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East West Bancorp Reports Fourth Quarter 2008 Earnings of $2.4 Million; Increased Capital by $306.5 Million; Declares Dividends for First Quarter 2009

01/27/2009

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- East West Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: EWBC), parent company of East West Bank, one of the nation's premier community banks, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2008. For the fourth quarter 2008, net income was $2.4 million, an increase of $33.6 million over a loss reported in third quarter. Our fourth quarter earnings include a provision for loan loss of $43.0 million and impairment write-down of securities of $9.7 million.

"2008 was a year of continuous uncertainty for the financial markets and the U.S. economy. Throughout this year of unprecedented challenges for the financial service industry, we had one objective - safeguarding our customer assets and shareholder interests," stated Dominic Ng, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of East West. "We were early to raise capital in April and again in December, which increased our risk-based capital ratio to 15.83% or over $600 million above the 'well capitalized' threshold at year-end. Throughout the year we have steadily increased our overall liquidity by $2.2 billion or 196%. We aggressively managed down problem loans, reducing total commitments on construction and land loans by $1.0 billion, a 31% decrease. At the same time, we increased the allowance for loan losses to $178.0 million, or 2.16% of total loans."

Ng continued, "Our decisive actions in 2008 to significantly increase capital, liquidity, and reserve levels while minimizing credit exposures have better positioned us during this challenging economic environment. We are entering 2009 with a solid balance sheet and the confidence to prudently extend credit by attracting new customers and expanding existing customer relationships. In the fourth quarter of 2008 we originated $327 million in new loans, primarily real estate, commercial business loans to small and mid-sized businesses and single family mortgages."

"Currently our expectations for the full year of 2009 include loan balance growth of 11%, deposit balance growth of 5% and a net interest margin of approximately 3.20%. The entire East West team is poised and ready for the new challenges and opportunities 2009 will bring," concluded Ng.

Full Year 2008 Highlights

    --  Capital Strengthened -During the full year 2008, we raised a total of
        $506.5 million in capital. We issued $200.0 million of convertible
        preferred stock in April and issued $306.5 million of preferred stock in
        December as a participant in the Treasury's Capital Purchase Program.
    --  Liquidity Strengthened -Totalborrowing capacity and cash as of December
        31, 2008 increased to $3.3 billion, or 27% of total assets and 41% of
        total deposits. As of December, 31, 2008, cash and unused borrowing
        facilities increased $522.6 million or 19% from September 30, 2008 and
        $2.2 billion or 196% from December 31, 2007.
    --  Loan to Deposit Ratio -In early 2008 East West announced its plan to
        further strengthen the balance sheet and decrease the loan to deposit
        ratio. During the course of the fourth quarter and the full year, the
        loan to deposit ratio decreased substantially to 101% as of December 31,
        2008, from 110% as of September 30, 2008 and 122% at December 31, 2007.
    --  Loan Portfolio Strengthened -Starting in early 2008, we performed
        intensive reviews of our entire loan portfolio and reduced our exposures
        significantly for problem loans. We increased our allowance for loan
        losses by $89.6 million or 101% during the year. Year to date, total
        commitments on construction and land loans decreased by $1.0 billion.
        Total land loans decreased $104.7 million or 15% and total commitments
        on construction loans decreased $907.8 million or 36%.
    --  Reduction in Operating Expenses -Throughout 2008 we continued to reduce
        operating expenses despite rising credit cycle costs. Noninterest
        expense was $44.2 million for the quarter, a decrease of $4.3 million or
        9% from third quarter 2008, a decrease of $11.5 million or 21% from
        second quarter 2008 and a decrease of $8.7 million from first quarter
        2008.

Fourth Quarter Summary

    --  Credit Quality -Total loan delinquencies have remained relatively
        stable, increasing $11.3 million or 4% from September 30, 2008 and
        decreasing $41.7 million or 11% from June 30, 2008. Total nonperforming
        assets to total assets increased to 2.12% up from 1.71% at September 30,
        2008. The increase in nonperforming assets from the prior quarter is a
        result of increases in nonaccrual loans and real estate owned assets,
        primarily in land and residential construction.
    --  Allowance for Loan Losses Strengthened -Total allowance for loan losses
        increased to $178.0 million, or 2.16% of outstanding loans. We continued
        to increase the reserve for loan losses, recording provision for loan
        losses of $43 million and total net loan charge-offs of $41.5 million
        for the quarter.
    --  Deposits Increased - Total deposits increased to a record $8.1 billion
        at year-end. In fourth quarter, we increased deposits $605.6 million or
        8% over prior quarter, reflecting strong increases in time and money
        market deposits.

