fair value hedge, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk are recorded in current-period earnings. For a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in AOCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a cash flow hedge is recognized immediately in non-interest income in the Consolidated Income Statement. Under both the fair value and cash flow hedge scenarios, changes in the fair value of derivatives not considered to be highly effective in hedging the change in fair value or the expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized in earnings as non-interest income during the period of the change.

The Company documents its hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction at the time the derivative contract is executed. Both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, the Company assesses whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective (as defined in the guidance) in offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. Retroactive effectiveness is assessed, as well as the continued expectation that the hedge will remain effective prospectively. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that a hedge is no longer highly effective. When hedge accounting is discontinued on a fair value hedge that no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the derivative continues to be reported at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, but the carrying amount of the hedged item is no longer adjusted for future changes in fair value. The adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged item that existed at the date hedge accounting is discontinued is amortized over the remaining life of the hedged item into earnings.

Derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges, so called free-standing derivatives, are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognized in earnings as non-interest income during the period of change.

The Company may in the normal course of business purchase a financial instrument or originate a loan that contains an embedded derivative instrument. Upon purchasing the instrument or originating the loan, the Company assesses whether the economic characteristics of the embedded derivative are clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the remaining component of the financial instrument (i.e., the host contract) and whether a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded instrument would meet the definition of a derivative instrument. When it is determined that 1) the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract and 2) a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is separated from the host contract and carried at fair value. However, in cases where 1) the host contract is measured at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in current earnings, or 2) the Company is unable to reliably identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value and is not designated as a hedging instrument.

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Income taxes

The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and files a consolidated federal income tax return with all of its subsidiaries, with the exception of BW Real Estate, Inc. Deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their income tax bases using enacted tax rates that are expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes.

Net deferred tax assets are recorded to the extent that these assets will more-likely-than-not be realized. In making these determinations, all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies, projected future taxable income, and recent operating results. If it is determined that deferred income tax assets to be realized in the future are in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance will be recorded, which will reduce the Company's provision for income taxes.

A tax benefit from an unrecognized tax benefit may be recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including related appeals or litigation, based on technical merits. Income tax benefits must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized.

Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as part of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Income Statement. Accrued interest and penalties are included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Off-balance sheet instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into off-balance sheet financial instrument arrangements consisting of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements when they are funded. They involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Losses would be experienced when the Company is contractually obligated to make a payment under these instruments and must seek repayment from the borrower, which may not be as financially sound in the current period as they were when the commitment was originally made. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The Company enters into credit arrangements that generally provide for the termination of advances in the event of a covenant violation or other event of default. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the party. The commitments are collateralized by the same types of assets used as loan collateral.

As with outstanding loans, the Company applies qualitative factors and utilization rates to its off-balance sheet obligations in determining an estimate of losses inherent in these contractual obligations. The estimate for credit losses on off-balance sheet instruments is included in other liabilities and the charge to income that establishes this liability is included in non-interest expense.

Fair values of financial instruments

The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities. ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurement as well as enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The Company uses various valuation approaches, including market, income and/or cost approaches. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors market participants would consider in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs, as follows:


•	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

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•

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, volatilities, etc.) or model-based valuation techniques where all significant assumptions are observable, either directly or indirectly, in the market.

•

Level 3 - Valuation is generated from model-based techniques where one or more significant inputs are not observable, either directly or indirectly, in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques may include use of matrix pricing, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques.

The availability of observable inputs varies based on the nature of the specific financial instrument. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. When market assumptions are available, ASC 820 requires the Company to make assumptions regarding the assumptions that market participants would use to estimate the fair value of the financial instrument at the measurement date.

ASC 825, Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value.

Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent limitations in any estimation technique. Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The estimated fair value amounts for September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 have been measured as of period-end, and have not been reevaluated or updated for purposes of these Consolidated Financial Statements subsequent to those dates. As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the reporting date may be different than the amounts reported at period-end.

The information in "Note 14. Fair Value Accounting" in these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only required for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities.

Due to the wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimate, comparisons between the Company’s disclosures and those of other companies or banks may not be meaningful.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents

The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and due from banks approximate their fair value.

Money market investments

The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for money market investments approximate their fair value.

Investment securities

The fair values of CRA investments, mutual funds, and exchange-listed preferred stock are based on quoted market prices and are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

The fair values of other investment securities were determined based on matrix pricing. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique that utilizes observable market inputs including, for example, yield curves, credit ratings, and prepayment speeds. Fair values determined using matrix pricing are generally categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

The Company owns certain CDOs for which quoted prices are not available. Quoted prices for similar assets are also not available for these investment securities. In order to determine the fair value of these securities, the Company engages a third

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party to estimate the future cash flows and discount rate using third party quotes adjusted based on assumptions a market participant would assume necessary for each specific security. As a result of the lack of an active market, the resulting fair values have been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Restricted stock

WAB is a member of the Federal Reserve System and the FHLB and, accordingly, maintains investments in the capital stock of the FRB and the FHLB. WAB also maintains an investment in its primary correspondent bank. These investments are carried at cost since no ready market exists for them, and they have no quoted market value. The Company conducts a periodic review and evaluation of its restricted stock to determine if any impairment exists. The fair values of these investments have been categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Loans

The fair value of loans is estimated based on discounted cash flows using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers with similar credit quality and adjustments that the Company believes a market participant would consider in determining fair value based on a third party independent valuation. As a result, the fair value for certain loans is categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, excluding impaired loans which are categorized as Level 3.

Accrued interest receivable and payable

The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for accrued interest receivable and payable approximate their fair value.

Derivative financial instruments

All derivatives are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. The fair value for derivatives is determined based on market prices, broker-dealer quotations on similar products, or other related input parameters. As a result, the fair values have been categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Deposits

The fair value disclosed for demand and savings deposits is by definition equal to the amount payable on demand at their reporting date (that is, their carrying amount), which the Company believes a market participant would consider in determining fair value. The carrying amount for variable-rate deposit accounts approximates their fair value. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on these deposits. The fair value measurement of the deposit liabilities is categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

FHLB advances, other borrowings, and subordinated debt

The fair values of the Company’s borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the market rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The FHLB advances have been categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy due to their short durations. Other borrowings have been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Junior subordinated debt

Junior subordinated debt is valued by comparing the BB Financial over SWAP index and discounting the contractual cash flows on the Company's debt using these market rates. Junior subordinated debt has been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Off-balance sheet instruments

The fair value of the Company’s off-balance sheet instruments (lending commitments and standby letters of credit) is based on quoted fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements, and the counterparties’ credit standing.

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Recent accounting pronouncements

In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 to Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, provide explicit guidance on whether to treat a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition that affects vesting or as a nonvesting condition that affects the grant-date fair value of an award. The amendments are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. An entity may elect to apply the amendments either prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern. The amendments in ASU 2014-15 to Subtopic 205-40, Going Concern, provide guidance about management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The amendments require management to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. The amendments are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. The amendments in ASU 2015-02 to Topic 810, Consolidation, change the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. Specifically, the amendments modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities, eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with variable interest entities, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships, and provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. An entity may apply the amendments in this Update using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption or, may apply the amendments retrospectively. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently adopted accounting guidance

In the second quarter of 2015, the Company adopted the amended guidance within ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amendments in ASU 2015-03 to Subtopic 835-30, Interest - Imputation of Interest, require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. On June 29, 2015, the Company issued $150.0 million in subordinated debt. As a result of the adoption of this amended guidance, subordinated debt was recorded net of related issuance costs of $1.9 million. Prior period balances were not adjusted for the change in accounting principle as unamortized debt issuance costs were not significant.

In the third quarter 2015, the Company elected early adoption of the amended guidance within ASU 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. Under current GAAP, the acquirer is required to retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date with a corresponding adjustment to goodwill and is also required to revise comparative information for prior periods presented in the financial statements. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 to Topic 805, Business Combinations, require that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments in this Update also require that the acquirer record, in the same period's financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. An entity is required to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustments to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. As a result of the adoption of this amended guidance, all measurement period adjustments identified during the quarter have been recognized in the current reporting period. As the closing date of the Bridge acquisition was June 30, 2015, Bridge's results of operations were not included in the Company's results until July 1, 2015. Accordingly, there are no amounts recorded in current-period earnings that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustments to the

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provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. See Note 2. Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions for further discussion of the measurement period adjustments identified and recognized during the current reporting period.

2. MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

Acquisition of Bridge Capital Holdings

On June 30, 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of Bridge Capital Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridge Bank, headquartered in San Jose, California. Under the terms of the acquisition, each outstanding share of Bridge common stock was exchanged for 0.8145 shares of WAL's common stock plus $2.39 in cash. The Company paid $36.5 million in cash and issued 12.5 million common shares for all equity interests in Bridge. The merger was undertaken, in part, because Bridge strengthens the Company's Northern California presence and provides new avenues for growth in technology and international services.

Bridge’s results of operations have been included in the Company’s results beginning July 1, 2015. Acquisition / restructure expenses related to the Bridge acquisition of $0.8 million and $8.8 million for three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, have been included in non-interest expense, of which, approximately $0.9 million are acquisition related costs as defined by ASC 805. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805. Assets purchased and liabilities assumed were recorded at their respective acquisition date estimated fair values. The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to adjustment during the first twelve months after the acquisition date if additional information becomes available to indicate a more accurate or appropriate value for an asset or liability.

The following table shows the recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their as adjusted acquisition date fair values, which include all measurement period adjustments identified and recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2015:



	As Adjusted
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	378,966
Investment securities - AFS	61,297
Investments in restricted stock	7,015
Loans	1,439,995
Premises and equipment	1,519
Other assets acquired through foreclosure	1,407
Bank owned life insurance	17,385
Investment in LIHTC	5,354
Intangible assets	14,997
Deferred tax assets, net	18,664
Other assets	19,993
Total assets	$	1,966,592
Liabilities:
Deposits	$	1,742,031
Qualifying debt	11,287
Other liabilities	11,828
Total liabilities	1,765,146
Net assets acquired	$	201,446
Consideration paid
Common stock (12,451,240 shares at $33.76 per share)	$	420,354
Fair value of equity awards related to pre-combination vesting	10,676
Cash	36,539
Fair value of total consideration	467,569
Goodwill	$	266,123


(1)	Cash and cash equivalents is net of a $6.2 million payment made by Bridge related to the cash out of vested, unexercised stock options at the date of closing. Cash acquired, less cash consideration paid of $36.5 million, resulted in net cash and cash equivalents increasing by $342.4 million following the acquisition.

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The Company identified $6.5 million in measurement period adjustments during the three months ended September 30, 2015, which has been reflected as an adjustment to goodwill. The significant measurement period adjustments relate to loans, net deferred tax assets, and other liabilities. The fair value of loans decreased as interest and credit marks on Bridge loans were adjusted after review of the Company's third party valuation report to account for known conditions that existed at June 30, 2015. This decrease was partially offset by loan recoveries received shortly after June 30, 2015 as a loan balance equal to the recovery amount was established for loans that were previously fully-charged off. The net deferred tax assets balance was adjusted to account for the tax effects of all the changes in the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Other liabilities also increased to accrue for unrecorded expenses and other liabilities incurred prior to acquisition. Although further measurement period adjustments are not expected to be significant, the estimated fair value of net assets acquired are still preliminary and are subject to additional measurement period adjustments.

Loans acquired in the Bridge acquisition consist of loans that are not considered impaired (non-PCI loans) and loans that have shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination (PCI loans) as of the acquisition date. All loans were recorded net of fair value adjustments (interest rate and credit marks), which were determined using discounted contractual cash flow models. The fair value of non-PCI loans acquired totals $1.43 billion, which is net of interest and credit marks of $26.0 million. The fair value of PCI loans totals $10.9 million, which is net of interest and credit marks of $5.7 million. See "Note 4. Loans, Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional detail of the acquired loans.

In connection with the Bridge acquisition, the Company acquired intangible assets of $15.0 million, consisting primarily of core deposit intangibles. The core deposit intangible asset balance has been allocated to the Northern California and CBL segments based on their respective core deposit balances at June 30, 2015, and is subject to amortization over its estimated useful life of 10 years.

Goodwill related to the acquisition totaled $266.1 million, which includes $6.5 million of measurement period adjustments identified and recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2015. Goodwill has been allocated to the newly formed Northern California and CBL segments based on their proportionate loan and deposit balances as of June 30, 2015. Management believes this methodology allocates goodwill to the reporting units in a manner consistent with the expected synergies of the combination. None of the goodwill recognized as part of the acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Qualifying debt assumed from Bridge is comprised of junior subordinated debt with a contractual balance of $17.5 million and is recorded net of a $6.2 million fair value mark that will be amortized over the remaining life of the trusts. See "Note 7. Qualifying Debt" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail and discussion of the debt.

In connection with the acquisition, the Company assumed Bridge's SERP, an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan. The SERP provides retirement benefits to certain Bridge executives based on years of service and final average salary. Pursuant to the terms of the SERP agreements, if the executive officer's service is terminated by Bridge or by the executive officer for "good reason" (as defined in the SERP agreements) within 24 months following a change in control, such as the Bridge acquisition, the executive officer is entitled to full vesting of the normal benefit under the SERP agreement, and such SERP benefits will be made in installment payments commencing on the first business day of January of the year following the executive officer's attainment of age 55 or, if the executive officer is already age 55 as of such termination of employment, on the first business day of January of the year following the executive officer's termination of employment. As of June 30, 2015, a $7.1 million liability included in other liabilities was recorded in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the SERP. A discount rate of 5.75% and an employee compensation rate increase of 4.00% were used in determining the SERP liability as of June 30, 2015.

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The following table presents pro forma information as if the Bridge acquisition was completed on January 1, 2014. The pro forma information includes adjustments for interest income on loans and securities acquired, amortization of intangibles arising from the transaction and interest expense on deposits acquired. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations as they would have been had the transactions been effected on the assumed dates.



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Interest income	$	141,386	$	126,576	$	412,888	$	365,648
Non-interest income	13,826		10,609		24,873		27,491
Net income available to common stockholders (1)	56,791		45,997		147,163		119,898
Earnings per share - basic	$	0.56	$	0.46	$	1.39	$	1.20
Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.56	$	0.45	$	1.37	$	1.18


(1)	Excludes acquisition / restructure related costs incurred by the Company of $0.8 million and $8.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and acquisition / restructure related costs incurred by Bridge of zero and $6.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and related tax effects.

PartnersFirst Discontinued Operations

The Company discontinued its affinity credit card business and presented these activities as discontinued operations. During the second quarter 2014, the Company shut down its remaining affinity credit card operations. Therefore, no additional discontinued operations have been reported.

The following table summarizes the operating results of the discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014:



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
Operating revenue	$	(358	)
Non-interest expenses	(1,369		)
Loss before income taxes	(1,727		)
Income tax benefit	(569		)
Net loss	$	(1,158	)

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3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The carrying amounts and fair values of investment securities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows:



	September 30, 2015
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Available-for-sale
Collateralized debt obligations	$	50	$	10,160	$	—		$	10,210
Commercial MBS issued by GSEs	19,241		358		—			19,599
Corporate debt securities	12,770		660		—			13,430
CRA investments	34,596		166		—			34,762
Municipal obligations	320,358		13,875		(168		)	334,065
Preferred stock	110,462		1,819		(2,151		)	110,130
Private label commercial MBS	4,861		55		—			4,916
Private label residential MBS	244,625		816		(1,293		)	244,148
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	1,098,920		17,161		(671		)	1,115,410
Trust preferred securities	32,000		—		(7,351		)	24,649
U.S. government sponsored agency securities	18,700		—		(67		)	18,633
U.S. treasury securities	2,997		31		—			3,028
Total AFS securities	$	1,899,580	$	45,101	$	(11,701	)	$	1,932,980

Securities measured at fair value
Residential MBS issued by GSEs								$	1,537



	December 31, 2014
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Available-for-sale
Collateralized debt obligations	$	50	$	11,395	$	—		$	11,445
Commercial MBS issued by GSEs	2,047		100		—			2,147
Corporate debt securities	52,773		717		(1,001		)	52,489
CRA investments	24,302		30		—			24,332
Municipal obligations	285,398		13,688		(49		)	299,037
Mutual funds	37,449		500		(247		)	37,702
Preferred stock	83,192		2,099		(2,679		)	82,612
Private label commercial MBS	5,017		132		—			5,149
Private label residential MBS	70,985		379		(1,121		)	70,243
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	881,734		11,440		(1,985		)	891,189
Trust preferred securities	32,000		—		(6,454		)	25,546
U.S. government-sponsored agency securities	18,701		—		(355		)	18,346
Total AFS securities	$	1,493,648	$	40,480	$	(13,891	)	$	1,520,237

Securities measured at fair value
Residential MBS issued by GSEs								$	1,858

For additional information on the fair value changes of securities measured at fair value, see the trading securities table in "Note 14. Fair Value Accounting" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company conducts an OTTI analysis on a quarterly basis. The initial indication of OTTI for both debt and equity securities is a decline in the market value below the amount recorded for an investment, and taking into account the severity and duration of the decline. Another potential indication of OTTI is a downgrade below investment grade. In determining whether an

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impairment is OTTI, the Company considers the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been below cost, recent events specific to the issuer, including investment downgrades by rating agencies and economic conditions of its industry, and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery. For marketable equity securities, the Company also considers the issuer’s financial condition, capital strength, and near-term prospects.

For debt securities, for the purpose of an OTTI analysis, the Company also considers the cause of the price decline (general level of interest rates and industry and issuer-specific factors), the issuer’s financial condition, near-term prospects, and current ability to make future payments in a timely manner, as well as the issuer’s ability to service debt, and any change in agencies’ ratings at the evaluation date from the acquisition date and any likely imminent action. For ARPS with a fair value below cost that is not attributable to the credit deterioration of the issuer, such as a decline in cash flows from the security or a downgrade in the security’s rating below investment grade, a loss is recorded in other comprehensive income rather than earnings when the Company determines that it has the intent and ability to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

The Company has reviewed securities for which there is an unrealized loss in accordance with its accounting policy for OTTI described above and determined that there were no impairment charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The Company does not consider any securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. No assurance can be made that OTTI will not occur in future periods.

Information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position follows:



	September 30, 2015
	Less Than Twelve Months				More Than Twelve Months				Total
	Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Available-for-sale
Municipal obligations	$	168	$	24,403	$	—	$	—	$	168	$	24,403
Preferred stock	688		41,142		1,463		17,593		2,151		58,735
Private label residential MBS	919		84,594		374		21,360		1,293		105,954
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	51		8,393		620		41,352		671		49,745
Trust preferred securities	—		—		7,351		24,649		7,351		24,649
U.S. government sponsored agency securities	—		—		67		18,633		67		18,633
Total AFS securities	$	1,826	$	158,532	$	9,875	$	123,587	$	11,701	$	282,119



	December 31, 2014
	Less Than Twelve Months				More Than Twelve Months				Total
	Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Available-for-sale
Corporate debt securities	$	139	$	9,860	$	862	$	29,139	$	1,001	$	38,999
Municipal obligations	—		—		49		4,430		49		4,430
Mutual funds	247		25,855		—		—		247		25,855
Preferred stock	232		13,811		2,447		28,109		2,679		41,920
Private label residential MBS	157		24,056		964		26,614		1,121		50,670
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	227		49,217		1,758		97,296		1,985		146,513
Trust preferred securities	—		—		6,454		25,546		6,454		25,546
U.S. government sponsored agency securities	—		—		355		18,346		355		18,346
Total AFS securities	$	1,002	$	122,799	$	12,889	$	229,480	$	13,891	$	352,279

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s unrealized losses relate primarily to interest rate fluctuations, credit spread widening, and reduced liquidity in applicable markets. The total number of securities in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015 was 92, compared to 109 at December 31, 2014. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition,

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management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and industry analysis reports. Since material downgrades have not occurred and management does not intend to sell the debt securities in an unrealized loss position in the foreseeable future, none of the securities described in the above table or in this paragraph were deemed to be OTTI.

The preferred stock and trust preferred securities have yields based on floating rate LIBOR, which are highly correlated to the federal funds rate and have been negatively affected by the low rate environment. This has resulted in unrealized losses for these securities.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities as of September 30, 2015, by contractual maturities, are shown below. MBS are shown separately as individual MBS are comprised of pools of loans with varying maturities. Therefore, these securities are listed separately in the maturity summary.



	September 30, 2015
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Available-for-sale
Due in one year or less	$	59,766	$	60,191
After one year through five years	80,638		84,117
After five years through ten years	87,171		90,576
After ten years	304,358		314,023
Mortgage-backed securities	1,367,647		1,384,073
Total AFS securities	$	1,899,580	$	1,932,980

The following tables summarize the carrying amount of the Company’s investment ratings position as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:



	September 30, 2015
	AAA		Split-rated AAA/AA+		AA+ to AA-		A+ to A-		BBB+ to BBB-		BB+ and below		Unrated		Totals
	(in thousands)
Available-for-sale
Collateralized debt obligations	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	10,210	$	—	$	10,210
Commercial MBS issued by GSEs	—		19,599		—		—		—		—		—		19,599
Corporate debt securities	—		—		2,737		10,693		—		—		—		13,430
CRA investments	—		—		—		—		—		—		34,762		34,762
Municipal obligations	8,023		—		180,915		138,640		6,302		185		—		334,065
Preferred stock	—		—		—		—		77,364		22,953		9,813		110,130
Private label commercial MBS	4,916		—		—		—		—		—		—		4,916
Private label residential MBS	236,042		—		45		2,480		2,762		2,819		—		244,148
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	—		1,115,410		—		—		—		—		—		1,115,410
Trust preferred securities	—		—		—		—		24,649		—		—		24,649
U.S. government sponsored agency securities	—		18,633		—		—		—		—		—		18,633
U.S. treasury securities	—		3,028		—		—		—		—		—		3,028
Total AFS securities (1)	$	248,981	$	1,156,670	$	183,697	$	151,813	$	111,077	$	36,167	$	44,575	$	1,932,980

Securities measured at fair value
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	$	—	$	1,537	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,537


(1)	The Company uses the average credit rating of the combination of S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch, where ratings differ.

