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HOPE BANCORP INC - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_______________________________ 
FORM 10-K
_______________________________ 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

Commission File Number 000-50245
 ________________________________________
HOPE BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_________________________________________
Delaware
95-4849715
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3200 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1400,
Los Angeles, California
90010
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(213) 639-1700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of class
Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 
_________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 Yes  x No  o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  o    No  x
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  x    No  o
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).    x Yes    o  No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K  x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
x
 
Accelerated filer
o
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.   o 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  o    No  x
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based upon the closing sale price of the common stock as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, June 30, 2017, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was approximately $2,408,992,339.
Number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of February 21, 2018: 135,523,974
Documents Incorporated by Reference: The information required in Part III, Items 10 through 14 are incorporated herein by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year end.





Table of Contents
 
 
 
Page
Forward-Looking Information
PART I
 
 
Item 1.
Business
 
General
 
Mergers and Acquisitions
 
Business Overview
 
Lending Activities
 
Investing Activities
 
Deposit Activities
 
Borrowing Activities
 
Market Area and Competition
 
Economic Conditions, Government Policies and Legislation
 
Supervision and Regulation
 
Employees
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2.
Properties
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Item 9B.
Other Information
 
 
 
PART III
 
 
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
 
 
PART IV
 
 
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary
 
 
 


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Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations regarding the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance, and our business strategies, objectives and vision. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “will,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “may” or similar expressions. With respect to any such forward-looking statements Hope Bancorp, Inc. claims the protection provided for in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ significantly from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties include: deterioration in economic conditions in our areas of operation; interest rate risk associated with volatile interest rates and related asset-liability matching risk; liquidity risks; risk of significant non-earning assets, and net credit losses that could occur, particularly in times of weak economic conditions or times of rising interest rates; and regulatory risks associated with current and future regulations. For a more detailed discussion of factors that might cause such a difference, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors” herein. Hope Bancorp, Inc. does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward looking statements to reflect the occurrence of events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law.

PART I
Item 1.    BUSINESS

General
Hope Bancorp, Inc. (“Hope Bancorp” on a parent-only basis, and the “Company,” “we” or “our” on a consolidated basis with the Bank) is a bank holding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The Company was incorporated in Delaware in the year 2000. Previously known as BBCN Bancorp Inc., the Company changed its name to Hope Bancorp at the time of the merger with Wilshire Bancorp Inc. (“Wilshire”) on July 29, 2016. We offer commercial and retail banking loan and deposit products through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Bank of Hope (formerly BBCN Bank), a California state-chartered bank (the “Bank” or “Bank of Hope”). Bank of Hope primarily focuses its business in ethnic communities in California, New Jersey and New York City, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Seattle and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas. Our headquarters are located at 3200 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1400, Los Angeles, California 90010, and our telephone number at that address is (213) 639-1700.
Hope Bancorp exists primarily for the purpose of holding the stock of the Bank and other subsidiaries it may acquire or establish. Bank of Hope’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), up to applicable limits.
We file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which include annual reports on Form10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy and information statements in connection with our stockholders meetings. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC, 20549. The SEC maintains a website that contains the reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the website is www.sec.gov. Our website address is www.bankofhope.com. Electronic copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and other information and reports we file with the SEC and amendments to those reports, are available free of charge by visiting the Investor Relations section of our website. These reports are generally posted as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with the SEC. None of the information on or hyperlinked from the Company’s website is incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Mergers and Acquisitions
On July 29, 2016, we completed the acquisition of Wilshire, previously headquartered in Los Angeles, California. With the completion of the acquisition, 35 branches in California, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Alabama, and Georgia were added to our existing branch network in addition to six loan production offices. Some of these branch locations and loan production offices were subsequently closed as part of our consolidation plan. Our current consolidated network consists of 63 branches and eight loan production offices.
The Wilshire acquisition was accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 805 “Business Combinations,” and the assets and liabilities of Wilshire were recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. The fair value of assets acquired from Wilshire totaled approximately $4.63 billion and goodwill recorded from acquisitions consummated in 2016 totaled $359.0 million.
On January 23, 2017, we announced the signing of a definitive agreement and plan of merger with U & I Financial Corporation (“U & I”) pursuant to which U & I would have merged with and into Hope Bancorp with Hope Bancorp as the surviving corporation. As part of the merger, UniBank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of U & I, would have merged with and into the Bank. Subsequently

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on September 15, 2017, we announced the termination of the proposed merger with U & I as required regulatory approval had not been obtained. The Mutual Termination Agreement provided, among other things, that each party will bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the terminated transaction, without penalties or termination fees. In connection with the termination, the parties have provided mutual releases to one another relating to the merger transaction.
Business Overview
Our principal business activities are conducted through the Bank and primarily consist of earning interest on loans and investment securities that are funded by customer deposits and other borrowings. Operating revenues consist of the difference between interest received and interest paid, gains and losses on the sale of financial assets, and fees earned for financial services provided to our customers. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, such as general economic conditions, new legislation and the policies of various governmental and regulatory authorities. Although our business may vary with local and national economic conditions, such variations are not generally seasonal in nature.
Through our current network of 63 branches and eight loan production offices, we offer core business banking products for small and medium-sized businesses and individuals. We accept deposits and originate a variety of loans, including commercial business loans, commercial real estate loans, trade finance loans, Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans, auto loans, single-family mortgages, warehouse lines of credit, personal loans, and credit cards. We offer cash management services to our business customers, which include remote deposit capture, lock box and ACH origination services. We offer comprehensive investment and wealth management services to high-net-worth clients. We also offer a mobile banking application for smartphones that extends banking services, such as mobile deposits and bill payment, for our customers at all times. In an effort to better meet our customers’ needs, our mini-market branches generally offer hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most of our branches offer 24-hour automated teller machines (“ATMs”). We also offer debit card services with a rewards program to all customers. In addition, most of our branches offer foreign exchanges services, safe deposit boxes and other customary bank services. Our website at www.bankofhope.com offers internet banking services and applications in both English and Korean.
Lending Activities
Commercial Business Loans
We provide commercial loans to businesses for various purposes such as for working capital, purchasing inventory, debt refinancing, business acquisitions and other business related financing needs. Commercial loans are typically classified as (1) short-term loans (or lines of credit) or (2) long-term loans (or term loans to businesses). Short-term loans are often used to finance current assets such as inventory and accounts receivable and typically have terms of one year with interest paid monthly on the outstanding balance and the principal balance due at maturity. Long-term loans typically have terms of five to seven years with principal and interest paid monthly. The credit worthiness of our borrowers is determined before a loan is originated and is periodically reviewed to ascertain whether credit quality changes have occurred. Commercial business loans are typically collateralized by the borrower’s business assets and/or real estate.
Our commercial business loan portfolio includes trade finance loans from our Corporate Banking Center, which generally serves businesses involved in international trade activities. These loans are typically collateralized by business assets and are used to meet the short-term working capital needs (accounts receivable and inventory financing) of our borrowers. Our International Operations Department issues and advises on letters of credit for export and import businesses. The underwriting procedure for this type of credit is the same as for commercial business loans. We offer the following types of letters of credit to customers:
Commercial: An undertaking by the issuing bank to pay for a commercial transaction.
Standby: An undertaking by the issuing bank to pay for the non-performance of the applicant customer.
Revocable: Letter of credit that can be modified or cancelled by the issuing bank at any time with notice to the beneficiary (does not provide the beneficiary with a firm promise of payment).
Irrevocable: Letter of credit that cannot be altered or cancelled without mutual consent of all parties.
Sight: Letter of credit requiring payment upon presentation of conforming shipping documents.
Usance: Letter of credit that allows the buyer to delay payment up to a designated number of days after presentation of shipping documents.
Import: Letter of credit issued to assist customers in purchasing goods from overseas.
Export: Letter of credit issued to assist customers in selling goods overseas.
Transferable: Letter of credit that allows the beneficiary to transfer its drawing (payment) rights, in part or full, to another.
Non-transferable: Letter of credit that does not allow the beneficiary to transfer their right, in part or full, to another.

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Our trade finance services include the issuance and negotiation of letters of credit, as well as the handling of documentary collections. On the export side, we provide advice and negotiation of commercial letters of credit and we transfer and issue back-to-back letters of credit. We also provide importers with trade finance lines of credit, which allow for the issuance of commercial letters of credit and the financing of documents received under such letters of credit, as well as documents received under documentary collections. Exporters are assisted through export lines of credit as well as through immediate financing of clean documents presented under export letters of credit.
We provide commercial equipment lease financing through a relationship with a third-party leasing company. Equipment leasing loans are generally capital leases with maturities up to five years.
We also provide warehouse lines of credit to mortgage loan originators. The lines of credit are used by these originators to fund mortgages which are then pledged to the Bank as collateral until the mortgage loans are sold and the lines of credit are paid down. The typical duration of these lines of credit from the time of funding to pay-down ranges from 10-30 days. Although collateralized by mortgage loans, the structure of warehouse lending agreements results in the commercial and industrial loan treatment for these types of loans.
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Real estate loans are extended for the purchase and refinance of commercial real estate and are generally secured by first deeds of trust. The maturities on the majority of such loans are generally five to seven years with a 25-year principal amortization schedule and a balloon payment due at maturity. We offer both fixed and floating rate commercial real estate loans. It is our general policy to restrict commercial real estate loan amounts to 75% of the appraised value of the property at the date of origination.
We originate loans to finance construction projects including one-to-four family residences, multifamily residences, senior housing, and commercial projects. Residential construction loans are due upon the sale of the completed project and are generally collateralized by first liens on the real estate and have floating interest rates. Construction loans are considered to have higher risks than other loans due to the ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, and the availability of long-term financing. Economic conditions may also impact our ability to recover its investment in construction loans. Adverse economic conditions may negatively impact the real estate market, which could affect the borrowers’ ability to complete and sell the project. Additionally, the fair value of the underlying collateral may fluctuate as market conditions change. As construction loans make up only a small percentage of the total loan portfolio, these loans are not further broken down into classes.
Small Business Administration Loans
We extend loans partially guaranteed by the SBA. We primarily extend SBA loans known as SBA 7(a) loans and SBA 504 loans. SBA 7(a) loans are typically extended for working capital needs, purchase of inventory, purchase of machinery and equipment, debt refinance, business acquisitions, start-up financing or to purchase or construct owner-occupied commercial property. SBA 7(a) loans are typically term loans with maturities up to 10 years for loans not secured by real estate and up to 25 years for real estate secured loans. SBA loans are fully amortizing with monthly payments of principal and interest. SBA 7(a) loans are typically floating rate loans that are secured by business assets and/or real estate. Depending on the loan amount, each loan is typically guaranteed 75% to 85% by the SBA, with a maximum gross loan amount to any one small business borrower of $5.0 million and a maximum SBA guaranteed amount of $3.75 million.
We are generally able to sell the guaranteed portion of the SBA 7(a) loans in the secondary market at a premium, while earning servicing fee income on the sold portion over the remaining life of the loan. In addition to the interest yield earned on the unguaranteed portion of the SBA 7(a) loans that are not sold, we hope to recognize income from gains on sales and from loan servicing on the SBA 7(a) loans that are sold.
SBA 504 loans are typically extended for the purpose of purchasing owner-occupied commercial real estate or long-term capital equipment. SBA 504 loans are typically extended for up to 20 years or the life of the asset being financed. SBA 504 loans are financed as a participation loan between the Bank and the SBA through a Certified Development Company (“CDC”). Generally, the loans are structured to give the Bank a 50% first deed of trust (“TD”), the CDC a 40% second TD, and the remaining 10% is funded by the borrower. Interest rates for first TD Bank loans are subject to normal bank commercial rates and terms, and the second TD CDC loans are fixed for the life of the loans based on certain indices.

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All of our SBA loans are originated through our SBA Loan Departments. The SBA Loan Departments are staffed by loan officers who provide assistance to qualified businesses. The Bank has been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender, which is the highest designation awarded by the SBA. This designation generally facilitates a more efficient marketing and approval process for SBA loans. We have attained SBA Preferred Lender status nationwide.
Consumer Loans
Our consumer loans consist of auto loans, home equity, single-family mortgages, and signature loans, with a majority of our consumer loan portfolio currently consisting of single-family mortgages secured by a first deed of trust on single family residences under a variety of loan products including fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages with either 30-year or 15-year terms. Adjustable rate mortgage loans are also offered with flexible initial and periodic adjustments ranging from five to seven years.
Investing Activities
The main objective of our investment strategy is to provide a source of on-balance sheet liquidity while providing a means to manage our interest rate risk, and to generate an adequate level of interest income without taking undue risks. Subject to various restrictions, our investment policy permits investment in various types of securities, certificates of deposit (“CDs”) and federal funds sold. Our investment portfolio has consisted of government sponsored agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), trust preferred securities, corporate securities, municipal securities, and mutual funds. For a detailed breakdown of our investment portfolio, see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Investment Security Portfolio.”
Our securities are classified for accounting purposes as available for sale. We do not maintain held-to-maturity or trading portfolios. Securities purchased to meet investment-related objectives, such as liquidity management or interest rate risk and which may be sold as necessary to implement management strategies, are designated as available for sale at the time of purchase.
Deposit Activities
We attract both short-term and long-term deposits from the general public by offering a wide range of deposit products and services. Through our branch network, we provide our banking customers with personal and business checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts, time deposit accounts, individual retirement accounts, 24-hour ATMs, internet banking and bill-pay, remote deposit capture, lock boxes, and ACH origination services. In addition to our retail deposits, we obtain both secured and unsecured wholesale deposits including public deposits such as State of California Treasurer’s time deposits, brokered money market and time deposits, and deposits gathered from outside of the Bank’s normal market area through deposit listing services.
FDIC-insured deposits are our primary source of funds. As part of our asset-liability management, we analyze our retail and wholesale deposit maturities and interest rates to monitor and manage our cost of funds, to the extent feasible in the context of changing market conditions, as well as to promote stability in our supply of funds. For additional information on deposits, see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Deposits.”
Borrowing Activities
When we have more funds than required for our reserve requirements or short-term liquidity needs, we may sell federal funds to other financial institutions. Conversely, when we have less funds than required, we may borrow funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (the “FHLB”), the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“the Federal Reserve Bank”), or our correspondent banking relationships. In addition, we may borrow from the FHLB on a longer term basis to provide funding for certain loan or investment securities strategies, as well as asset-liability management strategies.
The FHLB functions in a reserve credit capacity for qualifying financial institutions. As a member, we are required to own capital stock in the FHLB and may apply for advances from the FHLB on an unsecured basis or by utilizing qualifying loans and certain securities as collateral. The FHLB offers a full range of borrowing programs on its advances, with terms ranging from one day to thirty years, at competitive market rates. A prepayment penalty is usually imposed for early repayment of these advances. Information concerning FHLB advances and other borrowings is included in Note 8 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
We may also borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank. The maximum amount that we may borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank’s discount window is up to 95% of the outstanding principal balance of the qualifying loans and the fair value of the securities that we pledge.

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Market Area and Competition
We currently have 63 banking offices in areas having high concentrations of Korean Americans, of which 35 are located in the Los Angeles, Orange County, Oakland and Silicon Valley (Santa Clara County) areas of California, 10 are located in the New York City metropolitan area and New Jersey, six are in the Chicago metropolitan area, four are in the Seattle metropolitan area, four are in Texas, two are in Virginia, one is in Alabama, and one is in Georgia. We also have eight loan production offices located in Dallas, Seattle, Atlanta, Denver, Portland, Fremont, Newport Beach, and Laguna Niguel. The banking and financial services industry generally, and in our market areas specifically, is highly competitive. The increasingly competitive environment is a result primarily of strong competition among the banks servicing the Korean-American community, changes in regulation, changes in technology and product delivery systems, and consolidation among financial services companies. In addition, federal legislation may have the effect of further increasing the pace of consolidation within the financial services industry. See “Supervision and Regulation.”
We compete for loans, deposits, and customers with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, securities and brokerage companies, mortgage companies, insurance companies, marketplace finance platforms, money market funds, credit unions, and other non-bank financial service providers. Many of these competitors are much larger in total assets and capitalization, have greater access to capital markets, are more widely recognized, have broader geographic scope, and offer a broader range of financial services than we do.
Economic Conditions, Government Policies and Legislation
Our profitability, like that of most financial institutions, depends, among other things, on interest rate differentials. In general, the difference between the interest expense on interest bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings, and the interest income on our interest earning assets, such as loans we extend to our customers and securities held in our investment portfolio, as well as the level of noninterest bearing deposits, have a significant impact on our profitability. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, such as the economy, inflation, unemployment, consumer spending, and political changes and events. The impact that future changes in domestic and foreign economic and political conditions might have on our performance cannot be predicted.
Our business is also influenced by the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government and the policies of regulatory agencies, particularly the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”). The FRB implements national monetary policies (with objectives such as curbing inflation or preventing recession) through its open-market operations in U.S. government securities, by adjusting the required level of reserves for depository institutions subject to its reserve requirements, and by varying the targeted federal funds and discount rates applicable to borrowings by depository institutions. The actions of the FRB in these areas influence the growth of bank loans, investments, and deposits and also affect interest rates earned on interest earning assets and paid on interest bearing liabilities. The nature and impact on Hope Bancorp, and the Bank, of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies cannot be predicted.
From time to time, legislation and regulations are enacted or adopted which have the effect of increasing the cost of doing business, limiting, or expanding permissible activities, or affecting the competitive balance between banks and other financial services providers. Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the operations and taxation of banks, bank holding companies, financial holding companies, and other financial institutions and financial services providers are frequently made in the U.S. Congress, in state legislatures, and by various regulatory agencies. These proposals may result in changes in banking statutes and regulations and our operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. If enacted, such legislation could increase the cost of doing business, limit permissible activities, or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other financial institutions. We cannot predict whether any of this potential legislation will be enacted, and if enacted, the effect that it, or any implementing regulations, would have on our financial condition or results of operations. See “Supervision and Regulation.”
Supervision and Regulation
General
The Company is registered with and subject to examination by the FRB as a bank holding company and is also subject to certain provisions of the California Financial Code as applicable to bank holding companies. As a California state-chartered bank whose accounts are insured by the FDIC, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and regular examination by the California Department of Business Oversight (the “DBO”) and the FDIC. Such supervision and regulation covers substantially all of the business activities of Hope Bancorp and the Bank, including, among others, capital standards, general investment authority, deposit taking and borrowing authority, mergers, establishment of branch offices, and permitted subsidiary investments and activities. In addition, while the Bank is not a member of the FRB, the Bank is subject to certain regulations of the FRB. The federal and state regulatory systems are intended primarily for the protection of depositors, the FDIC deposit insurance fund (the “DIF”) and the banking system as a whole, rather than for the protection of shareholders or other investors.

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In the exercise of their supervisory and examination authority, the regulatory agencies have recently emphasized corporate governance; capital planning and stress testing; liquidity management; enterprise risk management and other board responsibilities; anti-money laundering compliance; information technology adequacy; cyber security preparedness; vendor management; fair lending; and other consumer compliance obligations.
The following summarize certain laws and regulations that apply to Hope Bancorp and the Bank. These descriptions of statutes and regulations and their possible effects do not purport to be complete descriptions of all of the provisions of those statutes and regulations and their possible effects on us, nor do they purport to identify every statute and regulation that may apply to us.
Legislation and Regulatory Developments
The federal banking agencies continue to implement the remaining requirements in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) as well as promulgating other regulations and guidelines intended to assure the financial strength and safety and soundness of banks and the stability of the U.S. banking system. For example, following the initial effectiveness of new capital rules (the “New Capital Rules”) in 2015, the phase-in of a new “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% for minimum risk-weighted asset ratios under the New Capital Rules began on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% and increased to 1.25% on January 1, 2017 and 1.875% on January 1, 2018. See “Capital Adequacy” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”
Our assets exceed $10 billion and, as a result, we are subject to additional regulation and supervision applicable to banking organizations with more than $10 billion in assets, such as the following:
We are required to comply with certain provisions of the FRB’s Enhanced Prudential Standards that impose a variety of requirements regarding risk management and governance. These standards require, for example, that we establish a board-level risk committee.
We are subject to periodic examination by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) with respect to compliance with federal consumer laws. Although we were previously subject to regulations issued by the CFPB, the Bank’s primary federal regulatory, the FDIC, had responsibility for our consumer compliance exams. See “Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.”
We have to comply with the annual stress testing requirements mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act.
Capital Adequacy Requirements
Bank holding companies and banks are subject to similar regulatory capital requirements administered by their state and federal supervisory banking agencies. The basic capital rule changes in the New Capital Rules adopted by the federal bank regulatory agencies were fully effective on January 1, 2015, but many elements are being phased in over multiple years. The risk-based capital guidelines for bank holding companies and banks, and additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations (see “Prompt Corrective Action Provisions”), require banking organizations to maintain capital ratios that vary based on the perceived degree of risk associated with a banking organization’s operations for both transactions reported on the balance sheet as assets, such as loans, and those recorded as off-balance sheet items, such as commitments, letters of credit, and recourse arrangements. The risk-based capital ratios are determined by classifying assets and certain off-balance sheet financial instruments into weighted categories, with higher levels of capital being required for those categories perceived as representing greater risks, and dividing qualifying capital by total risk-adjusted assets and off-balance sheet items. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weighting, and other factors. Bank holding companies and banks engaged in significant trading activity may also be subject to the market risk capital guidelines and be required to incorporate additional market and interest rate risk components into their risk-based capital standards. To the extent that the new rules are not fully phased in, the prior capital rules continue to apply.
The New Capital Rules revised the previous risk-based and leverage capital requirements for banking organizations to meet requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act and to implement the international Basel Committee on Banking Supervision Basel III agreements. Many of the requirements in the New Capital Rules and other regulations and rules apply only to larger or internationally active institutions and those with $10 billion of assets. For example, banking organizations with more than $10 billion in assets are subject to the Dodd Frank Act’s requirements for annual stress tests and the Enhanced Prudential Standards, both of which apply to the Company and the Bank now that we have crossed the $10 billion asset threshold. Other requirements will apply, such as Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review requirements; capital plan and Resolution Plan or living will submissions; an additional countercyclical capital buffer; and a supplementary leverage ratio.

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Under the risk-based capital guidelines in place prior to the effectiveness of the New Capital Rules, which trace back to the 1988 Basel I accord, there were three fundamental capital ratios: a total risk-based capital ratio, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and a Tier 1 leverage ratio. To generally be deemed “well capitalized” for bank regulatory purposes a bank must have a total risk-based capital ratio, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least ten percent, six percent and five percent, respectively. Under the prior capital rules there was no Tier 1 leverage requirement for a holding company to be deemed well-capitalized.
The following are the New Capital Rules applicable to the Hope Bancorp and the Bank since January 1, 2015:
an increase in the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio from 4.00% to 6.00% of risk-weighted assets;
a new category and a required 4.50% of risk-weighted assets ratio is established for “common equity Tier 1” as a subset of Tier 1 capital limited to common equity;
a minimum non-risk-based leverage ratio is set at 4.00%;
changes in the permitted composition of Tier 1 capital to exclude trust preferred securities (subject to certain grandfathering exceptions for organizations like Hope Bancorp which were under $15 billion in assets as of December 31, 2009), mortgage servicing rights and certain deferred tax assets and to include unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt and equity securities (unless the organization opts out of including such unrealized gains and losses).
the risk-weights of certain assets for purposes of calculating the risk-based capital ratios are changed for high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development and construction loans, certain past due non-residential mortgage loans and certain mortgage-backed and other securities exposures; and
an additional capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk weighted assets above the regulatory minimum capital ratios, which will be phased in until 2019 beginning at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets for 2016 and increasing 0.625% annually (1.25% for 2017), and which must be met to avoid limitations on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends, repurchase shares or pay discretionary bonuses.
Management believes that, as of December 31, 2017, Hope Bancorp and the Bank would meet all requirements under the New Capital Rules applicable to them on a fully phased-in basis if such requirements were currently in effect.
Including the capital conservation buffer of 2.5%, the New Capital Rules would result in the following minimum ratios to be generally considered “well capitalized” for bank regulatory purposes: (i) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%, (ii) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. At December 31, 2017, the respective capital ratios of Hope Bancorp and the Bank exceeded the minimum percentage requirements to generally be deemed “well-capitalized” for bank regulatory purposes. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
While the New Capital Rules set higher regulatory capital standards for Hope Bancorp and the Bank, bank regulators may also continue their past policies of expecting banks to maintain additional capital beyond the new minimum requirements. The implementation of the New Capital Rules or more stringent requirements to maintain higher levels of capital or to maintain higher levels of liquid assets could adversely impact the Company’s net income and return on equity, restrict the ability to pay dividends or executive bonuses and require the raising of additional capital. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
The Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDI Act”) requires the federal bank regulatory agencies to take “prompt corrective action” with respect to a depository institution if that institution does not meet certain capital adequacy standards, including requiring the prompt submission of an acceptable capital restoration plan. Depending on the bank’s capital ratios, the agencies’ regulations define five categories in which an insured depository institution will be placed: well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. At each successive lower capital category, an insured bank is subject to more restrictions, including restrictions on the bank’s activities, operational practices or the ability to pay dividends or executive bonuses. Based upon its capital levels, a bank that is classified as well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, or undercapitalized may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if the appropriate federal banking agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound condition, or an unsafe or unsound practice, warrants such treatment.
The prompt corrective action standards were also changed to conform with the New Capital Rules. Under the new standards, in order to be generally considered well-capitalized for bank regulatory purposes, the bank will be required to meet the new common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5%, an increased Tier 1 ratio of 8% (increased from 6%), an unchanged total capital ratio of 10% and an unchanged leverage ratio of 5%.

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The federal banking agencies also may require banks and bank holding companies subject to enforcement actions to maintain capital ratios in excess of the minimum ratios otherwise generally required to be deemed well capitalized for bank regulatory purposes, in which case institutions may no longer be deemed to be well capitalized and may therefore be subject to certain restrictions such as on taking brokered deposits.
Volcker Rule
In December 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies adopted final rules that implement a part of the Dodd-Frank Act commonly referred to as the “Volcker Rule.” Under these rules and subject to certain exceptions, banking entities are restricted from engaging in activities that are considered proprietary trading and from sponsoring or investing in certain entities, including hedge or private equity funds that are considered covered funds. These rules became effective on April 1, 2014, although certain provisions were subject to delayed effectiveness until July 2017 under rules promulgated by the FRB. Hope Bancorp and the Bank had no investment positions or relationships at December 31, 2017 that were subject to the final rule. Therefore, while these new rules may require us to conduct certain internal analyses and reporting to ensure continued compliance, they did not require any material changes in our operations or business.
Bank Holding Company Regulation
Bank holding companies and their subsidiaries are subject to significant regulation and restrictions by federal and state laws and regulatory agencies, which may affect the cost of doing business, and may limit permissible activities and expansion or impact the competitive balance between banks and other non-bank financial services providers.
A wide range of requirements and restrictions are contained in both federal and state banking laws, which together with implementing regulatory authority:
Require periodic reports to, and such additional reports of information as the FRB may require;
Require bank holding companies to meet or exceed increased levels of capital (See “Capital Adequacy Requirements”);
Require that bank holding companies serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to subsidiary banks and commit resources as necessary to support each subsidiary bank.
Limit dividends payable to shareholders and restrict the ability of bank holding companies to obtain dividends or other distributions from their subsidiary banks. Hope Bancorp’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock is subject to legal and regulatory restrictions. Substantially all of Hope Bancorp’s funds to pay dividends or to pay principal and interest on our debt obligations are derived from dividends paid by the Bank;
Require a bank holding company to terminate an activity or terminate control of or liquidate or divest certain subsidiaries, affiliates or investments if the FRB believes the activity or the control of the subsidiary or affiliate constitutes a significant risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of any bank subsidiary;
Require the prior approval of senior executive officer or director changes and prohibit golden parachute payments, including change in control agreements, or new employment agreements with such payment terms, which are contingent upon termination, if an institution has been deemed to be in “troubled condition”
Regulate provisions of certain bank holding company debt, including the authority to impose interest ceilings and reserve requirements on such debt and require prior approval to purchase or redeem securities in certain situations;
Require prior approval for the acquisition of 5% or more of the voting stock of a bank or bank holding company by bank holding companies or other acquisitions and mergers with banks, while considering certain competitive, management, financial, compliance and, other factors in granting these approvals, in addition to similar California or other state banking agency approvals which may also be required; and
Require prior notice and/or prior approval of the acquisition of control of a bank or bank holding company by a shareholder or individuals acting in concert with ownership or control of 10% of the voting stock being a presumption of control.
Other Restrictions on the Company’s Activities
Subject to prior notice or FRB approval, if and as applicable, bank holding companies may generally engage in, or acquire shares of companies engaged in, activities determined by the FRB to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Bank holding companies that elect and retain “financial holding company” status pursuant to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLBA”) may engage in these nonbanking activities and broader securities, insurance, merchant banking and other activities that are determined to be “financial in nature” or are incidental or complementary to activities that are financial in nature without prior FRB approval. Pursuant to GLBA and the Dodd-Frank Act, in order to elect and retain financial holding company status, a bank holding company and all depository institution subsidiaries of a bank holding company must be considered well capitalized and well managed, and, except in limited circumstances, depository subsidiaries must be in satisfactory compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), which requires banks to help meet the credit needs of the communities in which they operate. Failure to sustain compliance with these requirements or correct any non-compliance

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within a fixed time period could lead to divestiture of subsidiary banks or require all activities to conform to those permissible for a bank holding company. Hope Bancorp has not elected financial holding company status and neither Hope Bancorp nor the Bank has engaged in any activities determined by the FRB to be financial in nature or incidental or complementary to activities that are financial in nature.
The Company is also a bank holding company within the meaning of Section 3700 of the California Financial Code. Therefore, the Bank and any of its subsidiaries are subject to examination by, and may be required to file reports with, the DBO. DBO approvals are also required for certain mergers and acquisitions.
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
The Company’s common stock is publicly held and listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”), and the Company is subject to the periodic reporting, information, proxy solicitation, insider trading, corporate governance and other requirements and restrictions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) promulgated thereunder as well as listing requirements of NASDAQ.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
The Company is subject to the accounting oversight and corporate governance requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, including, among other things, required executive officer certification of financial information presentations, requirements for board audit committees and their members, and disclosure of controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.
Bank Regulation
As a California commercial bank whose deposits are insured by the FDIC, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision, and regular examination by the DBO and by the FDIC, as the Bank’s primary federal regulator, and must additionally comply with certain applicable regulations of the FRB. Specific federal and state laws and regulations that are applicable to banks regulate, among other things, the scope of their business, their investments, their reserves against deposits, the timing of the availability of deposited funds, their activities relating to dividends, investments, loans, the nature and amount of and collateral for certain loans, servicing and foreclosing on loans, borrowings, capital requirements, certain check-clearing activities, branching, and mergers and acquisitions. California banks are also subject to statutes and regulations including FRB Regulation O and Federal Reserve Act Sections 23A and 23B and Regulation W, which restrict or limit loans or extensions of credit to “insiders”, including officers, directors, and principal shareholders, and loans or extension of credit by banks to affiliates or purchases of assets from affiliates, including parent bank holding companies, except pursuant to certain exceptions and only on terms and conditions at least as favorable to those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated parties. The Dodd-Frank Act expanded definitions and restrictions on transactions with affiliates and insiders under Sections 23A and 23B and also lending limits for derivative transactions, repurchase agreements and securities lending and borrowing transactions.
Pursuant to the FDI Act and the California Financial Code, California state chartered commercial banks may generally engage in any activity permissible for national banks. Therefore, the Bank may form subsidiaries to engage in the many so-called “closely related to banking” or “nonbanking” activities commonly conducted by national banks in operating subsidiaries or by subsidiaries of bank holding companies. Further, California state chartered banks may conduct certain financial activities permitted under GLBA in a “financial subsidiary” to the same extent as a national bank, provided the bank is and remains well-capitalized, well-managed and in satisfactory compliance with the CRA. The Bank currently conducts no non-banking or financial activities through subsidiaries.
FDIC and DBO Enforcement Authority
The federal and California regulatory structure gives the bank regulatory agencies extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of appropriate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. The regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines to assist in identifying and addressing potential safety and soundness concerns before an institution’s capital becomes impaired. The guidelines establish operational and managerial standards generally relating to: (1) internal controls, information systems, and internal audit systems; (2) loan documentation; (3) credit underwriting; (4) interest-rate exposure; (5) asset growth and asset quality; and (6) compensation, fees, and benefits. Further, the regulatory agencies have adopted safety and soundness guidelines for asset quality and for evaluating and monitoring earnings to ensure that earnings are sufficient for the maintenance of adequate capital and reserves. If, as a result of an examination, the DBO or the FDIC should determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, or other aspects of the Bank’s operations are unsatisfactory or that the Bank or its management is violating or has violated any law or regulation, the DBO and the FDIC have residual authority to:
Require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice;

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Direct an increase in capital and the maintenance of higher specific minimum capital ratios, which could preclude the Bank from being deemed well capitalized and restrict its ability to accept certain brokered deposits;
Restrict the Bank’s growth geographically, by products and services, or by mergers and acquisitions, including precluding bidding in FDIC receiverships for failed banks;
Enter into or issue informal or formal enforcement actions, including required Board resolutions, Matters Requiring Board Attention (MRBA), memoranda of understanding, written agreements and consent or cease and desist orders or prompt corrective action orders to take corrective action and cease unsafe and unsound practices;
Require prior approval of senior executive officer or director changes; remove officers and directors and assess civil monetary penalties; and
Terminate FDIC insurance, revoke the charter and/or take possession of and close and liquidate the Bank or appoint the FDIC as receiver.
Deposit Insurance
The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures deposits, up to prescribed statutory limits, of federally insured banks and savings institutions, and safeguards the safety and soundness of the depository institutions. The FDIC insures our customer deposits through the DIF up to prescribed limits. The FDIC may terminate a depository institution’s deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound, or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices that pose a risk to the DIF or that may prejudice the interest of the bank’s depositors. The termination of the Bank’s deposit insurance would result in the revocation of the Bank’s charter by the DBO.
We are generally unable to control the amount of assessments that we pay for FDIC insurance, which can be affected by the cost of bank failures to the FDIC, among other factors. The Dodd-Frank Act revised the FDIC’s DIF management authority by setting requirements for the Designated Reserve Ratio (the DIF balance divided by estimated insured deposits) and redefining the assessment base which is used to calculate banks’ quarterly assessments. The amount of FDIC assessments paid by each DIF member institution is based on its asset size and its relative risk of default as measured by regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory factors.
In 2016, the FDIC adopted a rule increasing the DIF’s minimum reserve ratio to 1.35% as required by the Dodd Frank Act. As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the costs of increasing the DIF’s reserve ratio from 1.15% to 1.35% will be borne by depository institutions with total consolidated assets of $10 billion or more, which has an impact on the Bank’s deposit insurance assessments because the Bank now has in excess of $10 billion in assets. Any future increases in FDIC insurance assessments may have a material and adverse effect on our earnings and could have a material adverse effect on the value of, or market for, our common stock.
Dividends
Hope Bancorp’s ability to pay dividends is subject to restrictions set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a Delaware corporation may pay dividends either (i) out of the corporation’s surplus (as defined by Delaware law), or (ii) if there is no surplus, out of the corporation’s net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. It is the FRB’s policy, however, that bank holding companies should generally pay dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. It is also the FRB’s policy that bank holding companies should not maintain dividend levels that undermine their ability to be a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. The FRB also discourages dividend payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels unless both asset quality and capital are very strong.
The Bank is a legal entity that is separate and distinct from Hope Bancorp. Hope Bancorp depends on the performance of the Bank for funds that the Bank may pay to Hope Bancorp as dividends for use in Hope Bancorp’s operations and that Hope Bancorp may use to pay dividends to shareholders. The ability of the Bank to pay a cash dividend to Hope Bancorp is subject to provisions of the California Financial Code that limit the amount available for cash dividends to the lesser of a bank’s retained earnings or net income for its last three fiscal years (less any distributions to shareholders made during such period). Where the above test is not met, cash dividends may still be paid, with the prior approval of the DBO, in an amount not exceeding the greatest of (1) retained earnings of the bank; (2) the net income of the bank for its last fiscal year; or (3) the net income of the bank for its current fiscal year. The Bank’s ability to pay cash dividends to Hope Bancorp will also depend upon management’s assessment of future capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors. The New Capital Rules may also restrict dividends by the Bank if the additional capital conservation buffer is not achieved.