Capital Strength

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

                                           12/31/2008   9/30/2008    12/31/2007

Summary

Total Leverage Capital                     1,432,662    1,137,419    991,695

Total Risk-Based Capital                   1,637,635    1,340,899    1,166,487

Leverage Capital Ratio                     12.36     %  9.84      %  8.73      %

Tier 1 Capital Ratio                       13.85     %  11.12     %  8.95      %

Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio             15.83     %  13.12     %  10.53     %

Well Capitalized Figures

Total Well Capitalized Leverage            579,424      578,024      568,170
Requirement (5%)

Total Excess Above Well Capitalized        853,238      559,394      423,525
Leverage Requirement

Total Well Capitalized Tier-1 Capital      620,605      613,441      664,564
Requirement (6%)

Total Excess Above Well Capitalized Tier   812,058      523,978      327,131
1 Capital Requirement

Total Well Capitalized Risk-Based Capital  1,034,341    1,022,401    1,107,607
Requirement (10%)

Total Excess Above Well Capitalized        603,294      318,498      58,881
Risk-Based Capital Requirement



During the fourth quarter we issued $306.5 million in preferred stock through the Treasury's Capital Purchase Program which resulted in total shareholders' equity of $1.6 billion at December 31, 2008. Total assets as of December 31, 2008 increased to a record $12.4 billion, an increase of $701.9 million or 6% from September 30, 2008.

East West has always been committed to maintaining strong capital levels and has been very well capitalized throughout this economic cycle. As of the end of the fourth quarter, our leverage capital ratio increased to 12.36%, tier 1 capital increased to 13.85% and total risk-based capital increased to 15.83%. East West significantly exceeds well capitalized minimums under all regulatory guidelines.

Managing Through the Credit Cycle

Total nonperforming assets as of December 31, 2008 totaled $263.9 million or 2.12% of total assets, compared to $200.6 million or 1.71% of total assets at September 30, 2008. The increase in nonperforming assets was primarily due to increases in nonaccrual loans and real estate owned. Nonperforming assets as of December 31, 2008 included nonaccrual loans totaling $214.6 million, other real estate owned totaling $38.3 million and loans modified or restructured totaling $11.0 million.

Total nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2008 were $214.6 million, compared to $177.3 million at September 30, 2008. Included in nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2008 are loans totaling $32.5 million which were not 90 days past due as of December 31, 2008, but that we classified as nonaccrual due to concerns surrounding collateral and future collectability.

The residential construction and land portfolios continue to be impacted by the real estate downturn. Over the course of the year, we have actively reduced land and construction loans and have decreased total commitments for these assets by $1.0 billion. During the quarter, the Company sold eighteen real estate owned (REO) assets with a carrying value of $16.1 million and sold fourteen nonperforming loans with a carrying value of $32.8 million. This follows third quarter's activity where we sold $18.4 million of REO assets and $68.0 million in nonperforming loans. The loans and REO assets sold were predominantly land and residential construction loans.

The $43.0 million provision for loan losses taken during the fourth quarter of 2008 was flat compared to third quarter and was a decrease from $85.0 million in the second quarter and $55.0 million in the first quarter. At December 31, 2008, the allowance for loan losses increased to $178.0 million or 2.16% of outstanding loans, compared to $177.2 million or 2.14% of outstanding loans at September 30, 2008. The Company's methodology for calculating the allowance for loan losses includes factors such as historical loss trends, asset classification, collateral deficiency, delinquency, credit concentrations and overall economic conditions. Based on management's evaluation and analysis of portfolio credit quality and prevailing economic conditions, we believe these reserves are adequate for losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2008.

For the fourth quarter of 2008, East West had net charge-offs of $41.5 million, compared to $39.7 million during the third quarter of 2008. The net charge-offs for the fourth quarter were comprised of $42.3 million in gross charge-offs and $801 thousand in recoveries. Of the total net charge-offs of $41.5 million for the fourth quarter, 63% or $26.2 million were from land and residential construction loans.

Fourth Quarter 2008 Operating Results

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

                                                Quarter Ended December 31, 2008

                                                Total Amount  Per Share Amount

Interest and dividend income                    $ 149,907     $ 2.38

Interest expense                                  (73,053 )     (1.16 )

Net interest income before provision for loan     76,854        1.22
losses

Noninterest income before impairment writedown    8,790         0.14
on investment securities

Noninterest expense                               (44,199 )     (0.70 )

Income before provision for loan losses and       41,445        0.66
impairment writedown on investment securities

Provision for loan losses                         (43,000 )     (0.68 )

Impairment writedown on investment securities     (9,653  )     (0.15 )

Loss before benefit for income taxes              (11,208 )     (0.17 )

Benefit for income taxes                          13,574        0.22

Net income                                        2,366         0.05

Preferred stock dividend and amortization of      (5,385  )     (0.10 )
preferred stock discount

Net (loss) available to common stockholders     $ (3,019  )   $ (0.05 )



Net interest income for the fourth quarter totaled $76.9 million. The net interest margin for the quarter totaled 2.72%, compared to 3.10% in the prior quarter. The decrease in the net interest margin is largely due to the impact from the 175 basis point decrease in the fed funds rate during the quarter to a target rate of 0 to 0.25%.

Excluding the non-cash charge for impairment of investment securities, noninterest income for the fourth quarter totaled $8.8 million, down from $10.0 million in the third quarter of 2008 and $14.0 million from the prior year period. This decrease in the fourth quarter as compared to the prior quarter and prior year was primarily due to lower gains on sales of investment securities and loans and impairment of mortgage servicing rights and other assets in the fourth quarter of 2008.