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	December 31, 2014
	AAA		Split-rated AAA/AA+		AA+ to AA-		A+ to A-		BBB+ to BBB-		BB+ and below		Unrated		Totals
	(in thousands)
Available-for-sale
Collateralized debt obligations	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	11,445	$	—	$	11,445
Commercial MBS issued by GSEs	—		2,147		—		—		—		—		—		2,147
Corporate debt securities	—		—		2,759		5,570		44,160		—		—		52,489
CRA investments	—		—		—		—		—		—		24,332		24,332
Municipal obligations	8,168		—		138,256		146,155		6,263		195		—		299,037
Mutual funds (2)	—		—		—		—		37,702		—		—		37,702
Preferred stock	—		—		—		—		54,585		17,632		10,395		82,612
Private label commercial MBS	5,149		—		—		—		—		—		—		5,149
Private label residential MBS	59,944		—		68		3,439		3,595		3,197		—		70,243
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	—		891,189		—		—		—		—		—		891,189
Trust preferred securities	—		—		—		—		25,546		—		—		25,546
U.S. government sponsored agency securities	—		18,346		—		—		—		—		—		18,346
Total AFS securities (1)	$	73,261	$	911,682	$	141,083	$	155,164	$	171,851	$	32,469	$	34,727	$	1,520,237

Securities measured at fair value
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	$	—	$	1,858	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,858


(1)	The Company uses the average credit rating of the combination of S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch, where ratings differ.


(2)	At least 80% of mutual funds are investment grade corporate debt securities.

Securities with carrying amounts of approximately $831.2 million and $755.5 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, were pledged for various purposes as required or permitted by law.

The following table presents gross gains and losses on sales of investment securities:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014		2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Gross gains	$	—		$	181	$	1,103		$	547
Gross losses	(62		)	—		(521		)	(163		)
Net gains on sales of investment securities	$	(62	)	$	181	$	582		$	384

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4. LOANS, LEASES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio is as follows:



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Loans, held for investment
Commercial and industrial	$	4,799,423		$	3,326,708
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied	2,210,642			2,052,566
Commercial real estate - owner occupied	2,123,882			1,732,888
Construction and land development	1,122,094			748,053
Residential real estate	320,679			299,402
Commercial leases	160,593			205,639
Consumer	26,626			33,009
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs	10,763,939			8,398,265
Allowance for credit losses	(117,072		)	(110,216		)
Total loans HFI	$	10,646,867		$	8,288,049

Net deferred loan fees and costs as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 total $16.9 million and $12.5 million, respectively. Net unamortized discounts on loans total $7.2 million and $7.5 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Total loans held for investment are also net of interest and credit marks on acquired loans totaling $47.4 million and $27.1 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

As of September 30, 2015, the Company also has $24.4 million of HFS loans.

The following table presents the contractual aging of the recorded investment in past due loans held for investment by class of loans:



	September 30, 2015
	Current		30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Over 90 days Past Due		Total Past Due		Total
	(in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	$	2,121,230	$	1,468	$	111	$	1,073	$	2,652	$	2,123,882
Non-owner occupied	2,027,293		2,980		544		474		3,998		2,031,291
Multi-family	179,351		—		—		—		—		179,351
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	4,784,193		3,764		7,046		4,420		15,230		4,799,423
Leases	152,881		5,038		—		2,674		7,712		160,593
Construction and land development
Construction	682,851		—		—		—		—		682,851
Land	438,826		417		—		—		417		439,243
Residential real estate	316,687		61		948		2,983		3,992		320,679
Consumer	26,386		9		4		227		240		26,626
Total loans	$	10,729,698	$	13,737	$	8,653	$	11,851	$	34,241	$	10,763,939

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	December 31, 2014
	Current		30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Over 90 days Past Due		Total Past Due		Total
	(in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	$	1,730,164	$	1,406	$	180	$	1,138	$	2,724	$	1,732,888
Non-owner occupied	1,855,454		2,389		3,361		8,737		14,487		1,869,941
Multi-family	182,180		—		445		—		445		182,625
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	3,324,132		1,523		15		1,038		2,576		3,326,708
Leases	205,639		—		—		—		—		205,639
Construction and land development
Construction	388,399		—		—		—		—		388,399
Land	356,209		—		2,640		805		3,445		359,654
Residential real estate	292,065		2,347		205		4,785		7,337		299,402
Consumer	32,540		177		21		271		469		33,009
Total loans	$	8,366,782	$	7,842	$	6,867	$	16,774	$	31,483	$	8,398,265

The following table presents the recorded investment in non-accrual loans and loans past due ninety days or more and still accruing interest by class of loans:



	September 30, 2015								December 31, 2014
	Non-accrual loans						Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing		Non-accrual loans						Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
	Current		Past Due/ Delinquent		Total Non-accrual		Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing		Current		Past Due/ Delinquent		Total Non-accrual		Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
	(in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	$	1,970	$	1,073	$	3,043	$	—	$	13,630	$	—	$	13,630	$	1,138
Non-owner occupied	12,780		2,818		15,598		—		30,226		8,601		38,827		2,171
Multi-family	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	19,178		—		19,178		4,420		2,621		496		3,117		703
Leases	314		2,674		2,988		—		373		—		373		—
Construction and land development
Construction	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Land	1,926		417		2,343		—		2,686		2,640		5,326		805
Residential real estate	2,462		1,883		4,345		1,100		1,332		4,841		6,173		232
Consumer	—		197		197		30		25		188		213		83
Total	$	38,630	$	9,062	$	47,692	$	5,550	$	50,893	$	16,766	$	67,659	$	5,132

The reduction in interest income associated with loans on non-accrual status was approximately $0.5 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $1.9 million and $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The Company utilizes an internal asset classification system as a means of reporting problem and potential problem loans. Under the Company’s risk rating system, the Company classifies problem and potential problem loans as Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss. Substandard loans include those characterized by well-defined weaknesses and carry the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as Doubtful, or risk rated eight, have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. The final rating of Loss covers loans considered uncollectible and having such little recoverable value that it is not practical to defer writing off the asset. Loans that do not currently expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but possess weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention, are deemed to be Special Mention. Risk ratings are updated, at a minimum, quarterly.

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The following tables present gross loans by risk rating:



	September 30, 2015
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Loss		Total
	(in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	$	2,062,062	$	30,691	$	29,634	$	1,495	$	—	$	2,123,882
Non-owner occupied	1,976,564		17,951		36,776		—		—		2,031,291
Multi-family	177,604		—		1,747		—		—		179,351
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	4,656,377		94,220		48,826		—		—		4,799,423
Leases	152,081		5,508		330		2,674		—		160,593
Construction and land development
Construction	680,550		2,301		—		—		—		682,851
Land	419,590		381		19,272		—		—		439,243
Residential real estate	304,868		2,074		13,737		—		—		320,679
Consumer	26,283		73		270		—		—		26,626
Total	$	10,455,979	$	153,199	$	150,592	$	4,169	$	—	$	10,763,939



	September 30, 2015
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Loss		Total
	(in thousands)
Current (up to 29 days past due)	$	10,445,547	$	150,913	$	131,743	$	1,495	$	—	$	10,729,698
Past due 30 - 59 days	5,515		1,482		6,740		—		—		13,737
Past due 60 - 89 days	4,726		804		3,123		—		—		8,653
Past due 90 days or more	191		—		8,986		2,674		—		11,851
Total	$	10,455,979	$	153,199	$	150,592	$	4,169	$	—	$	10,763,939



	December 31, 2014
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Loss		Total
	(in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	$	1,664,270	$	28,072	$	39,222	$	1,324	$	—	$	1,732,888
Non-owner occupied	1,771,138		35,752		62,611		440		—		1,869,941
Multi-family	182,180		—		445		—		—		182,625
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	3,295,027		14,380		17,146		155		—		3,326,708
Leases	202,772		2,494		373		—		—		205,639
Construction and land development
Construction	383,677		4,241		481		—		—		388,399
Land	328,278		10,289		21,087		—		—		359,654
Residential real estate	284,052		2,044		13,306		—		—		299,402
Consumer	32,419		233		357		—		—		33,009
Total	$	8,143,813	$	97,505	$	155,028	$	1,919	$	—	$	8,398,265

Table of Contents



	December 31, 2014
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Loss		Total
	(in thousands)
Current (up to 29 days past due)	$	8,140,140	$	95,091	$	129,787	$	1,764	$	—	$	8,366,782
Past due 30 - 59 days	2,771		198		4,718		155		—		7,842
Past due 60 - 89 days	385		37		6,445		—		—		6,867
Past due 90 days or more	517		2,179		14,078		—		—		16,774
Total	$	8,143,813	$	97,505	$	155,028	$	1,919	$	—	$	8,398,265

The table below reflects the recorded investment in loans classified as impaired:



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Impaired loans with a specific valuation allowance under ASC 310 (1)	$	28,742		$	124,928
Impaired loans without a specific valuation allowance under ASC 310 (2)	112,437			41,822
Total impaired loans	$	141,179		$	166,750
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans (3)	$	(4,207	)	$	(10,765	)


(1)	Includes TDR loans with a specific valuation allowance under ASC 310 of $5.1 million and $103.3 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.


(2)	Includes TDR loans without a specific valuation allowance under ASC 310 of $96.0 million and $35.0 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.


(3)	Includes valuation allowance related to TDR loans of $0.4 million and $8.9 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

The following table presents impaired loans by class:



	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	$	29,960	$	44,893
Non-owner occupied	44,720		66,324
Multi-family	—		—
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	27,651		13,749
Leases	2,988		373
Construction and land development
Construction	—		—
Land	18,727		21,748
Residential real estate	16,778		19,300
Consumer	355		363
Total	$	141,179	$	166,750

A valuation allowance is established for an impaired loan when the fair value of the loan is less than the recorded investment. In certain cases, portions of impaired loans are charged-off to realizable value instead of establishing a valuation allowance and are included, when applicable in the table above as “Impaired loans without a specific valuation allowance under ASC 310.” However, before concluding that an impaired loan needs no associated valuation allowance, an assessment is made to consider all available and relevant information for the method used to evaluate impairment and the type of loan being assessed. The valuation allowance disclosed above is included in the allowance for credit losses reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Table of Contents

The following table presents the average investment in impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
	(in thousands)
Average balance on impaired loans	$	145,161	$	167,848	$	154,510	$	169,260
Interest income recognized on impaired loans	1,303		1,365		3,613		4,186
Interest recognized on non-accrual loans, cash basis	208		553		1,409		1,725

The following table presents average investment in impaired loans by loan class:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
	(in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	$	29,453	$	34,154	$	37,043	$	35,081
Non-owner occupied	57,178		69,731		60,817		69,499
Multi-family	—		—		—		—
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	16,938		16,156		14,202		15,726
Leases	3,658		402		2,965		420
Construction and land development
Construction	—		—		—		—
Land	18,801		20,994		19,949		21,290
Residential real estate	18,662		25,761		19,137		26,722
Consumer	471		650		397		522
Total	$	145,161	$	167,848	$	154,510	$	169,260

The average investment in TDR loans included in the average investment in impaired loans table above for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $114.5 million and $130.4 million, respectively, and $180.9 million and $126.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The following table presents interest income on impaired loans by class:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
	(in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	$	373	$	365	$	1,200	$	1,130
Non-owner occupied	468		386		1,158		1,161
Multi-family	—		—		—		—
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	73		184		212		561
Leases	—		—		—		—
Construction and land development
Construction	—		—		—		—
Land	199		251		591		807
Residential real estate	188		165		447		482
Consumer	2		14		5		45
Total	$	1,303	$	1,365	$	3,613	$	4,186

The Company is not committed to lend significant additional funds on these impaired loans.

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes nonperforming assets:



	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Non-accrual loans (1)	$	47,692	$	67,659
Loans past due 90 days or more on accrual status	5,550		5,132
Troubled debt restructured loans (2)	80,667		84,720
Total nonperforming loans	133,909		157,511
Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	57,719		57,150
Total nonperforming assets	$	191,628	$	214,661


(1)	Includes non-accrual TDR loans of $20.4 million and $53.6 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.


(2)	Includes accruing TDR loans only.

Loans Acquired in Bridge Acquisition

The following table presents information regarding the contractually required principal and interest payments receivable, cash flows expected to be collected, and the estimated fair value of loans acquired in the Bridge acquisition, as of June 30, 2015, the closing date of the transaction, adjusted by $7.1 million for measurement period adjustments recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2015:



	As Adjusted
	Commercial and Industrial		Commercial Real Estate		Construction and Land Development		Residential Real Estate		Consumer		Total
	(in thousands)
Contractually required principal and interest payments:
PCI	$	14,574	$	1,296	$	—	$	2,354	$	—	$	18,224
Non-PCI	1,223,072		340,749		106,851		26,999		987		1,698,658
Total loans acquired	1,237,646		342,045		106,851		29,353		987		1,716,882
Cash flows expected to be collected:
PCI	10,066		712		—		2,088		—		12,866
Non-PCI	1,186,076		304,944		102,240		26,629		989		1,620,878
Total loans acquired	1,196,142		305,656		102,240		28,717		989		1,633,744
Fair value of loans acquired:
PCI	7,362		1,417		—		2,075		—		10,854
Non-PCI	1,076,807		229,306		99,080		23,023		925		1,429,141
Total loans acquired	$	1,084,169	$	230,723	$	99,080	$	25,098	$	925	$	1,439,995

Table of Contents

Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality

Changes in the accretable yield for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality in the Centennial, Western Liberty, and Bridge acquisitions are as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Balance, at beginning of period	$	17,190		$	23,183		$	19,156		$	28,164
Additions due to acquisition of Bridge	—			—			857			—
Measurement period adjustments	38			—			38			—
Reclassifications from non-accretable to accretable yield (1)	597			1,613			1,292			4,643
Accretion to interest income	(1,056		)	(1,562		)	(3,146		)	(5,764		)
Reversal of fair value adjustments upon disposition of loans	(398		)	(3,509		)	(1,826		)	(7,318		)
Balance, at end of period	$	16,371		$	19,725		$	16,371		$	19,725


(1)	The primary drivers of reclassification from non-accretable to accretable yield resulted from changes in estimated cash flows.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for credit losses by portfolio type:



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Construction and Land Development		Commercial Real Estate			Residential Real Estate			Commercial and Industrial			Consumer			Total
	(in thousands)
2015
Beginning Balance	$	19,537	$	28,946		$	6,399		$	59,589		$	585		$	115,056
Charge-offs	—		—			(8		)	(1,109		)	—			(1,117		)
Recoveries	329		1,401			232			1,147			24			3,133
Provision	419		(5,173		)	(1,313		)	6,152			(85		)	—
Ending balance	$	20,285	$	25,174		$	5,310		$	65,779		$	524		$	117,072
2014
Beginning Balance	$	16,873	$	34,349		$	10,227		$	42,861		$	1,627		$	105,937
Charge-offs	—		(193		)	(423		)	(110		)	(285		)	(1,011		)
Recoveries	182		1,779			768			1,053			34			3,816
Provision	1,710		(1,945		)	(1,043		)	1,779			(82		)	419
Ending balance	$	18,765	$	33,990		$	9,529		$	45,583		$	1,294		$	109,161

Table of Contents



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Construction and Land Development			Commercial Real Estate			Residential Real Estate			Commercial and Industrial			Consumer			Total
	(in thousands)
2015
Beginning Balance	$	18,558		$	28,783		$	7,456		$	54,566		$	853		$	110,216
Charge-offs	—			—			(626		)	(3,273		)	(107		)	(4,006		)
Recoveries	1,859			3,522			1,949			2,744			88			10,162
Provision	(132		)	(7,131		)	(3,469		)	11,742			(310		)	700
Ending balance	$	20,285		$	25,174		$	5,310		$	65,779		$	524		$	117,072
2014
Beginning Balance	$	14,519		$	32,064		$	11,640		$	39,657		$	2,170		$	100,050
Charge-offs	(78		)	(694		)	(1,352		)	(2,626		)	(302		)	(5,052		)
Recoveries	891			3,587			1,635			3,229			395			9,737
Provision	3,433			(967		)	(2,394		)	5,323			(969		)	4,426
Ending balance	$	18,765		$	33,990		$	9,529		$	45,583		$	1,294		$	109,161

Table of Contents

The following table presents impairment method information related to loans and allowance for credit losses by loan portfolio segment:



	Commercial Real Estate-Owner Occupied		Commercial Real Estate-Non-Owner Occupied		Commercial and Industrial		Residential Real Estate		Construction and Land Development		Commercial Leases		Consumer		Total Loans
	(in thousands)
Loans as of September 30, 2015:
Recorded Investment:
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded	$	4,395	$	2,344	$	20,002	$	1,823	$	157	$	—	$	21	$	28,742
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded	25,566		42,376		7,649		14,955		18,570		2,988		333		112,437
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment	29,961		44,720		27,651		16,778		18,727		2,988		354		141,179
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment	2,078,539		2,101,478		4,767,014		299,393		1,103,367		157,605		26,272		10,533,668
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	15,382		64,444		4,758		4,508		—		—		—		89,092
Total recorded investment	$	2,123,882	$	2,210,642	$	4,799,423	$	320,679	$	1,122,094	$	160,593	$	26,626	$	10,763,939
Unpaid Principal Balance
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded	$	4,509	$	2,344	$	20,256	$	2,048	$	157	$	—	$	21	$	29,335
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded	28,380		43,465		7,815		19,476		18,814		5,320		346		123,616
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment	32,889		45,809		28,071		21,524		18,971		5,320		367		152,951
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment	2,078,539		2,101,478		4,767,014		299,393		1,103,367		157,605		26,272		10,533,668
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	20,686		91,366		10,322		5,284		—		—		—		127,658
Total unpaid principal balance	$	2,132,114	$	2,238,653	$	4,805,407	$	326,201	$	1,122,338	$	162,925	$	26,639	$	10,814,277
Related Allowance for Credit Losses
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded	$	783	$	12	$	3,112	$	295	$	4	$	—	$	1	$	4,207
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment	783		12		3,112		295		4		—		1		4,207
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment	10,837		13,502		60,412		5,015		20,281		2,255		523		112,825
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	4		36		—		—		—		—		—		40
Total allowance for credit losses	$	11,624	$	13,550	$	63,524	$	5,310	$	20,285	$	2,255	$	524	$	117,072

Table of Contents



	Commercial Real Estate-Owner Occupied		Commercial Real Estate-Non-Owner Occupied		Commercial and Industrial		Residential Real Estate		Construction and Land Development		Commercial Leases		Consumer		Total Loans
	(in thousands)
Loans as of December 31, 2014:
Recorded Investment:
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded	$	28,024	$	44,937	$	11,399	$	19,300	$	21,052	$	41	$	175	$	124,928
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded	16,869		21,387		2,350		—		696		332		188		41,822
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment	44,893		66,324		13,749		19,300		21,748		373		363		166,750
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment	1,670,083		1,910,420		3,312,629		277,692		726,305		205,266		32,646		8,135,041
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	17,912		75,822		330		2,410		—		—		—		96,474
Total recorded investment	$	1,732,888	$	2,052,566	$	3,326,708	$	299,402	$	748,053	$	205,639	$	33,009	$	8,398,265
Unpaid Principal Balance
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded	$	31,292	$	45,853	$	11,829	$	24,420	$	21,169	$	41	$	187	$	134,791
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded	17,010		21,550		4,104		—		885		483		188		44,220
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment	48,302		67,403		15,933		24,420		22,054		524		375		179,011
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment	1,670,083		1,910,420		3,312,629		277,692		726,305		205,266		32,646		8,135,041
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	24,273		108,935		1,150		3,439		—		—		—		137,797
Total unpaid principal balance	$	1,742,658	$	2,086,758	$	3,329,712	$	305,551	$	748,359	$	205,790	$	33,021	$	8,451,849
Related Allowance for Credit Losses
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded	$	2,082	$	2,537	$	1,926	$	1,052	$	3,112	$	39	$	17	$	10,765
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment	2,082		2,537		1,926		1,052		3,112		39		17		10,765
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment	10,198		13,734		49,809		6,404		15,446		2,761		836		99,188
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	174		58		31		—		—		—		—		263
Total allowance for credit losses	$	12,454	$	16,329	$	51,766	$	7,456	$	18,558	$	2,800	$	853	$	110,216

Troubled Debt Restructurings

A TDR loan is a loan on which the Company, for reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that the Company would not otherwise consider. The loan terms that have been modified or restructured due to a borrower’s financial situation include, but are not limited to, a reduction in the stated interest rate, an extension of the maturity or renewal of the loan at an interest rate below current market, a reduction in the face amount of the debt, a reduction in the accrued interest, or deferral of interest payments. The majority of the Company's modifications are extensions in terms or deferral of payments which result in no lost principal or interest followed by reductions in interest rates or accrued interest. A TDR loan is also considered impaired. Consistent with regulatory guidance, a TDR loan that is subsequently modified in another restructuring agreement but has shown sustained performance and classification as a TDR, will be removed from TDR status provided that the modified terms were market-based at the time of modification.

