PASADENA, Calif. -- (Business Wire)

East West Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: EWBC), parent company of East West Bank, the financial bridge between the United States and Greater China, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2011. For the fourth quarter of 2011, net income was $66.2 million or $0.43 per dilutive share. For the full year 2011, net income was $245.2 million and net income available to common stockholders was $1.60 per dilutive share.

“East West earned $245.2 million for the full year 2011, the highest ever in our history,” stated Dominic Ng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of East West. “In the fourth quarter of 2011, East West earned net income of $66.2 million or $0.43 per share, up from $62.4 million or $0.41 per share in the third quarter. In fact, throughout 2011, East West consecutively increased both net income and EPS each quarter.”

Ng continued, “These strong results for the fourth quarter and full year 2011 were a direct result of our success in growing the loan portfolio and core deposits to record levels, while maintaining tight control on operating expenses and significantly reducing credit costs. Although the current environment continues to pose challenges for the financial services industry, East West has been able to outperform many of its peers. During 2011, we grew our noncovered commercial loan portfolio to $3.1 billion and increased core deposits by 16% or $1.4 billion to $10.3 billion. This growth was achieved while we maintained strong expense control and improved the efficiency ratio to 43%.”

“East West ended 2011 with record assets of $22 billion and record earnings of $245.2 million. Our balance sheet is healthy and our capital levels are excellent. As such, I am pleased to announce that the board of directors has approved a 100% increase in the annual common stock dividend rate to $0.40 per share and has also authorized the repurchase of $200 million of our common stock. As we look to 2012, we are confident in our ability to prudently grow the balance sheet, improve our earnings power and return strong value to our shareholders,” concluded Ng.

2011 Quarterly Results Summary

Full Year 2011 Highlights

• Record Earnings – East West increased net income each consecutive quarter of 2011. For the full year 2011, net income totaled a record $245.2 million, a 49% or $80.7 million increase from $164.6 million in 2010.
• Strong Loan Growth – Total noncovered loans grew to a record $10.6 billion, an increase of 18% or $1.6 billion during the full year 2011. The growth in noncovered loans was fueled by strong growth in commercial and trade finance loans and single family loans.
• Record Deposit Growth – Total deposits grew to a record $17.5 billion, a 12% or $1.8 billion increase during the full year 2011. Core deposits grew to a record $10.3 billion, an increase of 16% or $1.4 billion year to date.
• Improved Asset Quality – Charge-offs and provision levels decreased each quarter of 2011. Full year 2011 net charge-offs were $112.1 million, a 45% or $90.5 million decrease as compared to the full year 2010. Nonperforming assets remained low at 0.80% of total assets.
• Strong Capital Levels – Capital levels for East West remain high. As of December 31, 2011, East West’s Tier 1 risk-based capital and total risk-based ratios were 14.8% and 16.4%, respectively, over $800 million greater than the well capitalized requirements of 6% and 10%, respectively.

Fourth Quarter 2011 Highlights

• Strong Fourth Quarter Earnings – For the fourth quarter of 2011, net income was $66.2 million or $0.43 per dilutive share. Net income grew 6% or $3.8 million from the third quarter of 2011 and 17% or $9.9 million from the fourth quarter of 2010. Earnings per dilutive share grew 5% or $0.02 from the third quarter of 2011 and 95% or $0.21 from the fourth quarter of 2010.
• Strong Loan Growth – Quarter to date, total loans receivable increased 2% or $291.1 million to $14.5 billion. This increase was largely due to growth in the noncovered loan portfolio. Specifically, noncovered commercial and trade finance loans grew 4% or $130.3 million to $3.1 billion, and noncovered single family loans grew 18% or $278.7 million to $1.8 billion quarter to date.
• Strong Deposit Growth – Quarter to date, core deposits increased 5% or $482.7 million to a record $10.3 billion and total deposits increased 1% or $144.3 million to $17.5 billion.
• Strong Net Interest Margin – The adjusted net interest margin for the fourth quarter totaled 4.13%, as compared to 3.98% for the third quarter of 2011 and 4.43% for the fourth quarter of 2010. ¹
• Cost of Funds Down 10 bps from Q3 2011 and Down 20 bps from Q4 2010 – The cost of funds declined 10 basis points from the third quarter of 2011 and 20 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2010 to 0.83% for the fourth quarter of 2011. Our cost of deposits declined 10 basis points from the third quarter of 2011 and 12 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2010 to 0.55% for the quarter ended December 31, 2011.
• Net Charge-offs Down 10% from Q3 2011, Down 43% from Q4 2010 – Net charge-offs declined to $21.8 million, a decrease of $2.5 million or 10% from the prior quarter and a decrease of $16.5 million or 43% from the fourth quarter of 2010.
• Nonperforming Assets Stable at 0.80% of Total Assets – Nonperforming assets totaled $175.0 million, or 0.80% of total assets at December 31, 2011, a 4% or $6.1 million increase from September 30, 2011 and a 10% or $19.8 million decrease from December 31, 2010. This is the ninth consecutive quarter East West is reporting a nonperforming assets to total assets ratio under 1.00%.