During the fourth quarter of 2008, we continued to carefully control all expenditures and reduce noninterest expense. Noninterest expense totaled $44.2 million for the fourth quarter 2008, a decrease of $4.3 million or 9% from the third quarter and decrease of $11.5 million or 21% from second quarter. The decline in noninterest expense reflects lower compensation and employee benefits due to reduced staffing levels and total compensation related costs. The efficiency ratio was 47.5% for the fourth quarter, compared to 46.4% in third quarter of 2008.

The tax benefit during the quarter was $13.6 million, $2.4 million greater than the net loss before income taxes. This was largely a result of a $5.7 million tax benefit in the fourth quarter resulting from other than temporary impairment charges on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac preferred stock in the third quarter. This benefit was due to the change in law in October 2008 allowing banks to recognize other than temporary impairment charges in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac preferred stock as ordinary losses.

Investment Securities

During the fourth quarter, we recorded other than temporary impairment on investment securities of $9.7 million related to four pooled trust preferred securities. Year to date, total impairment on the pooled trust preferred securities totaled $17.8 million. The fair values of these securities continue to be negatively impacted by the illiquidity in the market for these securities. The Company has the ability and intent to hold these securities until all principal and interest is fully recovered.

Deposit Summary

Total deposits as of December 31, 2008 increased to $8.1 billion, up $605.6 million or 8% from $7.5 billion at September 30, 2008. Quarter over quarter, core deposits increased $191.3 million or 6% and time deposits increased $414.3 million or 10%. With the instability in the overall banking environment, we promoted fully insured deposit programs to our customers during the third and fourth quarters. These efforts resulted in time deposits growing at a higher pace than core deposits during the fourth quarter of 2008. The average cost of deposits for the fourth quarter of 2008 was 2.14%, a 3 basis point decrease from the third quarter of 2008.

Dividend Payout

East West Bank's Board of Directors has declared first quarter dividends on the common and non-cumulative perpetual convertible preferred stock, series A. While the Bank's capital position is very strong, the Board reduced the common stock dividend to $0.02 per share for the first quarter of 2009 in light of the challenging financial market conditions and what it believes is a responsibility to preserve capital. The common stock cash dividend of $0.02 per share is payable on or about February 24, 2009 to shareholders of record on February 10, 2009. The dividend on the non-cumulative perpetual convertible preferred stock, series A of $20.00 per depository share is payable on February 1, 2009 to shareholders of record on January 15, 2009.

About East West

East West Bancorp is a publicly owned company with $12.4 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 the second largest independent commercial bank headquartered in Southern California with 71 branch locations. East West Bank serves the community with 69 branch locations across Southern and Northern California and a branch location in Houston, Texas. East West Bank has three international locations in Greater China, including a full-service branch in Hong Kong and representative offices in Beijing and Shanghai. 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, 2007 (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.

EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

                                  December 31, 2008  December 31, 2007  % Change

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents         $ 878,853          $ 160,347          448

Short-term investments              228,441            -                NA

Securities purchased under          50,000             150,000          (67)
resale agreements

Investment securities
held-to-maturity, at amortized      122,317            -                NA
cost

Investment securities
available-for-sale, at fair         2,040,194          1,887,136        8
value

Loans receivable (net of
allowance for loan losses of        8,069,377          8,750,921        (8)
$178,027 and $88,407)

Other real estate owned, net        38,302             1,500            2,453

Premiums on deposits acquired,      21,190             28,459           (26)
net

Goodwill                            337,438            335,366          1

Other assets                        638,075            538,483          18

Total assets                      $ 12,424,187       $ 11,852,212       5

Liabilities and Stockholders'
Equity

Deposits                          $ 8,141,959        $ 7,278,914        12

Federal funds purchased             28,022             222,275          (87)

Federal Home Loan Bank advances     1,353,307          1,808,419        (25)

Securities sold under repurchase    998,430            1,001,955        (0)
agreements

Notes payable                       16,506             16,242           2

Long-term debt                      235,570            235,570          0

Accrued expenses and other          98,502             117,014          (16)
liabilities

Total liabilities                   10,872,296         10,680,389       2

Stockholders' equity                1,551,891          1,171,823        32

Total liabilities and             $ 12,424,187       $ 11,852,212       5
stockholders' equity

Book value per common share       $ 16.94            $ 18.56            (9)

Number of common shares at          63,746             63,137           1
period end

Ending Balances

                                  December 31, 2008  December 31, 2007  % Change

Loans receivable

Real estate - single family       $ 491,315          $ 433,337          13

Real estate - multifamily           677,989            690,941          (2)

Real estate - commercial            3,472,000          3,502,213        (1)

Real estate - land                  576,564            681,260          (15)

Real estate - construction          1,260,724          1,547,082        (19)

Commercial                          1,210,260          1,314,068        (8)

Trade finance                       343,959            491,690          (30)

Consumer                            216,642            184,518          17

Total gross loans receivable        8,249,453          8,845,109        (7)

Unearned fees, premiums and         (2,049     )       (5,781     )     (65)
discounts

Allowance for loan losses           (178,027   )       (88,407    )     101

Net loans receivable              $ 8,069,377        $ 8,750,921        (8)

Deposits

Noninterest-bearing demand        $ 1,292,997        $ 1,431,730        (10)