Table of Contents

The following table presents information on the financial effects of TDR loans by class for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Number of Loans	Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Forgiven Principal Balance		Lost Interest Income		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Waived Fees and Other Expenses
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Non-owner occupied	1	193		—		—		193		—
Multi-family	—	—		—		—		—		—
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	—	—		—		—		—		—
Leases	—	—		—		—		—		—
Construction and land development
Construction	—	—		—		—		—		—
Land	—	—		—		—		—		—
Residential real estate	1	81		—		3		78		4
Consumer	—	—		—		—		—		—
Total	2	$	274	$	—	$	3	$	271	$	4



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Number of Loans	Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Forgiven Principal Balance		Lost Interest Income		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Waived Fees and Other Expenses
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Non-owner occupied	1	193		—		—		193		—
Multi-family	—	—		—		—		—		—
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	1	256		—		—		256		—
Leases	—	—		—		—		—		—
Construction and land development
Construction	—	—		—		—		—		—
Land	—	—		—		—		—		—
Residential real estate	1	81		—		3		78		4
Consumer	—	—		—		—		—		—
Total	3	$	530	$	—	$	3	$	527	$	4

Table of Contents



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Number of Loans	Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Forgiven Principal Balance		Lost Interest Income		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Waived Fees and Other Expenses
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	1	$	98	$	—	$	—	$	98	$	—
Non-owner occupied	1	351		—		—		351		—
Multi-family	—	—		—		—		—		—
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	2	1,307		—		—		1,307		—
Leases	—	—		—		—		—		—
Construction and land development
Construction	—	—		—		—		—		—
Land	—	—		—		—		—		—
Residential real estate	—	—		—		—		—		—
Consumer	—	—		—		—		—		—
Total	4	$	1,756	$	—	$	—	$	1,756	$	—



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Number of Loans	Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Forgiven Principal Balance		Lost Interest Income		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Waived Fees and Other Expenses
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	2	$	896	$	378	$	117	$	401	$	33
Non-owner occupied	2	13,774		—		—		13,774		8
Multi-family	—	—		—		—		—		—
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	4	2,336		—		—		2,336		4
Leases	—	—		—		—		—		—
Construction and land development
Construction	—	—		—		—		—		—
Land	—	—		—		—		—		—
Residential real estate	3	1,302		447		70		785		7
Consumer	—	—		—		—		—		—
Total	11	$	18,308	$	825	$	187	$	17,296	$	52

Table of Contents

The following table presents TDR loans by class for which there was a payment default during the period:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
	Number of Loans	Recorded Investment		Number of Loans	Recorded Investment
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	—	$	—	—	$	—
Non-owner occupied	—	—		1	493
Multi-family	—	—		—	—
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	—	—		—	—
Leases	—	—		—	—
Construction and land development
Construction	—	—		—	—
Land	—	—		—	—
Residential real estate	—	—		—	—
Consumer	—	—		—	—
Total	—	$	—	1	$	493



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
	Number of Loans	Recorded Investment		Number of Loans	Recorded Investment
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied	—	$	—	2	$	395
Non-owner occupied	—	—		1	493
Multi-family	—	—		—	—
Commercial and industrial
Commercial	—	—		3	369
Leases	—	—		—	—
Construction and land development
Construction	1	137		—	—
Land	—	—		—	—
Residential real estate	1	202		1	202
Consumer	—	—		—	—
Total	2	$	339	7	$	1,459

A TDR loan is deemed to have a payment default when it becomes past due 90 days, goes on non-accrual, or is restructured again. Payment defaults, along with other qualitative indicators, are considered by management in the determination of the allowance for credit losses.

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was $0.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, in loan commitments outstanding on TDR loans.

Loan Purchases and Sales

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company had secondary market loan purchases of $70.8 million and $63.8 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, secondary market loan purchases totaled $96.9 million and $96.1 million, respectively. For 2015, these purchased loans consisted of $76.8 million of commercial and industrial loans, $13.2 million of commercial real estate loans, $6.8 million in commercial leases, and $0.1 million of construction and land development loans. For 2014, these purchased loans consisted of commercial and industrial loans. In addition, the Company periodically acquires newly originated loans at closing through participations or loan syndications.

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During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company sold loans, which consisted primarily of commercial mortgage-backed securities loans, with a carrying value of $26.4 million and recognized a gain of $0.1 million on the sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company sold loans, which consisted primarily of commercial and industrial and commercial mortgage-backed securities loans, with a carrying value of $118.7 million and recognized a gain of $0.4 million on the sales. The Company had no significant loan sales in 2014.

5. OTHER ASSETS ACQUIRED THROUGH FORECLOSURE

The following table represents the changes in other assets acquired through foreclosure:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015
	Gross Balance			Valuation Allowance			Net Balance
	(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	71,782		$	(12,447	)	$	59,335
Measurement period adjustments	(143		)	—			(143		)
Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	14,111			—			14,111
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net	(16,646		)	959			(15,687		)
Valuation adjustments, net	—			573			573
Gains, net (1)	(470		)	—			(470		)
Balance, end of period	$	68,634		$	(10,915	)	$	57,719

	2014
Balance, beginning of period	$	74,643		$	(15,351	)	$	59,292
Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	2,737			—			2,737
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net	(11,811		)	982			(10,829		)
Valuation adjustments, net	—			(882		)	(882		)
Gains, net (1)	1,469			—			1,469
Balance, end of period	$	67,038		$	(15,251	)	$	51,787


(1)	Includes net gains related to initial transfers to other assets of $0.3 million and zero during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, pursuant to accounting guidance.



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015
	Gross Balance			Valuation Allowance			Net Balance
	(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	71,421		$	(14,271	)	$	57,150
Additions from acquisition of Bridge	1,407			—			1,407
Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	27,570			—			27,570
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net	(34,349		)	4,287			(30,062		)
Valuation adjustments, net	—			(931		)	(931		)
Gains, net (2)	2,585			—			2,585
Balance, end of period	$	68,634		$	(10,915	)	$	57,719

	2014
Balance, beginning of period	$	88,421		$	(21,702	)	$	66,719
Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	9,156			—			9,156
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net	(33,187		)	7,626			(25,561		)
Valuation adjustments, net	—			(1,175		)	(1,175		)
Gains, net (2)	2,648			—			2,648
Balance, end of period	$	67,038		$	(15,251	)	$	51,787


(2)	Includes net gains related to initial transfers to other assets of $0.9 million and zero during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, pursuant to accounting guidance.

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At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the majority of the Company’s repossessed assets consisted of properties located in Nevada. The Company held 45 properties at September 30, 2015, compared to 67 at December 31, 2014.

6. OTHER BORROWINGS

The following table summarizes the Company’s borrowings as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:



	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Short-Term:
Revolving line of credit	$	—	$	25,000
FHLB advances	300,027		96,987
Other short-term debt	—		58,182
Total short-term borrowings	$	300,027	$	180,169
Long-Term:
FHLB advances	$	—	$	210,094
Total long-term borrowings	$	—	$	210,094

The Company maintains other lines of credit with correspondent banks totaling $70.0 million, of which $25.0 million is secured by pledged securities and has a floating interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.25%. The remaining $45.0 million is unsecured and has a floating interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25%. As of September 30, 2015, there were no outstanding balances on the Company's lines of credit. At December 31, 2014, the Company had revolving lines of credit with other institutions with outstanding advances totaling $25.0 million, at an interest rate of 1.75%. In addition, the Bank has entered into federal funds credit line agreements with correspondent banks under which it can borrow up to $100.0 million on an unsecured basis at the federal funds rate in effect at the time of borrowing. There were no amounts outstanding on these lines of credit as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The lending institutions will determine the interest rate charged on funds at the time of the borrowing.

The Company maintains lines of credit with the FHLB and the FRB. The Company’s borrowing capacity is determined based on collateral pledged, generally consisting of investment securities and loans, at the time of the borrowing. At September 30, 2015, there were $300.0 million in short-term FHLB advances, consisting primarily of overnight advances. The weighted average interest rate on these FHLB advances as of September 30, 2015 was 0.25%. At December 31, 2014, short-term FHLB advances of $97.0 million had a weighted average interest rate of 1.24%.

During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the 10% Senior Notes matured, resulting in a $58.2 million decrease to other short-term debt. At December 31, 2014, Senior Notes with a carrying value of $58.2 million had a weighted average interest rate of 4.15%.

During the second quarter, the Company paid off $200.0 million of FHLB advances classified as long-term for a loss on extinguishment of $0.1 million. As of December 31, 2014, long-term FHLB advances of $210.1 million had a weighted average interest rate of 1.06%.

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had additional available credit with the FHLB of approximately $1.41 billion and $935.0 million, respectively, and with the FRB of approximately $1.79 billion and $1.15 billion, respectively.

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7. QUALIFYING DEBT

Subordinated Debt

On June 29, 2015, the Company issued $150.0 million of subordinated debt, which was recorded net of debt issuance costs of $1.9 million, and matures July 15, 2025. The subordinated debt has a fixed interest rate of 5.00% through June 30, 2020 and then converts to a variable rate of 3.20% plus three month LIBOR through maturity. The carrying value of subordinated debt includes the effective portion of related hedges and is $152.3 million at September 30, 2015.

Junior Subordinated Debt

The Company has formed or acquired through mergers, eight statutory business trusts, including two new business trusts, Bridge Capital Trust I and Bridge Capital Trust II, acquired in the acquisition of Bridge on June 30, 2015. These trusts exist for the exclusive purpose of issuing Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities. All of the funds raised from the issuance of these securities were passed to the Company and are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as junior subordinated debt, with a carrying value of $54.5 million as of September 30, 2015.

The junior subordinated debt has contractual balances and maturity dates as follows:



Name of Trust	Maturity	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
BankWest Nevada Capital Trust II	2033	$	15,464		$	15,464
Intermountain First Statutory Trust I	2034	10,310			10,310
First Independent Capital Trust I	2035	7,217			7,217
WAL Trust No. 1	2036	20,619			20,619
WAL Statutory Trust No. 2	2037	5,155			5,155
WAL Statutory Trust No. 3	2037	7,732			7,732
Total contractual balance		66,497			66,497
Unrealized gains on trust preferred securities measured at fair value, net		(23,340		)	(26,060		)
Junior subordinated debt, at fair value		$	43,157		$	40,437

Bridge Capital Trust I	2035	$	12,372		$	—
Bridge Capital Trust II	2036	5,155			—
Total contractual balance		17,527			—
Fair market value adjustment (1)		(6,163		)	—
Junior subordinated debt, assumed from Bridge		$	11,364		$	—

Total junior subordinated debt		$	54,521		$	40,437


(1)	The fair market value adjustment will be amortized over the remaining life of the trusts.

Bridge Capital Trust I and Bridge Capital Trust II are statutory trusts created under the laws of the State of Delaware. Interest on the debt securities of Bridge Capital Trust I and Bridge Capital Trust II is payable quarterly at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.98% and LIBOR plus 1.38%, respectively. These debt securities can be redeemed at par at the Company’s option, or if certain events occur that impact the tax or capital treatment of the issuance. The Company owns a 3% minority interest in the each of the trusts.

With the exception of debt issued by Bridge Capital Trust I and Bridge Capital Trust II, junior subordinated debt is recorded at fair value at each reporting date due to the FVO election made by the Company under ASC 825. The Bridge junior subordinated debt was initially recorded at a fair value of $11.3 million on June 30, 2015, which includes a fair market value adjustment of $6.2 million that will be amortized over the remaining life of the debt. The Company did not make the FVO election for the Bridge junior subordinated debt. Accordingly, the carrying value of these trusts at each future reporting date will not reflect the current fair value of the debt.

The weighted average interest rate of all junior subordinated debt as of September 30, 2015 was 2.66%, which is three month LIBOR plus the contractual spread of 2.34%, compared to a weighted average interest rate of 2.73% at December 31, 2014.

In the event of certain changes or amendments to regulatory requirements or federal tax rules, the debt is redeemable in whole. The obligations under these instruments are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and rank subordinate and

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junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of the Company. Based on guidance issued by the FRB on July 8, 2013, there will not be a Tier 1 phase out of grandfathered trust preferred securities for banks with assets of less than $15 billion. As such, the Company's securities continue to qualify as Tier 1 Capital.

8. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common Stock Issuance

In Connection with Bridge Acquisition

Under the terms of the Bridge merger agreement, each share of Bridge common stock issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2015, the acquisition date, was exchanged for 0.8145 shares of WAL common stock and $2.39 in cash. This resulted in the issuance of 12,451,240 shares, or $420.4 million, of the Company's common stock and payment of $36.5 million in cash.

Under ATM Distribution Agreement

On June 4, 2014, the Company entered into a distribution agency agreement with Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, under which the Company may sell shares of its common stock up to an aggregate offering price of $100.0 million on the New York Stock Exchange. The parties executed an Amended and Restated Distribution Agency Agreement on October 30, 2014. The Company pays Credit Suisse a mutually agreed rate, not to exceed 2% of the gross offering proceeds of the shares. The common stock will be sold at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale or at negotiated prices and, as a result, prices will vary.

Sales in the ATM offering were previously being made pursuant to a prospectus dated May 14, 2012 and a prospectus supplement filed with the SEC on June 4, 2014, in connection with one or more offerings of shares from the Company's shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-181128), which expired on May 14, 2015. On May 7, 2015, the Company filed with the SEC a new shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-203959). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, there were no sales under the ATM offering. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company sold zero and 115,866 shares under the ATM offering, respectively, at a weighted-average selling price of $24.44 per share for gross proceeds of $2.8 million. Total offering costs under the ATM program for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of which less than $0.1 million relates to compensation costs paid to Credit Suisse Securities.

Stock-Based Compensation

Equity Awards Assumed in Bridge Acquisition

In connection with the Bridge acquisition, the Company assumed unvested restricted stock awards and stock options originally granted by Bridge and converted them into WAL restricted stock awards and stock options. Bridge equity awards were converted into WAL equity awards at a conversion ratio of 0.905, resulting in the issuance of 546,151 shares of WAL restricted stock and 213,091 of WAL options. The portion of the fair value of these equity awards associated with prior service of Bridge employees represents a component of the total consideration for the Bridge acquisition, which totaled $10.7 million.

Bridge's restricted stock awards generally had an original vesting period of five years. The remaining vesting period of these awards remained unchanged upon conversion. The value of restricted stock replacement awards were based on WAL's stock price as of the acquisition date and totaled $17.0 million as of June 30, 2015, of which $9.0 million is considered purchase price consideration for pre-combination service and $8.0 million is post-combination compensation service expense that will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of the awards. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized $1.3 million in compensation expense related to these awards.

Bridge's stock options had an original vesting period of four years and a contractual term of ten years. Stock option replacement awards were valued using the Black-Scholes option valuation model, using the following weighted average assumptions.



	June 30, 2015
Dividend yield	—		%
Volatility	33.96		%
Risk-free interest rate	2.11		%
Expected life in years	7.66
Weighted average fair value of assumed options	$	19.06

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The total value of assumed stock options as of June 30, 2015 totaled $4.1 million, of which $1.7 million is considered purchase price consideration for pre-combination service and $2.4 million is post-combination compensation service expense that will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of the options. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized $0.3 million in compensation expense related to these awards.

Restricted Stock

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, 34,150 and 370,125 shares of restricted stock that generally vest over three years were granted to Company employees and 64,000 shares of restricted stock that were fully vested at June 30, 2015 were granted to non-employee WAL and WAB directors. The Company estimates the compensation cost for restricted stock grants based upon the grant date fair value. The aggregate grant date fair value for the restricted stock issued during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $1.1 million and $12.0 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized $1.8 million and $7.0 million, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense related to these restricted stock grants, compared to $1.3 million and $4.8 million, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

In addition, the Company granted 52,200 shares of restricted stock to certain members of executive management that have both performance and service conditions that affect vesting. The performance condition is based on achieving an EPS target for fiscal year 2015 and, if this target is met, the restricted stock awards will vest over a three-year service period. Assuming the EPS target is met, the grant date fair value of the awards was $1.4 million. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense related to these restricted stock grants. There was no related stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

There were approximately 1.5 million and 1.1 million restricted shares outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Performance Stock Units

The Company grants executive management committee members performance stock units that do not vest unless the Company achieves a specified cumulative EPS target over a three-year performance period. The number of shares issued will vary based on the cumulative EPS target that is achieved. The Company estimates the cost of performance stock units based upon the grant date fair value and expected vesting percentage over the three-year performance period. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized $1.6 million and $3.6 million, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense related to these performance stock units, compared to $0.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

The first three-year performance period ended on December 31, 2014, and the Company's cumulative EPS for the performance period exceeded the level required for a maximum award under the terms of the grant. As a result, on February 18, 2015, executive management committee members were granted 285,000 of fully vested common shares.

As of September 30, 2015, outstanding performance stock unit grants made in 2013, 2014, and 2015 are expected to pay out at the maximum award amount, or 723,050 common shares.

9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, for the periods indicated:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015										2014
	Unrealized holding gains (losses) on AFS		Unrealized holding gains on SERP			Impairment loss on securities		Total			Unrealized holding gains (losses) on AFS			Impairment loss on securities		Total
	(in thousands)
Beginning Balance	$	14,867	$	337		$	144	$	15,348		$	8,328		$	144	$	8,472
SERP	—		(229		)	—		(229		)	—			—		—
Transfer of HTM securities to AFS	—		—			—		—			—			—		—
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	5,486		—			—		5,486			1,124			—		1,124
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	38		—			—		38			(113		)	—		(113		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	5,524		(229		)	—		5,295			1,011			—		1,011
Ending Balance	$	20,391	$	108		$	144	$	20,643		$	9,339		$	144	$	9,483



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015										2014
	Unrealized holding gains (losses) on AFS			Unrealized holding gains on SERP		Impairment loss on securities		Total			Unrealized holding gains (losses) on AFS			Impairment loss on securities		Total
	(in thousands)
Beginning Balance	$	16,495		$	—	$	144	$	16,639		$	(21,690	)	$	144	$	(21,546	)
SERP	—			108		—		108			—			—		—
Transfer of HTM securities to AFS	—			—		—		—			8,976			—		8,976
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	4,261			—		—		4,261			22,293			—		22,293
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(365		)	—		—		(365		)	(240		)	—		(240		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income	3,896			108		—		4,004			31,029			—		31,029
Ending Balance	$	20,391		$	108	$	144	$	20,643		$	9,339		$	144	$	9,483

The following table presents reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
Income Statement Classification	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(in thousands)
(Loss) gain on sales of investment securities, net	$	(62	)	$	181		$	582		$	384
Income tax benefit (expense)	24			(68		)	(217		)	(144		)
Net of tax	$	(38	)	$	113		$	365		$	240

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10. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is a party to various derivative instruments through its subsidiary, WAB. Derivative instruments are contracts between two or more parties that have a notional amount and an underlying variable, require a small or no initial investment, and allow for the net settlement of positions. A derivative’s notional amount serves as the basis for the payment provision of the contract and takes the form of units, such as shares or dollars. A derivative’s underlying variable is a specified interest rate, security price, commodity price, foreign exchange rate, index, or other variable. The interaction between the notional amount and the underlying variable determines the number of units to be exchanged between the parties and influences the fair value of the derivative contract.

The primary type of derivatives that the Company uses are interest rate swaps. Generally, these instruments are used to help manage the Company's exposure to interest rate risk and meet client financing and hedging needs.

Derivatives are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, after taking into account the effects of bilateral collateral and master netting agreements. These agreements allow the Company to settle all derivative contracts held with the same counterparty on a net basis, and to offset net derivative positions with related cash collateral, where applicable.

As of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014, the Company does not have any significant outstanding cash flow hedges or free-standing derivatives.

Derivatives Designated in Hedge Relationships

The Company utilizes derivatives that have been designated as part of a hedge relationship in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance to minimize the exposure to changes in benchmark interest rates and volatility of net interest income and EVE to interest rate fluctuations. The primary derivative instruments used to manage interest rate risk are interest rate swaps, which convert the contractual interest rate index of agreed-upon amounts of assets and liabilities (i.e., notional amounts) to another interest rate index.

The Company designates its “pay fixed/receive variable” interest rate swaps as fair value hedges. These contracts convert certain fixed-rate long-term loan assets into variable-rate assets, thereby modifying the Company's exposure to changes in interest rates. As a result, the Company receives variable-rate interest payments in exchange for making fixed-rate payments over the lives of the contracts without exchanging the notional amounts.

The Company entered into a "pay variable/receive fixed" interest rate swap agreement, designated as a fair value hedge, to hedge the interest rate exposure on its subordinated debt issuance. As a result, the Company is paying a floating rate of three month LIBOR plus 3.16% and receiving semi-annual fixed payments of 5.00% to match the payments on the debt.

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Fair Values, Volume of Activity, and Gain/Loss Information Related to Derivative Instruments

The following table summarizes the fair values of the Company's derivative instruments on a gross and net basis as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014. The change in the notional amounts of these derivatives from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015 indicates the volume of the Company's derivative transaction activity during 2015. The derivative asset and liability balances are presented on a gross basis, prior to the application of bilateral collateral and master netting agreements. Total derivative assets and liabilities are adjusted to take into account the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow the Company to settle all derivative contracts with the same counterparty on a net basis and to offset the net derivative position with the related collateral. Where master netting agreements are not in effect or are not enforceable under bankruptcy laws, the Company does not adjust those derivative amounts with counterparties. The fair value of derivative contracts, after taking into account the effects of master netting agreements, is included in other assets or other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as indicated in the following table:



	September 30, 2015						December 31, 2014						September 30, 2014
			Fair Value						Fair Value						Fair Value
	Notional Amount		Derivative Assets		Derivative Liabilities		Notional Amount		Derivative Assets		Derivative Liabilities		Notional Amount		Derivative Assets		Derivative Liabilities
	(in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Fair value hedges
Interest rate swaps	$	805,073	$	4,009	$	70,391	$	647,703	$	7	$	57,820	$	589,101	$	43	$	29,869
Total	805,073		4,009		70,391		647,703		7		57,820		589,101		43		29,869
Netting adjustments (1)	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		17		17
Net derivatives in the balance sheet	$	805,073	$	4,009	$	70,391	$	647,703	$	7	$	57,820	$	589,101	$	26	$	29,852


(1)	Netting adjustments represent the amounts recorded to convert our derivative balances from a gross basis to a net basis in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance.

Fair value hedges

An assessment of effectiveness is performed at both initiation of a hedge and on a quarterly basis thereafter. All of the Company's fair value hedges remained “highly effective” as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014.

The following table summarizes the pre-tax net gains (losses) on fair value hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, which are recorded in unrealized (losses) gains on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net in the income statement.



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
	(in thousands)
Hedge of Fixed Rate Loans (a)
Loss on "receive fixed" swap	(21,345	)	(636	)	(12,572	)	(32,410	)
Gain on fixed rate loans	21,382		666		12,629		32,236
Net ineffectiveness	37		30		57		(174	)
Hedge of Fixed Rate Subordinated Debt (a)
Gain on "pay fixed" swap	3,812		—		4,009		—
Loss on subordinated debt	(3,812	)	—		(4,009	)	—
Net ineffectiveness	—		—		—		—


(a)	The fair value of derivatives contracts are carried as other assets and other liabilities. The effective portion of hedging gains (losses) are recorded as basis adjustments to the underlying hedge asset or liability. Gains and losses on both the hedging derivative and hedged item are are recorded through non-interest expense with a resulting net income impact for the amount of ineffectiveness.