Management Guidance

The Company is providing initial guidance for the first quarter and full year of 2012. The planned buyback of up to $200.0 million of the Company’s common stock is not factored into this guidance for the first quarter or full year of 2012. Management currently estimates that fully diluted earnings per share for the full year of 2012 will range from $1.72 to $1.76 or an increase of approximately 7% to 10% from 2011. This EPS guidance is based on overall asset growth of 2%, provision for loan losses of approximately $60 million and an adjusted net interest margin of approximately 3.85%¹.

Management currently estimates that fully diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2012 will range from $0.41 to $0.43 per dilutive share. This EPS guidance is based on the following assumptions:

• Stable balance sheet
• A stable interest rate environment and an adjusted net interest margin of approximately 3.90%
• Provision for loan losses of approximately $15 to $20 million
• Total noninterest expense of approximately $100 million for the quarter, net of amounts to be reimbursed by the FDIC
• Effective tax rate of approximately 36.5%

Balance Sheet Summary

As of December 31, 2011, total assets grew to $22.0 billion compared to $21.8 billion at September 30, 2011, and $20.7 billion at December 31, 2010. The increase in the balance sheet is primarily due to loan growth of 2% or $291.1 million for the fourth quarter and loan growth of 5% or $751.9 million for the full year 2011. This growth was funded with an increase in deposits of 1% or $144.3 million for the fourth quarter and 12% or $1.8 billion for the full year 2011.

Loans receivable increased to $14.5 billion at December 31, 2011, compared to $14.2 billion at September 30, 2011 and $13.7 billion at December 31, 2010. This increase in loans receivable was due to growth in the noncovered loan portfolio. During the fourth quarter, noncovered loan balances increased 5% or $507.9 million to $10.6 billion at December 31, 2011. The increase in noncovered loans during the fourth quarter was driven by growth in commercial and trade finance loans, single family loans and consumer loans which increased 4% or $130.3 million, 18% or $278.7 million, and 16% or $80.2 million, respectively.

Covered Loans

Covered loans totaled $3.9 billion as of December 31, 2011, a decrease of 5% or $216.8 million from September 30, 2011. The decrease in the covered loan portfolio was primarily due to payoffs and paydown activity, as well as charge-offs.

The covered loan portfolio is comprised of loans acquired from the FDIC-assisted acquisitions of United Commercial Bank (UCB) and Washington First International Bank (WFIB) which are covered under loss share agreements with the FDIC. During the fourth quarter, we recorded a net decrease in the FDIC indemnification asset and receivable included in noninterest income (loss) of $(20.4) million, largely due to continued improved credit performance of the UCB portfolio as compared to our original estimate.

Deposits

At December 31, 2011, total deposits equaled $17.5 billion as compared to $17.3 billion at September 30, 2011 and $15.6 billion at December 31, 2010. Throughout the year and continuing in the fourth quarter of 2011, we focused on growing commercial and low-cost core deposits and reducing our reliance on time deposits. Core deposits increased to a record $10.3 billion at December 31, 2011, or an increase of 5% or $482.7 million from September 30, 2011. Quarter to date, all core deposit categories grew, with the largest increases in money market deposits which increased 5% or $243.4 million to $4.7 billion, and demand deposits which increased 3% or $115.2 million to a record $3.5 billion. Time deposits totaled $7.1 billion at December 31, 2011, or a decrease of 5% or $338.4 million from September 30, 2011.

Fourth Quarter 2011 Operating Results

Net Interest Income

The core net interest margin, excluding the net impact to interest income of $25.0 million resulting from covered loan activity and amortization of the FDIC indemnification asset, remained strong at 4.13% for the fourth quarter of 2011, as compared to 3.98% for the third quarter of 2011 and 4.43% for the fourth quarter of 2010.¹ Net interest income, adjusted for the net income of covered loan dispositions, totaled $204.0 million for the fourth quarter, an increase of 3% or $5.5 million from the third quarter of 2011¹.

The increase in both the core net interest margin and adjusted net interest income was primarily due to a reduction in the cost of deposits and an increase in loans receivable. In addition, although quarterly average interest-earning assets declined between the third and fourth quarters of 2011, the composition of interest earnings assets changed and thus resulted in an improvement in our yield on total interest-earning assets. Average loan balances for the fourth quarter totaled $14.3 billion, an increase of 2% or $259.6 million from the average loan balances for the third quarter. The impact of the increase in average loan balances was partially offset by a decrease in the loan yield on noncovered loans. The yield on noncovered loans was 4.76% for the fourth quarter, compared to 4.87% in the prior quarter.