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Operations and Consumer Compliance Laws
The Bank must comply with numerous federal and state anti-money laundering and consumer protection statutes and implementing regulations, including, but not limited to, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, the CRA, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the National Flood Insurance Act, the California Homeowner Bill of Rights and various federal and state privacy protection laws, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and CAN-SPAM Act. Noncompliance with any of these laws could subject the Bank to compliance enforcement actions as well as lawsuits and could also result in administrative penalties, including, fines and reimbursements. The Bank and Hope Bancorp are also subject to federal and state laws prohibiting unfair or fraudulent business practices, untrue or misleading advertising and unfair competition.
These laws and regulations mandate certain disclosure and reporting requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must deal with customers when taking deposits, making loans, servicing, collecting and foreclosure of loans, and providing other services. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations can subject the Bank to various penalties, including but not limited to enforcement actions, injunctions, fines or criminal penalties, punitive damages to consumers, and the loss of certain contractual rights.
The Bank received a “Satisfactory” rating in the most recent public disclosure of CRA performance evaluation released by the FDIC in 2015, which states that the Bank’s CRA performance under the Lending, Investment, and Service Tests supports the overall rating.
Consumer Finance Protection Bureau
The Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB as an independent entity within the FRB with broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority over consumer financial products and services, including deposit products, residential mortgages, home-equity loans and credit cards. The bureau’s functions include investigating consumer complaints, conducting market research, rulemaking, supervising and examining bank consumer transactions, and enforcing rules related to consumer financial products and services. CFPB regulations and guidance apply to all financial institutions and banks with $10 billion or more in assets are subject to examination by the CFPB. Banks with less than $10 billion in assets continue to be examined for compliance by their primary federal banking agency. The Bank is subject to examination by the CFPB.
In 2014, the CFPB adopted revisions to Regulation Z, which implement the Truth in Lending Act, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, and apply to consumer mortgages. The revisions mandate specific underwriting criteria for home loans in order for creditors to make a reasonable, good faith determination of a consumer’s ability to repay and establish certain protections from liability under the requirements for “qualified mortgages” that meet certain specific standards. As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFPB also promulgated TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (”TRID”) rules which became effective in 2015 and require new mortgage disclosures. The Bank believes it has fully implemented the TRID requirements.
Employees
As of December 31, 2017, we had 1,470 full-time equivalent employees compared to 1,372 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2016. None of our employees are represented by a union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Management believes that its relations with its employees are good.


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Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS
In the course of conducting its business operations, we are exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent in the financial services industry and others of which are more specific to its own business. The following discussion addresses the most significant risks that could affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and capital position. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business. If any of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely effected. In that event, the market price for our common stock will likely decline.
Risk relating to our business
Economic conditions in the markets in which we operate may adversely affect our loan portfolio and reduce the demand for our services. We focus our business primarily in Korean-American communities in California, the greater New York City, Chicago, Houston and Dallas, and Seattle metropolitan areas, New Jersey, Virginia, Alabama, and Georgia. Adverse economic conditions in our market areas could potentially have a material adverse impact on the quality of our business. A renewed economic slowdown in the markets in which we operate currently and in the future may have any or all of the following consequences, any of which may reduce our net income and adversely affect our financial condition:
loan delinquencies may increase;
problem assets and foreclosures may increase;
the level and duration of deposits may decline;
demand for our products and services may decline; and
collateral for loans may decline in value below the principal amount owed by the borrower.
We have a high level of loans secured by real estate collateral. A downturn in the real estate market may seriously impair our loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2017, approximately 77% of our loan portfolio consisted of loans secured by various types of real estate. Following the financial crisis of 2008, there was a general slowdown in the economy and declines in the value of real estate. Although the economy has rebounded and real estate prices have gradually recovered from their earlier low levels, it is possible that there will be renewed deterioration in the real estate market generally and in commercial real estate values in particular. Such developments may result in additional loan charge-offs and provisions for loan losses, which may have a material and adverse effect on our net income and capital levels.
Our commercial loan and commercial real estate loan portfolios expose us to risks that may be greater than the risks related to our other loans. Our loan portfolio includes commercial loans and commercial real estate loans, which are secured by hotels and motels, shopping/retail centers, service station and car wash, industrial and warehouse properties, and other types of commercial properties. Commercial and commercial real estate loans carry more risk as compared to other types of lending, because they typically involve larger loan balances often concentrated with a single borrower or groups of related borrowers.
Accordingly, charge-offs on commercial and commercial real estate loans may be larger on a per loan basis than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios. In addition, these loans expose a lender to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate. The payment experience on commercial real estate loans that are secured by income producing properties are typically dependent on the successful operation of the related real estate project and thus, may subject us to adverse conditions in the real estate market or to the general economy. The collateral securing these loans typically cannot be liquidated as easily as residential real estate. If we foreclose on these loans, our holding period for the collateral typically is longer than residential properties because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral.
Unexpected deterioration in the credit quality of our commercial or commercial real estate loan portfolios would require us to increase our provision for loan losses, which would reduce our profitability and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
In addition, with respect to commercial real estate loans, federal and state banking regulators are examining commercial real estate lending activity with heightened scrutiny and may require banks with higher levels of commercial real estate loans to implement more stringent underwriting, internal controls, risk management policies and portfolio stress testing, as well as possibly higher levels of allowances for losses and capital levels as a result of commercial real estate lending growth and exposures. Because a significant portion of our loan portfolio is comprised of commercial real estate loans, the banking regulators may require us to maintain higher levels of capital than we would otherwise be expected to maintain, which could limit our ability to leverage our capital and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

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Our allowance for loan losses may not cover actual loan losses. If our actual loan losses exceed the amount we have allocated for estimated probable incurred losses, our business will be adversely affected. We attempt to limit the risk that borrowers will fail to repay loans by carefully underwriting our loans, but losses nevertheless occur in the ordinary course of business operations. We create allowances for estimated loan losses through provisions that are recorded as reductions in income in our accounting records. We base these allowances on estimates of the following:
historical experience with our loans;
evaluation of current economic conditions and other factors;
reviews of the quality, mix and size of the overall loan portfolio;
reviews of delinquencies; and
the quality of the collateral underlying our loans.
If our allowance estimates are inadequate, we may incur losses, our financial condition may be materially and adversely affected and we may be required to try and raise additional capital to enhance our capital position. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the adequacy of our allowance. These agencies may require us to establish additional allowances based on their judgment of the information available at the time of their examinations. No assurance can be given that we will not sustain loan losses in excess of present or future levels of the allowance for loan losses or that regulatory agencies will not require us to increase our allowance thereby impacting our profitability.
Changes in interest rates affect our profitability. The interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investing, and deposit taking activities is a significant market risk to us and our business. We derive our income mainly from the difference or “spread” between the interest earned on loans, securities and other interest earning assets, and interest paid on deposits, borrowings and other interest bearing liabilities. In general, the wider the spread, the more net interest income we earn. When market rates of interest change, the interest we receive on our assets and the interest we pay on our liabilities will fluctuate. This can cause decreases in our spread and can greatly affect our income. In addition, interest rate fluctuations can affect how much money we may be able to lend. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in minimizing the potentially adverse effects of changes in interest rates.
If we lose key employees, our business may suffer. There is intense competition for experienced and highly qualified personnel in the Korean-American banking industry and the banking industry more broadly. Our future success depends on the continued employment of existing senior management personnel. If we lose key employees temporarily or permanently, it may hurt our business. We may be particularly hurt if our key employees, including any of our executive officers, became employed by our competitors in the Korean-American banking industry.
Environmental laws may force us to pay for environmental problems. The cost of cleaning up or paying damages and penalties associated with environmental problems may increase our operating expenses. When a borrower defaults on a loan secured by real property, we often purchase the property in foreclosure or accept a deed to the property surrendered by the borrower. We may also take over the management of commercial properties whose owners have defaulted on loans. We also lease premises where our branches and other facilities are located, all where environmental problems may exist. Although we have lending, foreclosure and facilities guidelines that are intended to exclude properties with an unreasonable risk of contamination, hazardous substances may exist on some of the properties that we own, lease, manage or occupy. We may face the risk that environmental laws may force us to clean up the properties at our expense. The cost of cleaning up a property may exceed the value of the property. We may also be liable for pollution generated by a borrower’s operations if we take a role in managing those operations after a default. We may find it difficult or impossible to sell contaminated properties.
We are exposed to the risks of natural disasters. A significant portion of our operations is concentrated in Southern California, which is an earthquake and fire prone region. A major earthquake or fire may result in material loss to us. A significant percentage of our loans are and will be secured by real estate. Many of our borrowers may suffer uninsured property damage, experience interruption of their businesses or lose their jobs after an earthquake or fire. Those borrowers might not be able to repay their loans, and the collateral for such loans may decline significantly in value. Unlike a bank with operations that are more geographically diversified, we are vulnerable to greater losses if an earthquake, fire, flood, mudslide or other natural catastrophe occurs in Southern California.
An increase in nonperforming assets would reduce our income and increase our expenses. If the level of nonperforming assets increases in the future, it may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Nonperforming assets are mainly loans on which the borrowers are not making their required payments. Nonperforming assets also include loans that have been restructured to permit the borrower to make payments and real estate that has been acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure of unpaid loans. To the extent that assets are nonperforming, we have less earning assets generating interest income and an increase in credit related expenses, including provisions for loan losses.
We may experience adverse effects from acquisitions. We have acquired other banking companies and bank offices in the past, and will consider additional acquisitions as opportunities arise. If we do not adequately address the financial and operational

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risks associated with acquisitions of other companies, we may incur material unexpected costs and disruption of our business. Future acquisitions may increase the degree of such risks.

Risks involved in acquisitions of other companies include:
the risk of failure to adequately evaluate the asset quality of the acquired company;
difficulty in assimilating the operations, technology and personnel of the acquired company;
diversion of management’s attention from other important business activities;
difficulty in maintaining good relations with the loan and deposit customers of the acquired company;
inability to maintain uniform and effective operating standards, controls, procedures and policies;
potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities or the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities; and
amortization of expenses related to acquired intangible assets that have finite lives.
Liquidity risks may impair our ability to fund operations and jeopardize our financial condition. Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans, and other sources may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities may be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. Factors that may detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity due to a market downturn or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to acquire deposits or borrow may also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a disruption of the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the banking industry or the general financial services industry as a whole.
Increases in the level of our problem assets, occurrence of operating losses or a failure to comply with requirements of the agencies which regulate us may result in regulatory actions against us which may materially and adversely affect our business and the market price of our common stock. The DBO, the FDIC, and the FRB each have authority to take actions to require that we comply with applicable regulatory capital requirements, cease engaging in what they perceive to be unsafe or unsound practices or make other changes in our business. Among others, the corrective measures that such regulatory authorities may take include requiring us to enter into informal or formal agreements regarding our operations, the issuance of cease and desist orders to refrain from engaging in unsafe and unsound practices, removal of officers and directors and the assessment of civil monetary penalties. See “Item 1. Business – Supervision and Regulation” for a further description of such regulatory powers.
Changes in accounting standards may affect how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. These changes and their impacts on us can be hard to predict and may result in unexpected and materially adverse impacts on our reported financial condition and results of operations.
We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations. The Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. The federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal banking regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Internal Revenue Service. We are also subject to increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control and compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions, which may include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us. Any of these results could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents could have a material adverse effect on our business. As a financial institution, we are susceptible to fraudulent activity, information security breaches and cybersecurity-related incidents that may be committed against us or our clients, which may result in financial losses or increased costs to us or our clients, disclosure or misuse of our information or our client information, misappropriation of assets, privacy breaches against our clients, litigation, or damage to our reputation. Such fraudulent activity may take many forms, including check fraud, electronic fraud, wire fraud, phishing, social engineering, and other dishonest acts. Information security breaches and cybersecurity-related incidents may include fraudulent or unauthorized access to systems used by us or our clients, denial or degradation of service attacks, and malware, or other cyber-

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attacks. In recent periods, there continues to be a rise in electronic fraudulent activity, security breaches, and cyber-attacks within the financial services industry, especially in the commercial banking sector due to cyber criminals targeting commercial bank accounts. Consistent with industry trends, we have also experienced an increase in attempted electronic fraudulent activity, security breaches and cybersecurity-related incidents in recent periods. Moreover, in recent periods, several large corporations, including financial institutions and retail companies, have suffered major data breaches, in some cases exposing not only confidential and proprietary corporate information, but also sensitive financial and other personal information of their customers and employees and subjecting them to potential fraudulent activity. Some of our clients may have been affected by these breaches, which increase their risks of identity theft, credit card fraud and other fraudulent activity that could involve their accounts with us.
Information pertaining to us and our clients is maintained, and transactions are executed, on the networks and systems of us, our clients and certain of our third party partners, such as our online banking or reporting systems. The secure maintenance and transmission of confidential information, as well as execution of transactions over these systems, are essential to protect us and our clients against fraud and security breaches and to maintain our clients’ confidence. Breaches of information security also may occur, and in infrequent cases have occurred, through intentional or unintentional acts by those having access to our systems or our clients’ or counterparties’ confidential information, including employees. In addition, increases in criminal activity, levels and sophistication, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries, vulnerabilities in third-party technologies (including browsers and operating systems) or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the technology, processes and controls that we use to prevent fraudulent transactions and to protect data about us, our clients and underlying transactions, as well as the technology used by our clients to access our systems. Although we have developed, and continue to invest in, systems and processes that are designed to detect and prevent security breaches and cyber-attacks and periodically test our security, our inability to anticipate, or failure to adequately mitigate, breaches of security could result in: losses to us or our clients; our loss of business and/or clients; damage to our reputation; the incurrence of additional expenses; disruption to our business; our inability to grow our online services or other businesses; additional regulatory scrutiny or penalties; or our exposure to civil litigation and possible financial liability - any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
More generally, publicized information concerning security and cyber-related problems could inhibit the use or growth of electronic or web-based applications or solutions as a means of conducting commercial transactions. Such publicity may also cause damage to our reputation as a financial institution. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We are subject to operational risks relating to our technology and information systems. The continued efficacy of our technology and information systems, related operational infrastructure and relationships with third party vendors in our ongoing operations is integral to our performance. Failure of any of these resources, including but not limited to operational or systems failures, interruptions of client service operations and ineffectiveness of or interruption in third party data processing or other vendor support, may cause material disruptions in our business, impairment of customer relations and exposure to liability for our customers, as well as action by bank regulatory authorities.
Our business reputation is important and any damage to it may have a material adverse effect on our business. Our reputation is very important for our business, as we rely on our relationships with our current, former, and potential clients and stockholders in the communities we serve. Any damage to our reputation, whether arising from regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions, matters affecting our financial reporting or compliance with SEC and exchange listing requirements, negative publicity, our conduct of our business or otherwise may have a material adverse effect on our business.
As we expand outside our California markets, we may encounter additional risks that may adversely affect us. Currently, the majority of our offices are located in California, but we also have offices in the New York City, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and Seattle metropolitan areas, New Jersey, Virginia, Alabama, and Georgia. Over time, we may seek to establish offices to serve Korean-American communities in other parts of the United States as well. In the course of these expansion activities, we may encounter significant risks, including unfamiliarity with the characteristics and business dynamics of new markets, increased marketing and administrative expenses and operational difficulties arising from our efforts to attract business in new markets, manage operations in noncontiguous geographic markets, comply with local laws and regulations and effectively and consistently manage our non-California personnel and business. If we are unable to manage these risks, our operations may be materially and adversely affected.

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Adverse conditions in South Korea or globally may adversely affect our business. A substantial number of our customers have economic and cultural ties to South Korea and, as a result, we are likely to feel the effects of adverse economic and political conditions there. If economic or political conditions in South Korea deteriorate, we may, among other things, be exposed to economic and transfer risk, and may experience an outflow of deposits by our customers with connections to South Korea. Transfer risk may result when an entity is unable to obtain the foreign exchange needed to meet its obligations or to provide liquidity. This may materially and adversely impact the recoverability of investments in or loans made to such entities. Adverse economic conditions in South Korea may also negatively impact asset values and the profitability and liquidity of our customers who operate in this region. In addition, a general overall decline in global economic conditions may materially and adversely affect our profitability and overall results of operations.
Our use of appraisals in deciding whether to make loans secured by real property does not ensure that the value of the real property collateral will be sufficient to repay our loans. In considering whether to make a loan secured by real property, we require an appraisal of the property. However, an appraisal is only an estimate of the value of the property at the time the appraisal is made and requires the exercise of a considerable degree of judgment. If the appraisal does not accurately reflect the amount that may be obtained upon sale or foreclosure of the property, whether due to a decline in property value after the date of the original appraisal or defective preparation of the appraisal, we may not realize an amount equal to the indebtedness secured by the property and as a result, we may suffer losses.
Governmental regulation and regulatory actions against us may further impair our operations or restrict our growth. We are subject to significant governmental supervision and regulation. These regulations affect our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Statutes and regulations affecting our business may be changed at any time and the interpretation of these statutes and regulations by examining authorities may also change. In addition, regulations may be adopted which increase our deposit insurance premiums and enact special assessments which could increase expenses associated with running our business and adversely affect our earnings.
There can be no assurance that such statutes and regulations, any changes thereto or to their interpretation will not adversely affect our business. In particular, these statutes and regulations, and any changes thereto, could subject us to additional costs (including legal and compliance costs), limit the types of financial services and products we may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. In addition to governmental supervision and regulation, we are subject to changes in other federal and state laws, including changes in tax laws, which could materially affect us and the banking industry generally. We are subject to the rules and regulations of the FRB, the FDIC and the DBO, and examination by the CFPB. In addition, we are subject to the rules and regulation of the Nasdaq Stock Market and the SEC and are subject to enforcement actions and other punitive actions by these agencies. If we fail to comply with federal and state regulations, the regulators may limit our activities or growth, impose fines on us or in the case of our bank regulators, ultimately require our bank to cease its operations. Bank regulations can hinder our ability to compete with financial services companies that are not regulated in the same manner or are less regulated. Federal and state bank regulatory agencies regulate many aspects of our operations. These areas include:
the capital that must be maintained;
the kinds of activities that can be engaged in;
the kinds and amounts of investments that can be made;
the locations of offices;
insurance of deposits and the premiums that we must pay for this insurance;
procedures and policies we must adopt;
conditions and restrictions on our executive compensation; and
how much cash we must set aside as reserves for deposits.
In addition, bank regulatory authorities have the authority to bring enforcement actions against banks and bank holding companies, including the Bank and Hope Bancorp, for unsafe or unsound practices in the conduct of their businesses or for violations of any law, rule or regulation, any condition imposed in writing by the appropriate bank regulatory agency or any written agreement with the authority. Enforcement actions against us could include a federal conservatorship or receivership for the bank, the issuance of additional orders that could be judicially enforced, the imposition of civil monetary penalties, the issuance of directives to enter into a strategic transaction, whether by merger or otherwise, with a third party, the termination of insurance of deposits, the issuance of removal and prohibition orders against institution-affiliated parties, and the enforcement of such actions through injunctions or restraining orders. In addition, as we have grown beyond $10 billion in assets, we are subject to enhanced CFPB examination as well as required to perform more comprehensive stress-testing on our business and operations.

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SBA lending is an important part of our business. Our SBA lending program is dependent upon the federal government, and we face specific risks associated with originating SBA loans. Our SBA lending program is dependent upon the federal government. As an SBA Preferred Lender, we enable our clients to obtain SBA loans without being subject to the potentially lengthy SBA approval process necessary for lenders that are not SBA Preferred Lenders. The SBA periodically reviews the lending operations of participating lenders to assess, among other things, whether the lender exhibits prudent risk management. When weaknesses are identified, the SBA may request corrective actions or impose enforcement actions, including revocation of the lender’s Preferred Lender status. If we lose our status as a Preferred Lender, we may lose some or all of our customers to lenders who are SBA Preferred Lenders, and as a result we could experience a material adverse effect to our financial results. Any changes to the SBA program, including changes to the level of guarantee provided by the federal government on SBA loans, may also have a material adverse effect on our business.
We generally sell the guaranteed portion of our SBA 7(a) loans in the secondary market. These sales have resulted in both premium income for us at the time of sale, and created a stream of future servicing income. We may not be able to continue originating these loans or selling them in the secondary market. Furthermore, even if we are able to continue originating and selling SBA 7(a) loans in the secondary market, we might not continue to realize premiums upon the sale of the guaranteed portion of these loans. When we sell the guaranteed portion of our SBA 7(a) loans, we incur credit risk on the non-guaranteed portion of the loans, and if a customer defaults on the non-guaranteed portion of a loan, we share any loss and recovery related to the loan pro-rata with the SBA. If the SBA establishes that a loss on an SBA guaranteed loan is attributable to significant technical deficiencies in the manner in which the loan was originated, funded or serviced by us, the SBA may seek recovery of the principal loss related to the deficiency from us, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
The laws, regulations and standard operating procedures that are applicable to SBA loan products may change in the future. We cannot predict the effects of these changes on our business and profitability. Because government regulation greatly affects the business and financial results of all commercial banks and bank holding companies and especially our organization, changes in the laws, regulations and procedures applicable to SBA loans could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.
Our stock price may be volatile, which may result in substantial losses for our stockholders. The market price of our common stock may be subject to fluctuations in response to a number of factors, including:
issuing new equity securities;
the amount of our common stock outstanding and the trading volume of our stock;
actual or anticipated changes in our future financial performance;
changes in financial performance estimates by us or by securities analysts;
competitive developments, including announcements by us or our competitors of new products or services or acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
the operating and stock performance of our competitors;
changes in interest rates;
changes in key personnel;
changes in economic conditions that affect the Bank’s performance; and
changes in legislation or regulations that affect the Bank.

We may raise additional capital, which could have a dilutive effect on the existing holders of our common stock and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. We periodically evaluate opportunities to access capital markets, taking into account our financial condition, regulatory capital ratios, business strategies, anticipated asset growth and other relevant considerations. It is possible that future acquisitions, organic growth or changes in regulatory capital requirements could require us to increase the amount or change the composition of our current capital, including our common equity. For all of these reasons and others, and always subject to market conditions, we may issue additional shares of common stock or other capital securities in public or private transactions.
The issuance of additional common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or that represent the right to receive common stock, or the exercise of such securities, could be substantially dilutive to holders of our common stock. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive or other rights that would entitle them to purchase their pro rata share of any offering of shares of any class or series and, therefore, such sales or offerings could result in dilution of the ownership interests of our stockholders.
Our ability to declare and pay dividends in the future, as well as the ability of the Bank to make dividend payments to us, will be subject to regulatory, statutory and other restrictions. There can be no assurance that we will continue payment of regular cash dividends. Our ability to pay dividends at that time will be subject to statutory and other limitations applicable to us or to the Bank.

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Our results of operations or financial condition could be adversely affected as a result of future impairment of our intangible assets. Future acquisitions could result in increases in the amount of our goodwill or other intangible assets. We assess the carrying value of intangible assets, including goodwill, at least annually in order to determine whether such assets are impaired. We make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill or other intangible assets is less than its carrying amount.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. Effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports, effectively prevent fraud and to operate successfully as a public company. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation and business would be harmed. In addition, failure in our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures could cause us to fail to meet the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Global Select Market and, as a result, adversely impact the liquidity and trading price of our securities.
Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and applicable federal and state law may limit the ability of another party to acquire us, which could cause our stock price to decline. Various provisions of our charter documents could delay or prevent a third-party from acquiring us, even if doing so might be beneficial to our shareholders. These include, among other things, advance notice requirements to submit stockholder proposals at stockholder meetings and the authorization to issue “blank check” preferred stock by action of the Board of Directors acting alone, thus without obtaining stockholder approval. In addition, applicable provisions of federal and state law require regulatory approval in connection with certain acquisitions of our common stock and supermajority voting provisions in connection with certain transactions. In particular, both federal and state law limit the acquisition of ownership of, generally, 10% or more of our common stock without providing prior notice to the regulatory agencies and obtaining prior regulatory approval or non-objection or being able to rely on an exemption from such requirement. Collectively, these provisions of our charter documents and applicable federal and state law may prevent a merger or acquisition that would be attractive to stockholders and could limit the price investors would be willing to pay in the future for our common stock.
Our common stock is equity and therefore is subordinate to our subsidiaries’ indebtedness and preferred stock. Our common stock constitutes equity interests and does not constitute indebtedness. As such, common stock will rank junior to all current and future indebtedness and other non-equity claims on us with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against us, including in the event of our liquidation. We may, and the bank and our other subsidiaries may also, incur additional indebtedness from time to time and may increase our aggregate level of outstanding indebtedness. Additionally, holders of common stock are subject to the prior dividend and liquidation rights of any holders of our preferred stock that may be outstanding from time to time. The Board of Directors is authorized to cause us to issue additional classes or series of preferred stock without any action on the part of our stockholders. If we issue preferred shares in the future that have a preference over our common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, or if we issue preferred shares with voting rights that dilute the voting power of the common stock, then the rights of holders of our common stock or the market price of our common stock could be materially adversely affected.
Our common stock is not insured and you could lose the value of your entire investment. An investment in our common stock is not a deposit and is not insured against loss by any government agency.
We may fail to realize cost savings from the Wilshire merger. Although we expect to realize cost savings from the merger when fully phased in, it is possible that these potential cost savings may not be realized fully or realized at all, or may take longer to realize than expected. For example, future business developments may require us to continue to operate or maintain some facilities or support functions that are currently expected to be combined or reduced. Cost savings also depend on our ability to combine the businesses of the Company and Wilshire in a manner that permits those costs savings to be realized. If we are not able to combine the two companies successfully, these anticipated cost savings may not be fully realized or realized at all, or may take longer to realize than expected, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operation and stock price.
Impairment of goodwill resulting prior mergers and acquisitions may adversely affect our results of operations. Goodwill of approximately $464.5 million and core deposits intangibles of $16.5 million were recorded as a result of prior mergers and acquisitions. Potential impairment of goodwill and amortization of other intangible assets could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and stock price. We assess our goodwill and other intangible assets and long-lived assets for impairment annually and more frequently when required by generally accepted accounting principles. We are required to record an impairment charge if circumstances indicate that the asset carrying values exceed their fair values. Our assessment of goodwill, other intangible assets, or long-lived assets could indicate that an impairment of the carrying value of such assets may have occurred that could result in a material, non-cash write-down of such assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and future earnings.

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Implementation of the various provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act-in particular provisions that are applicable to banks and bank holding companies with $10 billion or more in assets-may delay the receipt of regulatory approvals and increase our operating costs or otherwise have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations and stock price. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) enacted in 2010 significantly changes the bank regulatory structure and affects the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act requires various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new implementing rules and regulations and to prepare numerous studies and reports for Congress. The federal agencies are given significant discretion in drafting the implementing rules and regulations, and the rule-making process is still underway.
Several requirements in the Dodd-Frank Act for new banking regulations are applicable to certain banks and bank holding companies with $10 billion or more in assets. As a result of the merger, we surpassed this threshold, and these provisions, subject to a phase in period, will significantly increase compliance and operating costs and otherwise may have a significant impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price. Such provisions include the following:
The Dodd-Frank Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), which has broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The CFPB has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The CFPB has examination and enforcement authority over all banks with more than $10 billion in assets, and accordingly has assumed examination and enforcement authority over us post-merger.
The Dodd-Frank Act increased the authority of the FRB to examine us and our non-bank subsidiaries and gave the FRB the authority to establish rules regarding interchange fees charged for an electronic debit transaction by a payment card issuer that, together with its affiliates, has assets of $10 billion or more, and to enforce a new statutory requirement that such fees be reasonable and proportional to the actual cost of a transaction to the issuer (the “Durbin Amendment”). By regulation, the FRB has limited the fees for such a transaction to the sum of 21 cents plus five basis points times the value of the transaction, plus up to one cent for fraud prevention costs. The effect of the Durbin Amendment has significantly lowered our interchange or “swipe” revenue, but such lower fees are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
The Dodd-Frank Act established 1.35% as the minimum Designated Reserve Ratio (“DRR”). The FDIC has determined that the DRR should be 2.0% and has adopted a plan under which it will meet the statutory minimum DRR of 1.35% by the statutory deadline of September 30, 2020. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the FDIC to offset the effect of the increase in the statutory minimum DRR to 1.35% from the former statutory minimum of 1.15% on institutions with assets less than $10 billion. As a result of the merger, we are no longer entitled to benefit from the offset.
The Dodd-Frank Act requires a publicly traded bank holding company with $10 billion or more in assets to establish and maintain a risk committee responsible for enterprise-wide risk management practices, comprised of an independent chairman and at least one risk management expert. The risk committee must approve and periodically review the risk-management policies of the bank holding company’s global operations and oversee the operations of its risk-management framework. The bank holding company’s risk-management framework must be commensurate with its structure, risk profile, complexity, activities and size. These requirements will first apply to us commencing on October 1, 2018, and we will need to build the necessary infrastructure to comply with these enhanced risk management requirements well before the effective date.
A bank holding company with more than $10 billion in assets is required under the Dodd-Frank Act to conduct annual stress tests using various scenarios established by the FRB, including a baseline, adverse and severely adverse economic conditions (known as “Dodd-Frank Act Stress Tests” or “DFAST”). The stress tests are designed to determine whether our capital planning, assessment of our capital adequacy and risk management practices, adequately protect it and its affiliates in the event of an economic downturn. We must establish adequate internal controls, documentation, policies and procedures to ensure the annual stress test adequately meets these objectives. Our Board of Directors are required to review our policies and procedures at least annually. We are also required to report the results of its annual stress tests to the FRB, and to consider the results of the stress tests as part of its capital planning and risk management practices. We will be subject to the DFAST regime commencing on January 1, 2018, but well in advance of that date, we have undertaken the planning and other actions that we deem reasonably necessary to achieve timely compliance.
It is difficult to predict the overall compliance cost of these provisions, which became effective (with phase-in periods) when the merger was consummated. Compliance with these provisions will require additional staffing, engagement of external consultants and other operating costs that could have a material adverse effect on our future financial condition, results of operations and stock price.


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Item 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
Item 2.
PROPERTIES
Our principal executive offices are located at 3200 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1400, Los Angeles, California 90010. As of December 31, 2017, we operated full-service branches at 56 leased and seven owned facilities, and we operated loan production offices at eight leased facilities. Expiration dates of our leases range from 2018 to 2030. We believe our present facilities are adequate for our current operating needs.
Item 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the normal course of business, we are involved in various legal claims. We have reviewed all legal claims against us with counsel and have taken into consideration the views of such counsel as to the potential outcome of the claims. Accrued loss contingencies for all legal claims totaled approximately $414 thousand at December 31, 2017. It is reasonably possible we may incur losses in addition to the amounts we have accrued. However, at this time, we are unable to estimate the range of additional losses that are reasonably possible because of a number of factors, including the fact that certain of these litigation matters are still in their early stages and involve claims for which, at this point, we believe have little to no merit. Management has considered these and other possible loss contingencies and does not expect the amounts to be material to any of the consolidated financial statements.
Item 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.


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Part II
Item 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “HOPE.”
The following table sets forth, the quarterly range of high and low closing prices and quarterly dividend paid on our common stock for the past two fiscal years:
 
Closing Sale Price
 
Dividends
Paid
Quarters ended:
High
 
Low
 
December 31, 2017
$
19.22


$
17.03


$
0.13

September 30, 2017
$
19.17


$
15.21


$
0.13

June 30, 2017
$
19.63


$
17.41


$
0.12

March 31, 2017
$
22.69


$
18.57


$
0.12

December 31, 2016
$
22.41

 
$
15.45

 
$
0.12

September 30, 2016
$
17.45

 
$
14.41

 
$
0.11

June 30, 2016
$
16.36

 
$
14.09

 
$
0.11

March 31, 2016
$
16.80

 
$
13.79

 
$
0.11


The closing price for our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on February 21, 2018 was $18.74 per share. As of February 21, 2018, there were 1,188 stockholders of record of our common stock.
Our ability to pay dividends is subject to restrictions set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a Delaware corporation may pay dividends either (i) out of the corporation’s surplus (as defined by Delaware law), or (ii) if there is no surplus, out of the corporation’s net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. In addition, the payment of dividends by us is subject to review and possible limitation by the FRB under its authority as regulator of bank holding companies, including any limitations which may be imposed as a condition in connection with any regulatory approvals we may apply for. In general, the FRB discourages the payment of dividends on common stock in amounts exceeding a holding company’s net income available to common stockholders for the four quarters preceding a dividend payment. If we defer interest on the subordinated debentures issued in connection with our trust preferred securities, Hope Bancorp would also be prohibited from paying any dividends on common stock or preferred stock until Hope Bancorp is current on its interest payments.
Our ability to pay cash dividends in the future will depend in large part on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends on its capital stock to us. The ability of the Bank to declare a cash dividend to us is subject to compliance with its minimum capital requirements and, additional limitations under California law and regulations.
The applicable statutory and regulatory limitations on the declaration and payment of dividends are further described in “Item 1. Business – Supervision and Regulation – Dividends.”
We did not repurchase any of our shares of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2017. We currently do not have a common stock repurchase program in place.