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Counterparty Credit Risk

Like other financial instruments, derivatives contain an element of credit risk. This risk is measured as the expected positive replacement value of the contracts. Management generally enters into bilateral collateral and master netting agreements that provide for the net settlement of all contracts with the same counterparty. Additionally, management monitors counterparty credit risk exposure on each contract to determine appropriate limits on the Company's total credit exposure across all product types. In general, the Company has a zero credit threshold with regard to derivative exposure with counterparties. Management reviews the Company's collateral positions on a daily basis and exchanges collateral with counterparties in accordance with standard ISDA documentation and other related agreements. The Company generally holds collateral in the form of highly rated securities issued by the U.S. Treasury or government-sponsored enterprises, such as GNMA, FNMA, and FHLMC. The total collateral netted against net derivative liabilities totaled $67.3 million at September 30, 2015, $57.8 million at December 31, 2014, and $29.8 million at September 30, 2014.

The following table summarizes our largest exposure to an individual counterparty at the dates indicated:



	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014		September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
Largest gross exposure (derivative asset) to an individual counterparty	$	4,009	$	7	$	26
Collateral posted by this counterparty	—		—		—
Derivative liability with this counterparty	—		—		—
Collateral pledged to this counterparty	—		—		—
Net exposure after netting adjustments and collateral	$	4,009	$	7	$	26

Credit Risk Contingent Features

Management has entered into certain derivative contracts that require the Company to post collateral to the counterparties when these contracts are in a net liability position. Conversely, the counterparties post collateral when these contracts are in a net asset position. The amount of collateral to be posted is based on the amount of the net liability and exposure thresholds. As of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014 the aggregate fair value of all derivative contracts with credit risk contingent features (i.e., those containing collateral posting provisions) held by the Company that were in a net liability position totaled $70.4 million, $57.8 million, and $29.9 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2015, the Company was in an over-collateralized net position of $8.4 million after considering $75.7 million of collateral held in the form of securities. As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the Company was in an over-collateralized position of $14.2 million and $14.9 million, respectively.

11. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Diluted EPS is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares during each period, including common stock equivalents. Basic EPS is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares during the period.

The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted EPS:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Weighted average shares - basic	100,776		86,723		92,345		86,495
Dilutive effect of stock awards	744		849		587		850
Weighted average shares - diluted	101,520		87,572		92,932		87,345
Net income available to common stockholders	$	58,958	$	40,566	$	133,444	$	106,484
Earnings per share - basic	0.59		0.47		1.45		1.23
Earnings per share - diluted	0.58		0.46		1.44		1.22

The Company had zero and 1,500 stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

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12. INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate was 24.49% and 24.04% for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company's effective tax rate was 24.67%, and 23.97%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate is due primarily to proportionately lower tax-exempt income, non-recurring tax benefits, increased state taxes, and a decrease in the amount of valuation allowance that will be released during 2015.

As of September 30, 2015, there is $0.5 million recorded for unrecognized tax benefits, all of which carried over from the Bridge acquisition. Management believes that this recorded liability for unrecognized tax benefits is adequate. The Company estimates that it is reasonably possible that the entire liability for unrecognized tax benefits will be settled within the next twelve months.

Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized in the provision for income taxes. As of September 30, 2015, an additional liability has not been recorded for interest or penalties. All of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits relate to legacy Bridge positions. Therefore, all amounts of interest and penalties through June 30, 2015 were recorded in the pre-acquisition period and there have not been significant changes that would require an adjustment in the post-acquisition period.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be reversed. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the net deferred tax assets increased $15.9 million to $78.5 million. This overall increase in the net deferred tax asset was primarily the result of the Bridge acquisition, a change in unrealized gains and losses, and an increase in the allowance for credit losses.

Although realization is not assured, the Company believes that the realization of the recognized deferred tax asset of $78.5 million at September 30, 2015 is more-likely-than-not based on expectations as to future taxable income and based on available tax planning strategies within the meaning of ASC 740, Income Taxes, that could be implemented if necessary to prevent a carryover from expiring.

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had a $0.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively, deferred tax valuation allowance related to net capital loss carryovers from the sale of preferred stock investments and $0.5 million, for both periods, related to IRC Section 382 limitations associated with the Company's acquisition of Western Liberty.

The deferred tax asset related to federal and state NOL carryovers outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 available to reduce the tax liability in future years totaled $9.3 million. The entire $9.3 million of tax benefits relate to federal NOL carryovers (subject to an annual limitation imposed by IRC Section 382). The Company’s ability to use federal NOL carryovers, as well as its ability to use certain future tax deductions called NUBILs associated with the Company's acquisitions of Western Liberty and Centennial, will be subject to separate annual limitations of $1.8 million and $1.6 million of deductions from taxable income, respectively. In management’s opinion, it is more-likely-than-not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize all but $0.5 million of the deferred tax benefits related to these NOL carryovers and NUBILs.

Investments in LIHTC

The Company invests in LIHTC funds that are designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal tax credits.

Investments in LIHTC and unfunded LIHTC obligations are included as part of other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and total $121.8 million and $38.1 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2015. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, $4.8 million and $3.0 million of amortization related to LIHTC investments was recognized as a component of current income tax expense, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, $10.4 million and $9.3 million of amortization related to LIHTC investments was recognized as a component of income tax expense, respectively.

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13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Unfunded Commitments and Letters of Credit

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. They involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Lines of credit are obligations to lend money to a borrower. Credit risk arises when the borrower's current financial condition may indicate less ability to pay than when the commitment was originally made. In the case of standby letters of credit, the risk arises from the potential failure of the customer to perform according to the terms of a contract. In such a situation, the third party might draw on the standby letter of credit to pay for completion of the contract and the Company would look to its customer to repay these funds with interest. To minimize the risk, the Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it would for a loan to that customer.

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees are commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party in borrowing arrangements. The Company generally has recourse to recover from the customer any amounts paid under the guarantees. Typically, letters of credit issued have expiration dates within 1 year.

A summary of the contractual amounts for unfunded commitments and letters of credit are as follows:



	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Commitments to extend credit, including unsecured loan commitments of $336,525 at September 30, 2015 and $232,863 at December 31, 2014	$	3,678,785	$	2,164,523
Credit card commitments and financial guarantees	57,281		42,038
Standby letters of credit, including unsecured letters of credit of $38,205 at September 30, 2015 and $5,166 at December 31, 2014	72,956		49,556
Total	$	3,809,022	$	2,256,117

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer provided that there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The Company enters into credit arrangements that generally provide for the termination of advances in the event of a covenant violation or other event of default. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the party. The commitments are collateralized by the same types of assets used as loan collateral.

The Company has exposure to credit losses from unfunded commitments and letters of credit. As funds have not been disbursed on these commitments, they are not reported as loans outstanding. Credit losses related to these commitments are not included in the allowance for credit losses reported in "Note 4. Loans, Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses" of these Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and are accounted for as a separate loss contingency. This loss contingency for unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit was $3.3 million and $2.1 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Changes to this liability are adjusted through non-interest expense.

Concentrations of Lending Activities

The Company’s lending activities are driven in large part by the customers served in the market areas where the Company has branch offices in the states of Arizona, Nevada, and California. Despite the geographic concentration of lending activities, the Company does not have a single external customer from which it derives 10% or more of its revenues. The Company monitors concentrations within four broad categories: geography, industry, product, and collateral. The Company's loan portfolio includes significant credit exposure to the CRE market. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, CRE related loans accounted for approximately 51% and 54% of total loans, respectively. Substantially all of these loans are secured by first liens with an initial loan to value ratio of generally not more than 75%. Approximately 49% and 46% of these CRE loans, excluding construction and land loans, were owner-occupied at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

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Contingencies

The Company is involved in various lawsuits of a routine nature that are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. Expenses are being incurred in connection with these lawsuits, but in the opinion of management, based in part on consultation with outside legal counsel, the resolution of these lawsuits and associated defense costs will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Lease Commitments

The Company leases the majority of its office locations and many of these leases contain multiple renewal options and provisions for increased rents. Total rent expense of $2.3 million and $1.6 million was included in occupancy expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, total rent expense was $5.5 million and $4.9 million, respectively.

14. FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING

The fair value of an asset or liability is the price that would be received to sell that asset or paid to transfer that liability in an orderly transaction occurring in the principal market (or most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market) for such asset or liability. In estimating fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach, and/or the cost approach. Such valuation techniques are consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques include the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC 825 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC 825 are described in "Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of these Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality and the Company’s creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. The Company’s valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While management believes the Company’s valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Furthermore, the reported fair value amounts have not been comprehensively revalued since the presentation dates, and therefore, estimates of fair value after the balance sheet date may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein. A more detailed description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value is set forth below. Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are recognized as of the end of the month following the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.

Under ASC 825, the Company elected the FVO treatment for junior subordinated debt issued by WAL. This election is irrevocable and unrealized gains and losses on these items must be reported in earnings at each reporting date. The Company did not elect FVO treatment for assumed Bridge junior subordinated debt.

All securities for which the fair value measurement option had been elected are included in a separate line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as securities measured at fair value.

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For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, gains and losses from fair value changes included in the Consolidated Income Statements were as follows:



	Changes in Fair Values for Items Measured at Fair Value Pursuant to Election of the Fair Value Option
	Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value, Net			Interest Income on Securities		Interest Expense on Junior Subordinated Debt			Total Changes Included in Current-Period Earnings
	(in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
Securities measured at fair value	$	(6	)	$	1	$	—		$	(5	)
Junior subordinated debt	5,325			—		2,008			7,333
Total	$	5,319		$	1	$	2,008		$	7,328
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Securities measured at fair value	$	(20	)	$	2	$	—		$	(18	)
Junior subordinated debt	(2,720		)	—		2,900			180
Total	$	(2,740	)	$	2	$	2,900		$	162
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
Securities measured at fair value	$	(52	)	$	4	$	—		$	(48	)
Junior subordinated debt	918			—		(443		)	475
Total	$	866		$	4	$	(443	)	$	427
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Securities measured at fair value	$	(36	)	$	6	$	—		$	(30	)
Junior subordinated debt	65			—		(1,307		)	(1,242		)
Total	$	29		$	6	$	(1,307	)	$	(1,272	)

There were no net gains or losses recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 on trading securities sold during the period.

Interest income on securities measured at fair value is accounted for similarly to those classified as AFS. Any premiums or discounts are recognized in interest income over the term of the securities. For MBS, estimates of prepayments are considered in the constant yield calculations. Interest expense on junior subordinated debt is also determined under a constant yield calculation.

Fair value on a recurring basis

Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following:

Securities measured at fair value: All of the Company’s securities measured at fair value, which consist of MBS, are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs in the same manner as described below for AFS securities.

AFS securities: Preferred stock, mutual funds, and CRA investments are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. With the exception of CDO securities, other securities classified as AFS are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information, and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things. The Company estimates the fair value of CDO securities utilizing Level 3 inputs, which include pricing indications from comparable securities.

Independent pricing service: Our independent pricing service provides pricing information on Level 1, 2, and 3 securities, and represents the pricing source for the majority of the portfolio. Management independently evaluates the fair value measurements received from the Company's third party pricing service through multiple review steps. First, management reviews what has transpired in the marketplace with respect to interest rates, credit spreads, volatility, and mortgage rates, among other things, and develops an expectation of changes to the securities' valuations from the previous quarter. Then, management obtains market values from additional sources. The pricing service provides management with observable market data including interest rate curves and mortgage prepayment speed grids, as well as dealer quote sheets, new bond offering sheets, and historical trade documentation. Management reviews the assumptions and decides whether they are reasonable. Management may compare interest rates, credit spreads and prepayments speeds used as part of the assumptions to those that

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management believes are reasonable. Management may price securities using the provided assumptions to determine whether they can develop similar prices on like securities. Any discrepancies between management’s review and the prices provided by the vendor are discussed with the vendor and the Company’s other valuation advisors. Last, management selects a sample of investment securities and compares the values provided by its primary third party pricing service to the market values obtained from secondary sources and evaluates those with notable variances.

Annually, the Company receives an SSAE 16 report from its independent pricing service attesting to the controls placed on the operations of the service from its auditor.

Interest rate swaps: Interest rate swaps are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The Company obtains dealer quotations to value its interest rate swaps.

Junior subordinated debt: The Company estimates the fair value of its junior subordinated debt using a discounted cash flow model which incorporates the effect of the Company’s own credit risk in the fair value of the liabilities (Level 3). The Company’s cash flow assumptions are based on contractual cash flows as the Company anticipates that it will pay the debt according to its contractual terms.

Given the pricing of 90 day LIBOR plus 3.20% on the Company's $150.0 million issuance of subordinated debt on June 29, 2015, the Company reviewed the methodology for calculating the estimated fair value of its outstanding junior subordinated debt, which was priced at 30 day LIBOR plus 5.96% as of March 31, 2015 under fair value option accounting. Considering the significantly lower spread of WAB’s newly issued subordinated debt, that the Company’s debt is junior in subordination, and that the debt was issued by the parent company rather than the insured depository, the Company adjusted the spread for valuation purposes to 30 day LIBOR plus 4.69%, which is between the 90 day LIBOR plus 3.20% rate achieved on the WAB subordinated debt and 30 day LIBOR plus 5.96% rate that was previously used. This spread reduction resulted in a non-cash, non-recurring debt valuation loss of $7.7 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015. This charge had no effect on regulatory capital.

As of September 30, 2015, utilizing the methodology described above, the Company estimated the discount rate at 5.925%, which represents the implied credit spread of the "BB" rated financial curve, of 5.60% plus three month LIBOR (0.325%). As of December 31, 2014, the Company estimated the discount rate at 6.242%, which was a 5.99% credit spread plus three month LIBOR of 0.256%.

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The fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were determined using the following inputs as of the periods presented:



	Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using:
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value
	(in thousands)
September 30, 2015
Assets:
Measured at fair value
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	$	—	$	1,537	$	—	$	1,537
Available-for-sale
Collateralized debt obligations	$	—	$	—	$	10,210	$	10,210
Commercial MBS issued by GSEs	—		19,599		—		19,599
Corporate debt securities	—		13,430		—		13,430
CRA investments	34,762		—		—		34,762
Municipal obligations	—		334,065		—		334,065
Preferred stock	110,130		—		—		110,130
Private label commercial MBS	—		4,916		—		4,916
Private label residential MBS	—		244,148		—		244,148
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	—		1,115,410		—		1,115,410
Trust preferred securities	—		24,649		—		24,649
U.S. government sponsored agency securities	—		18,633		—		18,633
U.S. treasury securities	3,028		—		—		3,028
Total AFS securities	$	147,920	$	1,774,850	$	10,210	$	1,932,980
Loans - HFS	$	—	$	24,356	$	—	$	24,356
Derivative assets (1)	—		4,009		—		4,009
Liabilities:
Junior subordinated debt (2)	$	—	$	—	$	43,157	$	43,157
Derivative liabilities (1)	—		70,391		—		70,391

(1)

Derivative assets and liabilities relate to interest rate swaps, see "Note 10. Derivatives and Hedging Activities." In addition, the carrying value of loans includes a net positive value of $67,822 and the net carrying value of subordinated debt includes a net negative value of $4,009 as of September 30, 2015, which relates to the effective portion of the hedges put in place to mitigate against fluctuations in interest rates.


(2)	Includes only the portion of junior subordinated debt that is recorded at fair value at each reporting period pursuant to the election of FVO treatment.

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	Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using:
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value
	(in thousands)
December 31, 2014
Assets:
Measured at fair value
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	$	—	$	1,858	$	—	$	1,858
Available-for-sale
Collateralized debt obligations	$	—	$	—	$	11,445	$	11,445
Commercial MBS issued by GSEs	—		2,147		—		2,147
Corporate debt securities	—		52,489		—		52,489
CRA investments	24,332		—		—		24,332
Municipal obligations	—		299,037		—		299,037
Mutual funds	37,702		—		—		37,702
Preferred stock	82,612		—		—		82,612
Private label commercial MBS	—		5,149		—		5,149
Private label residential MBS	—		70,243		—		70,243
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	—		891,189		—		891,189
Trust preferred securities	—		25,546		—		25,546
U.S. government sponsored agency securities	—		18,346		—		18,346
Total AFS securities	$	144,646	$	1,364,146	$	11,445	$	1,520,237
Derivative assets (1)	$	—	$	7	$	—	$	7
Liabilities:
Junior subordinated debt	$	—	$	—	$	40,437	$	40,437
Derivative liabilities (1)	—		57,820		—		57,820


(1)	Derivative assets and liabilities relate to interest rate swaps, see "Note 10. Derivatives and Hedging Activities." In addition, the carrying value of loans includes a positive value of $57,140 as of December 31, 2014, which relates to the effective portion of the hedges put in place to mitigate against fluctuations in interest rates.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the change in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis was as follows:



	Junior Subordinated Debt
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	(48,482	)	$	(42,711	)	$	(40,437	)	$	(41,858	)
Transfers into Level 3	—			—			—			—
Total gains (losses) for the period
Included in earnings (1)	5,325			918			(2,720		)	65
Ending balance	$	(43,157	)	$	(41,793	)	$	(43,157	)	$	(41,793	)


(1)	Total gains (losses) for the period are included in the non-interest income line, Unrealized gains (losses) on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net.

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	CDO Securities
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	10,804		$	58		$	11,445		$	—
Transfers into Level 3	—			6,725			—			6,783
Total gains (losses) for the period
Included in other comprehensive income (2)	(594		)	(50		)	$	(1,235	)	$	(50	)
Ending balance	$	10,210		$	6,733		$	10,210		$	6,733


(2)	Total gains (losses) for the period are included in the other comprehensive income line, Unrealized (loss) gain on AFS securities.

For Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:



	September 30, 2015		Valuation Technique	Significant Unobservable Inputs
	(in thousands)
Junior subordinated debt	$	43,157	Discounted cash flow	Implied credit rating of the Company
CDO securities	10,210		S&P Model	Pricing indications from comparable securities



	December 31, 2014		Valuation Technique	Significant Unobservable Inputs
	(in thousands)
Junior subordinated debt	$	40,437	Discounted cash flow	Adjusted Corporate Bond over Treasury Index with comparable credit spread
CDO securities	11,445		S&P Model	Pricing indications from comparable securities

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s junior subordinated debt as of September 30, 2015 was the "BB" rated financial over SWAP index and, as of December 31, 2014 was the "BB" rated 20-Year over Treasury Index with comparable credit spread. The input value used in the fair value measurement of the Company's junior subordinated debt was 5.925% and 6.242% as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's CDO securities include securities terms, conditions, and underlying collateral type, as well as trustee and servicer reports, trade data on comparable securities, and market quotes that are converted into spreads to benchmark LIBOR curves. Significant increases or decreases in these inputs could result in significantly different fair value measurements.

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Fair value on a nonrecurring basis

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. That is, the assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis, but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The following table presents such assets carried on the balance sheet by caption and by level within the ASC 825 hierarchy:



	Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Active Markets for Similar Assets (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(in thousands)
As of September 30, 2015:
Impaired loans with specific valuation allowance	$	24,535	$	—	$	—	$	24,535
Impaired loans without specific valuation allowance (1)	74,072		—		—		74,072
Other assets acquired through foreclosure	57,719		—		—		57,719
As of December 31, 2014:
Impaired loans with specific valuation allowance	$	114,163	$	—	$	—	$	114,163
Impaired loans without specific valuation allowance (1)	38,019		—		—		38,019
Other assets acquired through foreclosure	57,150		—		—		57,150


(1)	Excludes loan balances with charge-offs of $38.4 million and $3.8 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Impaired loans: The specific reserves for collateral dependent impaired loans are based on collateral value, net of estimated disposition costs and other identified quantitative inputs. Collateral value is determined based on third-party appraisals. Appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches, including comparable sales and the income approach. Fair value is determined, where possible, using market prices derived from an appraisal or evaluation, which are considered to be Level 2. However, certain assumptions and unobservable inputs are often used by the appraiser. Therefore, qualifying the assets as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. In some cases, adjustments are made to the appraised values due to various factors, including age of the appraisal (which are generally obtained every twelve months), age of comparables included in the appraisal, and known changes in the market and in the collateral. When significant adjustments are based on unobservable inputs, such as when a current appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the resulting fair value measurement has been categorized as a Level 3 measurement. These Level 3 impaired loans had an estimated fair value of $28.7 million and $124.9 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The fair value of these Level 3 impaired loans reflects the carrying value of loan, which has been reduced by any deficit in appraised value compared to book value, estimated disposition costs, and estimated losses of similar impaired loans based on historical loss experience. Specific reserves in the allowance for loan losses for these loans were $4.2 million and $10.8 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Other assets acquired through foreclosure: Other assets acquired through foreclosure consist of properties acquired as a result of, or in-lieu-of, foreclosure. These assets are initially reported at the fair value determined by independent appraisals using appraised value less estimated cost to sell. Such properties are generally re-appraised every twelve months. There is risk for subsequent volatility. Costs relating to the development or improvement of the assets are capitalized and costs relating to holding the assets are charged to expense. The Company had $57.7 million of such assets at September 30, 2015. Fair value is determined, where possible, using market prices derived from an appraisal or evaluation, which are considered to be Level 2. However, certain assumptions and unobservable inputs are often used by the appraiser; therefore, qualifying the assets as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. When significant adjustments are based on unobservable inputs, such as when a current appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the resulting fair value measurement has been categorized as a Level 3 measurement.

Credit vs. non-credit losses

Under the provisions of ASC 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities, OTTI is separated into the amount of total impairment related to the credit loss and the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total impairment related to all other factors is recognized in OCI.

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For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company determined that no securities experienced credit losses.