Interest-bearing checking           363,285            472,943          (23)

Money market                        1,323,402          1,090,949        21

Savings                             420,133            477,779          (12)

Total core deposits                 3,399,817          3,473,401        (2)

Time deposits less than $100,000    1,521,988          926,459          64

Time deposits $100,000 or           3,220,154          2,879,054        12
greater

Total time deposits                 4,742,142          3,805,513        25

Total deposits                    $ 8,141,959        $ 7,278,914        12



EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

                                              Quarter Ended December 31,  %

                                                2008         2007         Change

Interest and dividend income                  $ 149,907    $ 201,448      (26)

Interest expense                                (73,053 )    (94,840 )    (23)

Net interest income before provision for        76,854       106,608      (28)
loan losses

Provision for loan losses                       (43,000 )    (9,000  )    378

Net interest income after provision for loan    33,854       97,608       (65)
losses

Noninterest (loss) income                       (863    )    13,978       (106)

Noninterest expense                             (44,199 )    (52,279 )    (15)

(Loss) income before benefit (provision) for    (11,208 )    59,307       (119)
income taxes

Benefit (provision) for income taxes            13,574       (22,062 )    (162)

Net income                                    $ 2,366      $ 37,245       (94)

Preferred stock dividend and amortization of    (5,385  )    -            NA
preferred stock discount

Net (loss) income available to common         $ (3,019  )  $ 37,245       (108)
stockholders

Net (loss) income per share, basic            $ (0.05   )  $ 0.60         (108)

Net (loss) income per share, diluted          $ (0.05   )  $ 0.59         (108)

Shares used to compute per share net (loss)
income:

- Basic                                         62,932       62,437       1

- Diluted                                       62,932       63,157       (0)

                                              Quarter Ended December 31,  %

                                                2008         2007         Change

Noninterest income:

Impairment writedown on investment            $ (9,653  )  $ -            NA
securities

Branch fees                                     4,247        4,404        (4)

Letters of credit fees and commissions          2,267        2,564        (12)

Net gain on sale of investment securities       1,238        2,615        (53)
available-for-sale

Ancillary loan fees                             738          1,609        (54)

Other operating income                          300          2,786        (89)

Total noninterest (loss) income               $ (863    )  $ 13,978       (106)

Noninterest expense:

Compensation and employee benefits              15,658       22,415       (30)

Occupancy and equipment expense                 6,627        6,999        (5)

Other real estate owned expense                 2,493        10           24,830

Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory       2,032        378          438
assessments

Amortization of investments in affordable       1,751        1,437        22
housing partnerships

Legal expense                                   1,687        1,940        (13)

Amortization and impairment writedowns of       1,125        2,022        (44)
premiums on deposits acquired

Data processing                                 1,108        1,415        (22)

Consulting expense                              610          987          (38)

Other operating expense                         11,108       14,676       (24)

Total noninterest expense                     $ 44,199     $ 52,279       (15)



EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

                                              Year Ended December 31,     %

                                                2008          2007        Change

Interest and dividend income                  $ 664,858     $ 773,607     (14)

Interest expense                                (309,694 )    (365,613 )  (15)

Net interest income before provision for        355,164       407,994     (13)
loan losses

Provision for loan losses                       (226,000 )    (12,000  )  1,783

Net interest income after provision for loan    129,164       395,994     (67)
losses

Noninterest (loss) income                       (25,062  )    49,520      (151)

Noninterest expense                             (201,270 )    (183,255 )  10

(Loss) income before benefit (provision) for    (97,168  )    262,259     (137)
income taxes

Benefit (provision) for income taxes            47,485        (101,092 )  (147)

Net (loss) income                             $ (49,683  )  $ 161,167     (131)

Preferred stock dividend and amortization of    (9,474   )    -
preferred stock discount

Net (loss) income available to common         $ (59,157  )  $ 161,167
stockholders

Net (loss) income per share, basic            $ (0.94    )  $ 2.63        (136)

Net (loss) income per share, diluted          $ (0.94    )  $ 2.60        (136)

Shares used to compute per share net (loss)
income:

- Basic                                         62,673        61,180      2

- Diluted                                       62,673        62,093      1

                                              Year Ended December 31,     %

                                                2008          2007        Change

Noninterest income:

Impairment writedown on investment            $ (73,165  )  $ (405     )  17,965
securities

Branch fees                                     16,972        15,071      13

Letters of credit fees and commissions          9,739         10,252      (5)

Net gain on sale of investment securities       9,005         7,833       15
available-for-sale

Ancillary loan fees                             4,646         5,773       (20)

Other operating income                          7,741         10,996      (30)

Total noninterest (loss) income               $ (25,062  )  $ 49,520      (151)

Noninterest expense:

Compensation and employee benefits              82,236        85,926      (4)

Occupancy and equipment expense                 26,991        25,582      6

Amortization of investments in affordable       7,272         4,958       47
housing partnerships

Amortization and impairment writedowns of       7,270         6,846       6
premiums on deposits acquired

Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory       7,223         1,399       416
assessments

Other real estate owned expense (income)        6,013         (1,237   )  (586)