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Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return (stock price appreciation plus reinvested dividends) on our common stock with (i) the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Composite Index, (ii) the cumulative total return of the S&P Small Cap 600 Index, (iii) a published index comprised of banks and thrifts selected by SNL Financial LLC, and (iv) the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index. The graph assumes an initial investment of $100 and reinvestment of dividends. Points on the graph represent the performance as of the last business day of each of the years indicated. The graph is not indicative of future price performance.
The following graph does not constitute soliciting material and shall not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any filing by Hope Bancorp under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we may specifically incorporate this graph by reference.
COMPARATIVE CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG HOPE BANCORP, NASDAQ MARKET INDEX, S&P SMALL CAP 600 INDEX,
SNL BANK & THRIFT INDEX AND, S&P 500 INDEX

chart-dc57035f8dd9536e901.jpg
ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON DECEMBER 31, 2012
ASSUMES DIVIDENDS REINVESTED
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2017
 
Period Ending
Stock/Index
12/31/2012
 
12/31/2013
 
12/31/2014
 
12/31/2015
 
12/31/2016
 
12/31/2017
Hope Bancorp, Inc.
$100.00
 
$146.02
 
$129.62
 
$159.60
 
$208.86
 
$178.79
NASDAQ Composite
$100.00
 
$140.12
 
$160.78
 
$171.97
 
$187.22
 
$242.71
S&P 600 Index
$100.00
 
$141.31
 
$149.45
 
$146.50
 
$185.40
 
$209.94
SNL Bank and Thrift
$100.00
 
$136.92
 
$152.85
 
$155.94
 
$196.86
 
$231.49
S&P 500 Index
$100.00
 
$132.39
 
$150.51
 
$152.59
 
$170.84
 
$208.14

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Item 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table presents selected financial and other data for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2017. The information below should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information included elsewhere herein, including our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.
 
As of or For The Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Income Statement Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
572,104

 
$
421,934

 
$
313,660

 
$
302,657

 
$
283,073

Interest expense
90,724

 
58,579

 
40,618

 
36,060

 
30,018

Net interest income
481,380

 
363,355

 
273,042

 
266,597

 
253,055

Provision for loan losses
17,360

 
9,000

 
8,000

 
12,638

 
20,000

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
464,020

 
354,355

 
265,042

 
253,959

 
233,055

Noninterest income
66,415

 
51,819

 
43,691

 
44,187

 
42,719

Noninterest expense
266,601

 
214,975

 
153,384

 
151,624

 
141,620

Income before income tax provision
263,834

 
191,199

 
155,349

 
146,522

 
134,154

Income tax provision
124,389

 
77,452

 
63,091

 
57,907

 
52,399

Net income
$
139,445

 
$
113,747

 
$
92,258

 
$
88,615

 
$
81,755

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per Common Share Data:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings - basic
$
1.03

 
$
1.10

 
$
1.16

 
$
1.11

 
$
1.03

Earnings - diluted
$
1.03

 
$
1.10

 
$
1.16

 
$
1.11

 
$
1.03

Book value (period end)
$
14.23

 
$
13.72

 
$
11.79

 
$
11.10

 
$
10.18

Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.50

 
$
0.45

 
$
0.42

 
$
0.35

 
$
0.25

Number of common shares outstanding (period end)
135,511,891

 
135,240,079

 
79,566,356

 
79,503,552

 
79,441,525

Balance Sheet Data—At Period End:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
$
14,206,717

 
$
13,441,422

 
$
7,912,648

 
$
7,140,330

 
$
6,475,199

Securities available for sale
$
1,720,257

 
$
1,556,740

 
$
1,010,556

 
$
792,523

 
$
701,751

Loans receivable, net of unearned loan fees and discounts (excludes loans held for sale)
$
11,102,575

 
$
10,543,332

 
$
6,248,341

 
$
5,565,192

 
$
5,074,175

Deposits
$
10,846,609

 
$
10,642,035

 
$
6,340,976

 
$
5,693,452

 
$
5,148,057

FHLB advances and federal funds purchased
$
1,227,593

 
$
754,290

 
$
530,591

 
$
480,975

 
$
421,352

Subordinated debentures
$
100,853

 
$
99,808

 
$
42,327

 
$
42,158

 
$
57,410

Stockholders’ equity
$
1,928,255

 
$
1,855,473

 
$
938,095

 
$
882,773

 
$
809,374

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Balance Sheet Data:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
$
13,648,963

 
$
10,342,063

 
$
7,389,530

 
$
6,830,244

 
$
6,042,674

Securities available for sale
$
1,679,468

 
$
1,276,068

 
$
871,010

 
$
713,775

 
$
699,812

Gross loans, including loans held for sale
$
10,642,349

 
$
8,121,897

 
$
5,846,658

 
$
5,355,243

 
$
4,692,089

Deposits
$
10,751,886

 
$
8,232,984

 
$
5,879,704

 
$
5,439,920

 
$
4,739,261

Stockholders’ equity
$
1,907,746

 
$
1,342,954

 
$
912,609

 
$
848,443

 
$
788,570

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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As of or For The Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Selected Performance Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets(1)
1.02
%
 
1.10
%
 
1.25
%
 
1.30
%
 
1.35
%
Return on average stockholders’ equity(2)
7.31
%
 
8.47
%
 
10.11
%
 
10.44
%
 
10.37
%
Average stockholders’ equity to average assets
13.98
%
 
12.99
%
 
12.35
%
 
12.42
%
 
13.05
%
Dividend payout ratio
(dividends per share/earnings per share)
48.54
%
 
40.86
%
 
36.21
%
 
31.53
%
 
24.27
%
Net interest spread(3)
3.46
%
 
3.49
%
 
3.62
%
 
3.88
%
 
4.23
%
Net interest margin(4)
3.80
%
 
3.75
%
 
3.88
%
 
4.13
%
 
4.46
%
Yield on interest earning assets(5)
4.51
%
 
4.36
%
 
4.46
%
 
4.68
%
 
4.99
%
Cost of interest bearing liabilities(6)
1.05
%
 
0.87
%
 
0.84
%
 
0.80
%
 
0.76
%
Efficiency ratio(7)
48.67
%
 
51.78
%
 
48.43
%
 
48.79
%
 
47.88
%
Regulatory Capital Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hope Bancorp:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Equity Tier 1
12.30
%
 
12.10
%
 
12.08
 %
 
12.96
%
 
12.65
%
Tier 1 Leverage
11.54
%
 
11.49
%
 
11.53
 %
 
11.62
%
 
11.97
%
Tier 1 risk-based
13.11
%
 
12.92
%
 
12.67
 %
 
13.64
%
 
13.66
%
Total risk-based
13.82
%
 
13.64
%
 
13.80
 %
 
14.80
%
 
14.90
%
Bank of Hope:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Equity Tier 1
12.95
%
 
12.75
%
 
12.56
 %
 
13.44
%
 
13.46
%
Tier 1 Leverage
11.40
%
 
11.33
%
 
11.43
 %
 
11.45
%
 
11.79
%
Tier I risk-based
12.95
%
 
12.75
%
 
12.56
 %
 
13.44
%
 
13.46
%
Total risk-based
13.66
%
 
13.46
%
 
13.69
 %
 
14.61
%
 
14.70
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset Quality Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans
$
46,775

 
$
40,074

 
$
40,801

 
$
46,353

 
$
39,154

Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing (8)
407

 
305

 
375

 
361

 
5

Restructured loans (accruing)
67,250

 
48,874

 
47,984

 
57,128

 
33,903

Total nonperforming loans
114,432

 
89,253

 
89,160

 
103,842

 
73,062

Other real estate owned
10,787

 
21,990

 
21,035

 
21,938

 
24,288

Total nonperforming assets
$
125,219

 
$
111,243

 
$
110,195

 
$
125,780

 
$
97,350

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset Quality Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans to loans receivable
0.42
%
 
0.38
%
 
0.65
 %
 
0.83
%
 
0.77
%
Nonperforming loans to loans receivable
1.03
%
 
0.85
%
 
1.43
 %
 
1.87
%
 
1.44
%
Nonperforming assets to total assets
0.88
%
 
0.83
%
 
1.39
 %
 
1.76
%
 
1.50
%
Nonperforming assets to loans receivable and
  other real estate owned
1.13
%
 
1.05
%
 
1.76
 %
 
2.25
%
 
1.91
%
Allowance for loan losses to loans receivable
0.76
%
 
0.75
%
 
1.22
 %
 
1.22
%
 
1.33
%
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans
180.74
%
 
197.99
%
 
187.27
 %
 
146.18
%
 
171.94
%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans
73.88
%
 
88.90
%
 
85.70
 %
 
65.25
%
 
92.14
%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming assets
67.51
%
 
71.32
%
 
69.34
 %
 
53.87
%
 
69.15
%
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans receivable
0.11
%
 
0.07
%
 
(0.01
)%
 
0.23
%
 
0.42
%

(1)
Net income divided by average assets.
(2)
Net income divided by average stockholders’ equity.
(3)
Difference between the average yield earned on interest earning assets and the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.
(4)
Net interest income expressed as a percentage of average interest earning assets.
(5)
Interest income divided by average interest earning assets.
(6)
Interest expense divided by average interest bearing liabilities.
(7)
Noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus noninterest income.
(8)
Excludes acquired credit impaired loans totaling $18.1 million, $19.6 million, $12.2 million, $30.4 million, and $43.8 million as of December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

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Item 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this Report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth under Item 1A “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Report. Please see the “Forward Looking Information” immediately preceding Part I of this Report.
Overview
We offer a full range of commercial and retail banking loan and deposit products through Bank of Hope. We have 63 banking offices in California, New York/New Jersey, Illinois, Washington, Texas, Virginia, Alabama, and Georgia. We have eight loan production offices located in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Portland, Seattle, Fremont, Newport Beach, and Laguna Niguel. We offer our banking services through our network of banking offices and loan production offices to our customers who typically are small to medium-sized businesses in our market areas. We accept deposits and originate a variety of loans including commercial business loans, commercial real estate loans, trade finance loans, SBA loans, and consumer loans.
Our results are affected by economic conditions in our markets and to a lesser degree in South Korea. A decline in economic and business conditions in our market areas or in South Korea may have a material adverse impact on the quality of our loan portfolio or the demand for our products and services, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our principal business involves earning interest on loans and investment securities that are funded by customer deposits and other borrowings. Our operating income and net income are derived primarily from the difference between interest income received from interest earning assets and interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities and, to a lesser extent, from fees received in connection with servicing loan and deposit accounts and income from the sale of SBA loans. Our major expenses are the interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, provisions for loan losses and general operating expenses, which primarily consist of salaries and employee benefits, occupancy costs, and other operating expenses. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, such as changes in the national economy and in the related monetary policies of the FRB, inflation, unemployment, consumer spending and political changes and events. We cannot predict the impact that these factors and future changes in domestic and foreign economic and political conditions might have on our performance.
Mergers and Acquisitions
On January 23, 2017, we announced the signing of a definitive agreement and plan of merger (the “U & I Merger Agreement”) with U & I Financial Corporation (“U & I”) pursuant to which U & I would have merged with and into Hope Bancorp with Hope Bancorp as the surviving corporation. As part of the merger, UniBank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of U & I, would have merged with and into the Bank. Subsequently on September 15, 2017, we announced the termination of the proposed merger with U & I as regulatory approval had not been obtained. The Mutual Termination Agreement provides, among other things, that each party will bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the terminated transaction, without penalties or termination fees. In connection with the termination, the parties have provided mutual releases to one another relating to the merger transaction.
On July 29, 2016, we completed the merger with Wilshire Bancorp, Inc (“Wilshire”). Through the merger, we acquired Wilshire’s thirty-five full-service branch offices, twenty-two of which were located in California, eight in New York and New Jersey, three in Texas, and one of each in Georgia and Alabama. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Wilshire shareholders had the right to receive 0.7034 of a share of our common stock in exchange for each share of Wilshire common stock they own in a 100% stock-for-stock transaction.
On August 13, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Foster Bankshares, Inc. (“Foster”), the holding company of Foster Bank. Through the acquisition, we acquired Foster’s nine full-service branch offices, eight of which were located in Illinois and one in Virginia. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, we issued an aggregate of 189,838 shares of our common stock and paid $2.0 million in cash to Foster shareholders.
On February 15, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Pacific International Bancorp, Inc. (“PIB”), the holding company of Pacific International Bank, a Washington state-chartered bank. Through the acquisition, we acquired PIB’s four full-service branch offices in the Seattle metropolitan area. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, we issued an aggregate of 632,050 shares of BBCN common stock for each share of PIB common stock owned as of the close of business February 15, 2013.

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Each acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting as detailed in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations. The acquisition method of accounting requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree based on their fair values as of the date of acquisition. This process is heavily reliant on measuring and estimating the fair values of all the assets and liabilities of the acquired entities. To the extent we did not have the requisite expertise to determine the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we engaged third party valuation specialists to assist us in determining such values.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and generally accepted practices within the banking industry. The financial information contained within these statements is, to a significant extent, financial information that is based on approximate measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. All of our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of our Consolidated Financial Statements presented elsewhere in this Report and are essential to understanding Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may materially and adversely differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The following is a summary of the more subjective and complex accounting estimates and principles affecting the financial condition and results reported in our financial statements. In each area, we have identified the variables we believe to be the most important in the estimation process. We use the best information available to us to make the estimations necessary to value the related assets and liabilities in each of these areas.
Business Combinations
Mergers and acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations” using the acquisition method of accounting. Assets and liabilities acquired and assumed are generally recorded at their fair values as of the date of the transaction. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Significant estimates and judgments are involved in the fair valuation and purchase price allocation process. Critical accounting policies related to acquired loans is discussed in more detail below under “Acquired Loans and Purchase Credit Impaired Loans”.
Investment Securities
The fair values of investment securities are generally determined by quoted market prices obtained from independent external broker or external pricing services providers who have experience in valuing these securities. We perform a monthly analysis on the broker quotes received from third parties to assess whether the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. The procedures include, but are not limited to, initial and on-going review of third party pricing methodologies as well as independent auditors’ reports from the third party regarding its controls over valuation of financial instruments, review of pricing trends and monitoring of trading volumes. We also compare the market prices obtained from one source to another reputable independent external broker or independent external pricing service provider for the reasonableness of the initial market prices obtained on a quarterly basis. We did not adjust any of the prices provided to us by the independent pricing services at December 31, 2017 or 2016.
We evaluate securities for other-than-temporary impairment on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, and our intention to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, we consider whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer’s financial condition. We do not believe that we had any investment securities available for sale with unrealized losses that would be deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2017. Investment securities are discussed in more detail under “Financial Condition—Investment Securities Portfolios” below.
Allowance for Loan Losses
Accounting for the allowance for loan losses involves significant judgments and assumptions by management, which has a material impact on the carrying value of net loans. The judgments and assumptions used by management are based on historical data and management’s analysis of other qualitative factors, including the current economic environment as described under “Financial Condition—Allowance for Loan Losses” below.

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Purchased Credit Impaired (“PCI”) Loans
In accordance with ASC 310-30, PCI loans were aggregated into pools based on individually evaluated common risk characteristics and expected cash flows were estimated on a pool basis. Each pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single interest rate, cumulative loss rate and cash flow expectation. A loan will be removed from a pool of loans at its carrying value only if the loan is sold or foreclosed, assets are received in satisfaction of the loan or the loan is written off.
The cash flows expected to be received over the life of the pools were estimated by management with the assistance of a third party valuation specialist. These cash flows were utilized in calculating the carrying values of the pools and underlying loans, book yields, effective interest income and impairment, if any, based on actual and projected events. Default rates, loss severity and prepayment speeds assumptions are periodically reassessed and updated within the accounting model to update the expectation of future cash flows. The excess of the cash expected to be collected over the pool’s carrying value is considered to be the accretable yield and is recognized as interest income over the estimated life of the loan pool using the effective interest yield method. The accretable yield will change due to changes in the timing and amounts of expected cash flows. Changes in the accretable yield are disclosed quarterly.
The excess of the contractual balances due over the cash flows expected to be collected is considered to be nonaccretable difference. The nonaccretable difference represents our estimate of the credit losses expected to occur and was considered in determining the fair value of the loans as of their acquisition date. Subsequent to their acquisition date, any increases in expected cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date in excess of fair value are adjusted through the accretable difference on a prospective basis. Any subsequent decreases in expected cash flows over those expected at their acquisition date are recognized by recording a provision for loan losses.
PCI loans that met the criteria for nonaccrual of interest prior to the acquisition are considered performing upon acquisition, regardless of whether the customer is contractually delinquent, if we can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of the expected cash flows on such loans and if we expect to collect the new carrying value of the loans in full. As such, we no longer consider the loan to be nonaccrual or nonperforming and accrue interest on these loans, including the impact of any accretable discount. We have determined that we can reasonably estimate future cash flows on any such acquired loans that are past due 90 days or more and on which we are accruing interest and we expect to fully collect the carrying value of the loans.
Goodwill
We assess goodwill for impairment annually. Before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test, in accordance with ASC 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other”, we make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If we conclude that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we do not perform the two-step impairment test. We assessed certain qualitative factors to determine whether impairment was likely including: our market capitalization, capital adequacy, continued performance compared to peers, and continued improvement in asset quality trends, among others. Based on our qualitative assessment, we were not required to perform the two-step impairment test as of December 31, 2017.
Goodwill may also be tested for impairment on an interim basis if circumstances change or an event occurs between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes developing cash flow projections, selecting appropriate discount rates, identifying relevant market comparables, incorporating general economic and market conditions and selecting an appropriate control premium. The selection and weighting of the various fair value techniques may result in a higher or lower fair value. Judgment is applied in determining the weighting that is most representative of fair value.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is based on income reported for financial statement purposes, and differs from the amount of taxes currently payable, since certain income and expense items are reported for financial statement purposes in different periods than those for tax reporting purposes. Taxes are discussed in more detail in Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements presented elsewhere in this Report. Accrued taxes represent the net estimated amount due or to be received from taxing authorities. In estimating accrued taxes, we assess the relative merits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment of transactions taking into account statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance in the context of our tax position. We account for income taxes using the asset and liability approach, the objective of which is to establish deferred tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management evaluates both positive and negative evidence, including the existence of any cumulative losses in the current year and the prior two years, the amount of taxes paid in available carry-back years, the forecasts of future income and taxable income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. This analysis is updated quarterly and adjusted as necessary.

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Table of Contents


Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes a limitation (“382 Limitation”) on a corporation’s ability to use any net unrealized built in losses and other tax attributes, such as net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards, when it undergoes a 50% ownership change over a designated testing period not to exceed three years (“382 Ownership Change”). As a result of the acquisition on July 29, 2016, Wilshire Bancorp underwent a 382 Ownership Change resulting in a 382 Limitation to its net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Wilshire Bancorp did not have a net unrealized built in loss as of the 382 Ownership Change date. Given the applicable 382 Limitation, we expect to fully utilize Wilshire Bancorp’s net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards before expiration. However, future transactions, such as issuances of common stock or sales of shares of our stock by certain holders of our shares, including persons who have held, currently hold or may accumulate in the future 5% or more of our outstanding common stock for their own account, could trigger a future Section 382 Ownership Change which could limit the our use of these tax attributes.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”). Among other changes, the Tax Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. We have calculated our best estimate of the impact of the Act in our year end income tax provision in accordance with our understanding of the Act and guidance available and as a result have recorded $25.42 million as additional income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the legislation was enacted. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.


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Table of Contents


Results of Operations
Operations Summary
Our most significant source of income is net interest income, which is the difference between our interest income and our interest expense. Generally, interest income is generated from the loans we extend to our customers and investments, and interest expense is generated from interest bearing deposits our customers have with us and borrowings that we may have, such as FHLB advances, federal funds purchased, and subordinated debentures. Our ability to generate profitable levels of net interest income is largely dependent on our ability to manage the levels of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, and the rates received or paid on them, as well as our ability to maintain sound asset quality and appropriate levels of capital and liquidity. As mentioned above, interest income and interest expense may fluctuate based on factors beyond our control, such as economic or political conditions.
We attempt to minimize the effect of interest rate fluctuations on net interest margin by monitoring our interest sensitive assets and our interest sensitive liabilities. Net interest income can be affected by a change in the composition of assets and liabilities, such as replacing higher yielding loans with a like amount of lower yielding investment securities. Changes in the level of nonaccrual loans and changes in volume and interest rates can also affect net interest income. Volume changes are caused by differences in the level of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. Interest rate changes result from differences in yields earned on assets and rates paid on liabilities.
The other source of our income is noninterest income, including service charges and fees on deposit accounts, loan servicing fees, fees from trade finance activities, net gains on sale of loans that were held for sale and investment securities available for sale, and other income and fees. Our noninterest income can be reduced by charges for other than temporary impairment on investment securities.
In addition to interest expense, our income is impacted by provisions for loan losses and noninterest expense, primarily salaries and benefits and occupancy expense. The following table presents our condensed consolidated statements of income and the increases year over year.
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Increase
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Increase
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
Amount
 
%
 
 
Amount
 
%
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest income
$
572,104

 
$
150,170

 
36
%
 
$
421,934

 

$108,274

 
35
%
 
$
313,660

Interest expense
90,724

 
32,145

 
55
%
 
58,579

 
17,961

 
44
%
 
40,618

Net interest income
481,380

 
118,025

 
32
%
 
363,355

 
90,313

 
33
%
 
273,042

Provision for loan losses
17,360

 
8,360

 
93
%
 
9,000

 
1,000

 
13
%
 
8,000

Noninterest income
66,415

 
14,596

 
28
%
 
51,819

 
8,128

 
19
%
 
43,691

Noninterest expense
266,601

 
51,626

 
24
%
 
214,975

 
61,591

 
40
%
 
153,384

Income before income tax provision
263,834

 
72,635

 
38
%
 
191,199

 
35,850

 
23
%
 
155,349

Income tax provision
124,389

 
46,937

 
61
%
 
77,452

 
14,361

 
23
%
 
63,091

Net income
$
139,445

 
$
25,698

 
23
%
 
$
113,747

 
$
21,489

 
23
%
 
$
92,258

Net Income
Our net income was $139.4 million for 2017 compared to $113.7 million for 2016 and $92.3 million for 2015. Our earnings per common share based on fully diluted shares were $1.03, $1.10 and $1.16 for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The return on average assets was 1.02%, 1.10% and 1.25% and the return on average stockholders’ equity was 7.31%, 8.47% and 10.11% for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decline in return on average assets and average stockholders’ equity was due to the enactment of the Tax Act on December 22, 2017 which resulted in a one-time incremental income tax provision expense from the reassessment of our net deferred tax assets and investments in affordable housing partnerships at a lower corporate tax rate. The total impact to tax provision as a result of the reassessment was $25.4 million consisting of $23.8 million related to our adjustment of our net deferred tax assets and $1.6 million for the adjustment to our investments in affordable housing partnerships.

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Impact of Acquisitions
The comparability of our operating results is affected by our acquisition of Wilshire Bancorp in July 2016. We acquired $4.63 billion in total assets from Wilshire at the time of the acquisition. The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, Wilshire’s operating results have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. In addition to Wilshire, we acquired Foster Bancshares and Pacific International Bancorp in 2013. Financial information for the year 2017 reflects a full year of combined operations subsequent to the merger with Wilshire, while 2016 reflects seven months of stand-alone operations and five months of combined operations.
Income before income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was impacted by the accretion of discounts and the amortization of premiums relating to past acquisitions. The following table summarizes the accretion and amortization adjustments that are included in net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Accretion on purchased non-impaired loans
 
$
18,372

 
$
9,330

 
$
9,840

Accretion on purchased credit-impaired loans
 
21,542

 
15,817

 
7,179

Amortizations of premium on low income housing tax credits
 
(338
)
 
(127
)
 

Amortization of premiums on acquired FHLB borrowings
 
1,597

 
973

 
384

Accretion of discounts on acquired subordinated debt
 
(1,045
)
 
(539
)
 
(169
)
Amortization of premiums on acquired time deposits and savings
 
4,903

 
5,857

 
186

Amortization of core deposit intangibles
 
(2,703
)
 
(1,732
)
 
(1,068
)
Total acquisition accounting adjustments
 
$
42,328

 
$
29,579

 
$
16,352

Merger-related expenses
 
(1,781
)
 
(16,914
)
 
(1,540
)
Total
 
$
40,547

 
$
12,665

 
$
14,812

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Net Interest Margin and Net Interest Rate Spread
We analyze our earnings performance using, among other measures, the net interest spread and net interest margin. The net interest spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield earned on interest earning assets and average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities. Net interest income, when expressed as a percentage of average total interest earning assets, is referred to as the net interest margin. Our net interest margin is affected by changes in the yields earned on assets and rates paid on liabilities, as well as the ratio of the amounts of interest earning assets to interest bearing liabilities.
Interest rates charged on our loans are affected principally by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes, the interest rate environment, and other competitive factors. These factors are in turn affected by general economic conditions and other factors beyond our control, such as federal economic policies, the general supply of money in the economy, legislative tax policies, governmental budgetary matters, and the actions of the FRB.
The following table presents our net interest margin, net interest rate spread, and our condensed consolidated average balance sheet information, together with interest rates earned and paid on the various sources and uses of funds, for the periods indicated:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense
 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense
 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense
 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
(Dollars in thousands)
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans(1)(2)(3)
$
10,642,349

 
$
529,760

 
4.98
%
 
$
8,121,897

 
$
392,127

 
4.83
%
 
$
5,846,658

 
$
291,344

 
4.98
%
Securities(3)
1,679,468

 
36,917

 
2.20
%
 
1,276,068

 
25,442

 
1.99
%
 
871,010

 
18,611

 
2.14
%
FRB and FHLB stock and
other investments
360,086

 
5,427

 
1.51
%
 
281,824

 
4,365

 
1.55
%
 
313,904

 
3,705

 
1.18
%
Total interest earning assets
12,681,903

 
572,104

 
4.51
%
 
9,679,789

 
421,934

 
4.36
%
 
7,031,572

 
313,660

 
4.46
%
Total noninterest earning assets
967,060

 
 
 
 
 
662,274

 
 
 
 
 
357,958

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
13,648,963

 
 
 
 
 
$
10,342,063

 
 
 
 
 
$
7,389,530

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand, interest bearing
$
3,490,440

 
31,856

 
0.91
%
 
$
2,587,548

 
21,136

 
0.82
%
 
1,697,033

 
12,430

 
0.73
%
Savings
268,292

 
1,354

 
0.50
%
 
234,332

 
1,282

 
0.55
%
 
193,610

 
1,670

 
0.86
%
Time certificates
4,037,259

 
41,692

 
1.03
%
 
3,219,484

 
25,673

 
0.80
%
 
2,377,993

 
19,312

 
0.81
%
FHLB advances and
federal funds purchased
787,119

 
10,706

 
1.36
%
 
619,557

 
7,560

 
1.22
%
 
503,127

 
5,645

 
1.12
%
Other borrowings
96,363

 
5,116

 
5.24
%
 
64,165

 
2,928

 
4.49
%
 
40,694

 
1,561

 
3.78
%
Total interest bearing liabilities
8,679,473

 
90,724

 
1.05
%
 
6,725,086

 
58,579

 
0.87
%
 
4,812,457

 
40,618

 
0.84
%
Noninterest bearing liabilities and equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
2,955,895

 
 
 
 
 
2,191,620

 
 
 
 
 
1,611,068

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
105,849

 
 
 
 
 
82,403

 
 
 
 
 
53,396

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
1,907,746

 
 
 
 
 
1,342,954

 
 
 
 
 
912,609

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
13,648,963

 
 
 
 
 
$
10,342,063

 
 
 
 
 
$
7,389,530

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 
$
481,380

 
 
 
 
 
$
363,355

 
 
 
 
 
$
273,042

 
 
Net interest margin
 
 
 
 
3.80
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.75
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.88
%
Net interest spread(4)
 
 
 
 
3.46
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.49
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.62
%
Cost of funds(5)
 
 
 
 
0.78
%
 
 
 
 
 
0.66
%
 
 
 
 
 
0.63
%
(1) Interest income on loans includes accretion of net deferred loan origination fees and costs, prepayment fees received on loan pay-offs and accretion of discounts on acquired loans. See the table below for detail. The average balance of loans is net of deferred loan origination fees and costs.
(2) Average balances of loans are net of deferred loan origination fees and costs and include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale.
(3) Interest income and yields are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
(4) Yield on interest earning assets minus cost of interest bearing liabilities.
(5) Yield on interest bearing liabilities and noninterest bearing deposits.

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The following table presents net loan origination fees, loan prepayments fee income, interest reversed for nonaccrual loans, and discount accretion income included as part of loan interest income for the years indicated:
Year ended December 31,
 
Net Loan Origination Fees
 
Loan Prepayment Fee Income
 
Interest Reversed for Nonaccrual Loans, Net of Income Recognized
 
Accretion of Discounts on Acquired Loans
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2017
 
$
1,485

 
$
3,963

 
$
(419
)
 
$
39,914

2016
 
$
1,798

 
$
3,491

 
$
(483
)
 
$
25,147

2015
 
$
1,540

 
$
2,202

 
$
27

 
$
17,019

Net Interest Income
Net interest income was $481.4 million for 2017, compared to $363.4 million for 2016 and $273.0 million for 2015. Changes in net interest income are a function of changes in interest rates and volume of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. The table below sets forth information regarding the changes in interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated. The total change for each category of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities is segmented into the change attributable to variations in volume (changes in volume multiplied by the old rate) and the change attributable to variations in interest rates (changes in rates multiplied by the old volume). Nonaccrual loans are included in average loans used to compute this table.
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
2017 Compared to 2016
 
2016 Compared to 2015
 
Net
Increase
 
Change due to
 
Net
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Change due to
 
Rate
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Volume
 
(Dollars in thousands)
INTEREST INCOME:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and fees on loans
$
137,633

 
$
12,512

 
$
125,121

 
$
100,783

 
$
(9,327
)
 
$
110,110

Interest on securities
11,475

 
2,810

 
8,665

 
6,831

 
(1,318
)
 
8,149

Interest on other investments
1,062

 
(120
)
 
1,182

 
660

 
1,068

 
(408
)
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME
$
150,170

 
$
15,202

 
$
134,968

 
$
108,274

 
$
(9,577
)
 
$
117,851

INTEREST EXPENSE:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on demand deposits
$
10,720

 
$
2,697

 
$
8,023

 
$
8,706

 
$
1,567

 
$
7,139

Interest on savings
72

 
(104
)
 
176

 
(388
)
 
(692
)
 
304

Interest on time deposits
16,019

 
8,608

 
7,411

 
6,361

 
(355
)
 
6,716

Interest on FHLB advances and federal funds purchased
3,146

 
937

 
2,209

 
1,915

 
526

 
1,389

Interest on other borrowings
2,188

 
545

 
1,643

 
1,367

 
334

 
1,033

TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE
$
32,145

 
$
12,683

 
$
19,462

 
$
17,961

 
$
1,380

 
$
16,581

NET INTEREST INCOME
$
118,025

 
$
2,519

 
$
115,506

 
$
90,313

 
$
(10,957
)
 
$
101,270

Net interest income before provision for loan losses increased by $118.0 million, or 32%, during 2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average interest earning assets by 31% during the year which resulted in an increase of $135.0 million in interest income due to volume. Interest bearing liabilities increased by 29% for 2017 compared to the previous year, which resulted in an increase of $19.5 million in interest expense due to volume. Although yields on interest earnings assets increased for 2017 compared to 2016, the increase was largely offset by the increase in cost of deposits for the same period.
Net interest income increased $90.3 million, or 33%, during 2016. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average interest earning assets by 38% during the year which resulted in an increase of $117.9 million in interest income due to volume. Interest bearing liabilities increased 40% during the year. The corresponding increase in interest expense due to volume was $16.6 million. The growth in interest earning assets was partially offset by decreasing yields in both loans and investment securities throughout the same period.
Average interest earnings assets and liabilities for 2017 included the full year impact from assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Wilshire, while average interest earnings assets and liabilities for 2016 included only five months of asset and liability balances acquired from Wilshire.