There is no OTTI balance recognized in comprehensive income as of September 30, 2015 and 2014.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments is as follows:



	September 30, 2015
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Carrying Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(in thousands)
Financial assets:
Investment securities:
AFS	$	1,932,980	$	147,920	$	1,774,850	$	10,210	$	1,932,980
Trading	1,537		—		1,537		—		1,537
Derivative assets	4,009		—		4,009		—		4,009
Loans, net	10,671,223		—		10,409,592		98,607		10,508,199
Accrued interest receivable	46,113		—		46,113		—		46,113
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	11,610,403	$	—	$	11,614,486	$	—	$	11,614,486
Customer repurchases	53,227		—		53,227		—		53,227
FHLB and FRB advances	300,027		—		300,027		—		300,027
Other borrowed funds	—		—		—		—		—
Qualifying debt	206,787		—		—		202,331		202,331
Derivative liabilities	70,391		—		70,391		—		70,391
Accrued interest payable	8,898		—		8,898		—		8,898



	December 31, 2014
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Carrying Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(in thousands)
Financial assets:
Investment securities:
AFS	$	1,520,237	$	144,646	$	1,364,146	$	11,445	$	1,520,237
Trading	1,858		—		1,858		—		1,858
Derivative assets	7		—		7		—		7
Loans, net	8,288,049		—		7,984,692		152,182		8,136,874
Accrued interest receivable	36,705		—		36,705		—		36,705
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	8,931,043	$	—	$	8,935,566	$	—	$	8,935,566
Customer repurchases	54,899		—		54,899		—		54,899
FHLB and FRB advances	307,081		—		307,081		—		307,081
Other borrowed funds	83,182		—		25,000		61,074		86,074
Junior subordinated debt	40,437		—		—		40,437		40,437
Derivative liabilities	57,820		—		57,820		—		57,820
Accrued interest payable	9,890		—		9,890		—		9,890

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Interest rate risk

The Company assumes interest rate risk (the risk to the Company’s earnings and capital from changes in interest rate levels) as a result of its normal operations. As a result, the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as well as its future net interest income will change when interest rate levels change and that change may be either favorable or unfavorable to the Company.

Interest rate risk exposure is measured using interest rate sensitivity analysis to determine our change in EVE and net interest income resulting from hypothetical changes in interest rates. If potential changes to EVE and net interest income resulting from hypothetical interest rate changes are not within the limits established by the BOD, the BOD may direct management to adjust the asset and liability mix to bring interest rate risk within BOD-approved limits. As of September 30, 2015, the Company’s interest rate risk profile was within BOD-approved limits.

WAB has an ALCO charged with managing interest rate risk within the BOD-approved limits. Limits are structured to prohibit an interest rate risk profile that does not conform to both management and BOD risk tolerances. There is also ALCO reporting at the Parent company level for reviewing interest rate risk for the Company, which gets reported to the BOD and the Finance and Investment Committee.

Fair value of commitments

The estimated fair value of standby letters of credit outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was insignificant. Loan commitments on which the committed interest rates were less than the current market rate were also insignificant at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

15. REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

The Company and WAB are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements could trigger certain mandatory or discretionary actions that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s business and financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and WAB must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

The capital framework under Basel III became effective for the Company on January 1, 2015. Under the Basel III final rules, minimum requirements have increased for both the quantity and quality of capital held by the Company. A new capital conservation buffer, comprised of common equity Tier 1 capital, is also established above the regulatory minimum capital requirements. This capital conservation buffer will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and will increase each subsequent year by an additional 0.625% until reaching its final level of 2.5% on January 1, 2019. Strict eligibility requirements for regulatory capital instruments have been implemented under the final rules and the final rules also revise the definitions and calculations of Tier 1 capital, total capital, and risk-weighted assets.

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As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company and WAB exceeded the capital levels necessary to be classified as well-capitalized, as defined by the federal banking agencies. The actual capital amounts and ratios for the Company and WAB are presented in the following tables as of the periods indicated:



	Total Capital		Tier 1 Capital		Risk-Weighted Assets		Tangible Average Assets		Total Capital Ratio		Tier 1 Capital Ratio		Tier 1 Leverage Ratio		Common Equity Tier 1
	(dollars in thousands)
Basel III
September 30, 2015
WAL	$	1,580,594	$	1,318,222	$	13,022,374	$	13,341,151	12.1	%	10.1	%	9.9	%	9.1	%
WAB	1,432,483		1,163,713		12,896,832		13,166,799		11.1		9.0		8.8		9.0
Well-capitalized ratios									10.0		8.0		5.0		6.5
Minimum capital ratios									8.0		6.0		4.0		4.5
Basel I
December 31, 2014
WAL	$	1,119,618	$	1,007,278	$	9,555,390	$	10,367,575	11.7	%	10.5	%	9.7	%	—
WAB	1,057,253		945,687		9,435,459		10,232,297		11.2		10.0		9.2		—
Well-capitalized ratios									10.0		6.0		5.0		—
Minimum capital ratios									8.0		4.0		4.0		—

16. SEGMENTS

The Company's reportable segments are aggregated primarily based on geographic location, services offered, and markets served. As a result of the Bridge acquisition on June 30, 2015, former Bridge activities were allocated between the newly formed Northern California segment and the CBL segment. As a substantial portion of Bridge's balance sheet is generated from nationally-focused business lines, the operations of these business lines are included in the CBL segment. Substantially all of the remaining assets and liabilities of Bridge are included in the Northern California segment. As the Bridge acquisition was completed on June 30, 2015, the results of operations of Bridge are included in the Company's Consolidated Income Statements beginning on July 1, 2015. The Southern California segment represents legacy Western Alliance operations in California, excluding two branches located in northern California, which are now included in the Northern California segment. Prior period amounts have been adjusted accordingly.

The Arizona, Nevada, Southern California, and Northern California segments provide full service banking and related services to their respective markets although operations may not be domiciled in these states. The Company's CBL segment provides banking services to niche markets and, as of June 30, 2015, includes the operations of Bridge. These CBLs are managed centrally and are broader in geographic scope, though still predominately within the Company's core market areas. The Corporate & Other segment primarily relates to our Treasury division and also includes other corporate-related items, income and expense items not allocated to other reportable segments, and inter-segment eliminations.

The Company's segment reporting process begins with the assignment of all loan and deposit accounts directly to the segments where these products are originated and/or serviced. Equity capital is assigned to each segment based on the risk profile of their assets and liabilities. With the exception of goodwill, which is assigned a 100% weighting, equity capital allocations ranged from 0% to 12% during the year, with a funds credit provided for the use of this equity as a funding source. Any excess equity not allocated to segments based on risk is assigned to the Corporate & Other segment.

Net interest income, provision for credit losses, and non-interest expense amounts are recorded in their respective segment to the extent that the amounts are directly attributable to those segments. Net interest income is recorded in each segment on a TEB with a corresponding increase in income tax expense, which is eliminated in the Corporate & Other segment.

Further, net interest income of a reportable segment includes a funds transfer pricing process that matches assets and liabilities with similar interest rate sensitivity and maturity characteristics. Using this funds transfer pricing methodology, liquidity is transferred between users and providers. A net user of funds has lending/investing in excess of deposits/borrowings and a net provider of funds has deposits/borrowings in excess of lending/investing. A segment that is a user of funds is charged for the use of funds, while a provider of funds is credited through funds transfer pricing, which is determined based on the average life of the assets or liabilities in the portfolio.

Net income amounts for each reportable segment is further derived by the use of expense allocations. Certain expenses not directly attributable to a specific segment are allocated across all segments based on key metrics, such as number of employees,

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average loan balances, and average deposit balances. These types of expenses include information technology, operations, human resources, finance, risk management, credit administration, legal, and marketing.

Income taxes are applied to each segment based on the effective tax rate for the geographic location of the segment. Any difference in the corporate tax rate and the aggregate effective tax rates in the segments are adjusted in the Corporate & Other segment.

The following is a summary of selected operating segment information as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.



	Arizona			Nevada			Southern California			Northern California			Central Business Lines			Corporate & Other			Consolidated Company
At September 30, 2015	(dollars in millions)
Assets:
Cash, cash equivalents, and investment securities	$	2.1		$	10.4		$	2.1		$	2.6		$	—		$	2,301.8		$	2,319.0
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs	2,705.8			1,779.4			1,708.2			1,165.0			3,390.4			39.5			10,788.3
Less: allowance for credit losses	(29.4		)	(19.4		)	(18.6		)	(12.4		)	(36.9		)	(0.4		)	(117.1		)
Total loans	2,676.4			1,760.0			1,689.6			1,152.6			3,353.5			39.1			10,671.2
Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	22.2			20.7			—			0.6			—			14.2			57.7
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	—			25.0			—			158.5			122.2			0.1			305.8
Other assets	48.6			61.4			15.4			15.0			23.7			437.7			601.8
Total assets	$	2,749.3		$	1,877.5		$	1,707.1		$	1,329.3		$	3,499.4		$	2,792.9		$	13,955.5
Liabilities:
Deposits	$	2,463.7		$	3,329.9		$	1,938.5		$	1,470.1		$	2,030.4		$	377.8		$	11,610.4
Borrowings and qualifying debt	—			—			—			—			—			506.8			506.8
Other liabilities	18.7			32.6			12.2			11.8			85.2			94.1			254.6
Total liabilities	2,482.4			3,362.5			1,950.7			1,481.9			2,115.6			978.7			12,371.8
Allocated equity:	294.7			248.2			187.3			291.3			412.6			149.6			1,583.7
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,777.1		$	3,610.7		$	2,138.0		$	1,773.2		$	2,528.2		$	1,128.3		$	13,955.5
Excess funds provided (used)	27.8			1,733.2			430.9			443.9			(971.2		)	(1,664.6		)	—



	Arizona			Nevada			Southern California			Northern California			Central Business Lines			Corporate & Other			Consolidated Company
At December 31, 2014	(dollars in millions)
Assets:
Cash, cash equivalents, and investment securities	$	2.3		$	5.0		$	2.2		$	0.3		$	—		$	1,702.4		$	1,712.2
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs	2,341.9			1,668.7			1,553.1			198.6			2,590.0			46.0			8,398.3
Less: allowance for credit losses	(30.7		)	(21.9		)	(17.9		)	(5.1		)	(34.0		)	(0.6		)	(110.2		)
Total loans	2,311.2			1,646.8			1,535.2			193.5			2,556.0			45.4			8,288.1
Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	15.5			21.0			—			—			—			20.6			57.1
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	—			25.9			—			—			—			—			25.9
Other assets	34.8			64.2			6.2			15.3			22.9			373.8			517.2
Total assets	$	2,363.8		$	1,762.9		$	1,543.6		$	209.1		$	2,578.9		$	2,142.2		$	10,600.5
Liabilities:
Deposits	$	2,178.0		$	3,230.6		$	1,744.5		$	584.0		$	946.6		$	247.3		$	8,931.0
Other borrowings	—			—			—			—			—			390.3			390.3
Other liabilities	17.4			40.8			8.9			0.2			72.4			138.6			278.3
Total liabilities	2,195.4			3,271.4			1,753.4			584.2			1,019.0			776.2			9,599.6
Allocated equity:	250.8			209.0			70.9			126.8			232.9			110.5			1,000.9
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,446.2		$	3,480.4		$	1,824.3		$	711.0		$	1,251.9		$	886.7		$	10,600.5
Excess funds provided (used)	82.4			1,717.5			280.7			501.9			(1,327.0		)	(1,255.5		)	—

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	Arizona			Nevada			Southern California			Northern California			Central Business Lines			Corporate & Other			Consolidated Company
At September 30, 2014	(dollars in millions)
Assets:
Cash, cash equivalents, and investment securities	$	2.1		$	5.3		$	2.1		$	0.2		$	—		$	1,846.4		$	1,856.1
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs	2,204.9			1,680.1			1,531.0			194.7			2,264.9			53.9			7,929.5
Less: allowance for credit losses	(30.4		)	(23.1		)	(18.7		)	(5.1		)	(31.2		)	(0.7		)	(109.2		)
Total loans	2,174.5			1,657.0			1,512.3			189.6			2,233.7			53.2			7,820.3
Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	13.5			19.2			—			—			—			19.1			51.8
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	—			26.2			—			—			—			—			26.2
Other assets	44.6			69.2			30.7			10.3			20.5			359.1			534.4
Total assets	$	2,234.7		$	1,776.9		$	1,545.1		$	200.1		$	2,254.2		$	2,277.8		$	10,288.8
Liabilities:
Deposits	$	2,077.4		$	3,193.8		$	1,780.6		$	569.3		$	906.0		$	170.5		$	8,697.6
Other borrowings	—			—			—			—			—			330.8			330.8
Other liabilities	21.2			41.7			10.6			0.2			42.1			141.5			257.3
Total liabilities	2,098.6			3,235.5			1,791.2			569.5			948.1			642.8			9,285.7
Allocated equity:	236.9			209.0			78.8			118.2			203.9			156.3			1,003.1
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,335.5		$	3,444.5		$	1,870.0		$	687.7		$	1,152.0		$	799.1		$	10,288.8
Excess funds provided (used)	100.8			1,667.6			324.9			487.6			(1,102.2		)	(1,478.7		)	—



	Arizona			Nevada			Southern California			Northern California			Central Business Lines			Corporate & Other			Consolidated Company
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015:	(in thousands)
Net interest income (expense)	$	32,920		$	30,875		$	24,146		$	24,012		$	37,347		$	(11,893	)	$	137,407
Provision for (recovery of) credit losses	1,964			(2,376		)	(442		)	1,390			(488		)	(48		)	—
Net interest income (expense) after provision for credit losses	30,956			33,251			24,588			22,622			37,835			(11,845		)	137,407
Non-interest income	962			2,199			586			2,484			1,435			6,160			13,826
Non-interest expense	(15,160		)	(15,513		)	(11,909		)	(12,846		)	(13,127		)	(4,361		)	(72,916		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	16,758			19,937			13,265			12,260			26,143			(10,046		)	78,317
Income tax expense (benefit)	6,574			6,978			5,578			5,156			9,804			(14,907		)	19,183
Net income	$	10,184		$	12,959		$	7,687		$	7,104		$	16,339		$	4,861		$	59,134



	Arizona			Nevada			Southern California			Northern California			Central Business Lines			Corporate & Other			Consolidated Company
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:	(in thousands)
Net interest income (expense)	$	28,417		$	29,880		$	23,429		$	2,401		$	18,861		$	(4,915	)	$	98,073
Provision for credit losses	330			(3,040		)	96			—			3,294			(261		)	419
Net interest income (expense) after provision for credit losses	28,087			32,920			23,333			2,401			15,567			(4,654		)	97,654
Non-interest income	774			2,126			849			40			513			1,771			6,073
Non-interest expense	(14,108		)	(13,873		)	(12,301		)	(885		)	(6,477		)	(2,215		)	(49,859		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	14,753			21,173			11,881			1,556			9,603			(5,098		)	53,868
Income tax expense (benefit)	5,787			7,411			4,995			654			3,601			(9,499		)	12,949
Net income	$	8,966		$	13,762		$	6,886		$	902		$	6,002		$	4,401		$	40,919

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	Arizona			Nevada			Southern California			Northern California			Central Business Lines			Corporate & Other			Consolidated Company
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015:	(in thousands)
Net interest income (expense)	$	93,996		$	90,030		$	70,706		$	33,681		$	85,089		$	(24,269	)	$	349,233
Provision for (recovery of) credit losses	2,122			(5,175		)	(176		)	1,876			2,172			(119		)	700
Net interest income (expense) after provision for credit losses	91,874			95,205			70,882			31,805			82,917			(24,150		)	348,533
Non-interest income	2,909			6,852			2,101			2,806			2,472			428			17,568
Non-interest expense	(44,521		)	(45,020		)	(35,387		)	(16,776		)	(31,950		)	(14,504		)	(188,158		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	50,262			57,037			37,596			17,835			53,439			(38,226		)	177,943
Income tax expense (benefit)	19,718			19,963			15,809			7,500			20,040			(39,130		)	43,900
Net income	$	30,544		$	37,074		$	21,787		$	10,335		$	33,399		$	904		$	134,043



	Arizona			Nevada			Southern California			Northern California			Central Business Lines			Corporate & Other			Consolidated Company
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:	(in thousands)
Net interest income (expense)	$	84,236		$	87,834		$	66,610		$	6,714		$	49,051		$	(11,697	)	$	282,748
Provision for credit losses	1,891			(5,935		)	(921		)	—			8,931			460			4,426
Net interest income (expense) after provision for credit losses	82,345			93,769			67,531			6,714			40,120			(12,157		)	278,322
Non-interest income	2,484			6,510			2,866			105			1,238			3,026			16,229
Non-interest expense	(40,161		)	(44,878		)	(36,661		)	(2,772		)	(19,625		)	(7,475		)	(151,572		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	44,668			55,401			33,736			4,047			21,733			(16,606		)	142,979
Income tax expense (benefit)	17,521			19,392			14,184			1,702			8,150			(26,670		)	34,279
Income from continuing operations	27,147			36,009			19,552			2,345			13,583			10,064			108,700
Loss from discontinued operations, net	—			—			—			—			—			(1,158		)	(1,158		)
Net income	$	27,147		$	36,009		$	19,552		$	2,345		$	13,583		$	8,906		$	107,542

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Item 2.	Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

This discussion is designed to provide insight into management's assessment of significant trends related to the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital resources, and interest rate sensitivity. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the interim Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements hereto and financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. Unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "Company," "we," and "our" refer to Western Alliance Bancorporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including statements that are related to or are dependent on estimates or assumptions relating to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.

The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q reflect our current views about future events and financial performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that may cause our actual results to differ significantly from historical results and those expressed in any forward-looking statement, including those risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q. Risks and uncertainties include those set forth in our filings with the SEC and the following factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented: 1) financial market and economic conditions adversely effecting financial performance; 2) dependency on real estate and events that negatively impact real estate; 3) high concentration of commercial real estate, construction and land development, and commercial and industrial loans; 4) actual credit losses may exceed expected losses in the loan portfolio; 5) the geographic concentrations of our assets increase the risks related to local economic conditions; 6) sovereign credit rating downgrades; 7) exposure of financial instruments to certain market risks may cause volatility in earnings; 8) dependence on low-cost deposits; 9) ability to borrow from the FHLB or the FRB; 10) perpetration of internet fraud; 11) information security breaches; 12) reliance on other companies' infrastructure; 13) a change in our creditworthiness; 14) expansion strategies may not be successful; 15) our ability to compete in a highly competitive market; 16) our ability to recruit and retain qualified employees, especially seasoned relationship bankers and senior management; 17) the effects of terrorist attacks or threats of war; 18) ineffective risk management policies and procedures; 19) risks associated with new lines of businesses; 20) risk of operating in a highly regulated industry and our ability to remain in compliance; 21) failure to comply with state and federal banking agency laws and regulations; 22) changes in interest rates and increased rate competition; 23) exposure to environmental liabilities related to the properties to which we acquire title; and 24) risks related to ownership and price of our common stock.

For more information regarding risks that may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Financial Overview and Highlights

WAL is a bank holding company headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware. WAL provides a full spectrum of deposit, lending, treasury management, and online banking products and services through its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, WAB. On June 30, 2015, WAL acquired Bridge Capital Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridge Bank. Upon acquisition, Bridge Capital Holdings merged into WAL and its principal operating subsidiary, Bridge Bank, merged into WAB. Effective as of July 1, 2015, the existing Bridge offices and the previously existing WAB Northern California offices are operating as a combined division under the Bridge trade name.

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Financial Result Highlights for the Third Quarter of 2015


•	Net income available to common stockholders of $59.0 million, compared to $34.5 million for the second quarter 2015, and $40.6 million for the third quarter 2014


•	Earnings per share of $0.58, compared to $0.39 per share in the second quarter 2015, and $0.46 per share in the third quarter 2014


•	Net income and earnings per share above includes a total benefit of $0.05 per share from net unrealized gains on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, non-recurring tax benefits, and accelerated recognition of accretion income, offset by acquisition / restructure expenses


•	Pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings of $73.7 million, up 23.5% from $59.7 million in the second quarter 2015, and up 42.2% from $51.9 million in the third quarter 2014¹


•	Net operating revenue of $145.9 million, constituting year-over-year growth of 40.9%, or $42.4 million, compared to an increase in operating expenses of 39.6%, or $20.5 million¹


•	Net interest margin of 4.59%, compared to 4.41% in the second quarter 2015, and 4.43% in the third quarter 2014


•	Efficiency ratio of 46.8%, compared to 44.7% in the second quarter 2015, and 47.1% in the third quarter 2014¹


•	Total loans of $10.79 billion, up $427.7 million from June 30, 2015, and up $2.86 billion from September 30, 2014


•	Total deposits of $11.61 billion, up $203.7 million from June 30, 2015, and up $2.91 billion from September 30, 2014


•	Nonperforming assets (nonaccrual loans and repossessed assets) decreased to 0.76% of total assets, from 0.88% at June 30, 2015, and from 1.23% at September 30, 2014


•	Net loan recoveries (annualized) to average loans outstanding of 0.08%, compared to 0.13% in the second quarter 2015, and 0.15% in the third quarter 2014


•	Tangible common equity ratio of 8.9%, compared to 8.7% at June 30, 2015, and 8.2% at September 30, 2014


•	Stockholders' equity of $1.58 billion, an increase of $69.0 million from June 30, 2015, and an increase of $580.6 million from September 30, 2014


•	Tangible book value per share, net of tax, of $11.86, an increase of 5.4% from $11.25 at June 30, 2015, and an increase of 24.4% from $9.53 at September 30, 2014

The impact to the Company from these items, and others of both a positive and negative nature, are discussed in more detail below as they pertain to the Company’s overall comparative performance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. As a bank holding company, management focuses on key ratios in evaluating the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

¹See Non-GAAP Financial Measures section beginning on page 69.