Legal expense                                   5,577         3,198       74

Data processing                                 4,494         4,818       (7)

Consulting expense                              4,398         3,324       32

Other operating expense                         49,796        48,441      3

Total noninterest expense                     $ 201,270     $ 183,255     10



EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

Average Balances                          Quarter Ended December 31,  %

                                          2008          2007          Change

Loans receivable

Real estate - single family               $ 493,415     $ 384,271     28

Real estate - multifamily                   682,455       753,235     (9)

Real estate - commercial                    3,407,697     3,459,272   (1)

Real estate - land                          579,335       668,686     (13)

Real estate - construction                  1,311,622     1,533,574   (14)

Commercial                                  1,179,123     1,258,398   (6)

Trade finance                               369,108       467,632     (21)

Consumer                                    210,448       180,195     17

Total loans receivable                      8,233,203     8,705,263   (5)

Investment securities held-to-maturity      39,508        -           NA

Investment securities available-for-sale    2,184,334     1,893,193   15

Earning assets                              11,219,272    10,872,066  3

Total assets                                11,949,168    11,699,951  2

Deposits

Noninterest-bearing demand                $ 1,311,283   $ 1,398,794   (6)

Interest-bearing checking                   367,792       436,946     (16)

Money market                                1,153,171     1,280,265   (10)

Savings                                     419,757       508,540     (17)

Total core deposits                         3,252,003     3,624,545   (10)

Time deposits less than $100,000            1,599,486     928,462     72

Time deposits $100,000 or greater           2,855,376     2,879,172   (1)

Total time deposits                         4,454,862     3,807,634   17

Total deposits                              7,706,865     7,432,179   4

Interest-bearing liabilities                9,143,800     8,971,407   2

Stockholders' equity                        1,363,161     1,174,883   16



EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

Average Balances                          Year Ended December 31,     %

                                          2008          2007          Change

Loans receivable

Real estate - single family               $ 467,739     $ 349,230     34

Real estate - multifamily                   707,621       1,083,245   (35)

Real estate - commercial                    3,483,258     3,336,119   4

Real estate - land                          631,951       558,278     13

Real estate - construction                  1,481,248     1,371,983   8

Commercial                                  1,205,365     1,115,882   8

Trade finance                               423,367       376,934     12

Consumer                                    201,276       163,318     23

Total loans receivable                      8,601,825     8,354,989   3

Investment securities held-to-maturity      9,931         -           NA

Investment securities available-for-sale    2,035,866     1,727,961   18

Earning assets                              11,119,888    10,368,051  7

Total assets                                11,802,787    11,079,770  7

Deposits

Noninterest-bearing demand                $ 1,362,617   $ 1,312,709   4

Interest-bearing checking                   404,404       412,550     (2)

Money market                                1,099,576     1,302,898   (16)

Savings                                     452,259       412,272     10

Total core deposits                         3,318,856     3,440,429   (4)

Time deposits less than $100,000            1,164,622     956,203     22

Time deposits $100,000 or greater           3,018,876     2,862,017   5

Total time deposits                         4,183,498     3,818,220   10

Total deposits                              7,502,354     7,258,649   3

Interest-bearing liabilities                9,057,073     8,540,086   6

Stockholders' equity                        1,245,777     1,082,561   15



EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

Selected Ratios                         Quarter Ended December 31,  %

                                          2008         2007         Change

For The Period

Return on average assets                  0.08    %    1.27  %      (94)

Return on average common equity           -1.12   %    12.68 %      (109)

Interest rate spread (3)                  2.13    %    3.18  %      (33)

Net interest margin (3)                   2.72    %    3.91  %      (30)

Yield on earning assets (3)               5.30    %    7.37  %      (28)

Cost of deposits                          2.14    %    3.15  %      (32)

Cost of funds                             2.77    %    3.63  %      (24)

Noninterest expense/average assets (1)    1.38    %    1.67  %      (17)

Efficiency ratio (1)                      47.52   %    40.49 %      17

Net chargeoffs to average loans (2)       2.02    %    0.24  %      748

Gross loan chargeoffs                   $ 42,304     $ 5,241        707

Loan recoveries                         $ (801    )  $ (66   )      1,114

Net loan chargeoffs                     $ 41,503     $ 5,175        702

Selected Ratios                         Year Ended December 31,     %

                                          2008         2007         Change

For The Period

Return on average assets                  -0.42   %    1.45  %      (129)

Return on average common equity           -5.41   %    14.89 %      (136)

Interest rate spread (3)                  2.56    %    3.19  %      (20)

Net interest margin (3)                   3.19    %    3.94  %      (19)

Yield on earning assets (3)               5.97    %    7.47  %      (20)

Cost of deposits                          2.37    %    3.32  %      (29)

Cost of funds                             2.96    %    3.71  %      (20)

Noninterest expense/average assets (1)    1.57    %    1.55  %      1

Efficiency ratio (1)                      45.94   %    37.44 %      23

Net chargeoffs to average loans (2)       1.64    %    0.08  %      1,932

Gross loan chargeoffs                   $ 147,451    $ 7,206        1,946

Loan recoveries                         $ (6,027  )  $ (445  )      1,254

Net loan chargeoffs                     $ 141,424    $ 6,761        1,992

Period End

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio           13.85   %    8.95  %      55

Total risk-based capital ratio            15.83   %    10.53 %      50

Tier 1 leverage capital ratio             12.36   %    8.73  %      42

(1) Excludes the amortization of intangibles, amortization and impairment
writedowns of premiums on deposits acquired, impairment writedown on
goodwill and investment securities, and amortization of investments in
affordable housing partnerships.