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Interest Income
Interest income was $572.1 million for 2017, compared to $421.9 million for 2016 and $313.7 million for 2015. The yield on average interest earning assets was 4.51% for 2017, compared to 4.36% for 2016 and 4.46% for 2015.
Comparison of 2017 with 2016
The increase in interest income of $150.2 million, or 36%, for 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily a result of the growth in total loans and investments. The increase in 2017 was a result of both organic growth and the full year impact of the assets acquired from Wilshire compared to only a five month impact of assets acquired from Wilshire for 2016. Average total loans increased $2.52 billion in 2017 compared to 2016 and total investments increased $403.4 million in the same period. Discount accretion income on acquired loans increased in 2017 totaling $39.9 million compared to $25.1 million for 2016. Accretion income on loans acquired from Wilshire was recognized throughout the entire year in 2017, whereas in 2016, accretion income was recorded in only the last five months of the year subsequent to the acquisition in July 2016.
Comparison of 2016 with 2015
The increase in interest income of $108.3 million, or 35%, for 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily a result of income on loans and investments acquired from the acquisition of Wilshire in July 2016. The fair value of loans acquired from Wilshire at acquisition totaled $3.82 billion and the fair value of investments totaled $478.9 million. The average balances of gross loans increased by $2.28 billion during the year and average investments increased by $405.1 million for the same period. This increase in interest income from the increase in overall loans was partially offset by a decline in interest income from a reduction in loan yield. Loan discount accretion increased by $8.1 million, from $17.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 to $25.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Interest Expense
Deposits
Interest expense on deposits was $74.9 million for 2017 compared to $48.1 million for 2016 and $33.4 million for 2015. The average cost of deposits was 0.70% for 2017, compared to 0.58% for 2016 and 0.57% for 2015. The average cost of interest bearing deposits was 0.96%, compared to 0.80% for 2016 and 0.78% for 2015.
Comparison of 2017 with 2016
The increase in interest expense on total deposits of $26.8 million, or 56%, for 2017, compared to 2016 was due to an increase in interest bearing liabilities in addition to an overall increase in rates offered in 2017. Federal funds rates was increased by the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) in June of 2017 and again in December of 2017. As of result of the 25 basis point increase in interest rates in June 2017, many of our deposits were priced higher and time deposits were renewed and opened at higher interest rates increasing our total cost of deposits for 2017. In addition, average deposits for 2017 included a full year of balances assumed from Wilshire while 2016 only reflected five months of assumed deposits in the average deposit balance. The average balance of noninterest bearing deposits accounted for 27.5% of total average deposits at December 31, 2017 compared to 26.6% at December 31, 2016.
Comparison of 2016 with 2015
The increase in interest expense on total deposits of $14.7 million, or 44%, for 2016, compared to 2015 was due to an increase in interest bearing deposits acquired from Wilshire. The fair value of deposits assumed from Wilshire at acquisition was $3.81 billion. The average balance of interest bearing deposits increased by $1.77 billion in 2016 compared to 2015. In addition, the average rate on average interest bearing deposits increased by 2 basis points. The average balance of noninterest bearing deposits accounted for 26.6% of total average deposits at December 31, 2016, compared to 27.4% at December 31, 2015.
Borrowings
Borrowings include borrowings from the FHLB, federal funds purchased, and subordinated debentures. As part of our asset-liability management, we utilize FHLB advances to supplement our deposit source of funds. Therefore, there may be fluctuations in these balances depending on the short-term liquidity and longer-term financing needs of the Bank.
Average FHLB advances and federal funds purchased were $787.1 million in 2017, compared to $619.6 million in 2016 and $503.1 million in 2015. Interest expense on FHLB advances and federal funds purchased was $10.7 million for 2017 compared to $7.6 million for 2016 and $5.6 million for 2015. The average cost of FHLB advances and federal funds purchased was 1.36% for 2017, compared to 1.22% for 2016 and 1.12% for 2015. The average cost of FHLB advances and federal funds purchased includes the amortization of premiums recorded on advances acquired from prior acquisitions. Total amortization for 2017 was $1.6 million, compared to $973 thousand in 2016 and $384 thousand in 2015. We repaid $1.02 billion in FHLB advances in 2017

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with an average rate of 1.02%. In addition, we borrowed $1.49 billion in FHLB advances and federal funds purchased with an average rate of 1.39% in 2017.
Other borrowings include subordinated debentures which bear interest at 3-month LIBOR plus a designated spread. With the acquisition of Wilshire, we assumed four subordinated debentures at a fair value of $56.9 million. There were no other changes in our balance of subordinated debentures during 2016 or 2017, except for the increase related to the discount accretion on subordinated debentures acquired from previous acquisitions.
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses reflects our judgment of the current period cost associated with credit risk inherent in our loan portfolio. The loan loss provision for each period is dependent upon many factors, including loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies, assessments by management, third parties’ and regulators’ examination of the loan portfolio, the value of the underlying collateral on problem loans and the general economic conditions in our market areas. Specifically, the provision for loan losses represents the amount charged against current period earnings to achieve an allowance for loan losses that, in our judgment, is adequate to absorb probable incurred losses inherent in our loan portfolio. Periodic fluctuations in the provision for loan losses result from management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses; however, actual loan losses may vary in material respects from current estimates. If the allowance for loan losses is inadequate, we may be required to record additional loan loss provision, which may have a material adverse effect on our business and our financial condition.
Comparison of 2017 with 2016
The provision for loan losses was $17.4 million for 2017, an increase of $8.4 million, or 93%, from $9.0 million for 2016. The provision was calculated based on net charge offs of $12.2 million during the year and an increase in the required allowance for loan losses primarily due to an increase in loan volume which also contributed to the increase in provision.
Comparison of 2016 with 2015
The provision for loan losses was $9.0 million for 2016, an increase of $1.0 million, or 13%, from $8.0 million for 2015. The provision was calculated based on net charge offs of $6.1 million during the year and an increase in the required allowance for loan losses primarily due to an increase in loan volume. Loans acquired from Wilshire during 2016 were recorded at fair value and therefore did not significantly impact the provision for loan losses during the year.
See “Financial Condition—Allowance for Loan Losses” for a description of our methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income is primarily comprised of service charges on deposit accounts, net gains on sales of SBA and residential mortgage loans, and other fees and income. Noninterest income was $66.4 million for 2017 compared to $51.8 million for 2016 and $43.7 million for 2015.
Comparison of 2017 with 2016
The increase in noninterest income for 2017 over 2016 primarily reflected increases in service charges on deposit accounts, loan servicing fees, net gain on sales of SBA loans, and other income and fees.
Service charges on deposits increased $4.7 million, or 29%, to $20.6 million due mostly to an increase of $2.8 million in analysis fees charged on demand deposits accounts and an increase of $1.3 million in non-sufficient funds collected from business and personal accounts. The increase in deposits service charges in 2017 was largely due to the full year impact of the increase in deposits from the acquisition of Wilshire.
Loan servicing fees increased by $1.9 million, or 54%, to $5.4 million in 2017 compared to $3.5 million in 2016. The increase in loan servicing fees in 2017 was primarily a result of an increase in sales of residential loans and SBA loans in 2016 and 2017. We earn servicing fees on loans we continue to service subsequent to the sale of the loan. As more loans continue to be sold, our servicing fees continue to increase until the loans are paid off.
Net gains on sales of SBA loans increased by $4.0 million, or 46%, to $12.8 million in 2017 from $8.8 million in 2016. The volume of sales of SBA loans and the net gains recorded from the sales are primarily driven by the production of SBA loans which increased during in 2017. SBA loans sold totaled $177.4 million in 2017 compared to $116.1 million in 2016. The increase in SBA loans sold in 2017 was due to the full year operations of the combined bank after the merger with Wilshire, while 2016 represented only five months of combined operations.


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Table of Contents


Other income and fees increased by $3.1 million, or 27% in 2017 compared to 2016. Loan recoveries on pre-merger charged-off loans and miscellaneous income increased $1.2 million in 2017 and gains on sale of fixed assets increased by $1.0 million in 2017 compared to the previous year mostly due to the sale of a building and associated land at the end of 2017.
Comparison of 2016 with 2015
The increase in noninterest income for 2016 over 2015 primarily reflected increases in service charges on deposit accounts and other income and fees. These increases were offset by a decrease in net gains on sales of SBA loans.
Service charges on deposits increased $3.8 million, or 31%, to $16.0 million due to an increase of $2.2 million in business analysis fees charged and an increase of $1.2 million in non-sufficient funds collected from business and personal accounts. The increase in deposits service charges was largely due to the increase in deposits from the acquisition of Wilshire.
Net gains on sales of SBA loans decreased by $3.9 million, or 31%, to $8.8 million in 2016 from $12.7 million in 2015. The volume of sales of SBA loans and the net gains recorded from the sales are primarily driven by the production of SBA loans which decreased during the year. SBA loans sold during the year totaled $116.1 million in 2016 compared to $165.2 million in 2015.
Other income and fees increased by $3.8 million, or 48%, during 2016 compared to 2015. Miscellaneous income increased $1.8 million in 2016 and fee income from our loan hedging product increased by $789 thousand during the year due to an increase in the volume of transactions. Credit card processing fees also increased by $865 thousand during 2016. Overall other income and fees increased in 2016 compared to 2015 due to the acquisition of Wilshire.
A breakdown of noninterest income by category is shown below:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
%
 
 
Amount
 
%
 
Service fees on deposit accounts
$
20,619

 
$
4,655

 
29
 %
 
$
15,964

 
$
3,758

 
31
 %
 
$
12,206

International service fees
4,494

 
801

 
22
 %
 
3,693

 
245

 
7
 %
 
3,448

Loan servicing fees, net
5,433

 
1,914

 
54
 %
 
3,519

 
384

 
12
 %
 
3,135

Wire transfer fees
5,057

 
731

 
17
 %
 
4,326

 
694

 
19
 %
 
3,632

Net gains on sales of SBA loans
12,774

 
4,024

 
46
 %
 
8,750

 
(3,915
)
 
(31
)%
 
12,665

Net gains on sales of other loans
2,927

 
7

 
 %
 
2,920

 
2,650

 
981
 %
 
270

Net gains on sales or called securities available for sale
301

 
(649
)
 
(68
)%
 
950

 
526

 
124
 %
 
424

Other income and fees
14,810

 
3,113

 
27
 %
 
11,697

 
3,786

 
48
 %
 
7,911

Total noninterest income
$
66,415

 
$
14,596

 
28
 %
 
$
51,819

 
$
8,128

 
19
 %
 
$
43,691

Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense is primarily comprised of salaries and benefit expense, occupancy expense, furniture and equipment expense, advertising expenses, professional fees, investment in affordable housing partnership expenses, and other expenses. Noninterest expense was $266.6 million for 2017, compared to $215.0 million for 2016 and $153.4 million for 2015. The increases in noninterest expenses were $51.6 million, or 24%, for 2017 compared to 2016, and $61.6 million, or 40%, for 2016 compared to 2015.
Comparison of 2017 with 2016
The increase in noninterest expense for 2017 over 2016 was due mostly to increases in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy expenses, furniture and equipment, advertising and marketing, professional fees, and investment in affordable housing partnership expenses partially offset by a decline in merger and integration expenses and credit related expenses. Most noninterest expense line items aside from merger and integration expenses and credit related expense increased in 2017 compared to 2016 as expenses for 2017 represented a full year of combined operations after the merger with Wilshire while 2016 represented only five month of combined operations and related expenditures.
Salaries and employee benefits totaled $144.7 million for 2017, an increase of $36.7 million, or 34%, compared to $107.9 million for 2016. The increase was comprised of a $28.2 million increase in employee salary expenses and an increase of $8.5 million in employee benefits. These increases primarily reflect increases in the number of full-time equivalent employees to 1,470 at December 31, 2017, from 1,372 as of December 31, 2016, and 938 at December 31, 2015. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was due to an increase in full-time employees and because 2017 reflected a full year of combined expenses including staff acquired from Wilshire while 2016 reflected salary and benefit expenses for only the last five months of combined operations.

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Table of Contents


Occupancy expense increased $4.0 million, or 16%, to $28.6 million for 2017 compared to $24.6 million for 2016. With the acquisition of Wilshire, we assumed 35 branches offices and six loan production offices. Although some of these locations were subsequently closed in accordance with our branch consolidation plan, the remaining lease locations contributed to the overall increase in occupancy expenses for 2017 compared to 2016. The increase in expenses for 2017 was due to the full year of expenditure for leases acquired from Wilshire while 2016 expenditures included Wilshire related lease expenses for only the last five months of the year.
Furniture and equipment expenses increased $2.9 million, or 25%, to $14.6 million for 2017 compared to $11.7 million for 2016. The increase in these expenses in 2017 compared to the previous year was also due to the full year of combined furniture and equipment expenses after the merger with Wilshire compared to only five months of expenses after the merger with Wilshire in 2016.
Advertising and marketing expenses increased $3.0 million, or 40%, to $10.3 million for 2017 compared to $7.3 million in 2016. Advertising and marketing expenses for 2017 included $1.5 million in sponsorship fees paid to sponsor the Ladies Professional Golf Association (“LPGA”) Bank of Hope Founders Cup event for the first time in March 2017. The remaining increase in 2017 was due to a full year of expenses for the combined entity after the merger with Wilshire compared to five months of combined expenses for 2016.
Professional fees increased $8.4 million, or 128%, to $15.0 million for 2017 compared to $6.6 million for 2016. The increase in professional fees for 2017 compared 2016 was due to an increase in predecessor external auditor fees as well as additional consulting costs associated with new compliance requirements as a result of exceeding $10 billion in total assets. We also had an increase in legal fees for 2017 compared 2016 due mostly to fees related to the proposed merger with U & I Financial Corp., which was terminated in September 2017.
Investments in affordable housing partnership expenses increased $9.8 million, or 238%, to $13.9 million for 2017 compared to $4.1 million in 2016. In 2017, we recorded an impairment of $3.3 million on our investments in affordable housing partnerships after an analysis of the individual investment carrying values compared to their expected future tax benefits. We also recorded an impairment of $1.6 million as a direct result of the Tax Act, which reduced the corporate tax rate to 21%. The impairment that resulted due to the tax reform, was recorded as an increase in tax provision expenses. Other investments in affordable housing partnership expenses are recorded based on the financial statements of the investment projects. We make investments in affordable housing partnerships and receive Community Reinvestment Act credit and tax credits which reduces our overall tax provision rate. Investments in affordable housing partnership expenses that are not impairment related are based on the performance of the underlying investment. We receive updated financial information for our affordable housing partnerships investments and record losses based on the performance of the investment. These losses will eventually be offset by tax credits which reduce our tax provision expense. Investments in affordable housing partnerships increased from $70.1 million at December 31, 2016 to $81.0 million at December 31, 2017.
Credit related expenses decreased $2.4 million, or 80%, to $582 thousand for 2017 compared to $3.0 million for 2016. Credit related expenses declined in 2017 compared to 2016 largely due to a $2.8 million provision reversal for off balance sheet unfunded commitments recorded during the third quarter of 2017. Updated information related to off balance sheet unfunded commitments and utilization rates used in the calculation of the allowance for unfunded commitments resulted in a $2.8 million reduction in the required allowance for the third quarter of 2017. Reserves for off balance sheet unfunded commitments at December 31, 2017 totaled $836 thousand compared to $3.2 million at December 31, 2016.
Merger and integration expenses decreased $15.1 million, or 89%, to $1.8 million for 2017 compared to $16.9 million in 2016. The decline in merger and integration expenses was due to a decline in expenses related to the merger with Wilshire. The bulk of merger and integration expenses for 2016 were related to advisory and legal fees associated with preparing for the acquisition of Wilshire. With the merger completed in 2016, these expenses were greatly reduced in 2017. Merger and integration expense for 2017 mostly consisted of remaining expenses related to the merger with Wilshire but also included expenses for the now terminated merger with U & I Financial Corp.
Other expenses increased $2.0 million, or 13%, to $16.8 million in 2017 compared to $14.8 million in 2016. Amortization of core deposit intangible included in other expenses increased $1.0 million from $1.7 million in 2016 to $2.7 million in 2017. The increase in other expenses was mostly due to a full year of combined other expenses after the merger with Wilshire compared to only five month of combined expenses recorded for 2016.
Comparison of 2016 with 2015
The increase in noninterest expense for 2016 over 2015 was due mostly to increases in salaries and employee benefits, merger and integration expenses, and occupancy expenses. All noninterest expense line items were increased in 2016 compared to 2015 due to the acquisition of Wilshire in the third quarter of 2016.

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Table of Contents


Salaries and employee benefits totaled $107.9 million for 2016, an increase of $23.0 million, or 27% compared to $84.9 million for 2015. The increase was comprised mostly of a $14.1 million increase in employee salaries and an increase of $4.1 million in provision for bonuses. These increases primarily reflect increases in the number of full-time equivalent employees to 1,372 at December 31, 2016 from 938 as of December 31, 2015. The increase in full-time employees was directly a result of the acquisition of Wilshire in the third quarter of 2016.
Occupancy expense increased $5.2 million, or 27%, to $24.6 million for 2016 compared to $19.4 million in 2015. With the acquisition of Wilshire, we assumed 35 branches offices and six loan production offices. Although some of these locations were closed with our branch consolidation plan, the remaining lease locations contributed to the overall increase in occupancy expenses for 2016.
Merger and integration expenses increased $15.4 million to $16.9 million for 2016 compared to $1.5 million in 2015. Of the $16.9 million in merger and integration expenses for 2016, $16.8 million was related to the acquisition of Wilshire in July 2016. The bulk of these expenses were related to financial advisory and legal fees associated with preparing for the acquisition of Wilshire.
Other expenses increased $5.3 million, or 56%, to $14.8 million in 2016, compared to $9.5 million in 2015. The increase in other expenses was attributed to increases in amortization on our core deposit intangible assets and an increase in expenses related to our directors. All of these increases were in some way related to the acquisition of Wilshire.
A breakdown of noninterest expense by category is provided below:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Increase
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
%
 
 
Amount
 
%
 
Salaries and employee benefits
$
144,669

 
$
36,725

 
34
 %
 
$
107,944

 
$
23,045

 
27
%
 
$
84,899

Occupancy
28,587

 
4,013

 
16
 %
 
24,574

 
5,183

 
27
%
 
19,391

Furniture and equipment
14,643

 
2,917

 
25
 %
 
11,726

 
2,481

 
27
%
 
9,245

Advertising and marketing
10,281

 
2,961

 
40
 %
 
7,320

 
2,230

 
44
%
 
5,090

Data processing and communications
12,179

 
776

 
7
 %
 
11,403

 
2,224

 
24
%
 
9,179

Professional fees
14,954

 
8,398

 
128
 %
 
6,556

 
971

 
17
%
 
5,585

Investment in affordable housing partnerships expenses
13,862

 
9,762

 
238
 %
 
4,100

 
2,658

 
184
%
 
1,442

FDIC assessments
5,173

 
1,008

 
24
 %
 
4,165

 
77

 
2
%
 
4,088

Credit related expenses
582

 
(2,372
)
 
(80
)%
 
2,954

 
1,030

 
54
%
 
1,924

OREO expense, net
3,100

 
608

 
24
 %
 
2,492

 
969

 
64
%
 
1,523

Merger and integration expense
1,781

 
(15,133
)
 
(89
)%
 
16,914

 
15,374

 
998
%
 
1,540

Other
16,790

 
1,963

 
13
 %
 
14,827

 
5,349

 
56
%
 
9,478

Total noninterest expense
$
266,601

 
$
51,626

 
24
 %
 
$
214,975

 
$
61,591

 
40
%
 
$
153,384

Income Tax Provision
The provision for income taxes for 2017 was $124.4 million, compared to $77.5 million in 2016 and $63.1 million in 2015. The effective income tax rate was 47.15% for 2017 compared to 40.51% for 2016 and 40.61% for 2015. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which among other changes, reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. As a result of the Tax Act, we had to reassess our net deferred tax assets and investments in affordable housing partnerships at the lower tax rate. This resulted in additional tax provision expenses of $25.4 million which increased our overall tax rate for 2017. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information on income taxes.


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Financial Condition
Our total assets were $14.21 billion at December 31, 2017 compared to $13.44 billion at December 31, 2016, an increase of $765.3 million, or 6% year over year. The increase in assets for 2017 compared to 2016 was principally due to the increase in loans from higher loan originations in 2017 as well as an increase in investment securities due to purchases throughout the year.
Loan Portfolio
We offer various products designed to meet the credit needs of our borrowers. Our lending activities primarily consist of commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans, trade finance, and consumer loans. Gross loans receivable rose by $559.2 million to $11.10 billion at December 31, 2017 from $10.54 billion at December 31, 2016. The remaining discount on acquired loans at December 31, 2017 totaled $85.5 million compared to $110.4 million at December 31, 2016.
We experienced an increase in all loan types apart from residential real estate and commercial business loans in 2017 compared to the previous year. The rates of interest charged on adjustable rate loans are set at specified spreads based on the prime lending rate and vary as the prime lending rate varies. Approximately 43% of our total loans were adjustable rate loans at December 31, 2017 compared to 47% at December 31, 2016.
With certain exceptions, we are permitted under applicable law to make unsecured loans to single borrowers (including certain related persons and entities) in aggregate amounts of up to 15% of the sum of our total capital and our allowance for loan losses (as defined for regulatory purposes) and certain capital notes and debentures issued by us, if any. As of December 31, 2017, our lending limit was approximately $245.1 million per borrower for unsecured loans. For lending limit purposes, a secured loan is defined as a loan secured by collateral having a current fair value of at least 100% of the amount of the loan or extension of credit at all times and satisfying certain other requirements. In addition to unsecured loans, we are permitted to make such collateral-secured loans in an additional amount up to 10% (for a total of 25%) of our total capital and the allowance for loan losses for a total limit of approximately $408.5 million to one borrower. The largest aggregate amount of loans that the Bank had outstanding to any one borrower and related entities was $127.8 million, which were performing at December 31, 2017.
The following table shows the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan on the dates indicated:
 
December 31,

2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Loan portfolio composition:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
49,774

 
0
%
 
$
57,884

 
1
%
 
$
33,797

 
0
%
 
$
21,415

 
0
%
 
$
10,039

 
0
%
Commercial
8,142,036

 
73
%
 
7,842,573

 
75
%
 
4,912,655

 
78
%
 
4,324,349

 
78
%
 
3,821,163

 
75
%
Construction
316,412

 
3
%
 
254,113

 
2
%
 
123,030

 
2
%
 
94,086

 
2
%
 
72,856

 
2
%
Total real estate loans
8,508,222

 
76
%
 
8,154,570

 
78
%
 
5,069,482

 
80
%
 
4,439,850

 
80
%
 
3,904,058

 
77
%
Commercial business
1,780,869

 
16
%
 
1,832,021

 
17
%
 
980,153

 
16
%
 
903,621

 
16
%
 
949,093

 
19
%
Trade finance
166,664

 
2
%
 
154,928

 
1
%
 
99,163

 
2
%
 
134,762

 
2
%
 
124,685

 
2
%
Consumer and other
647,102

 
6
%
 
403,470

 
4
%
 
102,573

 
2
%
 
89,849

 
2
%
 
98,507

 
2
%
Total loans outstanding
11,102,857

 
100
%
 
10,544,989

 
100
%
 
6,251,371

 
100
%
 
5,568,082

 
100
%
 
5,076,343

 
100
%
Less: deferred loan fees
(282
)
 
 
 
(1,657
)
 
 
 
(3,030
)
 
 
 
(2,890
)
 
 
 
(2,168
)
 
 
Gross loans receivable
11,102,575

 
 
 
10,543,332

 
 
 
6,248,341

 
 
 
5,565,192

 
 
 
5,074,175

 
 
Less: allowance for loan losses
(84,541
)
 
 
 
(79,343
)
 
 
 
(76,408
)
 
 
 
(67,758
)
 
 
 
(67,320
)
 
 
Loans receivable, net
$
11,018,034

 
 
 
$
10,463,989

 
 
 
$
6,171,933

 
 
 
$
5,497,434

 
 
 
$
5,006,855

 
 
Real Estate Loans
Our real estate loans consist primarily of loans secured by deeds of trust on commercial real estate, including SBA loans secured by commercial real estate. It is our general policy to restrict commercial real estate loan amounts to 75% of the appraised value of the property at the time of loan funding. We offer both fixed and floating interest rate loans. The maturities on such loans are generally up to seven years (with payments determined on the basis of principal amortization schedules of up to 25 years and a balloon payment due at maturity). Real estate loans secured by non-consumer residential real estate comprise less than 1% of the total loan portfolio (consumer residential mortgage loans are classified separately as consumer loans). Construction loans are also a small portion of the total real estate portfolio, comprising approximately 3% of total loans outstanding. Total real estate loans, consisting primarily of commercial real estate loans, increased $353.7 million or, 4%, to $8.51 billion at December 31, 2017 from $8.15 billion at December 31, 2016. The increase was mostly due to higher levels of loan originations for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year.

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Table of Contents


Other Loans
Commercial business loans include term loans to businesses, lines of credit, trade finance facilities, commercial SBA loans, equipment leasing loans, and warehouse lines of credit. Business term loans are generally provided to finance business acquisitions, working capital, and/or equipment purchases. Lines of credit are generally provided to finance short-term working capital needs. Trade finance facilities are generally provided to finance import and export activities. SBA loans are provided to small businesses under the U.S. SBA guarantee program. Short-term credit facilities (payable within one year) typically provide for periodic interest payments, with principal payable at maturity. Term loans (usually 5 to 7 years) normally provide for monthly payments of both principal and interest. SBA commercial loans usually have a longer maturity (7 to 10 years). These credits are reviewed on a periodic basis, and most loans are secured by business assets and/or real estate. Warehouse lines of credit are used by mortgage originators to fund mortgages which are then pledged to the Bank as collateral until the mortgage loans are sold and the lines of credit are paid down. The typical duration of these lines of credit from the time of funding to pay-down ranges from 10-30 days. Although collateralized by mortgage loans, the structure of warehouse lending agreements results in the commercial and industrial loan treatment for these types of loans. During 2017, commercial business loans decreased $51.2 million, or 3%, to $1.78 billion at December 31, 2017 from $1.83 billion at December 31, 2016, primarily due to a decline in warehouse lines of credit. Consumer loans comprise approximately 6% of the total loan portfolio. Most of our consumer loan portfolio consists of single-family mortgages, but also include automobile loans, home equity lines and loans, signature (unsecured) lines of credit and loans, and credit card loans. Consumer loans increased $243.6 million, or 60%, to $647.1 million at December 31, 2017 from $403.5 million at December 31, 2016. The increase in consumer loans was due primarily to an increase in originations of single-family mortgages in 2017.
We provide lines of credit to business customers usually on an annual renewal basis. We normally do not make loan commitments in material amounts for periods in excess of one year.
The following table shows our loan commitments and letters of credit outstanding at the dates indicated:
  
December 31,

2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Commitments to extend credit
$
1,526,981

 
$
1,592,221

 
$
802,251

 
$
586,714

 
$
668,306

Standby letters of credit
74,748

 
63,753

 
45,083

 
41,987

 
44,190

Other commercial letters of credit
74,147

 
52,125

 
36,256

 
37,439

 
56,380

Total
$
1,675,876

 
$
1,708,099

 
$
883,590

 
$
666,140

 
$
768,876


Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, accruing loans that are 90 days or more past due, accruing restructured loans, and OREO.
Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days or more past due, unless the loan is both well-secured and in the process of collection. Loans may be placed on nonaccrual status earlier if the full and timely collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid accrued interest is charged against interest income. Loans are charged off when collection of the loan is determined unlikely. Loans are restructured when, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, the Bank grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. OREO consists of real estate acquired by the Bank through foreclosure or similar means, including by deed from the owner in lieu of foreclosure, and is held for future sale.

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Nonperforming assets were $125.2 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $111.2 million at December 31, 2016. Nonperforming assets at December 31, 2017 increased from nonperforming assets at December 31, 2016 due to the increase in nonaccrual loans which was partially offset by a decline in OREO. The following table illustrates the composition of nonperforming assets and nonperforming loans by legacy loans (loans originated by us) and acquired loans as of the dates indicated:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Nonaccrual loans
$
46,775

 
$
40,074

 
$
40,801

 
$
46,353

 
$
39,154

Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
407

 
305

 
375

 
361

 
5

Accruing restructured loans
67,250

 
48,874

 
47,984

 
57,128

 
33,904

Total nonperforming loans
114,432

 
89,253

 
89,160

 
103,842

 
73,063

Other real estate owned
10,787

 
21,990

 
21,035

 
21,938

 
24,288

Total nonperforming assets
$
125,219

 
$
111,243

 
$
110,195

 
$
125,780

 
$
97,351

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Legacy Portfolio
$
28,235

 
$
28,944

 
$
28,469

 
$
28,815

 
$
18,440

Acquired Portfolio
18,540

 
11,130

 
12,332

 
17,538

 
20,714

Total nonaccrual loans
$
46,775

 
$
40,074

 
$
40,801

 
$
46,353

 
$
39,154

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Legacy Portfolio
$
77,305

 
$
74,890

 
$
73,422

 
$
83,609

 
$
50,536

Acquired Portfolio
37,127

 
14,363

 
15,738

 
20,233

 
22,527

Total nonperforming loans
$
114,432

 
$
89,253

 
$
89,160

 
$
103,842

 
$
73,063

Subsequent to December 31, 2017, we downgraded one lending relationship with two commercial business loans with ties to the entertainment industry to nonaccrual status because additional information came to light that could potentially affect the collectibility of these loans. Although these two loans totaling $13.5 million were performing and well secured as of December 31, 2017, as of this Report date, it is probable that we will not be able to fully collect all of the principal and interest on these loans in accordance with the contractual terms.

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Table of Contents


Maturity of Loans
The following table illustrates the maturity distribution intervals of loans outstanding as of December 31, 2017.
 
December 31, 2017
 
Loans Maturing
 
 
 
Within One
Year
 
After One to
Five Years
 
After Five
Years
 
Total Loans
Outstanding
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
8,030

 
$
31,888

 
$
9,856

 
$
49,774

Commercial
744,389

 
4,079,659

 
3,317,988

 
8,142,036

Construction
253,272

 
59,773

 
3,367

 
316,412

Total real estate loans
1,005,691

 
4,171,320

 
3,331,211

 
8,508,222

Commercial business loans
822,939

 
560,072

 
397,858

 
1,780,869

Trade finance loans
165,734

 
930

 

 
166,664

Consumer loans
34,507

 
25,726

 
586,869

 
647,102

Total loans outstanding
$
2,028,871

 
$
4,758,048

 
$
4,315,938

 
$
11,102,857

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed
$
540,169

 
$
3,299,120

 
$
2,440,850

 
$
6,280,139

Variable
1,488,702

 
1,458,928

 
1,875,088

 
4,822,718

Total loans outstanding
$
2,028,871

 
$
4,758,048

 
$
4,315,938

 
$
11,102,857

Concentrations
Our lending activities are predominately in California, New Jersey and the New York City, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and Seattle metropolitan areas. At December 31, 2017, loans from California represented 67.9% of the total loans outstanding and loans from New York and New Jersey represented 14.5%. The remaining 17.6% of total loans outstanding represented loans from other states. Although we have a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of the loan portfolio and credit performance depends on the economic stability of Southern California. Within the California market, most of our business activity is with customers located within Los Angeles County (58.7%). Therefore, our exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy in the Los Angeles County area. Within our commercial real estate loan portfolio, the largest industry concentrations are hotel/motel (19.2%), retail building (21.0%), gas station & car wash (11.3%), and industrial & warehouse (10.1%). Within our commercial and industrial loan portfolio, the largest industry concentrations are wholesalers (22.7%), retail trade (18.1%), manufacturing (14.7%), and services (10.1%).
Allowance for Loan Losses
The Bank has implemented a multi-faceted process to identify, manage, and mitigate the credit risks that are inherent in the loan portfolio. For new loans, each loan application package is fully analyzed by experienced reviewers and approvers. In accordance with current lending approval authority guidelines, a majority of loans are approved by the Management Loan Committee (“MLC”) and Directors Loan Committee (“DLC”). For existing loans, the Bank maintains a systematic loan review program, which includes internally conducted reviews and periodic reviews by external loan review consultants. Based on these reviews, loans are graded as to their overall credit quality, which is measured based on: the sufficiency of credit and collateral documentation; proper lien perfection; proper approval by loan committee(s); adherence to any loan agreement covenants; compliance with internal policies and procedures, and with laws and regulations; adequacy and strength of repayment sources including borrower or collateral generated cash flow; payment performance; and liquidation value of the collateral. We closely monitor loans that management has determined require further supervision because of the loan size, loan structure, and/or specific circumstances of the borrower.
When principal or interest on a loan is 90 days or more past due, a loan is generally placed on nonaccrual status unless it is considered to be both well-secured and in the process of collection. Further, a loan is considered a loss in whole or in part when (1) it appears that loss exposure on the loan exceeds the collateral value for the loan, (2) servicing of the unsecured portion has been discontinued or (3) collection is not anticipated due to the borrower’s financial condition and general economic conditions in the borrower’s industry. Any loan or portion of a loan judged by management to be uncollectible is charged against the allowance for loan losses, while any recoveries are credited to such allowance.
The allowance for loan losses was $84.5 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $79.3 million at December 31, 2016. We recorded provisions for loan losses of $17.4 million in 2017 compared to $9.0 million in 2016, and $8.0 million in 2015.

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Table of Contents


During 2017, we charged off $17.4 million in loans outstanding and recovered $5.2 million in loans previously charged off. Total Criticized Loans, or loan rated special mention, substandard, doubtful, or loss, at December 31, 2017 were $568.5 million compared to $556.7 million at December 31, 2016. The allowance for loan losses was 0.76% of gross loans at December 31, 2017 compared to 0.75% at December 31, 2016. In addition to allowance for loan losses, we had $836 thousand in allowances for unused loan commitments as of December 31, 2017, compared to $3.2 million as of December 31, 2016.
For loans not classified as impaired loans, general loan loss allowances are provided to cover probable and incurred losses. The allowance is determined based first on a quantitative analysis using a loss migration methodology. The loans are classified by type and loan grade and the historical loss migration is tracked for the various stratifications. We further segregate these stratifications between loans accounted for under the amortized cost method (referred to as “Legacy Loans”) and loans acquired (referred to as “Acquired Loans”), as acquired loans were originally recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for loan losses. See “Financial Condition—Allowance for Loan Losses Methodology” for a detailed description of our loan loss methodology.
Impaired loans as defined by ASC 310-10-35, totaled $114.3 million and $140.4 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, with specific allowances of $5.3 million and $7.4 million, respectively. The MLC, DLC, and the Management ALLL Committee of the Bank all review the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on at least a quarterly basis and more frequently as needed. Based upon these evaluations and internal and external reviews of the overall quality of our loan portfolio, we believe that the allowance for loan losses was adequate to absorb estimated probable incurred losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2017. However, no assurances can be given that the Bank will not experience further losses in excess of the allowance, which may require additional future provisions for loan losses.
The following table presents total nonaccrual and delinquent loans (loans past due 30 to 89 days) as of the dates indicated:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate—Residential
$

 
$
679

 
$

 
$

 
$

Real estate—Commercial
33,838

 
37,649

 
28,085

 
34,051

 
35,492

Real estate—Construction
1,300

 
2,813

 
1,369

 
1,521

 

Commercial business
25,546

 
13,076

 
15,893

 
12,875

 
11,366

Trade finance

 
2,556

 
1,731

 
3,194

 
1,031

Consumer and other
10,451

 
1,643

 
2,087

 
1,211

 
1,364

Total Nonaccrual and Delinquent Loans
$
71,135

 
$
58,416

 
$
49,165

 
$
52,852

 
$
49,253

Nonaccrual loans included above
$
46,775

 
$
40,074

 
$
40,801

 
$
46,353

 
$
39,154

We categorize loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt including but not limited to: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends. We analyze loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis includes all non-homogeneous loans. This analysis is performed on at least a quarterly basis. We use the following definitions for risk ratings:
Pass: Loans that meet a preponderance or more of our underwriting criteria and evidence an acceptable level of risk.
Special Mention: Loans classified as Special Mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.
Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the repayment of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful/Loss: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or repayment in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

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Table of Contents


Loans assigned a risk rating of Special Mention or worse are referred to as Criticized Loans and loans assigned a risk rating of Substandard or worse are referred to as Classified Loans. The following table provides the detail of Criticized Loans by risk rating as of the dates indicated:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Special Mention
$
214,891

 
$
243,656

 
$
104,186

 
$
122,335

 
$
89,489

Substandard
353,222

 
311,106

 
201,362

 
221,875

 
258,500

Doubtful
362

 
1,949

 
2,214

 
2,187

 
7,861

Loss

 

 

 

 

Total Criticized Loans
$
568,475

 
$
556,711

 
$
307,762

 
$
346,397

 
$
355,850

The following table shows the provision for loan losses, the amount of loans charged off, the recoveries on loans previously charged off together with the balance in the allowance for loan losses at the beginning and end of each year, the amount of average and total loans outstanding and other pertinent ratios as of the dates and for the years indicated:
 
At or For The Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
LOANS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loans receivable, including loans held for sale (net of deferred fees)
$
10,642,349

 
$
8,121,897

 
$
5,846,658

 
$
5,355,243

 
$
4,692,089

Total loans receivables, excluding loans held for sale (net of deferred fees)
11,102,575

 
10,543,332

 
6,248,341

 
5,565,192

 
5,074,175

ALLOWANCE:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance—beginning of year
79,343

 
76,408

 
67,758

 
67,320

 
66,941

Loans charged off:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
3,142

 
910

 
741

 
2,726

 
8,529

Commercial business and trade finance
13,300

 
7,293

 
3,530

 
14,933

 
12,973

Consumer and other loans
968

 
757

 
641

 
100

 
567

Total loans charged off
17,410

 
8,960

 
4,912

 
17,759

 
22,069

Less recoveries:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
212

 
1,187

 
1,947

 
963

 
311

Commercial business and trade finance
4,996

 
1,614

 
3,011

 
4,366

 
1,937

Consumer and other loans
40

 
94

 
604

 
230

 
200

Total loan recoveries
5,248

 
2,895

 
5,562

 
5,559

 
2,448

Net loans charged off (recovered)
12,162

 
6,065

 
(650
)
 
12,200

 
19,621

Provision for loan losses
17,360

 
9,000

 
8,000

 
12,638

 
20,000

Balance—end of year
$
84,541

 
$
79,343

 
$
76,408

 
$
67,758

 
$
67,320

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RATIOS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans
0.11
%
 
0.07
%
 
(0.01
)%
 
0.23
%
 
0.42
%
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans
0.76
%
 
0.75
%
 
1.22
 %
 
1.22
%
 
1.33
%
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to allowance for loan losses
14.39
%
 
7.64
%
 
(0.85
)%
 
18.01
%
 
29.15
%
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to provision for loan losses
70.06
%
 
67.39
%
 
(8.13
)%
 
96.53
%
 
98.11
%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans
73.88
%
 
88.90
%
 
85.70
 %
 
65.25
%
 
92.14
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

45

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Allowance for Loan Losses Methodology
We maintain an allowance for loan losses to provide for estimated probable losses that are inherent in our loan portfolio. The allowance is based on our regular quarterly assessments. Our methodologies for measuring the appropriate level of the allowance include the combination of: (1) a quantitative historical loss migration analysis (“Migration Analysis”) for pools of loans and a qualitative analysis of subjective factors and (2) a specific allowance method for impaired loans.
The following table reflects our allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category and the ratio of each loan category to total loans as of the dates indicated:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Amount of allowance for loan losses
 
Percent of loans to total loans
 
Amount of allowance for loan losses
 
Percent of loans to total loans
 
Amount of allowance for loan losses
 
Percent of loans to total loans
 
Amount of allowance for loan losses
 
Percent of loans to total loans
 
Amount of allowance for loan losses
 
Percent of loans to total loans
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Loan Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estateresidential
$
88

 
%
 
$
209

 
1
%
 
$
230

 
%
 
$
146

 
%
 
$
25

 
%
Real estatecommercial
57,664

 
73
%
 
49,917

 
75
%
 
54,505

 
78
%
 
46,535

 
78
%
 
45,897

 
75
%
Real estateconstruction
930

 
3
%
 
1,621

 
2
%
 
917

 
2
%
 
667

 
2
%
 
628

 
2
%
Commercial business
20,755

 
16
%
 
23,547

 
17
%
 
16,547

 
16
%
 
16,471

 
16
%
 
17,592

 
19
%
Trade finance
1,716

 
2
%
 
1,897

 
1
%
 
3,592

 
2
%
 
3,456

 
2
%
 
2,653

 
2
%
Consumer and other
3,388

 
6
%
 
2,152

 
4
%
 
617

 
2
%
 
483

 
2
%
 
525

 
2
%
Total
$
84,541

 
100
%
 
$
79,343

 
100
%
 
$
76,408

 
100
%
 
$
67,758

 
100
%
 
$
67,320

 
100
%
The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is determined by management based upon an evaluation and review of the credit quality of the loan portfolio, consideration of historical loan loss migration experience, relevant internal and external factors that affect the collection of a loan, and other pertinent factors.
The Migration Analysis is a formula methodology based on the Bank’s actual historical net charge off experience for each loan pool and loan risk grade (Pass, Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful). The migration analysis is centered on the Bank’s internal credit risk rating system. Our internal and external credit reviews are used to determine and validate loan risk grades. This credit review system takes into consideration factors such as: borrower’s background and experience; historical and current financial condition; credit history and payment performance; economic conditions and their impact on various industries; type, fair value, and volatility of the value of collateral; lien position; and the financial strength of any guarantors.
A general loan loss allowance is provided on loans not specifically identified as impaired (“non-impaired loans”). For non- impaired loans, including loans acquired without credit deterioration, the allowance is determined first based on a quantitative analysis using a loss migration methodology. The loans are classified by type and loan grade and the historical loss migration is tracked for the various stratifications. Loss experience is quantified for a specified period determined by management and then weighted to give more weight to the most recent periods. That loss experience is then applied to the stratified portfolio at the end of each quarter. As of December 31, 2017, we utilized nineteen non-homogeneous loan pools in the quantitative analysis process. The non-impaired commercial real estate loan portfolio was stratified into fourteen different loan pools based on property types and the non-impaired commercial and industrial loan portfolio was stratified into five different loan pools based on loan type in order to allocate historic loss experience to more granular loan pools.
Additionally, in order to systematically quantify the credit risk impact of other trends and changes within the loan portfolio, the Bank utilizes qualitative adjustments to the Migration Analysis within established parameters. The parameters for making adjustments are established under a Credit Risk Matrix that provides seven possible scenarios for each of the factors below. The matrix allows for up to three positive (major, moderate and minor), three negative (major, moderate and minor), and one neutral credit risk scenarios within each factor for each loan type pool. Generally, the factors are considered to have no significant impact (neutral) to our historical migration ratios. However, if information exists to warrant adjustment to the Migration Analysis, changes are made in accordance with the established parameters supported by narrative and/or statistical analysis. The Credit Risk Matrix and the nine possible scenarios enable the Bank to qualitatively adjust the Loss Migration Ratio or individual specific reserve allocations by as much as 50 basis points in either direction (positive or negative) for each loan type pool. This matrix considers the following nine factors, which are patterned after the guidelines provided under the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (“FFIEC”) Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses:
Changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off and recovery practices.