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Acquisition of Bridge Capital Holdings



	As Adjusted
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	378,966
Investment securities - AFS	61,297
Investments in restricted stock	7,015
Loans	1,439,995
Premises and equipment	1,519
Other assets acquired through foreclosure	1,407
Bank owned life insurance	17,385
Investment in LIHTC	5,354
Intangible assets	14,997
Deferred tax assets, net	18,664
Other assets	19,993
Total assets	$	1,966,592
Liabilities:
Deposits	$	1,742,031
Qualifying debt	11,287
Other liabilities	11,828
Total liabilities	1,765,146
Net assets acquired	$	201,446
Consideration paid
Common stock (12,451,240 shares at $33.76 per share)	$	420,354
Fair value of equity awards related to pre-combination vesting	10,676
Cash	36,539
Fair value of total consideration	467,569
Goodwill	$	266,123


(1)	Cash and cash equivalents is net of a $6.2 million payment made by Bridge related to the cash out of vested, unexercised stock options at the date of closing. Cash acquired, less cash consideration paid of $36.5 million, resulted in net cash and cash equivalents increasing by $342.4 million following the acquisition.

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2015. This decrease was partially offset by loan recoveries received shortly after June 30, 2015 as a loan balance equal to the recovery amount was established for loans that were previously fully-charged off. The net deferred tax assets balance was adjusted to account for the tax effects of all the changes in the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Other liabilities also increased to accrue for unrecorded expenses and other liabilities incurred prior to acquisition. Although further measurement period adjustments are not expected to be significant, the estimated fair value of net assets acquired are still preliminary and are subject to additional measurement period adjustments.

Loans acquired in the Bridge acquisition consist of loans that are not considered impaired (non-PCI loans) and loans that have shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination (PCI loans) as of the acquisition date. All loans were recorded net of fair value adjustments (interest rate and credit marks), which were determined using discounted contractual cash flow models. The fair value of non-PCI loans acquired totals $1.43 billion, which is net of interest and credit marks of $26.0 million. The fair value of PCI loans totals $10.9 million, which is net of interest and credit marks of $5.7 million. See "Note 4. Loans, Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses" to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional detail of the acquired loans.

Qualifying debt assumed from Bridge is comprised of junior subordinated debt with a contractual balance of $17.5 million and is recorded net of a $6.2 million fair value mark that will be amortized over the remaining life of the trusts. See "Note 7. Qualifying Debt" to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail and discussion of the debt.

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Results of Operations and Financial Condition

A summary of our results of operations, financial condition, and select metrics are included in the following tables:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income available to common stockholders	$	58,958		$	40,566		$	133,444		$	106,484
Earnings per share applicable to common stockholders - basic	0.59			0.47			1.45			1.23
Earnings per share applicable to common stockholders - diluted	0.58			0.46			1.44			1.22
Net interest margin	4.59		%	4.43		%	4.45		%	4.41		%
Return on average assets	1.73			1.63			1.50			1.47
Return on average tangible common equity	20.12			19.91			17.30			18.66



	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Total assets	$	13,955,570	$	10,600,498
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs	10,788,295		8,398,265
Total deposits	11,610,403		8,931,043

Asset Quality

For all banks and bank holding companies, asset quality plays a significant role in the overall financial condition of the institution and results of operations. The Company measures asset quality in terms of non-accrual loans as a percentage of gross loans and net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans. Net charge-offs are calculated as the difference between charged-off loans and recovery payments received on previously charged-off loans. The following table summarizes asset quality metrics:



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Non-accrual loans	$	47,692		$	67,659
Non-performing assets	191,628			214,661
Non-accrual loans to gross loans	0.44		%	0.81		%
Net recoveries to average loans (1)	0.08		%	0.07		%


(1)	Annualized for the three months ended September 30, 2015. Actual year-to-date for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Asset and Deposit Growth

The Company’s assets and liabilities are comprised primarily of loans and deposits; therefore, the ability to originate new loans and attract new deposits is fundamental to the Company’s growth. Total assets increased to $13.96 billion at September 30, 2015 from $10.60 billion at December 31, 2014. Total loans, including HFS loans, increased by $2.39 billion, or 28.5%, to $10.79 billion as of September 30, 2015, compared to $8.40 billion as of December 31, 2014. Total deposits increased $2.68 billion, or 30.0%, to $11.61 billion as of September 30, 2015 from $8.93 billion as of December 31, 2014. The growth in total assets, loans, and deposits related to the acquisition of Bridge was $2.23 billion, $1.44 billion, and $1.74 billion, respectively.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth a summary financial overview for the comparable periods:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Increase			Nine Months Ended September 30,					Increase
	2015		2014		(Decrease)			2015		2014			(Decrease)
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Consolidated Income Statement Data:
Interest income	$	146,233	$	105,554	$	40,679		$	373,813	$	306,228		$	67,585
Interest expense	8,826		7,481		1,345			24,580		23,480			1,100
Net interest income	137,407		98,073		39,334			349,233		282,748			66,485
Provision for credit losses	—		419		(419		)	700		4,426			(3,726		)
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	137,407		97,654		39,753			348,533		278,322			70,211
Non-interest income	13,826		6,073		7,753			17,568		16,229			1,339
Non-interest expense	72,916		49,859		23,057			188,158		151,572			36,586
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	78,317		53,868		24,449			177,943		142,979			34,964
Income tax expense	19,183		12,949		6,234			43,900		34,279			9,621
Income from continuing operations	59,134		40,919		18,215			134,043		108,700			25,343
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—		—		—			—		(1,158		)	(1,158		)
Net income	$	59,134	$	40,919	$	18,215		$	134,043	$	107,542		$	26,501
Net income available to common stockholders	$	58,958	$	40,566	$	18,392		$	133,444	$	106,484		$	26,960
Earnings per share applicable to common stockholders - basic	$	0.59	$	0.47	$	0.12		$	1.45	$	1.23		$	0.22
Earnings per share applicable to common stockholders - diluted	$	0.58	$	0.46	$	0.12		$	1.44	$	1.22		$	0.22

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following discussion and analysis contains financial information determined by methods other than those prescribed by GAAP. The Company's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in their analysis of the Company's performance. These measurements typically adjust GAAP performance measures to exclude the effects of unrealized gains or losses on assets and liabilities measured at fair value as well as other items to adjust income available to common stockholders for certain significant activities or transactions that, in management's opinion, do not reflect recurring period-to-period comparisons of the Company's performance. Management believes presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful supplemental information that is essential to a complete understanding of the operating results of the Company's core businesses. Since the presentation of these non-GAAP performance measures and their impact differ between companies, these non-GAAP disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.

Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Operating Earnings

Pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings adjusts the level of earnings to exclude the impact of income taxes, provision for credit losses, and non-recurring or other items not considered part of the Company's core operations. Management believes that eliminating the effects of these items makes it easier to analyze underlying performance trends and enables investors to assess the Company's earnings power and ability to generate capital to cover credit losses.

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The following table shows the components of pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Total non-interest income	$	13,826		$	6,073		$	17,568		$	16,229
Less:
(Loss) gain on sales of investment securities, net	(62		)	181			582			384
Unrealized gains (losses) on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net	5,371			896			(2,684		)	(145		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(502		)	(81		)	(502		)
Total operating non-interest income	8,517			5,498			19,751			16,492
Plus: net interest income	137,407			98,073			349,233			282,748
Net operating revenue	$	145,924		$	103,571		$	368,984		$	299,240
Total non-interest expense	$	72,916		$	49,859		$	188,158		$	151,572
Less:
Net gain on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets	(104		)	(1,874		)	(1,673		)	(4,251		)
Acquisition / restructure expense	835			15			8,836			198
Total operating non-interest expense	$	72,185		$	51,718		$	180,995		$	155,625
Pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings	$	73,739		$	51,853		$	187,989		$	143,615

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Tangible Common Equity

The following table presents financial measures related to tangible common equity. Tangible common equity represents total stockholders' equity less identifiable intangible assets, goodwill, and preferred stock. Management believes that tangible common equity financial measures are useful in evaluating the Company's capital strength, financial condition, and ability to manage potential losses. In addition, management believes that these measures improve comparability to other institutions that have not engaged in acquisitions that resulted in recorded goodwill and other intangible assets.



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(dollars and shares in thousands)
Total stockholders' equity	$	1,583,698		$	1,000,928
Less: goodwill and intangible assets	305,767			25,913
Total tangible stockholders' equity	1,277,931			975,015
Less: preferred stock	70,500			70,500
Total tangible common equity	1,207,431			904,515
Plus: deferred tax - attributed to intangible assets	6,290			1,006
Total tangible common equity, net of tax	$	1,213,721		$	905,521

Total assets	$	13,955,570		$	10,600,498
Less: goodwill and intangible assets, net	305,767			25,913
Tangible assets	13,649,803			10,574,585
Plus: deferred tax - attributed to intangible assets	6,290			1,006
Total tangible assets, net of tax	$	13,656,093		$	10,575,591

Tangible equity ratio	9.4		%	9.2		%
Tangible common equity ratio	8.9			8.6
Common shares outstanding	102,305			88,691
Tangible book value per share, net of tax	$	11.86		$	10.21

Efficiency Ratio

The following table shows the components used in the calculation of the efficiency ratio, which management uses as a metric for assessing cost efficiency:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(dollars in thousands)
Total operating non-interest expense	$	72,185		$	51,718		$	180,995		$	155,625

Divided by:
Total net interest income	$	137,407		$	98,073		$	349,233		$	282,748
Plus:
Tax equivalent interest adjustment	8,183			6,348			23,450			18,082
Operating non-interest income	8,517			5,498			19,751			16,492
Net operating revenue - TEB	154,107			109,919			392,434			317,322

Efficiency ratio - TEB	46.8		%	47.1		%	46.1		%	49.0		%

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Adjusted Allowance for Credit Losses

The adjusted allowance for credit losses to gross loans ratio includes an adjustment for the remaining credit marks on acquired performing and purchased credit impaired loans. Under GAAP, the allowance for credit losses on acquired loans is not carried over in an acquisition as acquired loans are recorded at fair value, net of related interest rate and credit marks, which discounts the loans based on expected future cash flows. The credit marks on acquired loans represent the allowance for credit losses carried over to the Company. Therefore, by adding back the remaining credit marks on acquired loans, management believes this is more indicative of the allowance available for inherent losses in the loan portfolio.



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(dollars in thousands)
Allowance for credit losses	$	117,072		$	110,216
Plus: remaining credit marks
Acquired performing loans	14,299			2,335
Purchased credit impaired loans	11,347			9,279
Adjusted allowance for credit losses	$	142,718		$	121,830

Gross loans held for investment and deferred fees, net	$	10,763,939		$	8,398,265
Plus: remaining credit marks
Acquired performing loans	14,299			2,335
Purchased credit impaired loans	11,347			9,279
Adjusted loans, net of deferred fees and costs	$	10,789,585		$	8,409,879

Allowance for credit losses to gross loans	1.09		%	1.31		%
Allowance for credit losses to gross loans, adjusted for acquisition accounting	1.32			1.45

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Regulatory Capital

The following table presents certain financial measures related to regulatory capital under Basel III, which includes common equity Tier 1 and total capital. The FRB and other banking regulators use common equity Tier 1 and total capital as a basis for assessing a bank's capital adequacy; therefore, management believes it is useful to assess financial condition and capital adequacy using this same basis. Specifically, the total capital ratio takes into consideration the risk levels of assets and off-balance sheet financial instruments. In addition, management believes that the classified assets to common equity Tier 1 plus allowance measure is an important regulatory metric for assessing asset quality.



	Basel III
	September 30, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Common Equity Tier 1:
Common Equity	$	1,513,198
Less:
Accumulated other comprehensive income	20,643
Non-qualifying goodwill and intangibles	295,425
Disallowed unrealized losses on equity securities	102
Disallowed deferred tax asset	5,067
Unrealized gain on trust preferred securities	7,255
Common equity Tier 1 (regulatory)	$	1,184,706

Plus:
Trust preferred securities	$	81,500
Preferred stock	70,500
Less:
Disallowed deferred tax asset	7,600
Unrealized gain on trust preferred securities	10,884
Tier 1 capital	$	1,318,222
Divided by: Risk-weighted assets (regulatory)	$	13,022,374

Common equity Tier 1 ratio	9.1		%

Total Capital:
Tier 1 capital (regulatory)	$	1,318,222
Plus:
Subordinated debt	142,004
Qualifying allowance for credit losses	117,072
Other	3,296
Less: Tier 2 qualifying capital deductions	—
Tier 2 capital	$	262,372

Total capital	$	1,580,594

Total capital ratio	12.1		%

Classified assets to common equity Tier 1 plus allowance for credit losses:
Classified assets	$	224,148
Divided by:
Common equity Tier 1 (regulatory)	1,184,706
Plus: Allowance for credit losses	117,072
Total common equity Tier 1 plus allowance for credit losses	$	1,301,778

Classified assets to common equity Tier 1 plus allowance	17		%

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Net Interest Margin

The net interest margin is reported on a TEB. A tax equivalent adjustment is added to reflect interest earned on certain municipal securities and loans that are exempt from federal income tax. The following tables set forth the average balances and interest income on a fully TEB and interest expense for the periods indicated:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015							2014
	Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield / Cost		Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield / Cost
	(dollars in thousands)
Interest earning assets
Loans (1), (2), (3)	$	10,505,662		$	133,087	5.31	%	$	7,644,908		$	94,436	5.18	%
Securities - taxable (1)	1,441,694			8,119		2.25		1,186,267			6,805		2.29
Securities - tax-exempt	420,682			3,920		5.46		389,439			3,730		5.61
Total Securities	1,862,376			12,039		2.98		1,575,706			10,535		3.11
Other	322,188			1,107		1.37		203,068			583		1.15
Total interest earnings assets	12,690,226			146,233		4.87		9,423,682			105,554		4.75
Non-interest earning assets
Cash and due from banks	158,387							137,608
Allowance for credit losses	(116,111		)					(107,038		)
Bank owned life insurance	161,095							142,717
Other assets	772,174							458,315
Total assets	$	13,665,771						$	10,055,284
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest bearing transaction accounts	$	1,004,656		$	447	0.18	%	$	810,260		$	400	0.20	%
Savings and money market	4,723,526			3,245		0.27		3,659,887			2,809		0.31
Time certificates of deposits	1,763,540			1,858		0.42		1,763,830			1,963		0.45
Total interest-bearing deposits	7,491,722			5,550		0.30		6,233,977			5,172		0.33
Short-term borrowings	282,028			1,268		1.80		119,925			219		0.73
Long-term debt	—			—		—		271,963			1,647		2.42
Qualifying debt	197,804			2,008		4.06		42,701			443		4.15
Total interest-bearing liabilities	7,971,554			8,826		0.44		6,668,566			7,481		0.45
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits	3,961,269							2,241,366
Other liabilities	183,388							155,875
Stockholders’ equity	1,549,560							989,477
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	13,665,771						$	10,055,284
Net interest income and margin (4)				$	137,407	4.59	%				$	98,073	4.43	%
Net interest spread (5)						4.43	%						4.30	%


(1)	Yields on loans and securities have been adjusted to a TEB. The taxable-equivalent adjustment was $8.2 million and $6.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


(2)	Net loan fees of $7.4 million and $4.5 million are included in the yield computation for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


(3)	Includes non-accrual loans.


(4)	Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average earning assets.


(5)	Net interest spread represents average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.

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	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015							2014
	Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield / Cost		Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield / Cost
	(dollars in thousands)
Interest earning assets
Loans (1), (2), (3)	$	9,309,231		$	338,946	5.12	%	$	7,241,557		$	271,823	5.24	%
Securities - taxable (1)	1,194,975			20,203		2.82		1,191,724			20,967		2.91
Securities - tax-exempt	395,089			10,900		5.39		427,106			11,787		5.26
Total Securities	1,590,064			31,103		3.03		1,618,830			32,754		3.11
Other	257,937			3,764		1.95		235,213			1,651		0.94
Total interest earnings assets	11,157,232			373,813		4.75		9,095,600			306,228		4.75
Non-interest earning assets
Cash and due from banks	131,925							138,898
Allowance for credit losses	(114,019		)					(104,427		)
Bank owned life insurance	149,023							141,825
Other assets	561,155							450,259
Total assets	$	11,885,316						$	9,722,155
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest bearing transaction accounts	$	965,784		$	1,256	0.17	%	$	789,098		$	1,169	0.20	%
Savings and money market	4,286,910			8,997		0.28		3,566,000			8,063		0.30
Time certificates of deposits	1,843,920			5,805		0.42		1,695,130			5,535		0.44
Total interest-bearing deposits	7,096,614			16,058		0.30		6,050,228			14,767		0.33
Short-term borrowings	212,823			4,821		3.02		174,209			565		0.43
Long-term debt	102,487			801		1.04		284,605			6,841		3.20
Qualifying debt	94,690			2,900		4.08		42,471			1,307		4.10
Total interest-bearing liabilities	7,506,614			24,580		0.44		6,551,513			23,480		0.48
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits	2,985,074							2,114,361
Other liabilities	169,725							120,300
Stockholders’ equity	1,223,903							935,981
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	11,885,316						$	9,722,155
Net interest income and margin (4)				$	349,233	4.45	%				$	282,748	4.41	%
Net interest spread (5)						4.31	%						4.27	%


(1)	Yields on loans and securities have been adjusted to a TEB. The taxable-equivalent adjustment was $23.5 million and $18.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


(2)	Net loan fees of $18.6 million and $13.4 million are included in the yield computation for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


(3)	Includes non-accrual loans.


(4)	Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average earning assets.


(5)	Net interest spread represents average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.

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	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015 versus 2014								2015 versus 2014
	Increase (Decrease) Due to Changes in (1)								Increase (Decrease) Due to Changes in (1)
	Volume		Rate			Total			Volume			Rate			Total
	(in thousands)
Interest income:
Loans	$	36,240	$	2,411		$	38,651		$	75,283		$	(8,160	)	$	67,123
Interest on investment securities	1,853		(349		)	1,504			(563		)	(1,088		)	(1,651		)
Federal funds sold and other	409		115			524			332			1,781			2,113
Total interest income	38,502		2,177			40,679			75,052			(7,467		)	67,585

Interest expense:
Interest bearing transaction accounts	86		(39		)	47			230			(143		)	87
Savings and money market	731		(295		)	436			1,513			(579		)	934
Time deposits	—		(105		)	(105		)	468			(198		)	270
Short-term borrowings	729		320			1,049			875			3,381			4,256
Long-term debt	—		(1,647		)	(1,647		)	(1,423		)	(4,617		)	(6,040		)
Junior subordinated debt	1,575		(10		)	1,565			1,599			(6		)	1,593
Total interest expense	3,121		(1,776		)	1,345			3,262			(2,162		)	1,100

Net increase (decrease)	$	35,381	$	3,953		$	39,334		$	71,790		$	(5,305	)	$	66,485


(1)	Changes due to both volume and rate have been allocated to volume changes.

Comparison of interest income, interest expense and net interest margin

The Company’s primary source of revenue is interest income. Interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $146.2 million, an increase of 38.5%, compared to $105.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. This increase was primarily the result of a $2.86 billion increase in the average loan balance which drove a $38.7 million increase in loan interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014. Additionally, interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 includes $7.0 million of accretion income from acquired loans, compared to $4.5 million for the same period in 2014. Interest income on investment securities increased $1.5 million and other interest income increased by $0.5 million for the comparable period. The average yield on loans increased 13 basis points compared to the same period in 2014 primarily as a result of accretion income and higher contractual yields on Bridge loans. Similarly, the average yield on interest earning assets increased 12 basis points due to accretion income from acquired Bridge loans for the three months ended September 30, 2015.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, interest income was $373.8 million, an increase of 22.1%, compared to $306.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This increase was primarily the result of a $2.07 billion increase in the average loan balance which drove a $67.1 million increase in loan interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Additionally, interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes $12.2 million of accretion income from acquired loans, compared to $13.5 million for the same period in 2014. Interest income on investment securities decreased $1.7 million and other interest income increased by $2.1 million for the comparable period. Despite the increase in interest income, average yield on interest earning assets remained consistent at 4.75% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, which was primarily the result of decreased yields on loans of 12 basis points.

Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $8.8 million, compared to $7.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Interest expense on deposits increased $0.4 million for the same period as average interest bearing deposits for the quarter increased $1.26 billion, offset by a 3 basis point decrease in average cost of interest bearing deposits due to the lower cost of Bridge deposits as well as a shift in deposit mix in our other business segments. Interest expense on other borrowings decreased by $0.6 million as a result of a $109.9 million decrease in average short-term and long-term borrowings for the quarter.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, interest expense was $24.6 million, compared to $23.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Interest expense on deposits increased $1.3 million for the same period as average interest bearing deposits increased $1.05 billion, offset by a 3 basis point decrease in average cost of interest bearing deposits. Interest expense on other borrowings decreased by $1.8 million as a result of a $143.5 million decrease in average short-term and long-term borrowings for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

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Net interest income was $137.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $98.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $39.3 million, or 40.1%. The increase in net interest income reflects a $3.27 billion increase in average interest earning assets, offset by a $1.30 billion increase in average interest-bearing liabilities. The increase in net interest margin of 16 basis points was mostly due to a 13 basis point increase in our average loan yield resulting from an increase in accretion income and higher contractual yields on Bridge loans during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net interest income was $349.2 million, compared to $282.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in net interest income reflects a $2.06 billion increase in average interest earning assets, offset by a $955.1 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities. The increase in net interest margin of 4 basis points was mostly due to a 3 basis point decrease in our average cost of interest bearing deposits during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

Provision for Credit Losses

The provision for credit losses in each period is reflected as a reduction in earnings in that period. The provision is equal to the amount required to maintain the allowance for credit losses at a level that is adequate to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. There was no provision for credit losses for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared with $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the provision for credit losses was $0.7 million, compared to $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The provision decrease was primarily due to an improvement in underlying asset quality and sustained loan recoveries during 2015. The Company may establish an additional allowance for credit losses for PCI loans through provision for credit losses when impairment is determined as a result of lower than expected cash flows. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the allowance for credit losses on PCI loans was less than $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Non-interest Income

The following table presents a summary of non-interest income for the periods presented:



	Three Months Ended September 30,									Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			Increase (Decrease)			2015			2014			Increase (Decrease)
	(in thousands)
Service charges and fees	$	4,327		$	2,457		$	1,870		$	10,344		$	7,777		$	2,567
Income from bank owned life insurance	984			1,136			(152		)	2,733			3,044			(311		)
Card income	954			854			100			2,666			2,500			166
(Loss) gain on sales of investment securities, net	(62		)	181			(243		)	582			384			198
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(502		)	502			(81		)	(502		)	421
Unrealized gains (losses) on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net	5,371			896			4,475			(2,684		)	(145		)	(2,539		)
Other income	2,252			1,051			1,201			4,008			3,171			837
Total non-interest income	$	13,826		$	6,073		$	7,753		$	17,568		$	16,229		$	1,339

Total non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased by $7.8 million, or 127.7%. The increase is primarily due to net unrealized gains on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, service charges and fees, and other income. The $4.5 million increase in net unrealized gain on assets and liabilities measured at fair value primarily relates to the fair value adjustment of junior subordinated debt, which was a gain of $5.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to a gain of $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in service charges and fees is due to the growth of the Company's deposit base, both organically and from the addition of Bridge, as well as the Company's continued focus on collection of service charges on customer accounts. Bridge contributed $1.3 million to total service charges and fees for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in other income is attributable to the addition of new revenue sources from Bridge, including warrant income, foreign currency commission income, and SBA gains on loan sales.