(2) Annualized.

(3) Yields on certain securities have been adjusted upward to a "fully
taxable equivalent" basis in order to reflect the effect of income which
is exempt from federal income taxation at the current statutory tax rate.



EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.

QUARTER TO DATE AVERAGE BALANCES, YIELDS AND RATES PAID

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

                     Quarter Ended December 31,

                     2008                                 2007

                     Average                              Average

                     Volume          Interest     Yield   Volume          Interest   Yield
                                                  (1)                                (1)

ASSETS

Interest-earning
assets:

Short-term           $ 598,254       $ 3,922      2.60%   $ 28,878        $ 340      4.67%
investments (2)

Securities
purchased under        50,000          1,278      10.14%    150,000         3,322    8.79%
resale agreements
(term)

Investment
securities             39,508          697        7.00%     -               -        -
held-to-maturity

Investment
securities             2,184,334       23,962     4.35%     1,893,193       30,248   6.34%
available-for-sale
(3)

Loans receivable       8,233,203       120,148    5.79%     8,705,263       166,644  7.59%

Federal Home Loan
Bank and Federal       113,973         (100    )  -0.35%    94,732          1,306    5.47%
Reserve Bank stocks
(4)

Total
interest-earning       11,219,272      149,907    5.30%     10,872,066      201,860  7.37%
assets

Noninterest-earning
assets:

Cash and due from      140,773                              177,071
banks

Allowance for loan     (178,721   )                         (85,944    )
losses

Other assets           767,844                              736,758

Total assets         $ 11,949,168                         $ 11,699,951

LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY

Interest-bearing
liabilities:

Checking accounts      367,792         519        0.56%     436,946         1,692    1.54%

Money market           1,153,171       5,559      1.91%     1,280,265       12,142   3.76%
accounts

Savings deposits       419,757         807        0.76%     508,540         1,989    1.55%

Time deposits less     1,599,486       10,728     2.66%     928,462         8,595    3.67%
than $100,000

Time deposits          2,855,376       23,901     3.32%     2,879,172       34,640   4.77%
$100,000 or greater

Federal funds          11,690          41         1.39%     213,121         2,568    4.78%
purchased

Federal Home Loan      1,501,870       16,298     4.31%     1,486,975       18,155   4.84%
Bank advances

Securities sold
under repurchase       999,088         12,181     4.84%     1,002,356       10,691   4.23%
agreements

Long-term debt         235,570         3,019      5.08%     235,570         4,368    7.36%

Total
interest-bearing       9,143,800       73,053     3.17%     8,971,407       94,840   4.19%
liabilities

Noninterest-bearing
liabilities:

Demand deposits        1,311,283                            1,398,794

Other liabilities      130,924                              154,867

Stockholders'          1,363,161                            1,174,883
equity

Total liabilities
and stockholders'    $ 11,949,168                         $ 11,699,951
equity

Interest rate                                     2.13%                              3.18%
spread

Net interest income
and net yield on                     $ 76,854     2.72%                   $ 107,020  3.91%
interest-earning
assets (3)

(1) Annualized

(2) Includes short-term securities purchased under resale agreements.

(3) Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory
federal tax rate.

(4) On January 8, 2009, the FHLB announced the suspension of the fourth quarter 2008's
dividend payment.



EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.

YEAR TO DATE AVERAGE BALANCES, YIELDS AND RATES PAID

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

                     Year Ended December 31,

                     2008                               2007

                     Average                            Average

                     Volume          Interest   Yield   Volume          Interest   Yield
                                                (1)                                (1)

ASSETS

Interest-earning
assets:

Short-term           $ 303,344       $ 7,468    2.46%   $ 18,576        $ 904      4.87%
investments (2)

Securities
purchased under        53,552          6,372    11.87%    182,055         15,064   8.27%
resale agreements
(term)

Investment
securities             9,931           697      7.00%     -               -        -
held-to-maturity

Investment
securities             2,035,866       100,776  4.94%     1,727,961       103,141  5.97%
available-for-sale
(3)

Loans receivable       8,601,825       545,260  6.32%     8,354,989       650,717  7.79%

Federal Home Loan
Bank and Federal       115,370         5,175    4.47%     84,470          4,581    5.42%
Reserve Bank stocks
(4)

Total
interest-earning       11,119,888      665,748  5.97%     10,368,051      774,407  7.47%
assets

Noninterest-earning
assets:

Cash and due from      137,730                            156,081
banks

Allowance for loan     (144,154   )                       (80,161    )
losses

Other assets           689,323                            635,799

Total assets         $ 11,802,787                       $ 11,079,770

LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY

Interest-bearing
liabilities:

Checking accounts      404,404         3,226    0.80%     412,550         6,646    1.61%