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Changes in national and local economic and business conditions and developments, including the condition of various market segments.
Changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio.
Changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff.
Changes in the trends of the volume and severity of past due and classified loans and changes in trends in the volume of nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructurings and other loan modifications.
Changes in the quality of our loan review system and the degree of oversight by the Directors.
Changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans.
The existence and effect of any concentrations of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations.
The effect of external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated losses in our loan portfolio.
We also establish specific loss allowances for loans where we have identified potential credit risk conditions or circumstances related to a specific individual credit. The specific allowance amounts are determined by a method prescribed by ASC 310-10-35-22, Measurement of Impairment. The loans identified as impaired are accounted for in accordance with one of the three acceptable valuation methods: 1) the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; 2) the loan’s observable market price; or 3) the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. For the collateral dependent impaired loans, we obtain an appraisal to determine the amount of impairment as of the date that the loan became impaired. The appraisals are based on an “as is” valuation. To ensure that appraised values remain current, we generally obtain either an internally prepared evaluation report or an updated appraisal every twelve months from a qualified independent appraiser. If the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell, is less than the recorded amount of the loan, we then recognize impairment by creating or adjusting an existing valuation allowance with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses. If an impaired loan is expected to be collected through liquidation of the collateral, the loan is deemed to be collateral dependent and the amount of impairment is charged off against the allowance for loan losses.
We consider a loan to be impaired when it is probable that not all amounts due (principal and interest) will be collectible in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. The significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls is determined on a case-by-case basis by taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.
For commercial business loans, real estate loans and certain consumer loans, we base the measurement of loan impairment on the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or on the fair value of the loan’s collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. We evaluate most consumer loans for impairment on a collective basis, because these loans have generally smaller balances and are homogeneous in the underwriting terms and conditions, and in the type of collateral. If a loan is deemed to be impaired, the amount of the impairment is supported by a specific allowance amount which is included in the allowance for loan losses through a charge to the provision for loan losses.
The scope for evaluation of individual impairment includes all loans risk graded Doubtful or Loss, all troubled debt restructured loans (“TDRs”) and all loans risk graded Substandard that are greater than $500 thousand regardless of performance under their contractual terms. Impaired loans at December 31, 2017 were $114.3 million, a net decrease of $26.1 million from $140.4 million at December 31, 2016. This net decrease in impaired loans is due primarily to payoffs and charge-offs of impaired loans in 2017.
Investment Security Portfolio
The main objectives of our investment strategy are to provide a source of liquidity while managing our interest rate risk and to generate an adequate level of interest income without taking undue risks. Our investment policy permits investments in various types of securities, certificates of deposits and federal funds sold in compliance with various restrictions in the policy. All of our investment securities are classified as available-for-sale. The securities for which we have the ability and intent to hold to maturity may be classified as held-to-maturity securities. However, we do not currently maintain a held-for-maturity or trading portfolio.
Our available-for-sale securities totaled $1.72 billion at December 31, 2017, compared to $1.56 billion at December 31, 2016. We had no securities that were categorized as held-to-maturity at December 31, 2017 or 2016. We had securities matured, called, or paid down totaling $264.7 million and purchased $572.5 million in securities during the year. In 2017, we sold securities totaling $128.8 million and had a net gain on sale of securities of $301 thousand. At December 31, 2017, we had a carrying balance of $359.2 million in securities that were pledged to secure public deposits, or for other purposes required or permitted by law. $337.7 million in securities were pledged in the State of California time deposit program, $8.0 million was pledged at the United State Department of Justice, and $13.5 million were pledged for public deposits.

47

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Our investment portfolio consists of government sponsored enterprise (“GSE”) bonds, mortgage backed securities (“MBS”), collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), mutual funds, corporate securities, and municipal securities.
Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is primarily invested in residential CMOs and residential and commercial MBS, which comprised 94% of our total available-for-sale portfolio as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, all of our CMOs and MBS were issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), Fannie Mae (“FNMA”), or Freddie Mac (“FHLMC”), which guarantee the contractual cash flows of these investments.
The following table presents the amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gain and losses on our investment securities as of the dates indicated:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Debt securities*:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
12,005

 
$
12,008

 
$
3

CMOs
856,193

 
838,709

 
(17,484
)
 
715,981

 
705,667

 
(10,314
)
MBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Residential
477,676

 
471,214

 
(6,462
)
 
611,201

 
602,852

 
(8,249
)
Commercial
308,046

 
301,365

 
(6,681
)
 
130,103

 
125,089

 
(5,014
)
Corporate Securities
4,997

 
4,475

 
(522
)
 
11,576

 
11,127

 
(449
)
Municipal Securities
82,542

 
82,537

 
(5
)
 
88,018

 
86,839

 
(1,179
)
Total debt securities
1,729,454

 
1,698,300

 
(31,154
)
 
1,568,884

 
1,543,582

 
(25,202
)
Mutual funds
22,425

 
21,957

 
(468
)
 
13,425

 
13,058

 
(367
)
Total
$
1,751,879

 
$
1,720,257

 
$
(31,622
)
 
$
1,582,309

 
$
1,556,640

 
$
(25,569
)
* GSE bonds were issued by GNMA, FNMA, and FHLMC and are all mortgage-backed securities.


48

Table of Contents


The following table summarizes the maturity of securities based on carrying value and their related weighted average yield (non-tax equivalent) at December 31, 2017:
 
Within One Year
 
After One But
Within Five Years
 
After Five But
Within Ten Years
 
After Ten Years
 
Total
 
Amount
 
Yield
 
Amount
 
Yield
 
Amount
 
Yield
 
Amount
 
Yield
 
Amount
 
Yield
 
(Dollars in thousands)
CMOs
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
7,278

 
1.48
%
 
$
831,431

 
2.25
%
 
$
838,709

 
2.24
%
MBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
Residential

 
%
 

 
%
 
90,697

 
1.94
%
 
380,517

 
2.35
%
 
471,214

 
2.27
%
Commercial

 
%
 

 
%
 
161,663

 
2.75
%
 
139,702

 
2.27
%
 
301,365

 
2.53
%
Corporate Securities

 
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 
4,475

 
3.51
%
 
4,475

 
3.51
%
Municipal Securities

 
%
 
11,729

 
4.00
%
 
33,581

 
3.24
%
 
37,227

 
4.24
%
 
82,537

 
3.80
%
Mutual funds
 
 
%
 

 
%
 
21,957

 
2.04
%
 

 
%
 
21,957

 
2.04
%
Total
$

 
%
 
$
11,729

 
4.00
%
 
$
315,176

 
2.49
%
 
$
1,393,352

 
2.34
%
 
$
1,720,257

 
2.37
%

The following table shows our investments with gross unrealized losses and their estimated fair values, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2017:
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
Description of
Securities
Number of
Securities
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number of
Securities
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number of
Securities
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
CMOs*
38

 
$
425,198

 
$
(5,954
)
 
53

 
$
408,526

 
$
(11,588
)
 
91

 
$
833,724

 
$
(17,542
)
MBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential*
20

 
195,086

 
(1,282
)
 
23

 
230,616

 
(5,701
)
 
43

 
425,702

 
(6,983
)
Commercial*
16

 
186,357

 
(1,614
)
 
8

 
115,008

 
(5,067
)
 
24

 
301,365

 
(6,681
)
Corporate securities
1

 
4,475

 
(522
)
 

 

 

 
1

 
4,475

 
(522
)
Municipal securities
18

 
9,295

 
(69
)
 
3

 
22,144

 
(806
)
 
21

 
31,439

 
(875
)
Mutual funds
1

 
8,899

 
(101
)
 
3

 
11,579

 
(384
)
 
4

 
20,478

 
(485
)
Total
94

 
$
829,310

 
$
(9,542
)
 
90

 
$
787,873

 
$
(23,546
)
 
184

 
$
1,617,183

 
$
(33,088
)
* Investments in U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

ASC 320 requires an entity to assess whether the entity has the intent to sell a debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is met, an entity must recognize an other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”). If an entity does not intend to sell the debt security and will not be required to sell the debt security, the entity must consider whether it will recover the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis of the security, OTTI shall be considered to have occurred. OTTI is then separated into the amount of the total impairment related to credit losses and the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. An entity determines the impairment related to credit losses by comparing the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. OTTI related to the credit loss is then recognized in earnings. OTTI related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.
ASC 320 requires an entity to assess whether the entity plans to sell an equity security and does not expect the fair value of the equity security to recover by the time of the sale. If both of these conditions are met, an entity must recognize OTTI when the decision to sell is made. The entity considers facts and circumstances present at the time of assessment, which include the consideration of general market conditions, and the duration and extent to which the fair value is below cost. OTTI related to equity securities is recognized in earnings.
We evaluate securities for OTTI on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value of the securities has been less than our cost for the securities, and our intention to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized

49

Table of Contents


cost basis. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, we consider whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer’s financial condition.
We consider the losses on our investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2017 to be temporary based on: 1) the likelihood of recovery; 2) the information available to us relative to the extent and duration of the decline in market value; and 3) our intention not to sell, and our determination that it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. The increase in the net unrealized loss position can be attributed to the change in Treasury yields due to the increases in interest rates at December 31, 2017 compared to rates at December 31, 2016.
Deposits
Deposits are our primary source of funds for loans and investments. We offer a wide variety of deposit account products to commercial and consumer customers. Total deposits increased to $10.85 billion at December 31, 2017 from $10.64 billion at December 31, 2016.
The increase in deposits during 2017 was primarily due to an increase in time deposits and noninterest bearing demand deposits in 2017 partially offset by a decline in money market and savings accounts. At December 31, 2017, we had $797.1 million in brokered time deposits and money market accounts and $300.0 million in California State Treasurer deposits compared to $724.7 million in brokered time deposits and money market accounts and $300.0 million in California State Treasurer deposits at December 31, 2016. The brokered deposits represented approximately 7.3% of our total deposits as of December 31, 2017 compared to 6.8% as of December 31, 2016. The California State Treasurer deposits have up to six months maturities with a weighted average interest rate of 1.37% at December 31, 2017 compared to 0.45% at December 31, 2016.
Although our deposits may vary with local and national economic conditions, we do not believe that our deposits are seasonal in nature. The following table sets forth the balances of our deposits by category for the periods indicated:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Demand, noninterest bearing
$
2,998,734

 
27
%
 
$
2,900,241

 
27
%
 
$
1,694,427

 
27
%
Demand, interest bearing
3,332,703

 
31
%
 
3,401,446

 
32
%
 
1,983,250

 
31
%
Savings
240,509

 
2
%
 
301,906

 
3
%
 
187,498

 
3
%
Time deposit of more than $250,000
1,279,108

 
12
%
 
1,077,024

 
10
%
 
1,021,937

 
16
%
Other time deposits
2,995,555

 
28
%
 
2,961,418

 
28
%
 
1,453,864

 
23
%
Total Deposits
$
10,846,609

 
100
%
 
$
10,642,035

 
100
%
 
$
6,340,976

 
100
%

The following table indicates the maturity schedules of our time deposits, for the years indicated:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
Amount
 
Percentage
 
Amount
 
Percentage
 
Amount
 
Percentage
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months or less
$
857,761

 
20
%
 
$
1,006,581

 
25
%
 
$
700,991

 
28
%
Over three months through six months
1,075,202

 
25
%
 
719,986

 
18
%
 
467,615

 
19
%
Over six months through twelve months
1,923,003

 
45
%
 
1,761,056

 
43
%
 
1,083,248

 
44
%
Over twelve months
418,697

 
10
%
 
550,819

 
14
%
 
223,947

 
9
%
Total time deposits
$
4,274,663

 
100
%
 
$
4,038,442

 
100
%
 
$
2,475,801

 
100
%


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Table of Contents


The following table indicates the maturity schedules of our time deposits in amounts of more than $250,000 as of December 31, 2017:
 
 
Amount
 
Percentage
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months or less
 
$
249,568

 
20
%
Over three months through six months
 
473,313

 
37
%
Over six months through twelve months
 
493,054

 
38
%
Over twelve months
 
63,173

 
5
%
Total
 
$
1,279,108

 
100
%

There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to replace maturing time deposits at competitive rates. However, if we are unable to replace these maturing time deposits with new deposits, we believe that we have adequate liquidity resources to fund these obligations through secured credit lines with the FHLB and FRB, as well as with liquid assets.
Borrowings
We utilize a combination of short-term and long-term borrowings from the FHLB and other sources to help manage our liquidity position. However, borrowings are used as a secondary source of funds and deposits are our main source of liquidity.
Federal Funds Purchased
Federal funds purchased generally mature within one to three business days from the transaction date. At December 31, 2017, we had $69.9 million in overnight federal funds purchased at an average weighted rate of 1.79%. We did not have any federal funds purchased at December 31, 2016.
FHLB Advances
We may borrow from the FHLB on a long term basis to provide funding for certain loans or investment securities strategies, as well as for asset liability management strategies. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, FHLB advances totaled $1.16 billion and $754.3 million with average remaining maturities of 2.0 years and 2.2 years, respectively. The weighted average rate, net of fair value adjustments, for FHLB advances was 1.63% at December 31, 2017 compared to 1.22% at year-end 2016. As of December 31, 2017, our remaining available FHLB borrowing capacity was $2.32 billion. See Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information on FHLB advances.
Subordinated Debentures
At December 31, 2017, nine wholly-owned subsidiary grantor trusts (“Trusts”) had issued $126.0 million of pooled trust preferred securities (“Trust Preferred Securities”). The Trust Preferred Securities accrue and pay distributions periodically at specified annual rates as provided in the related indentures for the securities. The Trusts used the net proceeds from the offering of the Trust Preferred Securities to purchase a like amount of subordinated debentures (the “Debentures”) issued by us. The Debentures are the sole assets of the trusts. Our obligations under the Debentures and related documents, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by us of the obligations of the trusts. The Trust Preferred Securities are mandatorily redeemable upon the maturity of the Debentures, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indentures. We have the right to redeem the Debentures in whole (but not in part) on or after specific dates, at a redemption price specified in the indentures plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Trusts are not reported on a consolidated basis pursuant to ASC 810, Consolidation. Therefore, the capital securities of $126.0 million are not presented on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Instead, the long-term subordinated debentures of $100.9 million as of December 31, 2017, issued by us to the Trusts and the investment in Trusts’ common stock of $3.9 million (included in other assets) are separately reported. During the third quarter of 2016, we acquired four subordinated debentures from Wilshire at a fair value of $56.9 million, net of $25.5 million in total discount.

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The following table summarizes our outstanding Debentures related to the Trust Preferred Securities at December 31, 2017:
Trust Name
 
Issuance Date
 
Amount
 
Carry Value of Subordinated Debentures
 
Maturity
Date
 
Coupon Rate
 
Current Rate
 
Interest Distribution
and Callable Date
(Dollars in thousands)
Nara Capital Trust III
 
06/05/2003
 
$
5,000

 
$
5,155

 
06/15/2033
 
3 month LIBOR
+ 3.15%
 
4.74%
 
Every 15th of
Mar, Jun, Sep, and Dec
Nara Statutory Trust IV
 
12/22/2003
 
5,000

 
5,155

 
01/07/2034
 
3 month LIBOR
+ 2.85%
 
4.21%
 
Every 7th of
Jan, Apr, Jul and Oct
Nara Statutory Trust V
 
12/17/2003
 
10,000

 
10,310

 
12/17/2033
 
3 month LIBOR
+ 2.95%
 
4.55%
 
Every 17th of
Mar, Jun, Sep and Dec
Nara Statutory Trust VI
 
03/22/2007
 
8,000

 
8,248

 
06/15/2037
 
3 month LIBOR
+1.65%
 
3.24%
 
Every 15th of
Mar, Jun, Sep and Dec
Center Capital Trust I
 
12/30/2003
 
18,000

 
13,827

 
01/07/2034
 
3 month LIBOR
+2.85%
 
4.21%
 
Every 7th of
Jan, Apr, Jul and Oct
Wilshire Statutory Trust II
 
03/17/2005
 
20,000

 
15,314

 
03/17/2035
 
3 month LIBOR
+1.79%
 
3.39%
 
Every 17th of
Mar, Jun, Sep, and Dec
Wilshire Statutory Trust III
 
09/15/2005
 
15,000

 
10,767

 
09/15/2035
 
3 month LIBOR
+1.40%
 
2.99%
 
Every 15th of
Mar, Jun, Sep, and Dec
Wilshire Statutory Trust IV
 
07/10/2007
 
25,000

 
17,479

 
09/15/2037
 
3 month LIBOR
+1.38%
 
2.97%
 
Every 15th of
Mar, Jun, Sep, and Dec
Saehan Capital Trust I
 
03/30/2007
 
20,000

 
14,598

 
06/30/2037
 
3 month LIBOR
+1.62%
 
3.31%
 
Every 30th of
Mar, Jun, Sep, and Dec
Total Trust
 
 
 
$
126,000

 
$
100,853

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Resources
Historically, our primary source of capital has been the retention of earnings, net of dividend payments to shareholders. We seek to maintain capital at a level sufficient to assure our stockholders, our customers, and our regulators that Hope Bancorp and the Bank subsidiary are financially sound. For this purpose, we perform ongoing assessments of our components of capital as well as projected sources and uses of capital in conjunction with projected increases in assets and levels of risk.
In conjunction with the acquisition of PIB, we assumed a warrant (related to the TARP Capital Purchase Plan) to purchase shares of its common stock. At the acquisition date, the warrants were canceled and converted into a warrant to purchase BBCN Bancorp common stock which expires on December 12, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, the U.S. Treasury Department held the warrant for the purchase of 20,379 shares of our common stock.
On July 29, 2016 we acquired Wilshire in an all-stock transaction. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Wilshire shareholders received 0.7034 shares of our common stock for each share of Wilshire stock owned. We therefore issued 55,493,726 shares of its common stock to Wilshire shareholders at $15.37 per share. This resulted in the issuance of $852.9 million in common shares of HOPE stock during the third quarter of 2016.
Our total stockholders’ equity increased $72.8 million, or 3.9%, to $1.93 billion at December 31, 2017 from $1.86 billion at December 31, 2016. Net income of $139.4 million during the year contributed to the increase in overall stockholders’ equity, partially offset by a decrease in equity from other comprehensive loss of $3.5 million, a reclassification of stranded tax effects of $3.6 million, and dividends paid on common stock of $67.7 million. As permitted by ASU 2018-02, we reclassified $3.6 million in stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income that resulted from the reduction in corporate tax rates to retained earnings related to the deferred tax assets for unrealized losses on investments securities and interest only strip. The total reclassification for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $3.6 million. At December 31, 2017, our ratio of common equity to total assets was 13.57% compared to 13.80% at December 31, 2016, and our tangible common equity represented 10.54% of tangible assets at December 31, 2017, compared with 10.60% of tangible assets at December 31, 2016. Tangible common equity per share was $10.68 at December 31, 2017, compared with $10.15 at December 31, 2016. Tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents common equity less goodwill and net other intangible assets divided by total assets less goodwill and net other intangible assets. We review tangible common equity to tangible assets in evaluating the capital levels.
The following tables compare Hope Bancorp’s and the Bank’s actual capital ratios at December 31, 2017 to those required by our regulatory agencies to generally be deemed “adequately capitalized” for capital adequacy classification purposes:

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December 31, 2017
 
Actual
 
Required
 
Excess
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Hope Bancorp
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
$
1,471,193

 
12.30
%
 
$
538,435

 
4.50
%
 
$
932,758

 
7.80
%
Total capital
(to risk-weighted assets)
$
1,653,521

 
13.82
%
 
$
957,217

 
8.00
%
 
$
696,304

 
5.82
%
Tier 1 capital
(to risk-weighted assets)
$
1,568,144

 
13.11
%
 
$
717,913

 
6.00
%
 
$
850,231

 
7.11
%
Tier 1 capital
(to average assets)
$
1,568,144

 
11.54
%
 
$
543,528

 
4.00
%
 
$
1,024,616

 
7.54
%
 
December 31, 2017
 
Actual
 
Required
 
Excess
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Bank of Hope
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
$
1,548,401

 
12.95
%
 
$
538,178

 
4.50
%
 
$
1,010,223

 
8.45
%
Total capital
(to risk-weighted assets)
$
1,633,778

 
13.66
%
 
$
956,761

 
8.00
%
 
$
677,017

 
5.66
%
Tier 1 capital
(to risk-weighted assets)
$
1,548,401

 
12.95
%
 
$
717,571

 
6.00
%
 
$
830,830

 
6.95
%
Tier 1 capital
(to average assets)
$
1,548,401

 
11.40
%
 
$
543,441

 
4.00
%
 
$
1,004,960

 
7.40
%
New Capital Rules requires a capital conservation buffer of 2.50% above the three minimum risked weighted capital ratios. In January 2016, the capital conservation buffer started to phase in at 0.625% and increases at annual increments of 0.625% until fully-phased in January 2019. At January 1, 2016, the capital conservation buffer stood was 0.625% and increased to 1.25% at January 1, 2018, and increased again to 1.875% on January 1, 2018, and will be fully phased-in on January 1, 2019 at 2.50%. Our capital ratios at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 exceeded all of the regulatory minimums including the fully-phased in capital conservation buffer.
Liquidity Management
Liquidity risk is the risk of reduction in our earnings or capital that would result if we were not able to meet our obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable losses. Liquidity risk includes the risk of unplanned decreases or changes in funding sources and changes in market conditions that affect our ability to liquidate assets quickly and with minimum loss of value. Factors considered in liquidity risk management are the stability of the deposit base; the marketability, maturity, and pledging of our investments; the availability of alternative sources of funds; and our demand for credit.
The objective of our liquidity management is to have funds available to meet cash flow requirements arising from fluctuations in deposit levels and the demands of daily operations, which include funding of securities purchases, providing for customers’ credit needs, and ongoing repayment of borrowings.
We manage our liquidity actively on a daily basis and it is reviewed periodically by our management-level Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALM”) and the Board Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”). This process is intended to ensure the maintenance of sufficient funds to meet our liquidity needs, including adequate cash flow for off-balance-sheet commitments. In general, our liquidity is managed daily by controlling the level of federal funds and the funds provided by cash flow from operations. To meet unexpected demands, lines of credit are maintained with the FHLB, the Federal Reserve Bank, and other correspondent banks. The sale of investment securities also serves as a source of funds.
Our primary sources of liquidity are derived from financing activities, which include customer and broker deposits, federal funds facilities, and borrowings from the FHLB and the FRB Discount Window. These funding sources are augmented by payments of principal and interest on loans, proceeds from sale of loans, pay down of investment securities, and the liquidation or sale of

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securities from our available-for-sale portfolio. Primary uses of funds include withdrawal of and interest payments on deposits, originations of loans, purchases of investment securities, payment of operating expenses, and payment of dividends.
Net cash inflows from operating activities totaled $203.9 million, $130.6 million and $108.1 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Net cash inflows from operating activities for 2017 were primarily attributable to proceeds from sales of loans held for sale and net income partially offset by originations of held for sale loans.
Net cash outflows from investing activities totaled $767.3 million, $463.4 million and $935.0 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Net cash outflows for investing activities during 2017 were primarily from purchases of securities available for sale and the net change in loans receivable. These outflows were offset by proceeds received for securities available for sale that were paid down during the year.
Net cash inflows from financing activities totaled $548.2 million, $471.7 million and $663.1 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Net cash inflows from financing activities for 2017 was primarily attributable to an increase in deposits and net proceeds from FHLB advances partially offset by dividends paid on common stock.
When we have more funds than required for our reserve requirements or short-term liquidity needs, we sell federal funds to other financial institutions. Conversely, when we have less funds than required, we may purchase federal funds, borrow funds from the FHLB or the FRB’s Discount Window. As of December 31, 2017, the maximum amount that we were able to borrow on an overnight basis from the FHLB and the FRB was an aggregate of $4.10 billion, and we had $1.23 billion in federal funds purchased and borrowings from the FHLB (including $2.7 million in premiums from acquired advances) and no borrowings outstanding from the FRB. The FHLB System functions as a line of credit facility for qualifying financial institutions. As a member, we are required to own capital stock in the FHLB and may apply for advances from the FHLB by pledging qualifying mortgage loans and certain securities as collateral for these advances.
At times we maintain a portion of our liquid assets in interest bearing cash deposits with other banks, in overnight federal funds sold to other banks, and in investment securities available for sale that are not pledged. Our liquid assets, consist of cash and cash equivalents, interest bearing cash deposits with other banks, overnight federal funds sold to other banks, liquid investment securities available for sale, and loan repayments within 30 days. Liquid assets totaled $1.73 billion and $1.53 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents, including federal funds sold, totaled $492.0 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $437.3 million at December 31, 2016.
Because our primary sources and uses of funds are deposits and loans, the relationship between gross loans and total deposits provides one measure of our liquidity. Typically, the closer the ratio of loans to deposits is to, or the more it exceeds, 100%, the more we rely on borrowings and other sources to provide liquidity. Alternative sources of funds such as FHLB advances, brokered deposits and other collateralized borrowings, that provide liquidity as needed from diverse liability sources are an important part of our asset/liability management strategy. For 2017, our average gross loan to average deposit ratio was 99% unchanged from 2016 and 2015.
We believe our liquidity sources to be stable and adequate to meet our day-to-day cash flow requirements. At December 31, 2017, management was not aware of any demands, commitments, trends, events, or uncertainties that will or are reasonably likely to have a material or adverse effect on our liquidity position. As of December 31, 2017, we are not aware of any material commitments for capital expenditures in the foreseeable future.
Off-Balance- Sheet Activities and Contractual Obligations
The Bank routinely engages in activities that involve, to varying degrees, elements of risk that are not reflected, in whole or in part, in the Consolidated Financial Statements. These activities are part of our normal course of business and include traditional off-balance-sheet credit-related financial instruments, interest rate swap contracts, operating leases and long-term debt.
Traditional off-balance-sheet credit-related financial instruments are primarily commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These activities may require us to make cash payments to third parties in the event specified future events occur. The contractual amounts represent the extent of our exposure in these off-balance-sheet activities. However, since certain off-balance-sheet commitments, particularly standby letters of credit, are expected to expire or be only partially used, the total amount of commitments does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. These activities are necessary to meet the financing needs of our customers.
We do not anticipate that our current off-balance-sheet activities will have a material impact on our future results of operations or financial condition. Further information regarding risks from our off-balance-sheet financial instruments can be found in Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in Item 7A. - “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”

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We also commit to fund certain affordable housing partnership investments in the future. Funded commitments are presented as investments in affordable housing partnerships in the Consolidated Financial Statements while unfunded commitments are presented as commitments to fund investment in affordable housing partnerships.
We lease our banking facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases, which have remaining terms of up to 15 years. Our facility lease obligations are discussed in Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments to make future payments as of December 31, 2017. Payments shown for time deposits, subordinated debentures, and FHLB advances include interest obligation to their respective repricing dates:
 
Payments Due By Period
 
Less than 1 year
 
1-3 years
 
3-5 years
 
Over 5 years
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits
$
3,889,238

 
$
397,581

 
$
25,515

 
$

 
$
4,312,334

FHLB advances and federal funds purchased *
446,074

 
529,679

 
296,981

 

 
1,272,734

Subordinated debentures *
881

 

 

 
100,853

 
101,734

Operating lease obligations
14,055

 
21,898

 
14,882

 
15,863

 
66,698

Commitments to fund investments in affordable housing partnerships
29,052

 
7,035

 
559

 
1,821

 
38,467

Unused credit extensions
1,116,157

 
319,258

 
54,761

 
36,805

 
1,526,981

Standby letters of credit
70,261

 
487

 

 

 
70,748

Other commercial letters of credit
71,698

 
2,449

 

 

 
74,147

Total
$
5,637,416

 
$
1,278,387

 
$
392,698

 
$
155,342

 
$
7,463,843

* Interest for variable rate subordinated debentures and FHLB advances were calculated using interest rates at December 31, 2017.


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Item 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The objective of our asset and liability management activities is to improve our earnings by adjusting the type and mix of assets and liabilities to effectively address changing conditions and risks. Through overall management of our balance sheet and by controlling various risks, we seek to optimize our financial returns within safe and sound parameters. Our operating strategies for attaining this objective include managing our net interest margin through appropriate risk/return pricing of assets and liabilities and emphasizing growth in retail deposits, as a percentage of interest bearing liabilities, to reduce our cost of funds. We also seek to improve earnings by controlling noninterest expense, and enhancing noninterest income. We use risk management instruments to modify interest rate characteristics of certain assets and liabilities to hedge against our exposure to interest rate fluctuations, reducing the effects these fluctuations might have on associated cash flows or values. We also perform periodic internal analyses to measure, evaluate and monitor market risk.
Interest Rate Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss to future earnings, to the fair value of our assets and liabilities, or to future cash flows that may result from changes in the price of a financial instrument. Interest rate risk is the most significant market risk impacting us. Interest rate risk occurs when interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities do not reprice simultaneously or at the same rate of interest or in equal volume. A key objective of our asset and liability management is to manage interest rate risk associated with changing asset and liability cash flows, values of our assets and liabilities, and market interest rate movements. The management of our interest rate risk is governed by policies reviewed and approved annually by the Board of Directors of the Bank. The Board delegates responsibility for interest rate risk management to the ALM, which is composed of the Bank’s senior executives and other designated officers.
The fundamental objective of our ALM is to manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations while maintaining adequate levels of liquidity and capital. The ALM meets regularly to monitor the interest rate risk, the sensitivity of our assets and liabilities to interest rate changes, the book and fair values of assets and liabilities, and our investment activities, and directs changes in the composition of our interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. The ALM reports at least quarterly to the ALCO. Our strategy has been to reduce the sensitivity of our earnings to interest rate fluctuations by more closely matching the effective maturities or repricing characteristics of our assets and liabilities. Certain assets and liabilities, however, may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Further, interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate prior to changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind. We consider the anticipated effects of these factors when implementing our interest rate risk management objectives.
Derivative Activity
As part of our asset and liability management strategy, we may enter into derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, caps, floors, interest rate lock commitments, and forward sales commitments, with the overall goal of minimizing the impact of interest rate fluctuations on our net interest margin. Interest rate swaps and caps involve the exchange of fixed-rate and variable-rate interest payment obligations without the exchange of the underlying notional amounts.
Our monitoring activities related to managing interest rate risk include both interest rate sensitivity “gap” analysis and the use of a simulation model. While traditional gap analysis provides a simple picture of the interest rate risk embedded in the statement of financial condition, it provides only a static view of interest rate sensitivity at a specific point in time and does not measure the potential volatility in forecasted results relating to changes in market interest rates over time. Accordingly, we combine the use of gap analysis with the use of a simulation model, which provides a dynamic assessment of interest rate sensitivity.
The interest rate sensitivity gap is defined as the difference between the amount of interest earning assets anticipated to reprice within a specific time period and the amount of interest bearing liabilities anticipated to reprice within that same time period. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest rate sensitive assets repricing within a specific time period exceeds the amount of interest bearing liabilities repricing within that same time period. A positive cumulative gap suggests that earnings will increase when interest rates rise and decrease when interest rates fall. A negative cumulative gap suggests that earnings will increase when interest rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise.