Total non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased by $1.3 million, or 8.3%. The increase is primarily due to service charges and fees and other income, which increased largely as a result of the acquisition of Bridge as the acquisition contributed to the Company's larger deposit base and, as discussed above, added new revenue sources for the Company. This increase was offset by the increase in net unrealized

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losses on assets and liabilities measured at fair value. The $2.5 million increase in net unrealized losses on assets and liabilities measured at fair value primarily relates to the fair value adjustment of junior subordinated debt, which was a loss of $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to a gain of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Non-interest Expense

The following table presents a summary of non-interest expense for the periods presented:



	Three Months Ended September 30,									Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			Increase (Decrease)			2015			2014			Increase (Decrease)
	(in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits	$	43,660		$	32,230		$	11,430		$	108,607		$	93,536		$	15,071
Occupancy	5,915			4,479			1,436			15,677			13,458			2,219
Legal, professional, and directors' fees	4,052			3,022			1,030			12,658			10,853			1,805
Data processing	4,338			2,404			1,934			10,147			7,713			2,434
Insurance	3,375			1,996			1,379			7,739			6,476			1,263
Loan and repossessed asset expenses	1,099			901			198			3,473			2,937			536
Card expense	757			609			148			1,844			1,739			105
Marketing	747			378			369			1,587			1,443			144
Intangible amortization	704			281			423			1,266			1,180			86
Net gain on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets	(104		)	(1,874		)	(1,770		)	(1,673		)	(4,251		)	(2,578		)
Acquisition / restructure expense	835			15			820			8,836			198			8,638
Other expense	7,538			5,418			2,120			17,997			16,290			1,707
Total non-interest expense	$	72,916		$	49,859		$	23,057		$	188,158		$	151,572		$	36,586

Total non-interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased $23.1 million, or 46.2%. This increase primarily relates to salaries and employee benefits, other expense, data processing, occupancy, insurance, and legal, professional, and directors' fees, which were partially offset by a decrease in the net gain on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets. The increase in salaries and employee benefits is attributable to the addition of Bridge employees and an increase in incentive compensation. The off-balance sheet reserve and charitable contributions drove the increase in other expense. Data processing increased due to the addition of Bridge and the enhancement of technology initiatives. The increases in occupancy relates to the addition of Bridge offices, which increased rent expense, office utilities, and depreciation on premises and equipment. Legal and professional fees also increased due to the addition of Bridge. As the Company reached $10 billion in assets for four consecutive quarters, the FDIC insurance assessment has increased, driving up insurance expense. The overall increase in non-interest expense was partially offset by a $1.8 million decrease in the net gain on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets due to less non-recurring gains from the performance of OREO and other assets period-over-period.

Total non-interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased $36.6 million, or 24.1%. This increase primarily relates to an increase in salaries and employee benefits, acquisition / restructure expense, data processing, occupancy, legal, professional, and directors' fees, other expense, and insurance expense, which were partially offset by a decrease in the net gain on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets. As discussed above, the increases in salaries and employee benefits, acquisition / restructure expense, data processing, occupancy, legal and professional fees, and other expense primarily relate to the addition of Bridge. The increase in insurance relates to the FDIC insurance assessment, resulting from the Company reaching $10 billion in assets for four consecutive quarters. The overall increase in non-interest expense was partially offset by a $2.6 million decrease in the net gain on sales / valuations of repossessed and other assets due to less non-recurring gains from the performance of OREO and other assets period-over-period.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was 24.67%, compared to 23.97% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to proportionately lower tax-exempt income, non-recurring tax benefits, increased state taxes, and a decrease in the amount of valuation allowance that will be released during 2015.

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Business Segment Results

The operating segments are as follows: Arizona, Nevada, Southern California, Northern California, CBL, and Corporate & Other.

Arizona reported a gross loan balance of $2.71 billion at September 30, 2015, compared to $2.34 billion at December 31, 2014, and $2.20 billion at September 30, 2014. The gross loan balance for Arizona includes $141.4 million of loans transferred from the CBL segment during the three months ended September 30, 2015. Prior period segment balances were not restated as this transfer is not considered material. In addition, total deposits at September 30, 2015 were $2.46 billion, compared to $2.18 billion at December 31, 2014, and $2.08 billion at September 30, 2014. Pre-tax income was $16.8 million and $14.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $50.3 million and $44.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Nevada reported a gross loan balance of $1.78 billion at September 30, 2015, compared to $1.67 billion at December 31, 2014 and $1.68 billion at September 30, 2014. In addition, total deposits at September 30, 2015 were $3.33 billion, compared to $3.23 billion at December 31, 2014, and $3.19 billion at September 30, 2014. Pre-tax income was $19.9 million and $21.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $57.0 million and $55.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Southern California reported a gross loan balance of $1.71 billion at September 30, 2015, compared to $1.55 billion at December 31, 2014, and $1.53 billion at September 30, 2014. In addition, total deposits at September 30, 2015 were $1.94 billion, compared to $1.74 billion at December 31, 2014, and $1.78 billion at September 30, 2014. Pre-tax income was $13.3 million and $11.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $37.6 million and $33.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Northern California reported a gross loan balance of $1.17 billion at September 30, 2015, compared to $198.6 million at December 31, 2014, and $194.7 million at September 30, 2014. Total deposits at September 30, 2015 were $1.47 billion, compared to $584.0 million at December 31, 2014, and $569.3 million at September 30, 2014. Pre-tax income was $12.3 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $17.8 million and $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

CBL reported a gross loan balance of $3.39 billion at September 30, 2015, compared to $2.59 billion at December 31, 2014, and $2.26 billion at September 30, 2014. In addition, total deposits at September 30, 2015 were $2.03 billion, compared to $946.6 million at December 31, 2014, and $906.0 million at September 30, 2014. Pre-tax income was $26.1 million and $9.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $53.4 million and $21.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS

Total assets increased $3.36 billion, or 31.7%, to $13.96 billion at September 30, 2015, compared to $10.60 billion at December 31, 2014. The increase in assets primarily relates to the $2.23 billion in assets acquired from Bridge as well as organic loan growth. Loans increased $2.39 billion, or 28.5%, to $10.79 billion at September 30, 2015, of which, $1.44 billion relates to loans acquired from Bridge.

Total liabilities increased $2.77 billion, or 28.9%, to $12.37 billion at September 30, 2015, compared to $9.60 billion at December 31, 2014. The increase in liabilities is due to an increase in total deposits of $2.68 billion, or 30.0%, to $11.61 billion. Total deposits increased $1.74 billion from the acquisition of Bridge, with the remaining increase attributable to organic deposit growth.

Total stockholders’ equity increased by $582.8 million, or 58.2%, to $1.58 billion at September 30, 2015, compared to $1.00 billion at December 31, 2014. The acquisition of Bridge increased stockholders' equity by $431.0 million as a result of the issuance of 12.5 million shares of the Company's stock and the conversion of Bridge restricted stock awards into WAL restricted stock awards, which resulted in the issuance of 546,151 shares of WAL restricted stock.

Investment securities

Investment securities are classified at the time of acquisition as either HTM, AFS, or trading based upon various factors, including asset/liability management strategies, liquidity and profitability objectives, and regulatory requirements. HTM securities are carried at amortized cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts. AFS securities are securities that may be sold prior to maturity based upon asset/liability management decisions. Investment securities classified as AFS are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on AFS securities are recorded as part of AOCI in stockholders’ equity. Amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts on MBS is periodically adjusted for estimated prepayments.

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Investment securities measured at fair value are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in current period earnings.

The investment securities portfolio of the Company is utilized as collateral for borrowings, required collateral for public deposits, and customer repurchase agreements, and to manage liquidity, capital, and interest rate risk. The following table summarizes the carrying value of the investment securities portfolio for each of the periods below:



	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Collateralized debt obligations	$	10,210	$	11,445
Commercial MBS issued by GSEs	19,599		2,147
Corporate debt securities	13,430		52,489
CRA investments	34,762		24,332
Municipal obligations	334,065		299,037
Mutual funds	—		37,702
Preferred stock	110,130		82,612
Private label commercial MBS	4,916		5,149
Private label residential MBS	244,148		70,243
Residential MBS issued by GSEs	1,116,947		893,047
Trust preferred securities	24,649		25,546
U.S. government sponsored agency securities	18,633		18,346
U.S. treasury securities	3,028		—
Total investment securities	$	1,934,517	$	1,522,095

Gross unrealized losses at September 30, 2015 are primarily caused by interest rate fluctuations, credit spread widening, and reduced liquidity in applicable markets. The Company has reviewed securities on which there is an unrealized loss in accordance with its accounting policy for OTTI securities described in "Note 3. Investment Securities" to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein. There were no impairment charges recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

The Company does not consider any securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. However, the Company cannot guarantee that additional OTTI will not occur in future periods. At September 30, 2015, the Company had the intent and ability to retain its investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

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Loans

The table below summarizes the distribution of the Company’s held for investment loan portfolio at the end of each of the periods indicated:



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Loans, held for investment
Commercial and industrial	$	4,799,423		$	3,326,708
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied	2,210,642			2,052,566
Commercial real estate - owner occupied	2,123,882			1,732,888
Construction and land development	1,122,094			748,053
Residential real estate	320,679			299,402
Commercial leases	160,593			205,639
Consumer	26,626			33,009
Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs	10,763,939			8,398,265
Allowance for credit losses	(117,072		)	(110,216		)
Total loans HFI	$	10,646,867		$	8,288,049

As of September 30, 2015, the Company also has $24.4 million of HFS loans.

Concentrations of Lending Activities

The Company monitors concentrations within four broad categories: geography, industry, product, and collateral. The Company’s loan portfolio includes significant credit exposure to the CRE market. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, CRE related loans accounted for approximately 51% and 54% of total loans, respectively. Substantially all of these loans are secured by first liens with an initial loan to value ratio of generally not more than 75%. Approximately 49% and 46% of these CRE loans, excluding construction and land loans, were owner-occupied at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Impaired loans

A loan is identified as impaired when it is no longer probable that interest and principal will be collected according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement. Generally, impaired loans are classified as non-accrual. However, in certain instances, impaired loans may continue on an accrual basis if full repayment of all principal and interest is expected and the loan is both well-secured and in the process of collection. Impaired loans are measured for reserve requirements in accordance with ASC 310 based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less applicable disposition costs if the loan is collateral dependent. The amount of an impairment reserve, if any, and any subsequent changes are charged against the allowance for credit losses.

In addition to our own internal loan review process, regulators may from time to time direct the Company to modify loan grades, loan impairment calculations, or loan impairment methodology.

Total non-performing loans decreased by $23.6 million, or 15.0%, at September 30, 2015 to $133.9 million from $157.5 million at December 31, 2014.

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	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(dollars in thousands)
Total non-accrual loans (1)	$	47,692		$	67,659
Loans past due 90 days or more on accrual status	5,550			5,132
Troubled debt restructured loans (2)	80,667			84,720
Total nonperforming loans	133,909			157,511
Other impaired loans	7,270			9,239
Total impaired loans	$	141,179		$	166,750
Other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	$	57,719		$	57,150
Non-accrual loans to gross loans held for investment	0.44		%	0.81		%
Loans past due 90 days or more on accrual status to gross loans held for investment	0.05			0.06


(1)	Includes non-accrual TDR loans of $20.4 million and $53.6 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.


(2)	Includes accruing TDR loans only.

Interest income received on non-accrual loans was $0.2 million and $1.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to $0.6 million and $1.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. The interest income that would have been recorded under the original terms of non-accrual loans was $0.5 million and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to $1.1 million and $2.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

The composition of non-accrual loans by loan type and by segment were as follows:



	September 30, 2015						December 31, 2014
	Non-accrual Balance		Percent of Non-Accrual Balance		Percent of Total HFI Loans		Non-accrual Balance		Percent of Non-Accrual Balance		Percent of Total HFI Loans
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial	$	22,166	46.48	%	0.21	%	$	3,490	5.16	%	0.04	%
Commercial real estate	18,641		39.09		0.17		52,457		77.54		0.63
Construction and land development	2,343		4.91		0.02		5,326		7.87		0.06
Residential real estate	4,345		9.11		0.04		6,173		9.12		0.07
Consumer	197		0.41		0.00		213		0.31		0.01
Total non-accrual loans	$	47,692	100.00	%	0.44	%	$	67,659	100.00	%	0.81	%



	September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Nonaccrual Loans		Percent of Segment's Total HFI Loans		Nonaccrual Loans		Percent of Segment's Total HFI Loans
	(dollars in thousands)
Arizona	$	6,178	0.23	%	$	24,179	1.03	%
Nevada	6,603		0.37		26,678		1.60
Southern California	3,263		0.19		388		0.02
Northern California	—		—		—		—
Central Business Lines	16,382		0.48		188		0.01
Corporate & Other	15,266		38.68		16,226		35.30
Total non-accrual loans	$	47,692			$	67,659

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Troubled Debt Restructured Loans

A TDR loan is a loan that is granted a concession, for reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, that the lender would not otherwise consider. The loan terms that have been modified or restructured due to a borrower’s financial situation include, but are not limited to, a reduction in the stated interest rate, an extension of the maturity or renewal of the loan at an interest rate below current market, a reduction in the face amount of the debt, a reduction in accrued interest, extensions, deferrals, renewals, and rewrites. A TDR loan is also considered impaired. Generally, a loan that is modified at an effective market rate of interest is no longer disclosed as a TDR in years subsequent to the restructuring if it is performing based on the terms specified by the restructuring agreement. However, such loans continue to be considered impaired.

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the aggregate amount of loans classified as impaired was $141.2 million and $166.8 million, respectively, a net decrease of 15.3%. The total specific allowance for credit losses related to these loans was $4.2 million and $10.8 million for September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company had $80.7 million and $84.7 million in loans classified as accruing restructured loan for September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Impaired loans by segment at September 30, 2015 were as follows:



	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Arizona	$	16,325	$	43,174
Nevada	65,786		78,072
Southern California	5,303		5,203
Northern California	—		—
Central Business Lines	16,382		188
Corporate & Other	37,383		40,113
Total impaired loans	$	141,179	$	166,750

The following tables present a breakdown of total impaired loans and the related specific reserves for the periods indicated:



	September 30, 2015
	Impaired Balance		Percent of Impaired Balance		Percent of Total HFI Loans		Reserve Balance		Percent of Reserve Balance		Percent of Total Allowance
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial	$	30,639	21.70	%	0.29	%	$	3,112	73.97	%	2.66	%
Commercial real estate	74,680		52.90		0.69		795		18.90		0.68
Construction and land development	18,727		13.27		0.17		4		0.10		—
Residential real estate	16,778		11.88		0.16		295		7.01		0.25
Consumer	355		0.25		0.00		1		0.02		—
Total impaired loans	$	141,179	100.00	%	1.31	%	$	4,207	100.00	%	3.59	%



	December 31, 2014
	Impaired Balance		Percent of Impaired Balance		Percent of Total HFI Loans		Reserve Balance		Percent of Reserve Balance		Percent of Total Allowance
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial	$	14,122	8.47	%	0.17	%	$	1,965	18.25	%	1.78	%
Commercial real estate	111,217		66.70		1.32		4,619		42.91		4.19
Construction and land development	21,748		13.04		0.26		3,112		28.91		2.82
Residential real estate	19,300		11.57		0.23		1,052		9.77		0.95
Consumer	363		0.22		0.00		17		0.16		0.02
Total impaired loans	$	166,750	100.00	%	1.98	%	$	10,765	100.00	%	9.76	%

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Allowance for Credit Losses

The following table summarizes the activity in our allowance for credit losses for the period indicated:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(dollars in thousands)
Allowance for credit losses:
Balance at beginning of period	$	115,056		$	105,937		$	110,216		$	100,050
Provision charged to operating expense:
Commercial and industrial	6,152			1,779			11,742			5,323
Commercial real estate	(5,173		)	(1,945		)	(7,131		)	(967		)
Construction and land development	419			1,710			(132		)	3,433
Residential real estate	(1,313		)	(1,043		)	(3,469		)	(2,394		)
Consumer	(85		)	(82		)	(310		)	(969		)
Total Provision	—			419			700			4,426
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
Commercial and industrial	1,147			1,053			2,744			3,229
Commercial real estate	1,401			1,779			3,522			3,587
Construction and land development	329			182			1,859			891
Residential real estate	232			768			1,949			1,635
Consumer	24			34			88			395
Total recoveries	3,133			3,816			10,162			9,737
Loans charged-off:
Commercial and industrial	(1,109		)	(110		)	(3,273		)	(2,626		)
Commercial real estate	—			(193		)	—			(694		)
Construction and land development	—			—			—			(78		)
Residential real estate	(8		)	(423		)	(626		)	(1,352		)
Consumer	—			(285		)	(107		)	(302		)
Total charged-off	(1,117		)	(1,011		)	(4,006		)	(5,052		)
Net recoveries	2,016			2,805			6,156			4,685
Balance at end of period	$	117,072		$	109,161		$	117,072		$	109,161
Net recoveries to average loans outstanding - annualized	0.08		%	0.15		%	0.09		%	0.09		%
Allowance for credit losses to gross loans	1.09			1.38

The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses by loan type. However, the allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.



	September 30, 2015						December 31, 2014
	Allowance for Credit Losses		Percent of Total Allowance for Credit Losses		Percent of Loans to Total HFI Loans		Allowance for Credit Losses		Percent of Total Allowance for Credit Losses		Percent of Loans to Total HFI Loans
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial	$	65,779	56.2	%	46.1	%	$	54,566	49.5	%	42.1	%
Commercial real estate	25,174		21.5		40.3		28,783		26.1		45.0
Construction and land development	20,285		17.3		10.4		18,558		16.8		8.9
Residential real estate	5,310		4.5		3.0		7,456		6.8		3.6
Consumer	524		0.5		0.2		853		0.8		0.4
Total	$	117,072	100.0	%	100.0	%	$	110,216	100.0	%	100.0	%

The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans decreased to 1.09% at September 30, 2015 from 1.31% at December 31, 2014. The total balance of the allowance for credit losses has increased due to the increase in the size of the loan portfolio. However, the increase in the allowance is not proportional to the increase in the portfolio as the Company has

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experienced improved credit quality in its portfolio as reflected in net recoveries achieved during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 as well as a change in portfolio mix toward higher rated credits.

Potential Problem Loans

The Company classifies loans consistent with federal banking regulations using a nine category grading system. These loan grades are described in further detail in "Item 1. Business” of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The following table presents information regarding potential problem loans, consisting of loans graded Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss, but still performing, and excluding acquired loans:



	September 30, 2015
	Number of Loans	Loan Balance		Percent of Loan Balance		Percent of Total HFI Loans
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial	38	$	35,671	74.92	%	0.33	%
Commercial real estate	13	7,262		15.25		0.07
Construction and land development	2	2,301		4.83		0.02
Residential real estate	2	2,381		5.00		0.02
Consumer	—	—		—		—
Total	55	$	47,615	100.00	%	0.44	%



	December 31, 2014
	Number of Loans	Loan Balance		Percent of Loan Balance		Percent of Total HFI Loans
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial	76	$	24,060	23.89	%	0.29	%
Commercial real estate	55	53,514		53.14		0.64
Construction and land development	6	15,646		15.53		0.19
Residential real estate	16	7,121		7.07		0.08
Consumer	10	377		0.37		—
Total	163	$	100,718	100.00	%	1.20	%

Total potential problem loans are primarily secured by real estate.

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Other Assets Acquired Through Foreclosure

The following table represents the changes in other assets acquired through foreclosure:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015
	Gross Balance			Valuation Allowance			Net Balance
	(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	71,782		$	(12,447	)	$	59,335
Measurement period adjustments	(143		)	—			(143		)
Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	14,111			—			14,111
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net	(16,646		)	959			(15,687		)
Valuation adjustments, net	—			573			573
Gains, net (1)	(470		)	—			(470		)
Balance, end of period	$	68,634		$	(10,915	)	$	57,719

	2014
Balance, beginning of period	$	74,643		$	(15,351	)	$	59,292
Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	2,737			—			2,737
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net	(11,811		)	982			(10,829		)
Valuation adjustments, net	—			(882		)	(882		)
Gains, net (1)	1,469			—			1,469
Balance, end of period	$	67,038		$	(15,251	)	$	51,787


(1)	Includes net gains related to initial transfers to other assets of $0.3 million and zero during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, pursuant to accounting guidance.



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015
	Gross Balance			Valuation Allowance			Net Balance
	(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	71,421		$	(14,271	)	$	57,150
Additions from acquisition of Bridge	1,407			—			1,407
Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	27,570			—			27,570
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net	(34,349		)	4,287			(30,062		)
Valuation adjustments, net	—			(931		)	(931		)
Gains, net (2)	2,585			—			2,585
Balance, end of period	$	68,634		$	(10,915	)	$	57,719

	2014
Balance, beginning of period	$	88,421		$	(21,702	)	$	66,719
Transfers to other assets acquired through foreclosure, net	9,156			—			9,156
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net	(33,187		)	7,626			(25,561		)
Valuation adjustments, net	—			(1,175		)	(1,175		)
Gains, net (2)	2,648			—			2,648
Balance, end of period	$	67,038		$	(15,251	)	$	51,787


(2)	Includes net gains related to initial transfers to other assets of $0.9 million and zero during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, pursuant to accounting guidance.