Money market           1,099,576       25,805   2.34%     1,302,898       53,021   4.07%
accounts

Savings deposits       452,259         4,148    0.91%     412,272         4,400    1.07%

Time deposits less     1,164,622       35,061   3.00%     956,203         37,164   3.89%
than $100,000

Time deposits          3,018,876       109,820  3.63%     2,862,017       139,804  4.88%
$100,000 or greater

Federal funds          89,309          2,217    2.48%     173,103         8,899    5.14%
purchased

Federal Home Loan      1,592,125       70,661   4.43%     1,230,940       61,710   5.01%
Bank advances

Securities sold
under repurchase       1,000,332       46,062   4.59%     978,739         38,366   3.92%
agreements

Long-term debt         235,570         12,694   5.37%     211,364         15,603   7.38%

Total
interest-bearing       9,057,073       309,694  3.41%     8,540,086       365,613  4.28%
liabilities

Noninterest-bearing
liabilities:

Demand deposits        1,362,617                          1,312,709

Other liabilities      137,320                            144,414

Stockholders'          1,245,777                          1,082,561
equity

Total liabilities
and stockholders'    $ 11,802,787                       $ 11,079,770
equity

Interest rate                                   2.56%                              3.19%
spread

Net interest income
and net yield on                     $ 356,054  3.19%                   $ 408,794  3.94%
interest-earning
assets (3)

(1) Annualized

(2) Includes short-term securities purchased under resale agreements.

(3) Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory
federal tax rate.

(4) On January 8, 2009, the FHLB announced the suspension of the fourth quarter 2008's
dividend payment.



EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.

QUARTERLY ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES RECAP

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

               Quarter Ended

               December 31, 2008  September 30,  June 30, 2008  March 31, 2008
                                  2008

LOANS

Allowance
balance,       $ 177,155          $ 168,413      $ 117,120      $ 88,407
beginning of
period

Allowance for
unfunded loan
commitments      (625    )          5,437          1,136          (904    )
and letters
of credit

Provision for    43,000             43,000         85,000         55,000
loan losses

Net
Charge-offs:

Real estate -    1,756              1,022          632            75
single family

Real estate -    524                1,006          436            -
multifamily

Real estate -    750                663            (3      )      -
commercial

Real estate -    9,039              19,128         16,337         5,078
land

Real estate -
residential      17,127             13,557         15,726         8,565
construction

Real estate -
commercial       -                  -              -              -
construction

Commercial       8,054              3,474          640            11,636

Trade finance    4,026              750            922            -

Consumer         227                95             153            29

Total net        41,503             39,695         34,843         25,383
charge-offs

Allowance
balance, end   $ 178,027          $ 177,155      $ 168,413      $ 117,120
of period

UNFUNDED LOAN
COMMITMENTS
AND LETTERS
OF CREDIT:

Allowance
balance,       $ 5,716            $ 11,153       $ 12,289       $ 11,385
beginning of
period

Provision for
unfunded loan
commitments      625                (5,437  )      (1,136  )      904
and letters
of credit

Allowance
balance, end   $ 6,341            $ 5,716        $ 11,153       $ 12,289
of period

GRAND TOTAL,   $ 184,368          $ 182,871      $ 179,566      $ 129,409
END OF PERIOD

Nonperforming
assets to        2.12    %          1.71    %      1.64    %      0.63    %
total assets

Allowance for
loan losses
to total         2.16    %          2.14    %      1.95    %      1.32    %
gross loans
at end of
period

Allowance for
loan losses
and unfunded
loan
commitments      2.23    %          2.21    %      2.07    %      1.46    %
to total
gross loans
at end of
period

Allowance to
nonaccrual       82.95   %          99.92   %      98.59   %      202.41  %
loans at end
of period

Nonaccrual
loans to         2.60    %          2.14    %      1.97    %      0.65    %
total loans



EAST WEST BANCORP, INC

TOTAL NON-PERFORMING ASSETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

              Total Nonaccrual Loans

                          Under 90+   Total       Modified or             Total
              90+ Days    Days        Nonaccrual  Restructured  REO
              Delinquent  Delinquent  Loans       Loans         Assets    Non-Performing
                                                                          Assets

Loan Type

Real estate
- single      $ 13,519    $ -         $ 13,519    $ 1,201       $ 419     $ 15,139
family

Real estate
-               11,845      -           11,845      3,519         1,136     16,500
multifamily

Real estate     24,680      -           24,680      2,406         4,882     31,968
- commercial

Real estate     66,185      12,892      79,077      -             10,307    89,384
- land

Real estate
-               27,052      8,766       35,818      -             21,146    56,964
residential
construction

Real estate
- commercial    30,581      -           30,581      -             -         30,581
construction

Commercial      6,570       10,604      17,174      3,866         142       21,182

Trade           65          -           65          -             270       335
Finance

Consumer        1,654       194         1,848       -             -         1,848

Total         $ 182,151   $ 32,456    $ 214,607   $ 10,992      $ 38,302  $ 263,901

EAST WEST BANCORP, INC

TOTAL NON-PERFORMING ASSETS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

              Total Nonaccrual Loans

                          Under 90+   Total       Modified or             Total
              90+ Days    Days        Nonaccrual  Restructured  REO
              Delinquent  Delinquent  Loans       Loans         Assets    Non-Performing
                                                                          Assets