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The following table illustrates our combined asset and liability contractual repricing as of December 31, 2017:
 
 
0 - 3 Months
 
Over 3 Months to
1 Year
 
Over 1 Year
to 5 Years
 
Over 5
Years
 
Total
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Rate Sensitive Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing cash in other banks
 
$
306,473

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
306,473

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial
   institutions and other investments
 
19,220

 
18,945

 
15,201

 

 
53,366

Securities available for sale
 
4,475

 
490

 
735,912

 
979,380

 
1,720,257

Loans outstanding(1)
 
4,298,142

 
778,188

 
5,353,259

 
702,929

 
11,132,518

FHLB stock
 
29,776

 

 

 

 
29,776

Total rate sensitive assets
 
$
4,658,086

 
$
797,623

 
$
6,104,372

 
$
1,682,309

 
$
13,242,390

Rate Sensitive Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits
 
857,761

 
2,998,205

 
418,697

 

 
4,274,663

Money market and NOW
 
3,332,703

 

 

 

 
3,332,703

Savings deposits
 
165,899

 
39,484

 
35,126

 

 
240,509

FHLB advances and federal funds purchased
 
364,900

 
65,000

 
797,693

 

 
1,227,593

Subordinated Debentures
 
100,853

 

 

 

 
100,853

Total rate sensitive liabilities
 
$
4,822,116

 
$
3,102,689

 
$
1,251,516

 
$

 
$
9,176,321

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Gap Position
 
$
(164,030
)
 
$
(2,305,066
)
 
$
4,852,856

 
$
1,682,309

 
 
Cumulative Gap Position
 
$
(164,030
)
 
$
(2,469,096
)
 
$
2,383,760

 
$
4,066,069

 
 
 ___________________
(1)
Includes loans held for sale of $29.7 million.
The simulation model discussed above provides our ALM with the ability to simulate our net interest income. In order to measure, at December 31, 2017, the sensitivity of our forecasted net interest income to changing interest rates, both rising and falling interest rate scenarios were projected and compared to base market interest rate forecasts. One application of our simulation model measures the impact of market interest rate changes on the net present value of estimated cash flows from our assets and liabilities, defined as our market value of equity. This analysis assesses the changes in market values of interest rate sensitive financial instruments that would occur in response to an instantaneous and sustained increase in market interest rates.
Our net interest income and market value of equity exposure related to these hypothetical changes in market interest rates are illustrated in the following table:
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Simulated Rate Changes
Estimated Net
Interest Income
Sensitivity
 
Market Value
of Equity
Volatility
 
Estimated Net
Interest Income
Sensitivity
 
Market Value
of Equity
Volatility
+ 200 basis points
2.18
 %

(4.42
)%
 
2.58
 %
 
(4.05
)%
+ 100 basis points
1.12
 %

(2.08
)%
 
1.15
 %
 
(1.91
)%
- 100 basis points
(2.22
)%

1.00
 %
 
(0.60
)%
 
1.41
 %
- 200 basis points
(8.56
)%

0.60
 %
 
(9.66
)%
 
0.42
 %

The estimated sensitivity does not necessarily represent our forecast of future results and the estimated results may not be indicative of actual changes to our net interest income. These estimates are based upon a number of assumptions including: the nature and timing of interest rate levels including yield curve shape, prepayment on loans and securities, pricing strategies on loans and deposits, and replacement of asset and liability cash flows. While the assumptions used are based on current economic and local market conditions, there is no assurance as to the predictive nature of these conditions including how customer preferences or competitor influences may change. The ALCO, which oversees our interest rate risk management, has established the exposure limits for acceptable changes in net interest income and market value of equity related to these hypothetical changes in market interest rates. Given the limitations of the analyses, management believes that these hypothetical changes are considered tolerable and manageable as of December 31, 2017.

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Item 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The following Consolidated Financial Statements of Hope Bancorp, together with the reports thereon of Crowe Horwath, LLP and BDO USA, LLP begin on page F-1 of this Report and are incorporated herein by reference:
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
See “Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules” for exhibits filed as a part of this Report.
The supplementary data required by this Item (selected quarterly financial data) is provided in Note 21 “Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.


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Item 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
a.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In designing and evaluating disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and our management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
We conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2017. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2017.
b.     Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of Hope Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. This system, which our management has chosen to base on the framework set forth in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework, published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), is supervised by our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and is effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting may vary over time.
With the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, and under the direction of our audit committee, our management has conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 using the criteria set forth by COSO. Based on this assessment, our management believes that the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.
Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting which is included below in this section.
Remediation of Prior Year Material Weaknesses
As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, which was filed with the SEC on May 18, 2017, management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. Based on that assessment, management determined that, as of December 31, 2016, the Company's system of internal control over financial reporting was not effective because of the material weaknesses that were identified and summarized in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. In an effort to remediate the material weaknesses, management, with the oversight of the audit committee, took steps in 2017 that we believe remediated the material weaknesses identified as of December 31, 2016. The Company’s remediation efforts and internal control enhancements relate to, but were not limited to, the following:

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Internal control over financial reporting related to the review process for the allowance for loan losses was enhanced by strengthening the review and approval process of the allowance for loan losses components, in particular the qualitative adjustment factors. The controls were also enhanced to include a detailed review of the allowance for loan losses by the Company’s Management Allowance Committee;
Internal control over financial reporting and documentation related to the review process for impaired loans on accrual status and the allowance for loan losses calculation was enhanced through an additional layer of monitoring and review. The Company also enhanced its policies and procedures so that impaired loans on accrual status are reviewed to ensure that the principal and interest is expected to be recovered;
Internal control over financial reporting related to the review of the consolidated financial statements, including the consolidated statement cash flows, was enhanced to ensure that multiple layers of detailed reviews are performed to prevent potential errors in the consolidated statement of cash flows; and
The Company hired additional staff, including a SOX Compliance Manager and two additional SOX Compliance Officers, who are part of the Company’s newly established SOX Compliance Department. The Company also enhanced its SOX Compliance Program in 2017 and formed a SOX Steering Committee to oversee the execution of the Company’s SOX Compliance Program.
Additionally, some of the material weaknesses identified as of December 31, 2016 were related to business combinations, however, the Company has had no such activity as of December 31, 2017. Although the controls related to business combinations have not been tested for remediation, management assessed, as of December 31, 2017, the severity of the deficiencies related to business combinations and the maximum potential impact to our consolidated financial statements (in accordance with Auditing Standard 2201). Based on this assessment, management concluded that no material weakness existed as of December 31, 2017 related to business combinations. The Company had no identified material weaknesses as of December 31, 2017.

c.     Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management has determined that there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended December 31, 2017 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. As of December 31, 2017, our management completed its remediation of the material weaknesses identified and summarized in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and as part of our remediation efforts, the Company made enhancements to our internal control over financial reporting as noted above. However, these changes did not constitute a change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


60

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting which is included on page F-1 of this report.

61

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Item 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.


62

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PART III
Item 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this Item with respect to the Company’s directors and executive officers, Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance, the Company’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, director nomination procedures, the Audit Committee and the audit committee financial expert will be filed in Hope Bancorp’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2018 Proxy Statement”), which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2017. 
Item 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item with respect to director and executive compensation, “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report” will be filed in Hope Bancorp’s 2018 Proxy Statement which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2017.
Item 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The information required by this Item with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be filed in Hope Bancorp’s 2018 Proxy Statement which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2017. 
The following table summarizes our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2017:
 Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Plan Category
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)
 
Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
 
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans excluding
securities reflected in
Column (a)
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
1,075,423

 
$
15.06

 
1,341,621

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

Total
1,075,423

 
$
15.06

 
1,341,621

Item 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item with respect to certain relationships and related transactions and director independence will be filed in Hope Bancorp’s 2018 Proxy Statement which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2017. 
Item 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item with respect to principal accountant fees and services will be filed in Hope Bancorp’s 2018 Proxy Statement which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2017. 

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PART IV
Item 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1) Financial Statements: The financial statements listed under Part II-Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules: All financial statement schedules have been omitted since the required information is either not applicable or not required, or has been included in the Financial Statements and related notes.
(a)(3) List of Exhibits
 
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document*
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*
________________
*
Filed herewith
**
Furnished herewith
+
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement


Item 16.    FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: March 1, 2018
HOPE BANCORP, INC.
By:
/s/    KEVIN S. KIM
 
Kevin S. Kim
 
President and Chief Executive Officer

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Signature/Name
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/    KEVIN S. KIM  
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
March 1, 2018
 
Kevin S. Kim
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
By:
/S/    ALEX KO
 
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
 
March 1, 2018
 
Alex Ko
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
By:
/S/  SCOTT YOON-SUK WHANG
 
Chairman
 
March 1, 2018
 
Scott Yoon-Suk Whang
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/    STEVEN S. KOH
 
Director
 
March 1, 2018
 
Steven S. Koh
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/    DONALD D. BYUN
 
Director
 
March 1, 2018
 
Donald D. Byun
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/    STEVEN J. DIDION
 
Director
 
March 1, 2018
 
Steven J. Didion
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/    JINHO DOO
 
Director
 
March 1, 2018
 
Jinho Doo
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/    DAISY HA
 
Director
 
March 1, 2018
 
Daisy Ha
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/    JIN CHUL JHUNG
 
Director
 
March 1, 2018
 
Jin Chul Jhung
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/    CHUNG HYUN LEE
 
Director
 
March 1, 2018
 
Chung Hyun Lee
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/    WILLIAM J. LEWIS
 
Director
 
March 1, 2018
 
William J. Lewis
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/    DAVID P. MALONE
 
Director
 
March 1, 2018
 
David P. Malone
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/    JOHN R. TAYLOR
 
Director
 
March 1, 2018
 
John R. Taylor
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/    DALE S. ZUEHLS
 
Director
 
March 1, 2018
 
Dale S. Zuehls
 
 
 
 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Hope Bancorp, Inc.
Los Angeles, California

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition of Hope Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.

Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


F-1

Table of Contents


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2017.

Los Angeles, California
March 1, 2018

F-2

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders Hope
Hope Bancorp, Inc.
Los Angeles, California

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hope Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hope Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Los Angeles, California
May 17, 2017







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Table of Contents


HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
ASSETS
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
185,527

 
$
168,827

Interest-bearing cash in other banks
306,473

 
268,507

Total cash and cash equivalents
492,000

 
437,334

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions and other investments
53,366

 
44,202

Securities available for sale, at fair value
1,720,257

 
1,556,740

Loans held for sale, at the lower of cost or fair value
29,661

 
22,785

Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $84,541 and $79,343 at
  December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)
11,018,034

 
10,463,989

Other real estate owned (“OREO”), net
10,787

 
21,990

Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock, at cost
29,776

 
21,964

Premises and equipment, net
56,714

 
55,316

Accrued interest receivable
29,979

 
26,880

Deferred tax assets, net
55,203

 
88,110

Customers’ liabilities on acceptances
1,691

 
2,899

Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”)
74,915

 
73,696

Investments in affordable housing partnerships
81,009

 
70,059

Goodwill
464,450

 
462,997

Core deposit intangible assets, net
16,523

 
19,226

Servicing assets
24,710

 
26,457

Other assets
47,642

 
46,778

Total assets
$
14,206,717

 
$
13,441,422

 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



F-4

Table of Contents


HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Noninterest bearing
$
2,998,734

 
$
2,900,241

Interest bearing:
 
 
 
Money market and NOW accounts
3,332,703

 
3,401,446

Savings deposits
240,509

 
301,906

Time deposits of more than $250,000
1,279,108

 
1,077,024

Other time deposits
2,995,555

 
2,961,418

Total deposits
10,846,609

 
10,642,035

FHLB advances
1,157,693

 
754,290

Federal funds purchased
69,900

 

Subordinated debentures
100,853

 
99,808

Accrued interest payable
15,961

 
10,863

Acceptances outstanding
1,691

 
2,899

Commitments to fund investments in affordable housing partnerships
38,467

 
24,409

Other liabilities
47,288

 
51,645

Total liabilities
12,278,462

 
11,585,949

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 150,000,000 shares at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016; issued and outstanding, 135,511,891 and 135,240,079 shares at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
136

 
135

Additional paid-in capital
1,405,014

 
1,400,490

Retained earnings
544,886

 
469,505

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
(21,781
)
 
(14,657
)
Total stockholders’ equity
1,928,255

 
1,855,473

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
14,206,717

 
$
13,441,422


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2016, AND 2015
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
INTEREST INCOME:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
$
529,760

 
$
392,127

 
$
291,344

Securities
36,917

 
25,442

 
18,611

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks and other investments
5,427

 
4,365

 
3,705

Total interest income
572,104

 
421,934

 
313,660

INTEREST EXPENSE:
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
74,902

 
48,091

 
33,412

FHLB advances and federal funds purchased
10,706

 
7,560

 
5,645

Other borrowings
5,116

 
2,928

 
1,561

Total interest expense
90,724

 
58,579

 
40,618

NET INTEREST INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
481,380

 
363,355

 
273,042

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
17,360

 
9,000

 
8,000

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
464,020

 
354,355

 
265,042

NONINTEREST INCOME:
 
 
 
 
 
Service fees on deposit accounts
20,619

 
15,964

 
12,206

International service fees
4,494

 
3,693

 
3,448

Loan servicing fees, net
5,433

 
3,519

 
3,135

Wire transfer fees
5,057

 
4,326

 
3,632

Net gains on sales of SBA loans
12,774

 
8,750

 
12,665

Net gains on sales of other loans
2,927

 
2,920

 
270

Net gains on sales or called securities available for sale
301

 
950

 
424

Other income and fees
14,810

 
11,697

 
7,911

Total noninterest income
66,415

 
51,819

 
43,691

NONINTEREST EXPENSE:
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
144,669

 
107,944

 
84,899

Occupancy
28,587

 
24,574

 
19,391

Furniture and equipment
14,643

 
11,726

 
9,245

Advertising and marketing
10,281

 
7,320

 
5,090

Data processing and communication
12,179

 
11,403

 
9,179

Professional fees
14,954

 
6,556

 
5,585

Investments in affordable housing partnerships expenses
13,862

 
4,100

 
1,442

FDIC assessments
5,173

 
4,165

 
4,088

Credit related expenses
582

 
2,954


1,924

OREO expense, net
3,100

 
2,492

 
1,523

Merger and integration expense
1,781

 
16,914

 
1,540

Other
16,790

 
14,827

 
9,478

Total noninterest expense
266,601

 
214,975

 
153,384

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION
263,834

 
191,199

 
155,349

INCOME TAX PROVISION
124,389

 
77,452

 
63,091

NET INCOME
$
139,445

 
$
113,747

 
$
92,258

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.03

 
$
1.10

 
$
1.16

Diluted
$
1.03

 
$
1.10

 
$
1.16


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2016, AND 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income
$
139,445

 
$
113,747

 
$
92,258

Other comprehensive loss:
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unrealized losses on securities available for sale and interest only strips
(5,796
)
 
(21,273
)
 
(5,717
)
Reclassification adjustments for gains realized in net income
(301
)
 
(950
)
 
(424
)
Less tax effect
(2,570
)
 
(9,398
)
 
(2,604
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(3,527
)
 
(12,825
)
 
(3,537
)
Total comprehensive income
$
135,918

 
$
100,922

 
$
88,721




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2016, AND 2015

 
Common stock
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
Retained
earnings
 
Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss), net
 
Total stockholders’ equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2015
79,503,552

 
$
79

 
$
541,589

 
$
339,400

 
$
1,705

 
$
882,773

Issuance of additional shares pursuant to various
  stock plans
56,235

 
1

 
(22
)
 
 
 
 
 
(21
)
Tax effects of stock plans
 
 
 
 
17

 
 
 
 
 
17

Stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 
1,046

 
 
 
 
 
1,046

Issuance of shares in exchange for Foster
  common stock
6,569

 
 
 
116

 
 
 
 
 
116

Redemption of stock warrant
 
 
 
 
(1,150
)
 
 
 
 
 
(1,150
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock
 ($0.42 per share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(33,407
)
 
 
 
(33,407
)
Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
92,258

 
 
 
92,258

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3,537
)
 
(3,537
)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2015
79,566,356

 
$
80

 
$
541,596

 
$
398,251

 
$
(1,832
)
 
$
938,095

Issuance of additional shares pursuant to various
  stock plans
179,997

 

 
1,171

 
 
 
 
 
1,171

Tax effect of stock plans
 
 
 
 
79

 
 
 
 
 
79

Stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 
1,391

 
 
 
 
 
1,391

Issuance of Hope stock options in exchange for Wilshire stock options
 
 
 
 
3,370

 
 
 
 
 
3,370

Issuance of shares in exchange for Wilshire
  common stock
55,493,726

 
55

 
852,883

 
 
 
 
 
852,938

Cash dividends declared on common stock
 ($0.45 per share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(42,493
)
 
 
 
(42,493
)
Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
113,747

 
 
 
113,747

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
(12,825
)
 
(12,825
)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2016
135,240,079

 
$
135

 
$
1,400,490

 
$
469,505

 
(14,657
)
 
$
1,855,473

Issuance of additional shares pursuant to various
  stock plans
271,812

 
1

 
1,864

 
 
 
 
 
1,865

Stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 
2,660

 
 
 
 
 
2,660

Cash dividends declared on common stock
 ($0.50 per share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(67,661
)
 
 
 
(67,661
)
Reclassification of stranded tax effects to retained
  earnings - ASU 2018-02
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,597

 
(3,597
)
 

Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
139,445

 
 
 
139,445

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3,527
)
 
(3,527
)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2017
135,511,891

 
$
136

 
$
1,405,014

 
$
544,886

 
(21,781
)
 
$
1,928,255

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents


HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2016, AND 2015

 
Year ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (net of acquisition)
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
139,445

 
$
113,747

 
$
92,258

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
      Depreciation, amortization, and accretion
(14,903
)
 
(1,569
)
 
(4,530
)
Stock-based compensation expense
3,161

 
2,967

 
1,046

Provision for loan losses
17,360

 
9,000

 
8,000

(Credit) provision for unfunded loan commitments
(2,358
)
 
179

 
381

Valuation adjustment of premises held for sale
1,084

 

 

Valuation adjustment of OREO
2,041

 
2,228

 
1,267

Impairment of investments in affordable housing partnership
4,846

 

 

Net gains on sales of SBA and other loans
(15,701
)
 
(11,670
)
 
(12,935
)
Earnings on BOLI
(1,219
)
 
(1,438
)
 
(1,091
)
Net change in fair value of derivatives
78

 
443

 

Net (gains) losses on sale and disposal of premises and equipment
(868
)
 
176

 
64

Net (gains) losses on sales of OREO
(79
)
 
16

 
(1,147
)
Net gains on sales or called securities available for sale
(301
)
 
(950
)
 
(424
)
Losses on investments in affordable housing partnership
10,266

 
4,100

 
1,442

Net change in deferred income taxes
34,740

 
5,750

 
(1,376
)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
310,345

 
239,203

 
171,229

Originations of loans held for sale
(276,537
)
 
(219,779
)
 
(140,466
)
Origination of servicing assets
(5,492
)
 
(4,472
)
 
(4,900
)
Change in accrued interest receivable
(3,099
)
 
(2,459
)
 
(1,561
)
Change in other assets
(1,987
)
 
16,418

 
(4,237
)
Change in accrued interest payable
5,098

 
2,247

 
152

Change in other liabilities
(1,999
)
 
(23,532
)
 
4,920

            Net cash provided by operating activities
203,921

 
130,605

 
108,092

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES (net of acquisition)
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash received from acquisition - Wilshire Bancorp, Inc.

 
100,127

 

Purchase of interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions and other investments
(30,477
)
 
(2,962
)
 
(44,001
)
Proceeds from maturity of interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions and other investments
21,313

 
13,465

 
490

Purchase of securities available for sale
(572,528
)
 
(553,336
)
 
(397,885
)
Proceeds from matured, called, or paid-down securities available for sale
264,730

 
238,605

 
146,407

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
128,791

 
217,079

 
22,510

Proceeds from sales of other loans
417

 
634

 
2,893

Net change in loans receivable
(564,536
)
 
(487,961
)
 
(673,899
)
Proceeds from sales of OREO
14,802

 
17,390

 
11,309

Purchase of FHLB stock
(8,573
)
 
(97
)
 
(150
)
Redemption of FHLB stock
761

 
13,636

 
9,510

Purchase of premises and equipment
(14,777
)
 
(14,320
)
 
(10,924
)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment
5,084

 

 
7

Investments in affordable housing partnerships
(12,342
)
 
(5,616
)
 
(1,261
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(767,335
)
 
(463,356
)
 
(934,994
)

F-9

Table of Contents


HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2016, AND 2015

 
Year ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in deposits
209,477

 
494,549

 
647,710

Proceeds from FHLB advances
1,420,000

 
825,000

 
350,000

Repayment of FHLB advances and prepayment fees
(1,015,000
)
 
(806,610
)
 
(300,000
)
Proceeds from federal funds purchased
69,900

 

 

Cash dividends paid on common stock
(67,661
)
 
(42,493
)
 
(33,407
)
Issuance of additional stock pursuant to various stock plans
1,865

 
1,171

 
(22
)
Tax effects of issuance of shares from various stock plans

 
79

 

Taxes paid in net settlement of restricted stock
(501
)
 

 

Redemption of common stock warrant

 

 
(1,150
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
618,080

 
471,696

 
663,131

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
54,666

 
138,945

 
(163,771
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
437,334

 
298,389

 
462,160

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
$
492,000

 
$
437,334

 
$
298,389

 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
      Interest paid
$
91,081

 
$
62,624

 
$
40,466

      Income taxes paid
$
104,158

 
$
65,726

 
$
61,568

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Transfer from loans receivable to OREO
$
7,173

 
$
5,646

 
$
11,373

Loans transferred to held for sale from loans receivable
$
429

 
$
11,885

 
$
685

Loans transferred to loans receivable from held for sale
$
4,100

 
$
9,163

 
$

Transfer from premises and equipment to premises held for sale
$
3,300

 
$

 
$

Loans to facilitate sale of premises
$
1,350

 
$

 
$

Loans to facilitate sale of OREO
$
2,300

 
$

 
$

New commitments to fund affordable housing partnership investments
$
26,400

 
$
1,327

 
$
14,794

Assets acquired from Wilshire
$

 
$
4,627,604

 
$

Liabilities assumed from Wilshire
$

 
$
4,130,342

 
$

Common stock issued in consideration for Wilshire

 
55,493,726

 




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-10

Table of Contents

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2016, AND 2015


1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations— Hope Bancorp, Inc. (“Hope Bancorp” on a parent-only basis and the “Company” on a consolidated basis, previously known as BBCN Bancorp, Inc.), headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is the holding company for Bank of Hope (the “Bank,” previously known as BBCN Bank). The Bank has branches in California, Washington, Texas, Illinois, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York, as well as loan production offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Portland, Seattle, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, and Northern California. Hope Bancorp is a corporation organized under the laws of the state of Delaware and a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Bank is a California-chartered bank and its deposits are insured by the FDIC to the extent provided by law. The Company specializes in core business banking products for small and medium-sized businesses, with an emphasis in commercial real estate and business lending, SBA lending and international trade financing.
Principles of Consolidation—The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and conform to practices within the banking industry. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, principally the Bank. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.
Cash Flows—Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-earning deposits, federal funds sold and term federal funds sold, which have original maturities less than 90 days. The Company may be required to maintain reserve and clearing balances with the Federal Reserve Bank under the Federal Reserve Act. The reserve and clearing requirement balance was $0 at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, federal funds purchased, deferred income taxes, and other assets and liabilities.
Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Financial Institutions and Other Investments—Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions and other investments are comprised of the Company’s investments in certificates of deposits that have original maturities greater than 90 days. Other investments are also comprised of the Company’s investment in funds to partially satisfy the Company’s requirements under the Community Reinvestment Act. The funds do not have a readily determinable fair value as of the balance sheet date.
Securities—Securities are classified and accounted for as follows:
(i)
Securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-maturity” and reported at amortized cost. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not own securities in this category;
(ii)
Securities are classified as “available-for-sale” when they might be sold before maturity and are reported at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes.
Accreted discounts and amortized premiums on securities are included in interest income using the interest method, and realized gains or losses related to sales of securities recorded on trade date and are calculated using the specific identification method, without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are expected.
Management evaluates securities for other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at least on a quarterly basis and more frequently when economic conditions warrant such evaluation. For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through earnings.


F-11

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Transactions—As part of the Company’s asset and liability management strategy, the Company may enter into derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, and caps and floors, with the overall goal of minimizing the impact of interest rate fluctuations on net interest margin. The Company’s interest rate swaps and caps involve the exchange of fixed rate and variable rate interest payment obligations without the exchange of the underlying notional amounts and are therefore accounted for as stand-alone derivatives. Changes in the fair value of the stand-alone derivatives are reported in earnings as noninterest income. Residential mortgage loans funded with interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors, are both considered derivatives. The Company accounts for loan commitments related to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held-for-sale as derivatives at fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. As part of the Company’s overall risk management, the Company’s Asset Liability Committee, which meets monthly, monitors and measures interest rate risk and the sensitivity of assets and liabilities to interest rate changes, including the impact of derivative transactions.
Loans Held for Sale—Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and residential mortgage loans that the Company has the intent to sell prior to maturity have been designated as held for sale at origination and are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, on an aggregate basis. A valuation allowance is established if the aggregate fair value of such loans is lower than their cost and charged to earnings. Gains or losses recognized upon the sale of loans are determined on a specific identification basis. Loan transfers are accounted for as sales when control over the loan has been surrendered. Control over such loans is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and (3) the Company does not maintain control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
Loans—Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of any purchase discounts, unearned interest, deferred loan fees and costs, and an allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Nonrefundable loan origination fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method over the life of the loan. Interest on loans is credited to income as earned and is accrued only if deemed collectible.
Generally, loans are placed on nonaccrual status and the accrual of interest is discontinued if principal or interest payments become 90 days past due and/or management deems the collectibility of the principal and/or interest to be in question. Loans to a customer whose financial condition has deteriorated are considered for nonaccrual status whether or not the loan is 90 days or more past due. Generally, payments received on nonaccrual loans are recorded as principal reductions. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
Other loan fees and charges, representing service costs for the prepayment of loans, for delinquent payments or for miscellaneous loan services, are recorded as income when collected.
Loans are categorized into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt, including, but not limited to, current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis includes all loans with the exception of homogeneous loans, or loans that are evaluated together in pools of similar loans (i.e., home mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, overdraft loans, express business loans, and automobile loans). This analysis is performed at least on a quarterly basis. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:
Pass: Loans that meet a preponderance or more of the Company’s underwriting criteria and evidence an acceptable level of risk.
Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.
Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the repayment of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful/Loss: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or repayment in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

F-12

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Allowance for Loan Losses—The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses that are inherent in the loan portfolio. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off.
The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired. The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors.
The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment. The Company further segregates these segments between loans accounted for under the amortized cost method (referred to as “Legacy Loans”) and acquired loans (referred to as “Acquired Loans”), as Acquired Loans were originally recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for loan losses.
The historical loss experience for Legacy Loans is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company. The loss experience is supplemented with other economic factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These economic factors include consideration of the following: levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations.
The following major portfolio segments have been identified: real estate loans (residential, commercial, and construction), commercial business loans, trade finance loans, and consumer/other loans. Due to the overall high level of real estate loans within the loan portfolio as a whole, as compared to other portfolio segments, for risk assessment and allowance purposes this segment was segregated into more granular pools by collateral property type.
Our real estate loan portfolio is subject to certain risks, including: a decline in the economies of our primary markets, interest rate increases, a reduction in real estate values in our primary markets, increased competition in pricing and loan structure, and environmental risks, including natural disasters. Our commercial business and trade finance loan portfolio are subject to certain risks, including: a decline in the economy in our primary markets, interest rate increases, and deterioration of a borrower’s or guarantor’s financial capabilities. Our consumer loan portfolio is subject to the same risk associated with our commercial business loan portfolio but also includes risk related to consumer bankruptcy laws which allow consumers to discharge certain debts.
The Company uses a loan migration analysis which is a formula methodology based on the Bank’s actual historical net charge off experience for each loan class (type) pool and risk grade. The migration analysis is centered on the Bank’s internal credit risk rating system. The Company’s internal loan review and external contracted credit review examinations are used to determine and validate loan risk grades. This credit review system takes into consideration factors such as: borrower’s background and experience; historical and current financial condition; credit history and payment performance; economic conditions and their impact on various industries; type, fair value and volatility of the fair value of collateral; lien position; and the financial strength of any guarantors.
A general loan loss allowance is provided on loans not specifically identified as impaired (“non-impaired loans”). The Bank’s general loan loss allowance has two components: quantitative and qualitative risk factors. The quantitative risk factors are based on a historical loss migration methodology. The loans are classified by class and risk grade and the historical loss migration is tracked for the various classes. Loss experience is quantified for a specified period and then weighted to place more significance to the most recent loss history. That loss experience is then applied to the stratified portfolio at each quarter end.
Additionally, in order to systematically quantify the credit risk impact of other trends and changes within the loan portfolio, the Bank utilizes qualitative adjustments to the Migration Analysis within established parameters. The parameters for making adjustments are established under a Credit Risk Matrix that provides seven possible scenarios for each of the factors below. The matrix allows for up to three positive (major, moderate, and minor), three negative (major, moderate, and minor), and one neutral credit risk scenarios within each factor for each loan type pool. Generally, the factors are considered to have no significant impact (neutral) to our historical migration ratios. However, if information exists to warrant adjustment to the Migration Analysis, changes are made in accordance with the established parameters supported by narrative and/or statistical analysis. The Credit Risk Matrix and the nine possible scenarios enable the Bank to qualitatively adjust the Loss Migration Ratio by as much as 50 basis points in either direction (positive or negative) for each loan type pool. This matrix considers the following nine factors, which are patterned after the guidelines provided under the FFIEC Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses:
Changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices.