Other assets acquired through foreclosure consist primarily of properties acquired as a result of, or in-lieu-of, foreclosure. OREO and other repossessed property are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less estimated costs to sell the property. Costs relating to the development or improvement of the assets are capitalized and costs relating to holding the assets are charged to expense.

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The Company had $57.7 million and $57.2 million of such assets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. At September 30, 2015, the Company held 45 OREO properties, compared to 67 at December 31, 2014.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess consideration paid for net assets acquired in a business combination over their fair value and is subsequently evaluated for impairment at least annually. The Company has goodwill of $289.3 million, which includes $266.1 acquired in the Bridge acquisition. Intangible assets total $16.4 million at September 30, 2015, which includes $15.0 acquired in the Bridge acquisition. The goodwill and intangible balances at September 30, 2015 are allocated to the Nevada, Northern California, and CBL operating segments. See "Note 2. Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions" to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Bridge acquisition and the allocation of goodwill and intangible assets acquired.

The Company performs its annual goodwill and intangibles impairment tests as of October 1 each year, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, there were no events or circumstances that indicated an interim impairment test of goodwill or other intangible assets was necessary.

Deferred Tax Assets

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets (other than non-deductible goodwill) and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are measured using the income tax rate expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted. Deferred tax assets are recorded to the extent these assets are more-likely-than-not to be realized.

See "Note 12. Income Taxes" to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on income taxes.

Deposits

Deposits are the primary source for funding the Company's asset growth. Total deposits increased to $11.61 billion at September 30, 2015, from $8.93 billion at December 31, 2014, an increase of $2.68 billion, or 30.0%. Deposits increased $1.74 billion from the acquisition of Bridge, with the remaining increase attributable to organic deposit growth. Non-interest-bearing demand deposits and savings and money market deposits increased by $1.79 billion and $802.9 million, respectively, from December 31, 2014.

WAB is a member of Promontory, a network that offers deposit placement services such as CDARS and ICS services, which offer products that qualify for FDIC insurance on large deposits. At September 30, 2015, the Company had $592.0 million of CDARS deposits and $713.6 million of ICS deposits, compared to $700.7 million of CDARS deposits and $479.2 million of ICS deposits at December 31, 2014. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company also had $381.8 million and $321.5 million, respectively, of wholesale brokered deposits. There was also $254.9 million and $202.4 million of additional deposits as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, that the Company considers core deposits, but which are classified as brokered deposits for regulatory reporting purposes.

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The average balances and weighted average rates paid on deposits are presented below:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015				2014
	Average Balance		Rate		Average Balance		Rate
	(dollars in thousands)
Interest checking (NOW)	$	1,004,656	0.18	%	$	810,260	0.20	%
Savings and money market	4,723,526		0.27		3,659,887		0.31
Time	1,763,540		0.42		1,763,830		0.45
Total interest-bearing deposits	7,491,722		0.30		6,233,977		0.33
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits	3,961,269		—		2,241,366		—
Total deposits	$	11,452,991	0.19	%	$	8,475,343	0.24	%

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015				2014
	Average Balance		Rate		Average Balance		Rate
	(dollars in thousands)
Interest checking (NOW)	$	965,784	0.17	%	$	789,098	0.20	%
Savings and money market	4,286,910		0.28		3,566,000		0.30
Time	1,843,920		0.42		1,695,130		0.44
Total interest-bearing deposits	7,096,614		0.30		6,050,228		0.33
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits	2,985,074		—		2,114,361		—
Total deposits	$	10,081,688	0.21	%	$	8,164,589	0.24	%

Other Borrowings

The Company from time to time utilizes short-term borrowed funds to support short-term liquidity needs generally created by increased loan demand. The majority of these short-term borrowed funds consist of advances from the FHLB and FRB, federal funds purchased, and customer repurchase agreements. The Company’s borrowing capacity with the FHLB and FRB is determined based on collateral pledged, generally consisting of securities and loans. In addition, the Company has borrowing capacity from other sources, collateralized by securities, including securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction, and may require additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities. At September 30, 2015, total short-term borrowed funds consisted of customer repurchases of $53.2 million and FHLB advances of $300.0 million. The Company's Senior Notes matured in September 2015, resulting in a $58.2 million decrease in short-term debt. At December 31, 2014, total short-term borrowed funds consisted of customer repurchases of $54.9 million, Senior Notes with a carrying value of $58.2 million, a revolving line of credit of $25.0 million, and FHLB advances of $97.0 million.

At September 30, 2015, the Company did not have any FHLB advances classified as long-term. At December 31, 2014, total long-term debt consisted of $210.1 million of FHLB advances.

Qualifying Debt

At September 30, 2015, total qualifying debt consisted of $152.3 million of subordinated debt and junior subordinated debt of $54.5 million. At December 31, 2014, qualifying debt consisted of junior subordinated debt of $40.4 million.

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Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The critical accounting policies upon which the Company's financial condition and results of operations depend, and which involve the most complex subjective decisions or assessments, are included in the discussion entitled "Critical Accounting Policies" in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, and all amendments thereto, as filed with the SEC. There were no material changes to the critical accounting policies disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Liquidity

Liquidity is the ongoing ability to accommodate liability maturities and deposit withdrawals, fund asset growth and business operations, and meet contractual obligations through unconstrained access to funding at reasonable market rates. Liquidity management involves forecasting funding requirements and maintaining sufficient capacity to meet the needs and accommodate fluctuations in asset and liability levels due to changes in our business operations or unanticipated events.

The ability to have readily available funds sufficient to repay fully maturing liabilities is of primary importance to depositors, creditors, and regulators. Our liquidity, represented by cash and amounts due from banks, federal funds sold, and non-pledged marketable securities, is a result of our operating, investing, and financing activities and related cash flows. In order to ensure funds are available when necessary, on at least a quarterly basis, we project the amount of funds that will be required over a twelve month period and we strive to maintain relationships with a diversified customer base. Liquidity requirements can also be met through short-term borrowings or the disposition of short-term assets.

The following table presents the available and outstanding balances of the Company's lines of credit:



	September 30, 2015
	Available Balance		Outstanding Balance
	(in millions)

Unsecured fed funds credit lines at correspondent banks	$	100.0	$	—
Other lines with correspondent banks:
Secured other lines with correspondent banks	25.0		—
Unsecured other lines with correspondent banks	45.0		—
Total other lines with correspondent banks	$	70.0	$	—

In addition to lines of credit, the Company has borrowing capacity with the FHLB and FRB from pledged loans and securities. The borrowing capacity, outstanding borrowings, and available credit as of September 30, 2015 are presented in the following table:



	September 30, 2015
	(in millions)
FHLB:
Borrowing capacity	$	2,020.3
Outstanding borrowings	300.0
Letters of credit	312.4
Total available credit	$	1,407.9

FRB:
Borrowing capacity	$	1,785.0
Outstanding borrowings	—
Total available credit	$	1,785.0

The Company has a formal liquidity policy and, in the opinion of management, our liquid assets are considered adequate to meet cash flow needs for loan funding and deposit cash withdrawals for the next 90-120 days. At September 30, 2015, there was $1.36 billion in liquid assets, comprised of $358.2 million in cash, cash equivalents, and money market investments and

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$997.4 million in unpledged marketable securities. At December 31, 2014, the Company maintained $862.5 million in liquid assets, comprised of $165.3 million of cash, cash equivalents, and money market investments, and $697.2 million of unpledged marketable securities.

The Parent maintains liquidity that would be sufficient to fund its operations and certain non-bank affiliate operations for an extended period should funding from normal sources be disrupted. Since deposits are taken by WAB and not by the Parent, Parent liquidity is not dependent on the bank's deposit balances. In our analysis of Parent liquidity, we assume that the Parent is unable to generate funds from additional debt or equity issuances, receives no dividend income from subsidiaries and does not pay dividends to stockholders, while continuing to make nondiscretionary payments needed to maintain operations and repayment of contractual principal and interest payments owed by the Parent and affiliated companies. Under this scenario, the amount of time the Parent and its non-bank subsidiary can operate and meet all obligations before the current liquid assets are exhausted is considered as part of the Parent liquidity analysis. Management believes the Parent maintains adequate liquidity capacity to operate without additional funding from new sources for over twelve months. WAB maintains sufficient funding capacity to address large increases in funding requirements, such as deposit outflows. This capacity is comprised of liquidity derived from a reduction in asset levels and various secured funding sources.

On a long-term basis, the Company’s liquidity will be met by changing the relative distribution of our asset portfolios (for example, by reducing investment or loan volumes, or selling or encumbering assets). Further, the Company can increase liquidity by soliciting higher levels of deposit accounts through promotional activities and/or borrowing from correspondent banks, the FHLB of San Francisco, and the FRB. At September 30, 2015, our long-term liquidity needs primarily relate to funds required to support loan originations, commitments, and deposit withdrawals, which can be met by cash flows from investment payments and maturities, and investment sales, if necessary.

The Company’s liquidity is comprised of three primary classifications: 1) cash flows provided by operating activities; 2) cash flows used in investing activities; and 3) cash flows provided by financing activities. Net cash provided by or used in operating activities consists primarily of net income, adjusted for changes in certain other asset and liability accounts and certain non-cash income and expense items, such as the provision for credit losses, investment and other amortization and depreciation. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, net cash provided by operating activities was $137.6 million and $107.1 million, respectively.

Our primary investing activities are the origination of real estate and commercial loans and the purchase and sale of securities. Our net cash provided by and used in investing activities has been primarily influenced by our loan and securities activities. The net increase in loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, was $943.8 million and $1.12 billion, respectively. There was a net increase in investment securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 of $350.5 million, compared to a net decrease of $128.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Net cash provided by financing activities has been impacted significantly by increased deposit levels. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, net deposits increased $937.5 million and $859.8 million, respectively. Also, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, WAB issued $150.0 million of subordinated debt, receiving proceeds of $148.2 million.

Fluctuations in core deposit levels may increase our need for liquidity as certificates of deposit mature or are withdrawn before maturity, and as non-maturity deposits, such as checking and savings account balances, are withdrawn. Additionally, we are exposed to the risk that customers with large deposit balances will withdraw all or a portion of such deposits, due in part to the FDIC limitations on the amount of insurance coverage provided to depositors. To mitigate the uninsured deposit risk, we have joined the CDARS and ICS programs, which allow an individual customer to invest up to $50.0 million and $110.0 million, respectively, through one participating financial institution or, a combined total of $150.0 million per individual customer, with the entire amount being covered by FDIC insurance. As of September 30, 2015, we had $592.0 million of CDARS and $713.6 million of ICS deposits.

As of September 30, 2015, we had $381.8 million of wholesale brokered deposits outstanding. Brokered deposits are generally considered to be deposits that have been received from a third party that is acting on behalf of that party’s customer. Often, a broker will direct a customer’s deposits to the banking institution offering the highest interest rate available. Federal banking laws and regulations place restrictions on depository institutions regarding brokered deposits because of the general concern that these deposits are at a greater risk of being withdrawn and placed on deposit at another institution offering a higher interest rate, thus posing liquidity risk for institutions that gather brokered deposits in significant amounts.

Federal and state banking regulations place certain restrictions on dividends paid. The total amount of dividends which may be paid at any date is generally limited to the retained earnings of the bank. Dividends paid by WAB to the Parent would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements.

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WAB and LVSP paid dividends to the Parent in the amount of $112.0 million and $8.9 million, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Subsequent to September 30, 2015, WAB paid a $20.0 million dividend to the Parent.

Capital Resources

The Company and WAB are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements could trigger certain mandatory or discretionary actions that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s business and financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and WAB must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items (discussed in Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements) as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company and WAB exceeded the capital levels necessary to be classified as well-capitalized, as defined by the banking agencies. The actual capital amounts and ratios for the Company and WAB are presented in the following tables as of the periods indicated:



	Total Capital		Tier 1 Capital		Risk-Weighted Assets		Tangible Average Assets		Total Capital Ratio		Tier 1 Capital Ratio		Tier 1 Leverage Ratio		Common Equity Tier 1
	(dollars in thousands)
Basel III
September 30, 2015
WAL	$	1,580,594	$	1,318,222	$	13,022,374	$	13,341,151	12.1	%	10.1	%	9.9	%	9.1	%
WAB	1,432,483		1,163,713		12,896,832		13,166,799		11.1		9.0		8.8		9.0
Well-capitalized ratios									10.0		8.0		5.0		6.5
Minimum capital ratios									8.0		6.0		4.0		4.5
Basel I
December 31, 2014
WAL	$	1,119,618	$	1,007,278	$	9,555,390	$	10,367,575	11.7	%	10.5	%	9.7	%	—
WAB	1,057,253		945,687		9,435,459		10,232,297		11.2		10.0		9.2		—
Well-capitalized ratios									10.0		6.0		5.0		—
Minimum capital ratios									8.0		4.0		4.0		—

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Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and equity prices. Our market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investing, and deposit taking activities. To that end, management actively monitors and manages our interest rate risk exposure. We generally manage our interest rate sensitivity by evaluating re-pricing opportunities on our earning assets to those on our funding liabilities.

Management uses various asset/liability strategies to manage the re-pricing characteristics of our assets and liabilities, all of which are designed to ensure that exposure to interest rate fluctuations is limited to within our guidelines of acceptable levels of risk-taking. Hedging strategies, including the terms and pricing of loans and deposits and management of the deployment of our securities, are used to reduce mismatches in interest rate re-pricing opportunities of portfolio assets and their funding sources.

Interest rate risk is addressed by the ALCO or its equivalent, which includes members of executive management, finance, and operations. ALCO monitors interest rate risk by analyzing the potential impact on the net EVE and net interest income from potential changes in interest rates and considers the impact of alternative strategies or changes in balance sheet structure. We manage our balance sheet in part to maintain the potential impact on EVE and net interest income within acceptable ranges despite changes in interest rates.

Our exposure to interest rate risk is reviewed at least quarterly by the ALCO. Interest rate risk exposure is measured using interest rate sensitivity analysis to determine our change in both EVE and net interest income in the event of hypothetical changes in interest rates. If potential changes to EVE and net interest income resulting from hypothetical interest rate changes are not within the limits established by the bank’s BOD, the BOD may direct management to adjust the asset and liability mix to bring interest rate risk within Board-approved limits.

Net Interest Income Simulation. In order to measure interest rate risk at September 30, 2015, we used a simulation model to project changes in net interest income that result from forecasted changes in interest rates. This analysis, which includes Bridge, calculates the difference between a baseline net interest income forecast using current yield curves that do not take into consideration any future anticipated rate hikes, compared to forecasted net income resulting from an immediate parallel shift in rates upward or downward. The income simulation model includes various assumptions regarding the re-pricing relationships for each of our products. Many of our assets are floating rate loans, which are assumed to re-price immediately and, proportional to the change in market rates, depending on their contracted index. Some loans and investments include the opportunity of prepayment (embedded options) and, accordingly, the simulation model uses estimated market speeds to derive prepayments and reinvests proceeds at modeled yields. Our non-term deposit products re-price more slowly, usually changing less than the change in market rates and at our discretion.

This analysis indicates the impact of changes in net interest income for the given set of rate changes and assumptions. It assumes the balance sheet remains static and that its structure does not change over the course of the year. It does not account for all factors that could impact our results, including changes by management to mitigate interest rate changes or secondary factors such as changes to our credit risk profile as interest rates change.

Furthermore, loan prepayment rate estimates and spread relationships change regularly. Interest rate changes create changes in actual loan prepayment speeds that will differ from the market estimates incorporated in this analysis. Changes that vary significantly from the modeled assumptions may have significant effects on our actual net interest income.

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This simulation model assesses the changes in net interest income that would occur in response to an instantaneous and sustained increase or decrease (shock) in market interest rates. At September 30, 2015, our net interest income exposure for the next twelve months related to these hypothetical changes in market interest rates was within our current guidelines.

Sensitivity of Net Interest Income



	Interest Rate Scenario (change in basis points from Base)
	Down 100			Base		Up 100			Up 200			Up 300			Up 400
	(in thousands)
Interest Income	$	554,905		$	564,235	$	616,114		$	674,463		$	735,615		$	796,861
Interest Expense	27,039			27,884		57,376			87,601			117,697			147,675
Net Interest Income	527,866			536,351		558,738			586,862			617,918			649,186
% Change	(1.6		)%			4.2		%	9.4		%	15.2		%	21.0		%

Economic Value of Equity. We measure the impact of market interest rate changes on the NPV of estimated cash flows from our assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet items, defined as EVE, using a simulation model. This simulation model, which includes Bridge, assesses the changes in the market value of interest rate sensitive financial instruments that would occur in response to an instantaneous and sustained increase or decrease (shock) in market interest rates.

At September 30, 2015, our EVE exposure related to these hypothetical changes in market interest rates was within the current guidelines established by us. The following table shows our projected change in EVE for this set of rate shocks at September 30, 2015:

Economic Value of Equity



	Interest Rate Scenario (change in basis points from Base)
	Down 100			Base		Up 100			Up 200			Up 300			Up 400
	(in thousands)
Assets	$	14,034,920		$	13,901,870	$	13,635,643		$	13,370,524		$	13,118,510		$	12,884,079
Liabilities	11,668,170			11,338,906		11,055,154			10,801,747			10,567,883			10,351,555
Net Present Value	2,366,750			2,562,964		2,580,489			2,568,777			2,550,627			2,532,524
% Change	(7.7		)%			0.7		%	0.2		%	(0.5		)%	(1.2		)%

The computation of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions, including relative levels of market interest rates, asset prepayments, and deposit decay, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results. Further, the computations do not contemplate any actions we may undertake in response to changes in interest rates. Actual amounts may differ from the projections set forth above should market conditions vary from the underlying assumptions.

Derivative Contracts. In the normal course of business, the Company uses derivative instruments to meet the needs of its customers and manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The following table summarizes the aggregate notional amounts, market values, and terms of the Company’s derivative positions with derivative market makers as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

Outstanding Derivatives Positions



September 30, 2015						December 31, 2014
Notional		Net Value			Weighted Average Term (Years)	Notional		Net Value			Weighted Average Term (Years)
(dollars in thousands)
$	805,073	$	(66,382	)	14.7	$	647,703	$	(57,813	)	17.6

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Item 4.	Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls

Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. Additionally, our disclosure controls and procedures were also effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports we file or subject under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. We completed the Bridge acquisition on June 30, 2015. Bridge was excluded from our evaluation in accordance with the SEC's general guidance that a recently acquired business may be omitted from the scope of the assessment for a period of up to one year from the date of acquisition.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2015, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.	Legal Proceedings.

There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or to which any of our properties are subject. There are no material proceedings known to us to be contemplated by any governmental authority. From time to time, we are involved in a variety of litigation matters in the ordinary course of our business and anticipate that we will become involved in new litigation matters in the future.


Item 1A.	Risk Factors.

There have not been any material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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Item 6.	Exhibits.

EXHIBITS



2.1		Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 17, 2012, by and between Western Alliance Bancorporation, or Western Alliance, and Western Liberty Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Western Alliance’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 22, 2012).

2.2		Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 18, 2013, by and between Western Alliance Bank, LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc., Orange County Bancorp and Centennial Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Western Alliance’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 22, 2013).

2.3		Plan of Conversion, dated May 29, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Western Alliance Bancorporation’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 3, 2014).

2.4		Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 9, 2015, by and between Western Alliance Bancorporation and Bridge Capital Holdings (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Western Alliance’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 13, 2015).

2.5		Letter of Agreement, effective as of June 22, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Western Alliance's Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 22, 2015).

3.1		Articles of Conversion, as filed with the Nevada Secretary of State on May 29, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Western Alliance’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 3, 2014).

3.2		Certificate of Conversion, as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 29, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Western Alliance’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 3, 2014).

3.3		Certificate of Incorporation, as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 29, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of Western Alliance’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 3, 2014).

3.4		Certificate of Designation of Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 29, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of Western Alliance’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 3, 2014).

3.5		Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Western Alliance Bancorporation, effective as of May 19, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Western Alliance's Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 22, 2015).

3.6		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Western Alliance Bancorporation, effective as of May 19, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Western Alliance's Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 22, 2015).

4.1		Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Western Alliance’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 3, 2014).

4.2		Senior Debt Indenture, dated August 25, 2010, between Western Alliance Bancorporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Western Alliance’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 25, 2010).

4.3		First Supplemental Indenture, dated August 25, 2010, between Western Alliance Bancorporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Western Alliance’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 25, 2010).

4.4		Form of 10.00% Senior Notes due 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of Western Alliance’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 25, 2010).

4.5		Form of Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, stock certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of Western Alliance’s Annual Report on form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2012).

4.6		Form of Senior Debt Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Western Alliance's Form S-3 filed with the SEC on May 7, 2015).

4.7		Form of Subordinated Debt Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of Western Alliance's Form S-3 filed with the SEC on May 7, 2015).

4.8		Form of 5.00% Fixed to Floating Rate Subordinated Bank Note due July 15, 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with the SEC on July 2, 2015).

10.1		Bridge Capital Holdings 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of Western Alliance's Form S-8 filed with the SEC on July 2, 2015).

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31.1*		CEO Certification Pursuant Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).

31.2*		CFO Certification Pursuant Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).

32**		CEO and CFO Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS*		XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.DEF*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

101.CAL*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.LAB*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

* Filed herewith.

**Furnished herewith.

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SIGNATURES

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



	WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION

October 30, 2015	By:	/s/ Robert Sarver
		Robert Sarver
		Chairman of the Board and
		Chief Executive Officer

October 30, 2015	By:	/s/ Dale Gibbons
		Dale Gibbons
		Executive Vice President and
		Chief Financial Officer

October 30, 2015	By:	/s/ J. Kelly Ardrey Jr.
		J. Kelly Ardrey Jr.
		Senior Vice President and
		Chief Accounting Officer