Loan Type

Real estate
- single      $ 5,486     $ -         $ 5,486     $ 1,405       $ 2,715   $ 9,606
family

Real estate
-               9,758       -           9,758       -             502       10,260
multifamily

Real estate     14,353      4,511       18,864      1,763         1,043     21,670
- commercial

Real estate     52,926      11,882      64,808      -             4,370     69,178
- land

Real estate
-               44,526      9,783       54,309      -             8,461     62,770
residential
construction

Real estate
- commercial    13,073      -           13,073      -             -         13,073
construction

Commercial      8,972       973         9,945       2,496         424       12,865

Trade           -           -           -           -             -         -
Finance

Consumer        866         194         1,060       -             92        1,152

Total         $ 149,960   $ 27,343    $ 177,303   $ 5,664       $ 17,607  $ 200,574

EAST WEST BANCORP, INC

TOTAL NON-PERFORMING ASSETS AS OF JUNE 30, 2008

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

              Total Nonaccrual Loans

                          Under 90+   Total       Modified or             Total
              90+ Days    Days        Nonaccrual  Restructured  REO
              Delinquent  Delinquent  Loans       Loans         Assets    Non-Performing
                                                                          Assets

Loan Type

Real estate
- single      $ 7,247     $ -         $ 7,247     $ -           $ 1,635   $ 8,882
family

Real estate
-               7,010       -           7,010       -             4,658     11,668
multifamily

Real estate     18,326      -           18,326      1,699         -         20,025
- commercial

Real estate     46,773      24,829      71,602      -             1,000     72,602
- land

Real estate
-               38,035      15,572      53,607      -             10,105    63,712
residential
construction

Real estate
- commercial    4,283       -           4,283       -             -         4,283
construction

Commercial      7,722       -           7,722       2,993         -         10,715

Trade           621         -           621         -             -         621
Finance

Consumer        476         -           476         -             92        568

Total         $ 130,493   $ 40,401    $ 170,894   $ 4,692       $ 17,490  $ 193,076



EAST WEST BANCORP, INC

DELINQUENT LOANS BY LOAN CATEGORIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

Loan Type         30-59 Days  60-89 Days  90+ Days Delinquent  Total Delinquent
                  Delinquent  Delinquent                       Loans

Real estate -     $ 16,708    $ 6,237     $ 13,519             $ 36,464
single family

Real estate -       9,372       2,382       11,845               23,599
multifamily

Real estate -       21,036      18,364      24,680               64,080
commercial

Real estate -       9,335       19,002      66,185               94,522
land

Real estate -
residential         13,242      9,379       27,052               49,673
construction

Real estate -
commercial          -           -           30,581               30,581
construction

Commercial          3,970       13,918      6,570                24,458

Trade finance       374         -           65                   439

Consumer            1,326       252         1,654                3,232

Total Delinquent  $ 75,363    $ 69,534    $ 182,151            $ 327,048
Loans

EAST WEST BANCORP, INC

DELINQUENT LOANS BY LOAN CATEGORIES AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

Loan Type         30-59 Days  60-89 Days  90+ Days Delinquent  Total Delinquent
                  Delinquent  Delinquent                       Loans

Real estate -     $ 8,282     $ 5,536     $ 5,486              $ 19,304
single family

Real estate -       9,415       2,939       9,758                22,112
multifamily

Real estate -       21,434      8,608       14,353               44,395
commercial

Real estate -       5,216       2,154       52,926               60,296
land

Real estate -
residential         37,947      14,143      44,526               96,616
construction

Real estate -
commercial          14,839      18,450      13,073               46,362
construction

Commercial          12,726      798         8,972                22,496

Trade finance       -           -           -                    -

Consumer            1,818       1,459       866                  4,143

Total Delinquent  $ 111,677   $ 54,087    $ 149,960            $ 315,724
Loans

EAST WEST BANCORP, INC

DELINQUENT LOANS BY LOAN CATEGORIES AS OF JUNE 30, 2008

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

Loan Type         30-59 Days  60-89 Days  90+ Days Delinquent  Total Delinquent
                  Delinquent  Delinquent                       Loans

Real estate -     $ 11,242    $ 2,063     $ 7,247              $ 20,552
single family

Real estate -       6,112       1,042       7,010                14,164
multifamily

Real estate -       23,110      6,274       18,326               47,710
commercial

Real estate -       25,825      11,207      46,773               83,805
land

Real estate -
residential         69,997      23,526      38,035               131,558
construction

Real estate -
commercial          13,073      18,042      4,283                35,398
construction

Commercial          11,993      3,434       7,722                23,149

Trade finance       10,030      488         621                  11,139

Consumer            476         274         476                  1,226

Total Delinquent  $ 171,858   $ 66,350    $ 130,493            $ 368,701
Loans



    Source: East West Bancorp, Inc.
Contact: East West Bancorp, Inc. Tom Tolda, Chief Financial Officer, 626-768-6788
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East West Bancorp, Inc.
135 North Los Robles Ave.
7th Floor
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 768-6000

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