F-13

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Changes in national and local economic and business conditions and developments, including the condition of various market segments.
Changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio.
Changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff.
Changes in the trends of the volume and severity of past due loans, Classified Loans, nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructurings and other loan modifications.
Changes in the quality of our loan review system and the degree of oversight by the Directors.
Changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans.
The existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations.
The effect of external factors, such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements, on the level of estimated losses in the Company’s loan portfolio.
The Company also establishes specific loss allowances for loans where we have identified potential credit risk conditions or circumstances related to a specific individual credit. The specific allowance amounts are determined by a method prescribed by ASC 310-10-35-22, Measurement of Impairment. The loans identified as impaired will be accounted for in accordance with one of the three acceptable valuation methods: 1) the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; 2) the loan’s observable market price; or 3) the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. For the collateral dependent impaired loans, the Company obtains a new appraisal to determine the amount of impairment as of the date that the loan became impaired. The appraisals are based on an “as is” valuation. To ensure that appraised values remain current, the Company either obtains updated appraisals every twelve months from a qualified independent appraiser or an internal re-valuation of the collateral is performed by qualified personnel. If the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell, is less than the recorded amount of the loan, the Company then recognizes impairment by creating or adjusting an existing valuation allowance with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses. If an impaired loan is expected to be collected through liquidation of the underlying collateral, the loan is deemed to be collateral dependent and the amount of impairment is charged off against the allowance for loan losses.
The Bank considers a loan to be impaired when it is probable that not all amounts due (principal and interest) will be collectible in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. The significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls is determined on a case-by-case basis by taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.
For commercial business loans, real estate loans and certain consumer loans, the Company bases the measurement of loan impairment on the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or on the fair value of the loan’s collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. Management evaluates most consumer loans for impairment on a collective basis because these loans generally have smaller balances and are homogeneous in the underwriting of terms and conditions and in the type of collateral.
Impairment losses are included in the allowance for loan losses through a charge to the provision for loan losses. Upon disposition of an impaired loan, any unpaid balance is charged off to the allowance for loan losses.
The allowance for loan losses for acquired credit impaired loans is based upon expected cash flows for these loans. To the extent that a deterioration in borrower credit quality results in a decrease in expected cash flows subsequent to the acquisition of the loans, an allowance for loan losses would be established based on management’s estimate of future credit losses over the remaining life of the loans.
Acquired Loans—Loans that the Company acquires are recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for loan losses. On the date of acquisition, the Company considers acquired classified loans credit impaired loans (“Purchased Credit Impaired Loans” or “PCI loans”) under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. On the date of acquisition, loans without credit impairment (“Acquired Performing Loans” or “Non-PCI loans”) are not accounted for under ASC 310-30. Acquired loans are placed in pools with similar risk characteristics and recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date.
For PCI loans, the cash flows expected to be received over the life of the pools were estimated by management with the assistance of a third party valuation specialist. These cash flows were utilized in calculating the carrying values of the pools and

F-14

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

underlying loans, book yields, effective interest income and impairment, if any, based on actual and projected events. Default rates, loss severity and prepayment speed assumptions are periodically reassessed and updated within the accounting model to update the expectation of future cash flows. The excess of the cash expected to be collected over the pools’ carrying value is considered to be the accretable yield and is recognized as interest income over the estimated life of the loan or pool using the effective interest yield method. The accretable yield may change due to changes in the timing and amounts of expected cash flows. Changes in the accretable yield is disclosed quarterly.
For PCI loans, the excess of the contractual balances due over the cash flows expected to be collected is considered to be nonaccretable difference. The nonaccretable difference represents our estimate of the credit losses expected to occur and was considered in determining the fair value of the loans as of the date of acquisition. Subsequent to the date of acquisition, any increases in expected cash flows over those expected at purchase date in excess of fair value are adjusted through the accretable difference on a prospective basis. Any subsequent decreases in expected cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date are recognized by recording a provision for loan losses that will maintain the original expected yield.
PCI loans that met the criteria for nonaccrual of interest prior to the acquisition may be considered performing upon acquisition, regardless of whether the customer is contractually delinquent, if management can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of the expected cash flows on such loans and if management expects to fully collect the new carrying value of the loans. As such, management may no longer consider the loan to be nonaccrual or nonperforming and may accrue interest on these loans, including the impact of any accretable discount. Management has determined that future cash flows are reasonably estimable on any such acquired loans that are past due 90 days or more and accruing interest. Management expects to fully collect the carrying value of the loans.
OREO—OREO, which represents real estate acquired through foreclosure in satisfaction of commercial and real estate loans, is stated at fair value less estimated selling costs of the real estate. Loan balances in excess of the fair value of the real estate acquired at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent operating expenses or income, reduction in estimated fair values, and gains or losses on disposition of such properties are charged or credited to current operations. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company foreclosed on properties with an aggregate carrying value of $7.2 million. The Company recorded $3.7 million in net valuation adjustments subsequent to the foreclosures, and the Company sold OREO properties for total proceeds of $14.8 million.
FHLB Stock—The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.
Premises and Equipment—Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment are computed on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
Buildings
15
-
39
years
Furniture, fixture, and equipment
3
-
10
years
Computer equipment
1
-
5
years
Computer software
1
-
5
years
Leasehold improvement
    life of lease or improvements, whichever is shorter
Mortgage Banking Derivatives — Mortgage banking derivatives are instruments used to hedge the risk to residential mortgage loans sales from changes in interest rates. Residential mortgage loans funded with interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors, are both considered derivatives. The Company accounts for loan commitments related to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held-for-sale as derivatives at fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. Commitments to originate mortgage loans that will be held for investment are not accounted for as derivatives and therefore are not recorded at fair value. Subsequent changes in the fair value of a derivative loan commitments are recognized in earnings in the period in which the changes occur.
BOLI—The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives and directors. BOLI is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.
Investments in Affordable Housing Partnerships—The Company owns limited partnerships interest in projects of affordable housing for lower income tenants.  Under the equity method of accounting, the annual amortization is based on the estimated tax

F-15

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

deduction amounts the bank would receive in the year. The carrying value of such investments and commitments to fund investment in affordable housing is recorded as “Investment in affordable housing partnerships” in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. Commitment to fund investments in affordable housing is also included in this line items but is also grossed up and recorded as a liability. The Company recorded an impairment on investments in affordable housing partnerships totaling $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to account for the variance between the carrying value of individual investments and the future expected tax benefits. Of the $4.8 million impairment recorded in 2017, $3.2 million was recorded in noninterest expense to reflect the impairment for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $1.6 million was recorded in income tax provision expenses as the re-evaluation was a direct result of the Tax Act which reduced corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Goodwill is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually.
In accordance with ASC 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other”, the Company makes a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If management concludes that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the two-step impairment test is bypassed. Management assessed the qualitative factors related to goodwill as of December 31, 2017. Goodwill is also tested for impairment on an interim basis if circumstances change or an event occurs between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes developing cash flow projections, selecting appropriate discount rates, identifying relevant market comparables, incorporating general economic and market conditions and selecting an appropriate control premium. The selection and weighting of the various fair value techniques may result in a higher or lower fair value. Judgment is applied in determining the weighting that is most representative of fair value.
Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Core deposit intangibles are amortized over a seven to ten year period.
Loan Servicing Assets—The Company typically sells the guaranteed portion of SBA loans and retains the unguaranteed portion (“retained interest”). A portion of the premium on sale of SBA loans is recognized as gain on sale of loans at the time of the sale by allocating the carrying amount between the asset sold and the retained interest, including these servicing assets, based on their relative fair values. The remaining portion of the premium is recorded as a discount on the retained interest and is amortized over the remaining life of the loan as an adjustment to yield. The retained interest, net of any discount, are included in loans receivable—net of allowance for loan losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition.
Servicing assets are recognized when SBA and residential mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Servicing assets are initially recorded at fair value based on the present value of the contractually specified servicing fee, net of servicing costs, over the estimated life of the loan, using a discount rate. The Company’s servicing costs approximates the industry average servicing costs of 40 basis points. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans.
Management periodically evaluates servicing assets for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into groupings based on predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual grouping, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular grouping, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. No impairment charges were required in 2017, 2016, or 2015.
Stock-Based Compensation—Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees and directors, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.
Income Taxes—Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities represent the tax effects, based on current tax law, of future deductible or taxable amounts attributable to events that have been recognized in the financial statements. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Company recognizes interest and / or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes a limitation (“382 Limitation”) on a corporation’s ability to use any net unrealized built in losses and other tax attributes, such as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, when it undergoes a 50% ownership change over a designated testing period not to exceed three years (“382 Ownership Change”). As a result of the acquisition on July 29, 2016, Wilshire Bancorp underwent a 382 Ownership Change resulting in a 382 Limitation to its net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Wilshire Bancorp did not have a net unrealized built in loss as of the 382 Ownership Change date. Given the applicable 382 Limitation, the Company is expected to fully utilize Wilshire Bancorp’s net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards before expiration. However, future transactions, such as issuances of common stock or sales of shares of the Company’s stock by certain holders of our shares, including persons who have held, currently hold or may accumulate in the future 5% or more of our outstanding common stock for their own account, could trigger a future Section 382 Ownership Change of the Company which could limit the Company’s use of these tax attributes.
Earnings per Common Share—Basic Earnings per Common Share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted Earnings per Common Share reflects the potential dilution of common shares that could share in the earnings of the Company. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for all stock splits and stock dividends through the date of issuance of the financial statements.
Equity—The Company accrues for common stock dividends as declared. Common stock dividends of $67.7 million and $42.5 million, were paid in 2017 and 2016, respectively. There were no common stock dividends declared but unpaid at December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Dividend Restrictions—Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the Bank to the Company, or dividends paid by the Company to stockholders.
Comprehensive Income—Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the change in unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and interest-only strips which are also recognized as separate components of stockholders’ equity, net of tax.
Operating Segments—The Company is managed as a single business segment. The financial performance of the Company is reviewed by the chief operating decision maker on an aggregate basis and financial and strategic decisions are made based on the Company as a whole. We consider “Banking Operations” to be our single combined operating segment, which raises funds from deposits and borrowings for loans and investments, and provides lending products, including construction, real estate, commercial, and consumer loans to its customers.    
Loss Contingencies—Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management believes there are no such matters that would have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017 or 2016. Accrued loss contingencies for all legal claims totaled approximately $414 thousand at December 31, 2017 and $557 thousand at December 31, 2016.
Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments—Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. See Note 13 Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Allowance for Unfunded Commitments—The allowance for unfunded commitments is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to these unfunded credit facilities. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the unfunded credit facilities including an assessment of the probability of commitment usage, credit risk factors for loans outstanding to these same customers, and the terms and expiration dates of the unfunded credit facilities. The allowance for unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial condition, with changes to the balance charged against noninterest expense.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Fair Values of Financial Instruments—Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) over the remaining useful life of the asset are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss would be recorded to reduce the related asset to its estimated fair value.
Transfer of Financial Assets—Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements—The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure 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 materially differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications - Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on the prior year net income or stockholders’ equity.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted
ASU 2016-09 “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” was issued as a part of the FASB’s simplification initiative, and intends to improve the accounting for share-based payment transactions. The ASU changes several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including accounting for excess tax benefits and deficiencies, income statement recognition, cash flow classification, forfeitures, and tax withholding requirements. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of 2017. As of result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09, the Company recognizes excess tax benefits on share-based payment awards in income tax provision on the Consolidated Statement of Income rather than in additional paid-in capital on the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity. The Company recorded $118 thousand of income tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to excess tax benefits from share-based payment awards.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”. ASU 2018-02 was issued to allow the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for the stranded tax effect resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act among other things reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% which required the re-evaluation of any deferred tax assets or liabilities at the lowered tax rate which potentially could leave disproportionate tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2018-02 allows for the election to reclassify these stranded tax effects to retained earnings. ASU 2018-02 is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period for public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The Company has chosen to early adopt ASU 2018-02 and has elected to reclassify its stranded tax effect totaling $3.6 million in accumulated other comprehensive income that resulted from the change in tax rates to retained earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and in May 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients.” Both updates which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 606, Revenue Recognition. ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. ASU 2014-09 as amended by ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is applied on either a modified retrospective or full retrospective basis. The Company has elected to adopt the modified retrospective approach and will apply the guidance to the most current period presented in the financial statements for the first quarter of 2018.
The Company’s revenue primarily consists of net interest income and noninterest income. The scope of the guidance explicitly excludes net interest income, as well as other revenues from financial instruments such as loans, leases, securities and derivatives. The Company’s material revenue streams that will be in scope of Topic 606 are service fees on deposit accounts (including interchange fees), asset management fees, certain OREO gains (losses), and international fees. All other revenue streams are either immaterial, or are in the scope of other GAAP requirements which take precedence and therefore are not in the scope of Topic 606.
The largest in scope revenue source is the Company’s fees on deposit accounts. Based on the Company’s initial analysis, Topic 606 will not materially change the recognition of revenue on service fees on deposits accounts as the contracts are day to day and recognized as the service is provided. The Company is not the principal in terms of wealth management fees as it acts as an agent for another company who provides wealth management services on the Company’s behalf. As such, wealth management fees recognition will not change with the adoption of Topic 606. Gain or losses on the sale of OREO are generally accounted for under ASC 610. However, ASU 2014-09 also added new Subtopic 610-20 which addresses the recognition of gains and losses on the transfer of nonfinancial and in-substance nonfinancial assets. Gain and loss recognition is not expected to change except for OREO and other nonfinancial sales that are financed by the Company. In the case of financed sales, the Company will need to evaluate each contract to determine whether each contract criteria is met, including whether it is probable that it will collect substantially all of the consideration to which it will be entitled. The Company will also need to evaluate whether the financing terms offered to the buyer of the nonfinancial assets are market terms when determining the transaction price. As of the adoption date, there were no open sale contracts with a financing component. International fees are similar to service fees on deposits as the contracts are day to day and income is recognized as the service is provided and therefore Topic 606 is not expected to change the recognition of this line of revenue.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The adoption of ASU 2014-09 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The way certain in scope revenue stream are assessed will change as the Company will need to apply the principles in the new standard using the following five steps; 1. Identify the contract(s) with a customer, 2. Identify the performance obligations in the contract, 3. Determine the transaction price, 4. Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, 5. Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. However, actual recorded revenue is not expected to change materially with the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. ASU 2014-09 will require additional disclosures including disclosures of revenue recognized from contracts with customers and impairment recorded on recognized on contracts with customer, revenue disaggregated by types of categories that are most relevant to the Company, the opening and closing balances of receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers, information about its performance obligations in contracts with customers, and judgments, and changes in the judgments, made in applying the new guidance.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The amendments require equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The new guidance becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not hold any equity investments in the available-for-sale portfolio that would require reclassification and re-measurement at the adoption date. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 is not expected to have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” ASU 2016-13 requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 becomes effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements and is collaborating with a third party advisory team to develop a multi-year implementation plan and methodology in order for the Company to be compliant with ASU 2016-13 by the effective date. The Company has established a CECL committee to oversee the development and implementation of ASU 2016-13. Based on the Company’s initial assessment of the ASU 2016-13, the Company’s expects the new guidance will result in additional required provision and allowance for loan losses which could have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” ASU 2016-15 provides guidance on classification and presentation of certain cash receipts and cash payments on an institution’s statement of cash flows. The amendment aims to reduce the diversity in practice with respects to certain types of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 becomes effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles: Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” ASU 2017-04 will amend and simplify current goodwill impairment testing to eliminate Step 2 from the current provisions. Under the new guidance, an entity should perform the goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. An entity still has the option to perform the quantitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU 2017-04 should be adopted for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities”. ASU 2017-08 was issued to amend the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. ASU 2017-08 shortens the amortization period of premiums on certain purchased

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

callable debt securities to the earliest call date. ASU 2017-08 affect all entities that hold investments in callable debt securities that have an amortized cost basis in excess of the amount that is repayable by the issuer at the earliest call date (that is, at a premium). ASU 2017-08 does not impact securities purchased at a discount, which continue to be amortized to maturity. ASU 2017-08 is effective for annual period beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted in an interim period. If an entity chooses to adopt early, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period. The adoption of ASU 2017-08 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In November 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-14, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), “Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 116 and SEC Release No. 33-10403”. ASU 2017-14 was issued to supersede, amend, and add SEC paragraphs to the Codification to reflect the August 2017 issuance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 116 and SEC Release No. 33-10403. The SEC staff issued SAB 116 to align its revenue guidance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The SEC release says vaccine manufacturers should recognize revenue and provide the disclosures required by ASC 606 when the enumerated vaccines are placed into federal government stockpile programs. The amendments in the ASU have the same effective date and transition requirements as those for ASC 606; however, a registrant should continue referring to the applicable existing SEC guidance until it adopts ASC 606. ASU 2017-14 has the same effective date and transition requirements as ASU 2014-09 and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. For more information, see the Company’s disclosure of ASU 2014-09 above.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


2.
MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
Termination of Acquisition of U & I Financial Corp
On January 23, 2017, the Company announced the signing of a definitive agreement and plan of merger (the “U & I Merger Agreement”) with U & I Financial Corporation (“U & I”) pursuant to which U & I would have merged with and into Hope Bancorp with Hope Bancorp as the surviving corporation. As part of the merger, UniBank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of U & I, would have merged with and into the Bank.
Subsequently on September 15, 2017, the Company announced the mutual termination of the proposed merger with U & I as the Company was unable to obtain the required regulatory approval. The Mutual Termination Agreement provided, among other things, that each party will bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the terminated transaction, without penalties or termination fees. In connection with the termination, the parties have provided mutual releases from any claims of liability to one another relating to the merger transaction.
Merger with Wilshire Bancorp Inc.
On July 29, 2016, the merger of Wilshire Bancorp Inc. (“Wilshire”) and BBCN Bancorp, Inc. (now Hope Bancorp) was completed. On the same day BBCN changed its name to Hope Bancorp, Inc. and the subsidiary BBCN Bank was changed to Bank of Hope. The Company merged with Wilshire to create the only super regional Korean-American Bank in the United States and to expand our branch network nationwide. Pursuant to the merger agreement, holders of Wilshire common stock received 0.7034 of a share of common stock of HOPE for each share of Wilshire common stock held immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, rounded to the nearest whole share, plus cash in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares. Outstanding Wilshire stock options and restricted stock awards were converted into stock options with respect to shares of HOPE common stock or restricted shares of HOPE common stock, respectively, with appropriate adjustments to reflect the exchange ratio. The merger was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of Wilshire were recorded at their respective fair values and represents management’s estimates based on available information.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The consideration paid, the assets acquired, and the liabilities assumed are summarized in the following table:
 
July 29, 2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Consideration Paid:
 
Hope common stock issued in exchange for Wilshire common stock
$
852,939

Cash paid for fractional shares
3

Hope stock options issued in exchange Wilshire stock options
3,370

     Total consideration paid
$
856,312

 
 
Assets Acquired:
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
100,127

Investment securities
478,938

Loans receivable
3,800,807

FRB and FHLB stock
16,539

OREO
13,173

Premises and equipment
16,812

BOLI
25,240

Servicing assets
16,203

Low income housing tax credit investments
47,111

Core deposit intangibles
18,138

Deferred tax assets, net
17,698

Other assets
76,818

Liabilities Assumed:
 
Deposits
(3,812,367
)
Borrowings
(206,282
)
Subordinated debentures
(56,942
)
Other liabilities
(54,751
)
Total identifiable net assets
$
497,262

Excess of consideration paid over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill)
$
359,050

Fair values are primarily determined through the use of inputs that are not observable from market-based information. Under ASC 805-10-25-13, management may adjust the fair values of acquired assets or assumed liabilities for a period of up to one year from the date of the acquisition to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have an effect on the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company made a net adjustment of $1.4 million to the deferred tax assets and taxes receivable acquired from Wilshire which reduced the previous goodwill recorded from the transaction by $1.4 million. Subsequently in the first quarter of 2017, the
Company made an adjustment which increased goodwill by $978 thousand consisting of a $1.7 million adjustment to OREO partially offset by a $716 thousand adjustment to deferred tax assets. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company made an
adjustment of $475 thousand to deferred tax assets which increased goodwill by the same amount.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Acquired Loans
The fair value of loans were estimated on an individual basis based on the characteristics for each loan. A discounted cash flow analysis was used to project cash flows for each loan using assumptions for rate, remaining maturity, prepayment speeds, projected default probabilities, loss given defaults, and estimate of prevailing discount rates. The following table presents loans acquired from Wilshire with deteriorated credit quality as of the date of acquisition included as loans receivable in the table above:
 
Fair Value At
July 29, 2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Contractually required principal and interest at acquisition
$
292,380

Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (nonaccretable discount)
(8,002
)
Expected cash flows at acquisition
284,378

Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable discount)
(41,271
)
Fair value of acquired impaired loans
$
243,107

The carrying balance of the acquired loans from Wilshire included in the Statement of Financial Condition at December 31, 2017 was $2.60 billion compared to $3.59 billion at December 31, 2016.
Pro Forma Information
The following table presents financial information regarding the Wilshire’s operations included in the Consolidated Statement of Income from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2016. The table also presents unaudited pro forma information as if the merger had occurred on January 1, 2015. This pro forma information gives effect to certain adjustments, including purchase accounting fair value adjustments, amortization of core deposit and related income tax effects. Merger and integration expenses incurred of $25.7 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were excluded. The pro forma information does not necessarily reflect the results of operations that would have occurred had the Company merged with Wilshire at the beginning of 2015. The pro forma combined condensed consolidated financial statements do not take into account the impact, if any, of an ownership change under Section 382 of the Code that would have occurred as of January 1, 2015. The merger is expected to result in annual cost savings to be achieved following the consummation of the merger. These expected savings have not been included in the pro forma combined amounts. These pro forma results require significant estimates and judgments particularly as it relates to the valuation and accretion of income associated with acquired loans.
 
Actual from Acquisition Date Through
December 31,
 
Pro forma
Year Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net interest income
$
197,953

 
$
456,556

 
$
449,501

Provision for loan losses
6,490

 
4,000

 
8,700

Non-interest income
29,546

 
75,266

 
89,345

Non-interest expense
120,954

 
235,013

 
255,401

Income tax provision
39,828

 
$
118,613

 
$
111,581

Net income
$
60,227

 
$
174,196

 
$
163,164

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pro forma earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
     Basic
 
 
$
1.29

 
$
1.21

     Diluted
 
 
$
1.29

 
$
1.21




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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Acquisition-Related Expenses
The following table presents merger and integration expenses associated with the merger with Wilshire, the terminated merger with U & I, and other previous mergers and acquisitions which were reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income in merger and integration expense. These expenses are comprised primarily of severance payments, professional services, and other noninterest expense related to prior mergers and acquisitions.
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Wilshire
$
1,224

 
$
16,818

 
$
1,414

U & I
467

 

 

Other
90

 
96

 
126

Total merger and integration expenses
$
1,781

 
$
16,914

 
$
1,540


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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

3.
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
The following is a summary of securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
December 31, 2017
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 


U.S. Government agency and U.S.
  Government sponsored enterprises:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
$
856,193

 
$
58

 
$
(17,542
)
 
$
838,709

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
477,676

 
521

 
(6,983
)
 
471,214

Commercial
308,046

 

 
(6,681
)
 
301,365

Corporate securities
4,997

 

 
(522
)
 
4,475

Municipal securities
82,542

 
870

 
(875
)
 
82,537

Total debt securities
1,729,454

 
1,449

 
(32,603
)
 
1,698,300

Mutual funds
22,425

 
17

 
(485
)
 
21,957

Total
$
1,751,879

 
$
1,466

 
$
(33,088
)
 
$
1,720,257

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agency and U.S.
  Government sponsored enterprises:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency securities
$
12,005

 
$
3

 
$

 
$
12,008

Collateralized mortgage obligations
715,981

 
349

 
(10,663
)
 
705,667

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
611,201

 
1,132

 
(9,381
)
 
602,952

Commercial
130,103

 

 
(5,014
)
 
125,089

Corporate securities
11,576

 

 
(449
)
 
11,127

Municipal securities
88,018

 
358

 
(1,537
)
 
86,839

Total debt securities
1,568,884

 
1,842

 
(27,044
)
 
1,543,682

Mutual funds
13,425

 

 
(367
)
 
13,058

Total
$
1,582,309

 
$
1,842

 
$
(27,411
)
 
$
1,556,740

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of stockholders’ equity.

F-26

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The proceeds from sales of securities and total gains and losses are listed below:
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Proceeds from investments sold
$
128,791

 
$
217,079

 
$
22,510

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains from sales of securities
402

 
1,032

 
437

Losses from sales of securities
(101
)
 
(84
)
 
(13
)
Gains from called securities

 
2

 

Net gain on sales or called securities
$
301

 
$
950

 
$
424


The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities at December 31, 2017, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.
 
December 31, 2017
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale:
 
 
 
Due within one year
$

 
$

Due after one year through five years
11,541

 
11,729

Due after five years through ten years
33,106

 
33,581

Due after ten years
42,892

 
41,702

U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
 
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
856,193

 
838,709

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
Residential
477,676

 
471,214

Commercial
308,046

 
301,365

Mutual funds
22,425

 
21,957

Total
$
1,751,879

 
$
1,720,257


Securities with carrying values of approximately $359.2 million and $382.1 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, various borrowings, and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

F-27

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Securities with gross unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated, are as follows:
 
December 31, 2017
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
Description of
Securities
Number 
of
Securities
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number of
Securities
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number 
of
Securities
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
38

 
$
425,198

 
$
(5,954
)
 
53

 
$
408,526

 
$
(11,588
)
 
91

 
$
833,724

 
$
(17,542
)
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
20

 
195,086

 
(1,282
)
 
23

 
230,616

 
(5,701
)
 
43

 
425,702

 
(6,983
)
Commercial
16

 
186,357

 
(1,614
)
 
8

 
115,008

 
(5,067
)
 
24

 
301,365

 
(6,681
)
Corporate securities
1

 
4,475

 
(522
)
 

 

 

 
1

 
4,475

 
(522
)
Municipal securities
18

 
9,295

 
(69
)
 
3

 
22,144

 
(806
)
 
21

 
31,439

 
(875
)
Mutual funds
1

 
8,899

 
(101
)
 
3

 
11,579

 
(384
)
 
4

 
20,478

 
(485
)
Total
94

 
$
829,310

 
$
(9,542
)
 
90

 
$
787,873

 
$
(23,546
)
 
184

 
$
1,617,183

 
$
(33,088
)
 
December 31, 2016
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
Description of
Securities
Number of
Securities
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number of
Securities
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number of
Securities
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
66

 
$
615,803

 
$
(9,459
)
 
4

 
$
36,333

 
$
(1,204
)
 
70

 
$
652,136

 
$
(10,663
)
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
49

 
497,708

 
(9,381
)
 

 

 

 
49

 
497,708

 
(9,381
)
Commercial
8

 
125,089

 
(5,014
)
 

 

 

 
8

 
125,089

 
(5,014
)
Corporate securities
1

 
7,014

 
(2
)
 
1

 
4,113

 
(447
)
 
2

 
11,127

 
(449
)
Municipal securities
95

 
69,331

 
(1,537
)
 

 

 

 
95

 
69,331

 
(1,537
)
Mutual funds
3

 
13,058

 
(367
)
 

 

 

 
3

 
13,058

 
(367
)
Total
222

 
$
1,328,003

 
$
(25,760
)
 
5

 
$
40,446

 
$
(1,651
)
 
227

 
$
1,368,449

 
$
(27,411
)
The Company evaluates securities for OTTI on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value of the securities has been less than our cost for the securities, and management’s intention to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that management will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, the Company considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer’s financial condition.
The Company has certain collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, and mutual funds that were in a continuous loss position for twelve months or longer as of December 31, 2017. Municipal securities in a continuous loss position for twelve months or longer had an unrealized losses of $806 thousand at December 31, 2017 with the last of the securities scheduled to mature in November 2046. These securities were rated investment grade and there were no credit quality concerns with the obligator. Mutual funds in a continuous loss position for twelve months or longer had an unrealized losses of $384 thousand, however there were no credit quality concerns with the fund. Collateralized mortgage obligations, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities in a continuous loss position for twelve months or longer had an unrealized losses of $11.6 million, $5.7 million, and $5.1 million, respectively at December 31, 2017. These securities were investments in

F-28

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises and have high credit ratings (“AA” grade or better). The interest on the securities that were in an unrealized loss position have been paid as agreed, and management believes this will continue in the future and that the securities will be paid in full as scheduled. The market value declines are deemed to be due to the current market volatility and are not reflective of management’s expectations of the Company’s ability to fully recover the investments, which may be at maturity. For these reasons, no OTTI was recognized on the securities that were in a continuous loss position for twelve months or longer at December 31, 2017.
The Company considers the losses on our investments in unrealized loss positions at December 31, 2017 to be temporary based on: 1) the likelihood of recovery; 2) the information relative to the extent and duration of the decline in market value; and 3) the Company’s intention not to sell, and management’s determination that it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. The increase in the net unrealized loss position can be attributed to an increase in long term Treasury yields as a result of the increase in interest rates at December 31, 2017, compared to rates at December 31, 2016.

F-29

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


4.
LOANS RECEIVABLE AND THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
The following is a summary of loans by major category at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Loan portfolio composition
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
Residential
$
49,774

 
$
57,884

Commercial & industrial
8,142,036

 
7,842,573

Construction
316,412

 
254,113

Total real estate loans
8,508,222

 
8,154,570

Commercial business
1,780,869

 
1,832,021

Trade finance
166,664

 
154,928

Consumer and other
647,102

 
403,470

Total loans outstanding
11,102,857

 
10,544,989

Deferred loan fees, net
(282
)
 
(1,657
)
Gross loans receivable
11,102,575

 
10,543,332

Allowance for loan losses
(84,541
)
 
(79,343
)
Loans receivable, net
$
11,018,034

 
$
10,463,989

Our loan portfolio is made up of four segments: real estate loans, commercial business, trade finance and consumer and other loans. These segments are further segregated between loans accounted for under the amortized cost method ("Legacy Loans") and acquired loans that were originally recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related pre-acquisition allowance for loan losses ("Acquired Loans"). The Acquired Loans are further segregated between Purchased Credit Impaired Loans (loans with credit deterioration on the acquisition date and accounted for under ASC 310-30, or "PCI loans") and Acquired Performing Loans (loans that were pass graded on the acquisition date and the fair value adjustment is amortized over the contractual life under ASC 310-20, or "non-PCI loans").
The following table presents changes in the accretable discount on the PCI loans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
43,611

 
$
23,777

Additions due to mergers and acquisitions

 
41,271

Accretion
(21,542
)
 
(15,817
)
Increase (decrease) in expected cash flows
32,933

 
(5,620
)
Balance at end of period
$
55,002

 
$
43,611

On the acquisition date, the amount by which the undiscounted expected cash flows exceed the estimated fair value of the PCI loans is the accretable yield. The accretable yield is then measured at each financial reporting date and represents the difference between the remaining undiscounted expected cash flows and the current carrying value of the loans. The accretable yield may change from period to period due to the following: 1) estimates of the remaining life of acquired loans will affect the amount of future interest income, 2) indices for variable rates of interest on PCI loans may change; and 3) estimates of the amount of the contractual principal and interest that will not be collected (nonaccretable difference) may change.


F-30

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following tables detail the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
Legacy
 
Acquired
 
Total
 
Real Estate
 
Commercial Business
 
Trade Finance
 
Consumer and Other
 
Real Estate
 
Commercial Business
 
Trade Finance
 
Consumer and Other
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
38,956

 
$
23,430

 
$
1,897

 
$
2,116

 
$
12,791

 
$
117

 
$

 
$
36

 
$
79,343

Provision (credit) for loan losses
8,524

 
(1,036
)
 
1,825

 
2,207

 
1,341

 
4,500

 
42

 
(43
)
 
17,360

Loans charged off
(2,292
)
 
(9,881
)
 
(2,104
)
 
(943
)
 
(850
)
 
(1,315
)
 

 
(25
)
 
(17,410
)
Recoveries of charge offs
172

 
4,715

 
56

 
5

 
40

 
225

 

 
35

 
5,248

Balance, end of period
$
45,360

 
$
17,228

 
$
1,674

 
$
3,385

 
$
13,322

 
$
3,527

 
$
42

 
$
3

 
$
84,541

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
42,829

 
$
16,332

 
$
3,592

 
$
556

 
$
12,823

 
$
214

 
$

 
$
62

 
$
76,408

Provision (credit) for loan losses
(4,896
)
 
12,928

 
(1,695
)
 
2,229

 
714

 
(248
)
 

 
(32
)
 
9,000

Loans charged off
(152
)
 
(7,267
)
 

 
(757
)
 
(758
)
 
(26
)
 

 

 
(8,960
)
Recoveries of charge offs
1,175

 
1,437

 

 
88

 
12

 
177

 

 
6

 
2,895

Balance, end of period
$
38,956

 
$
23,430

 
$
1,897

 
$
2,116

 
$
12,791

 
$
117

 
$

 
$
36

 
$
79,343

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
38,775

 
$
15,986

 
$
3,456

 
$
427

 
$
8,573

 
$
485

 
$

 
$
56

 
$
67,758

Provision (credit) for loan losses
2,828

 
(577
)
 
1,424

 
177

 
4,270

 
(117
)
 

 
(5
)
 
8,000

Loans charged off
(558
)
 
(1,971
)
 
(1,288
)
 
(630
)
 
(183
)
 
(271
)
 

 
(11
)
 
(4,912
)
Recoveries of charged offs
1,784

 
2,894

 

 
582

 
163

 
117

 

 
22

 
5,562

Balance, end of period
$
42,829

 
$
16,332

 
$
3,592

 
$
556

 
$
12,823

 
$
214

 
$

 
$
62

 
$
76,408

The following tables disaggregate the allowance for loan losses and the carrying value of loans receivables by impairment methodology at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
December 31, 2017
 
Legacy
 
Acquired
 
Total
 
Real Estate
 
Commercial Business
 
Trade Finance
 
Consumer and Other
 
Real Estate
 
Commercial Business
 
Trade Finance
 
Consumer and Other
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
1,378

 
$
2,807

 
$
3

 
$
35

 
$
246

 
$
854

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,323

Collectively evaluated for impairment
43,982

 
14,421

 
1,671

 
3,350

 
1,036

 
2,673

 
42

 
3

 
67,178

PCI loans

 

 

 

 
12,040

 

 

 

 
12,040

Total
$
45,360

 
$
17,228

 
$
1,674

 
$
3,385

 
$
13,322

 
$
3,527

 
$
42

 
$
3

 
$
84,541

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
41,041

 
$
31,322

 
$
3,951

 
$
908

 
$
14,239

 
$
18,733

 
$
2,984

 
$
1,171

 
$
114,349

Collectively evaluated for impairment
6,172,448

 
1,459,273

 
152,204

 
477,375

 
2,120,001

 
244,980

 
7,525

 
157,794

 
10,791,600

PCI loans

 

 

 

 
160,493

 
26,561

 

 
9,854

 
196,908

Total
$
6,213,489

 
$
1,490,595

 
$
156,155

 
$
478,283

 
$
2,294,733

 
$
290,274

 
$
10,509

 
$
168,819

 
$
11,102,857


F-31

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 
December 31, 2016
 
Legacy
 
Acquired
 
Total
 
Real Estate
 
Commercial Business
 
Trade Finance
 
Consumer and Other
 
Real Estate
 
Commercial Business
 
Trade Finance
 
Consumer and Other
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
1,889

 
$
4,420

 
$
864

 
$
50

 
$
113

 
$
73

 
$

 
$

 
$
7,409

Collectively evaluated for impairment
37,067

 
19,010

 
1,033

 
2,066

 
548

 
44

 

 
36

 
59,804

PCI loans

 

 

 

 
12,130

 

 

 

 
12,130

Total
$
38,956

 
$
23,430

 
$
1,897

 
$
2,116

 
$
12,791

 
$
117

 
$

 
$
36

 
$
79,343

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
74,085

 
$
34,783

 
$
6,029

 
$
733

 
$
23,865

 
$
435

 
$

 
$
431

 
$
140,361

Collectively evaluated for impairment
5,271,262

 
1,079,348

 
75,365

 
179,961

 
2,597,200

 
650,710

 
70,535

 
206,802

 
10,131,183

PCI loans

 

 

 

 
188,158

 
66,745

 
2,999

 
15,543

 
273,445

Total
$
5,345,347

 
$
1,114,131

 
$
81,394

 
$
180,694

 
$
2,809,223

 
$
717,890

 
$
73,534

 
$
222,776

 
$
10,544,989

As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the allowance for unfunded commitments was $836 thousand and $3.2 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the recognized (credit) provision for credit losses related to unfunded commitments was $(2.4) million and $179 thousand.
The recorded investment in individually impaired loans was as follows:
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
With allocated allowance:
 
 
 
Without charge-off
$
28,614

 
$
59,638

With charge-off
3,044

 
1,120

With no allocated allowance:
 
 
 
Without charge-off
77,533

 
76,775

With charge-off
5,158

 
2,828

Allowance on impaired loans
(5,323
)
 
(7,409
)
Impaired loans, net of allowance
$
109,026

 
$
132,952



F-32

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following tables detail impaired loans (Total Impaired Loans including Legacy and Acquired and Acquired only) by portfolio segment. Loans with no related allowance for loan losses are believed by management to have adequate collateral securing their carrying value. The Company did not recognize any cash basis interest income for the years ended December 31, 2017 or 2016.
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Total Impaired Loans
 
Recorded Investment*
 
Unpaid Contractual Principal Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded Investment*
 
Interest Income Recognized during Impairment
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
With Related Allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
532

 
531

 
131

 
1,120

 

Hotel & Motel
 
2,931

 
5,090

 
284

 
4,050

 
67

Gas Station & Car Wash
 

 

 

 
43

 

Mixed Use
 
312

 
958

 
4

 
245

 
6

Industrial & Warehouse
 
772

 
1,482

 
96

 
1,135

 

Other
 
4,397

 
4,401

 
1,109

 
11,707

 
237

Real Estate—Construction
 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Business
 
18,330

 
22,757

 
3,661

 
23,695

 
631

Trade Finance
 
3,861

 
3,861

 
3

 
2,842

 
217

Consumer and Other
 
523

 
524

 
35

 
240

 
4

Subtotal
 
$
31,658

 
$
39,604

 
$
5,323

 
$
45,077

 
$
1,162

With No Related Allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,105

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
11,792

 
13,923

 

 
12,288

 
434

Hotel & Motel
 
2,841

 
5,288

 

 
7,245

 

Gas Station & Car Wash
 
591

 
1,764

 

 
3,168

 

Mixed Use
 
1,101

 
3,490

 

 
3,496

 

Industrial & Warehouse
 
8,429

 
8,525

 

 
8,676

 
262

Other
 
20,282

 
24,412

 

 
17,116

 
608

Real Estate—Construction
 
1,300

 
1,441

 

 
1,611

 

Commercial Business
 
31,725

 
33,207

 

 
16,312

 
697

Trade Finance
 
3,074

 
3,091

 

 
2,994

 
253

Consumer and Other
 
1,556

 
1,676

 

 
1,225

 
25

Subtotal
 
$
82,691

 
$
96,817

 
$

 
$
75,236

 
$
2,279

Total
 
$
114,349

 
$
136,421

 
$
5,323

 
$
120,313

 
$
3,441

*
Unpaid contractual principal balance less charge-offs, interest applied to principal and purchase discounts.