The cost of deposits decreased to 0.55% for the fourth quarter of 2011, down 10 basis points from 0.65% in the third quarter of 2011. This improvement in the cost of deposits was primarily achieved through actively managing down higher interest-bearing deposit accounts, particularly time deposits. The average cost on time deposits declined by 11 basis points in the fourth quarter to 1.01%, resulting in cost savings of $2.0 million as compared to the third quarter of 2011.

Although operating in a low interest rate environment has been challenging, East West is taking measures to maintain a strong net interest margin while continuing prudent interest rate risk management practices. Additionally, management is confident that East West will continue to organically grow the loan portfolio. As such, while the net interest margin may decrease from current levels, management still expects to maintain a relatively stable net interest margin and expects the adjusted net interest margin to approximate 3.90% for the first quarter of 2012 and 3.85% for the full year 2012.

Noninterest Income (Loss) & Expense

The Company reported total noninterest income for the fourth quarter of 2011 of $937 thousand, compared to total noninterest (loss) of ($13.5) million in the third quarter of 2011 and noninterest (loss) of ($17.3) million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Branch fees, loan fees and letter of credit and foreign exchange income totaled $15.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, as compared to $17.4 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $13.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Also included in noninterest income for the fourth quarter of 2011 were gains on sales of SBA loans of $1.4 million and gains on sales of investment securities of $2.9 million.

Noninterest expense totaled $106.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2011, an increase of $2.1 million from the third quarter of 2011 and a decrease of $7.1 million from the fourth quarter of 2010.

Noninterest expense, excluding amounts to be reimbursed by the FDIC, totaled $98.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2011.¹ A summary of the noninterest expenses for the fourth quarter 2011, compared to the third quarter 2011 and fourth quarter 2010, is detailed below:

Overall, noninterest expense for the fourth quarter, excluding amounts to be reimbursed by the FDIC, was in line with the third quarter of 2011. Compensation and employee benefits and occupancy and equipment expense increased 3% or $1.2 million and 1% or $149 thousand, respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2011. Deposit insurance premium expense increased in the fourth quarter 2011 as compared to the prior quarter due to a third quarter adjustment resulting from a lower actual assessment in that period. Credit cycle costs including other real estate owned expense, loan related expense, and legal expense totaled $21.9 million for the fourth quarter 2011, as compared to $15.7 million for the third quarter 2011. Of total credit cycle costs incurred in the fourth quarter, $10.7 million related to covered loans and real estate owned for which we expect that 80% or $8.6 million is reimbursable by the FDIC. Additionally, in the fourth quarter, amortization of investments in affordable housing partnerships decreased $2.4 million to $2.9 million and consulting expense decreased $1.0 million to $1.1 million, as compared to the prior quarter.

Management anticipates that in the first quarter of 2012, noninterest expense will total approximately $100.0 million, net of amounts reimbursable from the FDIC.

The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 35.9% as compared to 36.1% in the prior quarter. The effective tax rate is reduced from the statutory tax rate primarily due to the utilization of tax credits related to affordable housing investments.

Full Year 2011 Operating Results

For the full year 2011, adjusted net interest income reached a record $779.4 million, an increase of 3% or $25.5 million from 2010¹. The adjusted net interest margin for 2011 totaled 4.02% compared to 4.25% for 2010¹. Although the low interest rate environment reduced our loan yields in 2011 as compared to 2010, East West took actions throughout the year to reduce deposit and borrowing costs. Our total cost of funds declined by 21 basis points from 1.15% for the full year 2010 to 0.94% for the full year 2011.

Total fees and other operating income for the full year 2011 increased to $79.5 million, a 19% or $12.8 million increase from full year 2010. As compared to 2010, branch fees increased 3% or $1.1 million, letters of credit fees and foreign exchange income increased 54% or $8.2 million, and other operating income increased 35% or $3.7 million. A summary of these fees and other income is detailed below:

Noninterest expense totaled $435.6 million for the full year 2011, a decrease of 9% or $42.3 million as compared to 2010. The decrease in noninterest expense was due to a reduction in credit cycle costs and active expense control. As compared to full year 2010, other real estate owned expenses declined 34% or $21.1 million, compensation expense declined 6% or $10.0 million, deposit insurance premium decreased 19% or $4.7 million, and data processing expense decreased 19% or $2.0 million. These decreases in the full year 2011 as compared to the full year 2010 were partially offset by an increase in amortization of investments in affordable housing partnerships of 73% or $7.3 million due to increased investments.

Credit Quality

Credit quality continued to improve in the fourth quarter and full year 2011. In each quarter of 2010 and 2011, East West reduced charge-offs and maintained a nonperforming asset to total asset ratio of less than 1.00%. The provision for loan losses was $20.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2011, a decrease of 9% or $2.0 million from the prior quarter, and a decrease of 33% or $9.8 million as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010. Total net charge-offs decreased to $21.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2011, a decrease of 10% or $2.5 million from the previous quarter and a decrease of 43% or $16.5 million compared to the prior year quarter.

Additionally, total nonaccrual loans and total nonperforming assets excluding covered assets, continued to remain low, with total nonperforming assets excluding covered assets, to total assets under 1.00% for the ninth consecutive quarter. Nonperforming assets, totaled $175.0 million or 0.80% of total assets at December 31, 2011.

East West continues to maintain a strong allowance for noncovered loan losses at $209.9 million or 2.04% of noncovered loans receivable at December 31, 2011. This compares to an allowance for noncovered loan losses of $211.7 million or 2.16% of noncovered loans at September 30, 2011 and $230.4 million or 2.64% of noncovered loans at December 31, 2010. Our allowance for loan losses and provision for loan losses have declined for several quarters as a result of credit quality improvement, partially offset by increases in the allowance for loan losses on commercial and trade finance loans and single family loans, commensurate with the increases in these portfolios.

Capital Strength

Our capital ratios remain very strong. As of December 31, 2011, our Tier 1 leverage capital ratio totaled 9.7%, our Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio totaled 14.8% and our total risk-based capital ratio totaled 16.4%. East West exceeds well capitalized requirements for all regulatory guidelines by over $800 million. The Company is focused on active capital management and is committed to maintaining strong capital levels that exceed regulatory requirements while also supporting balance sheet growth and providing a strong return to our shareholders.

In light of our commitment to our shareholders, our excellent capital levels and our strong financial performance, the board of directors for East West has approved an increase in our quarterly common stock cash dividend to $0.10 per share from $0.05 per share. Further, the board of directors has also authorized a new stock repurchase program to buy back up to $200.0 million of the Company’s common stock.

Dividend Payout

East West’s Board of Directors has declared first quarter dividends on the common stock and Series A Preferred Stock. The common stock cash dividend of $0.10 is payable on or about February 24, 2012 to shareholders of record on February 10, 2012. This represents an increase of $0.05 per share, or a 100% increase from the prior quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share. The dividend on the Series A Preferred Stock of $20.00 per share is payable on February 1, 2012 to shareholders of record on January 15, 2012. Additionally, the Board has also authorized a new stock repurchase program to buy back up to $200.0 million of the Company’s common stock.

Conference Call

East West will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter 2011 earnings with the public on Friday, January 20, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. PST/11:30 a.m. EST. The public and investment community are invited to listen as management discusses fourth quarter results and operating developments. The following dial-in information is provided for participation in the conference call: Local call within the US – (877) 317-6789; Call within Canada – (866) 605-3852; International call – (412) 317-6789. A listen-only live broadcast of the call also will be available on the investor relations page of the Company's website at www.eastwestbank.com.

About East West

East West Bancorp is a publicly owned company with $22.0 billion in assets and is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “EWBC”. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, East West Bank, is one of the largest banks in the United States. Headquartered in California, East West is the premier bank focused exclusively on the United States and Greater China markets. The bank operates with over 130 locations worldwide, including the United States markets of California, New York, Georgia, Massachusetts, Texas and Washington. In Greater China, East West’s presence includes a full service branch in Hong Kong and representative offices in Beijing, Shenzhen and Taipei. Through a wholly-owned subsidiary bank, East West’s presence in Greater China also includes full service branches in Shanghai and Shantou and a representative office in Guangzhou. For more information on East West Bancorp, visit the Company's website at www.eastwestbank.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and accordingly, the cautionary statements contained in East West Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010 (See Item I -- Business, and Item 7 -- Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations), and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated herein by reference. These factors include, but are not limited to: the effect of interest rate and currency exchange fluctuations; competition in the financial services market for both deposits and loans; EWBC’s ability to efficiently incorporate acquisitions into its operations; the ability of borrowers to perform as required under the terms of their loans; effect of additional provisions for loan losses; effect of any goodwill impairment, the ability of EWBC and its subsidiaries to increase its customer base; the effect of regulatory and legislative action, including California tax legislation and an announcement by the state’s Franchise Tax Board regarding the taxation of Registered Investment Companies; and regional and general economic conditions.Actual results and performance in future periods may be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by the forward-looking statements in this release. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. East West expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements found herein to reflect any changes in the Bank’s expectations of results or any change in event.

¹ See reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure to the non-GAAP financial measure in the tables attached.