F-33

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 
 
December 31, 2017
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Impaired acquired loans
 
Recorded Investment*
 
Unpaid
Contractual Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded Investment*
 
Interest Income Recognized during Impairment
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
With Related Allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
262

 
261

 
126

 
851

 

Hotel & Motel
 
85

 
86

 
2

 
105

 

Gas Station & Car Wash
 

 

 

 

 

Mixed Use
 
129

 
129

 
1

 
179

 
6

Industrial & Warehouse
 
221

 
896

 
96

 
225

 

Other
 
319

 
323

 
21

 
319

 
17

Real Estate—Construction
 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Business
 
1,987

 
2,903

 
854

 
1,111

 
47

Trade Finance
 

 

 

 

 

Consumer and Other
 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal
 
$
3,003

 
$
4,598

 
$
1,100

 
$
2,790

 
$
70

With No Related Allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
235

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
3,412

 
4,099

 

 
2,866

 
141

Hotel & Motel
 
482

 
1,887

 

 
3,086

 

Gas Station & Car Wash
 
1

 
28

 

 
619

 

Mixed Use
 
152

 
2,240

 

 
2,191

 

Industrial & Warehouse
 
45

 
45

 

 
59

 
3

Other
 
9,131

 
9,951

 

 
5,190

 
340

Real Estate—Construction
 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Business
 
16,746

 
16,926

 

 
5,794

 
182

Trade Finance
 
2,984

 
3,001

 

 
1,274

 
248

Consumer and Other
 
1,171

 
1,291

 

 
645

 
7

Subtotal
 
$
34,124

 
$
39,468

 
$

 
$
21,959

 
$
921

Total
 
$
37,127

 
$
44,066

 
$
1,100

 
$
24,749

 
$
991

*
Unpaid contractual principal balance less charge-offs, interest applied to principal and purchase discounts.





F-34

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 
 
December 31, 2016
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Total Impaired Loans
 
Recorded Investment*
 
Unpaid
Contractual Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded Investment*
 
Interest Income Recognized during Impairment
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
With Related Allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
2,095

 
2,384

 
90

 
1,788

 

Hotel & Motel
 
6,387

 
6,387

 
337

 
3,650

 
332

Gas Station & Car Wash
 
215

 
228

 
41

 
884

 

Mixed Use
 
206

 
732

 
27

 
350

 
7

Industrial & Warehouse
 
530

 
530

 

 
547

 
23

Other
 
22,580

 
22,825

 
1,507

 
23,690

 
1,033

Real Estate—Construction
 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Business
 
26,543

 
27,161

 
4,493

 
32,626

 
988

Trade Finance
 
2,111

 
2,156

 
864

 
7,134

 
25

Consumer and Other
 
91

 
91

 
50

 
289

 
4

Subtotal
 
$
60,758

 
$
62,494

 
$
7,409

 
$
70,958

 
$
2,412

With No Related Allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
 
$
3,562

 
$
3,562

 
$

 
$
712

 
$
119

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
12,753

 
13,290

 

 
10,745

 
451

Hotel & Motel
 
6,122

 
11,735

 

 
8,275

 
14

Gas Station & Car Wash
 
5,043

 
7,449

 

 
4,817

 
39

Mixed Use
 
7,303

 
7,822

 

 
3,284

 
282

Industrial & Warehouse
 
9,673

 
9,748

 

 
10,252

 
350

Other
 
20,181

 
21,492

 

 
13,086

 
479

Real Estate—Construction
 
1,300

 
1,441

 

 
1,322

 

Commercial Business
 
8,675

 
9,472

 

 
10,559

 
203

Trade Finance
 
3,918

 
3,918

 

 
1,674

 
208

Consumer and Other
 
1,073

 
1,136

 

 
1,026

 
29

Subtotal
 
$
79,603

 
$
91,065

 
$

 
$
65,752

 
$
2,174

Total
 
$
140,361

 
$
153,559

 
$
7,409

 
$
136,710

 
$
4,586

*
Unpaid contractual principal balance less charge-offs, interest applied to principal and purchase discounts.















F-35

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 
 
December 31, 2016
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Impaired acquired loans
 
Recorded Investment*
 
Unpaid
Contractual Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded Investment*
 
Interest Income Recognized during Impairment
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
With Related Allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
1,826

 
2,114

 
85

 
1,387

 

Hotel & Motel
 

 

 

 

 

Gas Station & Car Wash
 

 

 

 
203

 

Mixed Use
 
136

 
136

 
2

 
280

 
7

Industrial & Warehouse
 

 

 

 

 

Other
 
337

 
341

 
26

 
327

 
18

Real Estate—Construction
 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Business
 
294

 
339

 
73

 
448

 
5

Trade Finance
 

 

 

 

 

Consumer and Other
 

 

 

 
32

 

Subtotal
 
$
2,593

 
$
2,930

 
$
186

 
$
2,677

 
$
30

With No Related Allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
 
$
679

 
$
679

 
$

 
$
136

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
3,148

 
3,214

 

 
2,496

 
152

Hotel & Motel
 
4,767

 
7,171

 

 
5,700

 
14

Gas Station & Car Wash
 
1,568

 
1,815

 

 
1,506

 
39

Mixed Use
 
5,315

 
5,551

 

 
1,238

 
245

Industrial & Warehouse
 
66

 
66

 

 
873

 
3

Other
 
6,023

 
6,752

 

 
4,021

 
177

Real Estate—Construction
 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Business
 
141

 
386

 

 
580

 
2

Trade Finance
 

 

 

 

 

Consumer and Other
 
431

 
484

 

 
453

 
9

Subtotal
 
$
22,138

 
$
26,118

 
$

 
$
17,003

 
$
641

Total
 
$
24,731

 
$
29,048

 
$
186

 
$
19,680

 
$
671

*
Unpaid contractual principal balance less charge-offs, interest applied to principal and purchase discounts.










F-36

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Total Impaired Loans
 
Average
Recorded Investment*
 
Interest Income Recognized during Impairment
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
With Related Allowance:
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
 
$

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
3,388

 

Hotel & Motel
 
10,512

 
230

Gas Station & Car Wash
 
1,542

 
59

Mixed Use
 
498

 
9

Industrial & Warehouse
 
3,686

 
25

Other
 
12,585

 
1,110

Real Estate—Construction
 

 

Commercial Business
 
31,790

 
998

Trade Finance
 
6,209

 
527

Consumer and Other
 
153

 
7

Subtotal
 
$
70,363

 
$
2,965

With No Related Allowance:
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
 
$

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
10,779

 
464

Hotel & Motel
 
6,455

 
93

Gas Station & Car Wash
 
3,685

 
107

Mixed Use
 
2,375

 
51

Industrial & Warehouse
 
10,186

 
254

Other
 
9,355

 
362

Real Estate—Construction
 
1,153

 

Commercial Business
 
8,722

 
345

Trade Finance
 
986

 

Consumer and Other
 
1,177

 
26

Subtotal
 
$
54,873

 
$
1,702

Total
 
$
125,236

 
$
4,667

*
Unpaid contractual principal balance less charge-offs, interest applied to principal and purchase discounts.

F-37

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Impaired acquired loans
 
Average
Recorded Investment*
 
Interest Income Recognized during Impairment
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
With Related Allowance:
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
 
$

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
1,835

 

Hotel & Motel
 

 

Gas Station & Car Wash
 
1,246

 
59

Mixed Use
 
380

 
9

Industrial & Warehouse
 
72

 

Other
 
797

 
16

Real Estate—Construction
 

 

Commercial Business
 
671

 
15

Trade Finance
 

 

Consumer and Other
 

 

Subtotal
 
$
5,001

 
$
99

With No Related Allowance:
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
 
$

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
2,301

 
105

Hotel & Motel
 
5,889

 
73

Gas Station & Car Wash
 
651

 
64

Mixed Use
 
210

 
13

Industrial & Warehouse
 
1,275

 
9

Other
 
4,162

 
53

Real Estate—Construction
 

 

Commercial Business
 
892

 
55

Trade Finance
 

 

Consumer and Other
 
629

 
7

Subtotal
 
$
16,009

 
$
379

Total
 
$
21,010

 
$
478

*
Unpaid contractual principal balance less charge-offs, interest applied to principal and purchase discounts.









      



F-38

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following tables present the aging of past due loans as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by class of loans:
 
December 31, 2017
 
Past Due and Accruing
 
Nonaccrual Loans (2)
 
Total Delinquent and Nonaccrual Loans
 
30-59
Days
 
60-89 
Days
 
90 or More Days
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Legacy Loans
 
Real Estate—Residential
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
2,384

 

 

 
2,384

 
3,179

 
5,563

Hotel & Motel
1,884

 
1,027

 

 
2,911

 
3,931

 
6,842

Gas Station & Car Wash
956

 

 

 
956

 
590

 
1,546

Mixed Use
129

 

 

 
129

 
1,132

 
1,261

Industrial & Warehouse
1,121

 
99

 

 
1,220

 
3,403

 
4,623

Other
1,408

 

 

 
1,408

 
5,689

 
7,097

Real Estate—Construction

 

 

 

 
1,300

 
1,300

Commercial Business
698

 
505

 

 
1,203

 
8,540

 
9,743

Trade Finance

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer and Other
7,512

 
93

 
407

 
8,012

 
471

 
8,483

     Subtotal
$
16,092

 
$
1,724

 
$
407

 
$
18,223

 
$
28,235

 
$
46,458

Acquired Loans (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
81

 
216

 

 
297

 
638

 
935

Hotel & Motel

 
1,219

 

 
1,219

 
568

 
1,787

Gas Station & Car Wash
1,161

 
41

 

 
1,202

 
1

 
1,203

Mixed Use
151

 

 

 
151

 
152

 
303

Industrial & Warehouse
804

 
264

 

 
1,068

 
221

 
1,289

Other

 

 

 

 
1,389

 
1,389

Real Estate—Construction

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Business
1,088

 
155

 

 
1,243

 
14,560

 
15,803

Trade Finance

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer and Other
957

 

 

 
957

 
1,011

 
1,968

     Subtotal
$
4,242

 
$
1,895

 
$

 
$
6,137

 
$
18,540

 
$
24,677

TOTAL
$
20,334

 
$
3,619

 
$
407

 
$
24,360

 
$
46,775

 
$
71,135

(1) 
Acquired loans exclude PCI loans.
(2) 
Nonaccrual loans exclude the guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans that are in liquidation totaling $22.1 million.


F-39

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 
December 31, 2016
 
Past Due and Accruing
 
Nonaccrual Loans (2)
 
Total Delinquent and Nonaccrual Loans
 
30-59
Days
 
60-89 
Days
 
90 or More Days
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Legacy Loans
 
Real Estate—Residential
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
480

 

 

 
480

 
3,672

 
4,152

Hotel & Motel
1,836

 
3,137

 

 
4,973

 
1,392

 
6,365

Gas Station & Car Wash
362

 

 

 
362

 
3,690

 
4,052

Mixed Use

 

 

 

 
1,305

 
1,305

Industrial & Warehouse

 
697

 

 
697

 
1,922

 
2,619

Other
2,871

 

 

 
2,871

 
4,007

 
6,878

Real Estate—Construction

 
1,513

 

 
1,513

 
1,300

 
2,813

Commercial Business
558

 
815

 

 
1,373

 
9,371

 
10,744

Trade Finance

 
500

 

 
500

 
2,056

 
2,556

Consumer and Other
146

 
58

 
305

 
509

 
229

 
738

     Subtotal
$
6,253

 
$
6,720

 
$
305

 
$
13,278

 
$
28,944

 
$
42,222

Acquired Loans (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
679

 
$
679

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
1,611

 

 

 
1,611

 
1,871

 
3,482

Hotel & Motel
95

 

 

 
95

 
4,501

 
4,596

Gas Station & Car Wash
68

 
340

 

 
408

 
993

 
1,401

Mixed Use

 

 

 

 
48

 
48

Industrial & Warehouse
257

 

 

 
257

 

 
257

Other
350

 

 

 
350

 
2,144

 
2,494

Real Estate—Construction

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Business
1,303

 
684

 

 
1,987

 
345

 
2,332

Trade Finance

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer and Other
331

 
25

 

 
356

 
549

 
905

     Subtotal
$
4,015

 
$
1,049

 
$

 
$
5,064

 
$
11,130

 
$
16,194

TOTAL
$
10,268

 
$
7,769

 
$
305

 
$
18,342

 
$
40,074

 
$
58,416

(1) 
Acquired loans exclude PCI loans.
(2) 
Nonaccrual loans exclude the guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans that are in liquidation totaling $15.9 million.
Loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 are generally considered accruing and performing loans and the accretable discount is accreted to interest income over the estimate life of the loan when cash flows are reasonably estimable. Accordingly, PCI loans that are contractually past due are still considered to be accruing and performing loans. The loans may be classified as nonaccrual if the timing and amount of future cash flows is not reasonably estimable.


F-40

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following tables present the risk rating for Legacy Loans and Acquired Loans as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by class of loans:
 
December 31, 2017
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Legacy Loans:
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
$
33,557

 
$
1,147

 
$
1,439

 
$

 
$
36,143

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Retail
1,640,809

 
32,723

 
17,856

 

 
1,691,388

Hotel & Motel
1,224,597

 
19,358

 
8,877

 

 
1,252,832

Gas Station & Car Wash
737,485

 
9,013

 
590

 

 
747,088

Mixed Use
421,755

 
4,581

 
1,477

 

 
427,813

Industrial & Warehouse
577,344

 
16,716

 
24,317

 

 
618,377

Other
1,133,188

 
30,030

 
53,995

 

 
1,217,213

Real Estate—Construction
219,583

 

 
3,052

 

 
222,635

Commercial Business
1,389,043

 
35,640

 
65,912

 

 
1,490,595

Trade Finance
152,583

 
2,200

 
1,372

 

 
156,155

Consumer and Other
477,370

 
5

 
908

 

 
478,283

Subtotal
$
8,007,314

 
$
151,413

 
$
179,795

 
$

 
$
8,338,522

Acquired Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
$
13,369

 
$
262

 
$

 
$

 
$
13,631

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
630,555

 
6,921

 
20,797

 

 
658,273

Hotel & Motel
275,191

 
4,247

 
24,987

 

 
304,425

Gas Station & Car Wash
194,063

 
2,872

 
8,992

 

 
205,927

Mixed Use
94,864

 
5,725

 
14,738

 

 
115,327

Industrial & Warehouse
250,049

 
14,973

 
16,358

 
265

 
281,645

Other
568,545

 
19,848

 
33,335

 

 
621,728

Real Estate—Construction
93,777

 

 

 

 
93,777

Commercial Business
236,705

 
8,593

 
44,964

 
12

 
290,274

Trade Finance
7,455

 

 
3,054

 

 
10,509

Consumer and Other
162,495

 
37

 
6,202

 
85

 
168,819

Subtotal
$
2,527,068

 
$
63,478

 
$
173,427

 
$
362

 
$
2,764,335

Total
$
10,534,382

 
$
214,891

 
$
353,222

 
$
362

 
$
11,102,857


 

F-41

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 
December 31, 2016
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful/Loss
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Legacy Loans:
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
$
34,283

 
$
223

 
$
2,883

 
$

 
$
37,389

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
1,303,452

 
18,929

 
15,430

 

 
1,337,811

Hotel & Motel
1,187,709

 
12,763

 
9,026

 

 
1,209,498

Gas Station & Car Wash
643,282

 
7,259

 
3,690

 

 
654,231

Mixed Use
375,312

 

 
1,467

 

 
376,779

Industrial & Warehouse
478,528

 
29,830

 
13,745

 

 
522,103

Other
969,024

 
22,220

 
41,017

 

 
1,032,261

Real Estate—Construction
159,230

 
14,745

 
1,300

 

 
175,275

Commercial Business
1,032,232

 
15,919

 
65,885

 
95

 
1,114,131

Trade Finance
68,051

 
5,673

 
7,670

 

 
81,394

Consumer and Other
179,864

 
1

 
829

 

 
180,694

Subtotal
$
6,430,967

 
$
127,562

 
$
162,942

 
$
95

 
$
6,721,566

Acquired Loans:
 
 
 
Real Estate—Residential
$
18,007

 
$
1,809

 
$
679

 
$

 
$
20,495

Real Estate—Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
772,465

 
9,860

 
21,110

 

 
803,435

Hotel & Motel
328,396

 
5,419

 
18,233

 

 
352,048

Gas Station & Car Wash
249,379

 
8,437

 
11,338

 

 
269,154

Mixed Use
118,643

 
3,105

 
12,505

 
8

 
134,261

Industrial & Warehouse
321,040

 
31,819

 
9,048

 
315

 
362,222

Other
736,385

 
23,286

 
29,099

 

 
788,770

Real Estate—Construction
78,838

 

 

 

 
78,838

Commercial Business
649,186

 
31,340

 
37,265

 
99

 
717,890

Trade Finance
70,535

 
61

 
2,938

 

 
73,534

Consumer and Other
214,437

 
958

 
5,949

 
1,432

 
222,776

Subtotal
$
3,557,311

 
$
116,094

 
$
148,164

 
$
1,854

 
$
3,823,423

Total
$
9,988,278

 
$
243,656

 
$
311,106

 
$
1,949

 
$
10,544,989



F-42

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table presents loans sold from loans held for investment or transferred from held for investment to held for sale during the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 by portfolio segment:
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Sales or reclassification to held for sale
 
Real Estate - Commercial
$
429

 
$
5,920

Real Estate - Construction

 

Commercial Business

 
3,457

Consumer

 
2,508

     Total
$
429

 
$
11,885

 The following table presents loans by portfolio segment and impairment method at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
December 31, 2017
 
Real estate -
Residential
 
Real estate -
Commercial
 
Real estate -
Construction
 
Commercial
business
 
Trade
finance
 
Consumer
and other
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Impaired loans
(recorded investment)
$

 
$
53,980

 
$
1,300

 
$
50,055

 
$
6,935

 
$
2,079

 
$
114,349

Specific allowance
$

 
$
1,624

 
$

 
$
3,661

 
$
3

 
$
35

 
$
5,323

Specific allowance to impaired loans
N/A

 
3.01
%
 
N/A

 
7.31
%
 
0.04
%
 
1.68
%
 
4.66
%
Other loans
$
49,774

 
$
8,088,056

 
$
315,112

 
$
1,730,814

 
$
159,729

 
$
645,023

 
$
10,988,508

General allowance
$
88

 
$
56,040

 
$
930

 
$
17,094

 
$
1,713

 
$
3,353

 
$
79,218

General allowance to other loans
0.18
%
 
0.69
%
 
0.30
%
 
0.99
%
 
1.07
%
 
0.52
%
 
0.72
%
Total loans outstanding
$
49,774


$
8,142,036


$
316,412

 
$
1,780,869

 
$
166,664

 
$
647,102

 
$
11,102,857

Total allowance for loan losses
$
88

 
$
57,664

 
$
930

 
$
20,755

 
$
1,716

 
$
3,388

 
$
84,541

Total allowance to total loans
0.18
%
 
0.71
%
 
0.29
%
 
1.17
%
 
1.03
%
 
0.52
%
 
0.76
%
 
December 31, 2016
 
Real estate -
Residential
 
Real estate -
Commercial
 
Real estate -
Construction
 
Commercial
business
 
Trade
finance
 
Consumer
and other
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Impaired loans
(recorded investment)
$
3,562

 
$
93,088

 
$
1,300

 
$
35,218

 
$
6,029

 
$
1,164

 
$
140,361

Specific allowance
$

 
$
2,002

 
$

 
$
4,493

 
$
864

 
$
50

 
$
7,409

Specific allowance to impaired loans
N/A

 
2.15
%
 
N/A

 
12.76
%
 
14.33
%
 
4.30
%
 
5.28
%
Other loans
$
54,322

 
$
7,749,485

 
$
252,813

 
$
1,796,803

 
$
148,899

 
$
402,306

 
$
10,404,628

General allowance
$
209

 
$
47,915

 
$
1,621

 
$
19,054

 
$
1,033

 
$
2,102

 
$
71,934

General allowance to other loans
0.38
%
 
0.62
%
 
0.64
%
 
1.06
%
 
0.69
%
 
0.52
%
 
0.69
%
Total loans outstanding
$
57,884

 
$
7,842,573

 
$
254,113

 
$
1,832,021

 
$
154,928

 
$
403,470

 
$
10,544,989

Total allowance for loan losses
$
209

 
$
49,917

 
$
1,621

 
$
23,547

 
$
1,897

 
$
2,152

 
$
79,343

Total allowance to total loans
0.36
%
 
0.64
%
 
0.64
%
 
1.29
%
 
1.22
%
 
0.53
%
 
0.75
%

F-43

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Under certain circumstances, the Company provides borrowers relief through loan modifications. These modifications are either temporary in nature (“temporary modifications”) or are more substantive. At December 31, 2017, total modified loans were $78.5 million, compared to $70.9 million at December 31, 2016. The temporary modifications generally consist of interest only payments for a three to six month period, whereby principal payments are deferred. At the end of the modification period, the remaining principal balance is re-amortized based on the original maturity date. Loans subject to temporary modifications are generally downgraded to Substandard or Special Mention. At the end of the modification period, the loan either 1) returns to the original contractual terms; 2) is further modified and accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring in accordance with ASC 310-10-35; or 3) is disposed of through foreclosure or liquidation.
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”) of loans are defined by ASC 310-40, Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, and ASC 470-60, Troubled Debt Restructurings by Debtors, and evaluated for impairment in accordance with ASC 310-10-35. The concessions may be granted in various forms, including reduction in the stated interest rate, reduction in the amount of principal amortization, forgiveness of a portion of a loan balance or accrued interest, or extension of the maturity date. In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. This evaluation is performed under our internal underwriting policy.
A summary of TDRs on accrual and nonaccrual by type of concession as of December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015 is presented below:
 
December 31, 2017
 
TDRs on accrual
 
TDRs on nonaccrual
 
Total
 
Real estate -
Commercial
 
Commercial
Business
 
Other
 
Sub-Total
 
Real estate -
Commercial
 
Commercial
Business
 
Other
 
Sub-Total
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Payment concession
$
22,550

 
$
376

 
$

 
$
22,926

 
$
3,071

 
$
170

 
$

 
$
3,241

 
$
26,167

Maturity / Amortization concession
4,768

 
25,584

 
7,442

 
37,794

 
1,536

 
5,264

 
98

 
6,898

 
44,692

Rate concession
5,444

 
996

 
90

 
6,530

 
1,083

 
18

 

 
1,101

 
7,631

Principal forgiveness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
32,762

 
$
26,956

 
$
7,532

 
$
67,250

 
$
5,690

 
$
5,452

 
$
98

 
$
11,240

 
$
78,490

 
December 31, 2016
 
TDRs on accrual

TDRs on nonaccrual

Total
 
Real estate -
Commercial

Commercial
Business

Other

Sub-Total

Real estate -
Commercial

Commercial
Business

Other

Sub-Total

 
(Dollars in thousands)
Payment concession
$
16,358

 
$
29

 
$

 
$
16,387

 
$
4,417

 
$
1,717

 
$

 
$
6,134

 
$
22,521

Maturity / Amortization concession
1,840

 
17,471

 
4,600

 
23,911

 
1,313

 
6,130

 
2,287

 
9,730

 
33,641

Rate concession
6,856

 
1,665

 
55

 
8,576

 
5,590

 
387

 
155

 
6,132

 
14,708

Principal forgiveness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
25,054

 
$
19,165

 
$
4,655

 
$
48,874

 
$
11,320

 
$
8,234

 
$
2,442

 
$
21,996

 
$
70,870

 
December 31, 2015
 
TDRs on accrual
 
TDRs on nonaccrual
 
Total
 
Real estate -
Commercial
 
Commercial
Business
 
Other
 
Sub-Total
 
Real estate -
Commercial
 
Commercial
Business
 
Other
 
Sub-Total
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Payment concession
$
11,604

 
$
375

 
$

 
$
11,979

 
$
3,891

 
$
2,410

 
$

 
$
6,301

 
$
18,280

Maturity / Amortization concession
4,009

 
18,192

 
5,311

 
27,512

 
1,583

 
6,818

 
2,297

 
10,698

 
38,210

Rate concession
7,215

 
1,278

 

 
8,493

 
6,445

 
641

 
166

 
7,252

 
15,745

Principal forgiveness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
22,828

 
$
19,845

 
$
5,311

 
$
47,984

 
$
11,919

 
$
9,869

 
$
2,463

 
$
24,251

 
$
72,235


F-44

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

TDRs on accrual status are comprised of loans that were accruing at the time of restructuring and for which the Bank anticipates full repayment of both principal and interest under the restructured terms. TDRs that are on nonaccrual can be returned to accrual status after a period of sustained performance, generally determined to be six months of timely payments as modified. Sustained performance includes the periods prior to the modification if the prior performance met or exceeded the modified terms. TDRs on accrual status at December 31, 2017 were comprised of 24 commercial real estate loans totaling $32.8 million, 27 commercial business loans totaling $27.0 million and 56 consumer and other loans totaling $7.5 million. TDRs on accrual status at December 31, 2016 were comprised of 20 commercial real estate loans totaling $25.1 million, 23 commercial business loans totaling $19.2 million, and 19 consumer and other loans totaling $4.7 million. TDRs on accrual status at December 31, 2015 were comprised of 24 commercial real estate loans totaling $22.8 million, 28 commercial business loans totaling $19.8 million, and 4 consumer loans totaling $5.3 million. Management expects that the TDRs on accrual status as of December 31, 2017, which were all performing in accordance with their restructured terms, will continue to comply with the restructured terms because of the reduced principal or interest payments on these loans. TDRs that were restructured at market interest rates and had sustained performance as agreed under the modified loan terms may be reclassified as non-TDRs after each year end but are still monitored for potential impairment.
The Company has allocated $4.8 million, $5.3 million, and $5.7 million of specific reserves to TDRs as of December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 the Company did not have any outstanding commitments to extend additional funds to these borrowers.

F-45

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table presents loans by class modified as TDRs that occurred during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015:
 
For The Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
Number of Loans 
 
Pre-Modification
 
Post-Modification 
 
Number of Loans 
 
Pre-Modification
 
Post-Modification 
 
Number of Loans 
 
Pre-Modification
 
Post-Modification 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Legacy Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate - Residential
 
$

 
$

 
 
$

 
$

 
 
$

 
$

Real Estate - Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
2
 
1,082

 
1,082

 
 

 

 
2
 
750

 
733

Hotel & Motel
1
 
1,044

 
1,044

 
 

 

 
 

 

Gas Station & Car Wash
 

 

 
 

 

 
2
 
383

 
351

Mixed Use
 

 

 
 

 

 
2
 
437

 
407

Industrial & Warehouse
1
 
465

 
465

 
 

 

 
 

 

Other
 

 

 
3
 
1,675

 
6,824

 
2
 
1,762

 
1,700

Real Estate - Construction
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

Commercial business
14
 
8,507

 
8,507

 
12
 
12,311

 
7,413

 
18
 
9,171

 
13,234

Trade Finance
 

 

 
 

 

 
2
 
7,623

 
2,208

Consumer and Other
 

 

 
1
 

 
91

 
1
 
248

 
237

Subtotal
18
 
$
11,098

 
$
11,098

 
16
 
$
13,986

 
$
14,328

 
29
 
$
20,374

 
$
18,870

Acquired Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate - Residential
 
$

 
$

 
 
$

 
$

 
 
$

 
$

Real Estate - Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
3
 
1,642

 
1,642

 
1
 
1,377

 
1,335

 
 

 

Hotel & Motel
1
 
482

 
482

 
 

 

 
 

 

Gas Station & Car Wash
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

Mixed Use
 

 

 
 

 

 
3
 
425

 
416

Industrial & Warehouse
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

Other
2
 
6,946

 
6,946

 
 

 

 
 

 

Real Estate - Construction
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

Commercial business
8
 
4,224

 
4,224

 
1
 
13

 
11

 
1
 
56

 
13

Trade Finance
1
 
2,983

 
2,983

 
 

 

 
 

 

Consumer and Other
 

 

 
1
 
30

 
25

 
1
 
115

 
104

Subtotal
15
 
$
16,277

 
$
16,277

 
3
 
$
1,420

 
$
1,371

 
5
 
$
596

 
$
533

Total
33
 
$
27,375

 
$
27,375

 
19
 
$
15,406

 
$
15,699

 
34
 
$
20,970

 
$
19,403

The specific reserves for the TDRs described above as of December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were $1.4 million, $1.2 million, and $2.9 million, respectively, and the charge offs for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015 and were $0, $4 thousand, and $42 thousand respectively.

F-46

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table presents loans by class for TDRs that have been modified within the previous twelve months and have subsequently had a payment default during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015:
 
For The Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
Number of
Loans
 
Balance
 
Number of
Loans
 
Balance
 
Number of
Loans
 
Balance
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Legacy Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate - Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
$

 
 
$

 
 
$

Hotel & Motel
 

 
 

 
 

Gas Station & Car Wash
 

 
 

 
1
 
121

Mixed Use
 

 
 

 
1
 
103

Industrial & Warehouse
 

 
 

 
 

Other
 

 
 

 
1
 
307

Commercial Business
2
 
178

 
4
 
580

 
4
 
2,091

Consumer and Other
 

 
 

 
 

Subtotal
2
 
$
178

 
4
 
$
580

 
7
 
$
2,622

Acquired Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate - Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
$

 
 
$

 
 
$

Hotel & Motel
1
 
482

 
 

 
 

Mixed Use
 

 
 

 
1
 
63

Gas Station & Car Wash
 

 
 

 
 

Industrial & Warehouse
 

 
 

 
 

Other
1
 
2,977

 
 

 
 

Commercial Business
1
 
40

 
1
 
11

 
 

Consumer and Other
 

 
1
 
25

 
1
 
104

Subtotal
3
 
$
3,499

 
2
 
$
36

 
2
 
$
167

Total
5
 
$
3,677

 
6
 
$
616

 
9
 
$
2,789

A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 30 days contractually past due under the modified terms. The specific reserves for the TDRs described above as of December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were $60 thousand, $371 thousand, and $303 thousand respectively, and the charge offs for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were $0, $4 thousand, and $0 respectively.
The two Legacy Loans that subsequently defaulted in 2017 were modified through payment concession or maturity concession. The payment concession was comprised of one commercial business loan totaling $40 thousand. The maturity concession was comprised of one commercial business loan totaling $138 thousand.
The three Acquired Loans that subsequently defaulted in 2017 were modified through payment concessions or maturity concession. The maturity concession was comprised of one commercial business loan totaling $40 thousand. There were two real estate loans totaling $3.5 million modified through payment concessions.
The four Legacy Loans that subsequently defaulted in 2016 were modified through payment concessions or maturity concession. The payment concessions were comprised of three commercial business loans totaling $490 thousand. The maturity concession was comprised of one commercial business loan totaling $90 thousand.
The two Acquired Loans that subsequently defaulted in 2016 were modified through payment concession or maturity concession. The payment concession was comprised of one commercial business loan totaling $11 thousand. There was one consumer and other loan totaling $25 thousand modified through a maturity concession.

F-47

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


The seven Legacy Loans that subsequently defaulted in 2015 were modified through payment concessions or maturity concessions. The payment concessions were comprised of one real estate loan totaling $121 thousand and four commercial business loans totaling $2.1 million. The maturity concessions were comprised of two real estate loans totaling $410 thousand.
The two Acquired Loans that subsequently defaulted in 2015 were modified through payment concession or maturity concession. The payment concession was comprised of one real estate loan totaling $63 thousand. There was one consumer and other loan totaling $104 thousand modified through a maturity concession.
Related Party Loans
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into loan transactions with certain of its directors or associates of such directors (“Related Parties”). All loans to Related Parties were current as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the outstanding principal balance as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $41.0 million and $42.8 million, respectively. Loans to related parties at December 31, 2017 consisted of $40.0 million in commercial real estate loans and $1.0 million in commercial loans. Loans to related parties at December 31, 2016 consisted of $40.7 million in commercial real estate loans and $2.1 million in commercial loans.


F-48

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

5.
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $464.5 million and $463.0 million, respectively. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the sum of the estimated fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less the estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. Management assessed the qualitative factors related to intangible assets and goodwill and for 2017 to determine whether it was more-likely-than-not that the fair value was less than its carrying amount. Based on the analysis of these factors, management determined that it was more-likely-than-not that intangible assets were not impaired and that the fair value of goodwill exceeded the carrying value and that the two-step goodwill impairment test was not needed. Goodwill is not amortized for book purposes and is not tax deductible.
During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company made a net adjustment of $1.4 million to the deferred tax assets and taxes receivable acquired from Wilshire which reduced the previous goodwill recorded from the transaction by $1.4 million. Subsequently in first quarter of 2017, the Company made a net adjustment of $978 thousand to OREO and deferred tax assets acquired from Wilshire which increased goodwill recorded from the Wilshire transaction by this amount. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company made a final adjustment of $475 thousand to deferred tax assets which increased goodwill by the same amount. These adjustments were made to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 805-10-25-13. At December 31, 2017, goodwill related to the acquisition of Wilshire totaled $359.0 million.
The following table provides information regarding the amortization of core deposit intangibles at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Amortization
Period
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Core deposit intangibles related to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Center Financial
7 years
 
$
4,100

 
$
(3,966
)
 
$
4,100

 
$
(3,685
)
Pacific International Bank
7 years
 
604

 
(534
)
 
604

 
(467
)
Foster Bankshares
10 years
 
2,763

 
(1,636
)
 
2,763

 
(1,344
)
Wilshire Bancorp
10 years
 
18,138

 
(2,946
)
 
18,138

 
(883
)
Total
 
 
$
25,605

 
$
(9,082
)
 
$
25,605

 
$
(6,379
)
In July 2016, the Company recorded $18.1 million in core deposits intangibles from the acquisition of Wilshire. Total amortization expense on core deposit intangibles was $2.7 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in core deposit intangibles expenses for 2017 was due to a full year amortization of Wilshire related core deposit intangibles compared to only five months of amortization in 2016. The estimated future amortization expense over the next five years for core deposit intangibles is as follows: $2.5 million in 2018, $2.2 million in 2019, $2.1 million in 2020, $2.0 million in 2021, and $1.9 million in 2022.
In light of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was enacted on December 22, 2017, the Company performed an analysis on its remaining core deposit intangibles to assess the potential impact from the reduction in corporate tax rates on core deposit intangibles. As core deposit intangibles represents the after tax cash flow savings on acquired core deposits, a change in tax rates could potentially result in an impairment to remaining core deposits intangibles. The Company determined that it was more-likely-than-not that the remaining core deposit intangibles were not impaired as a reduction in corporate tax rates would potentially increase after tax cash flows.



F-49

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

6.
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
The following table provides information regarding the premises and equipment at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Land
$
11,244

 
$
13,723

Building and improvements
23,127

 
21,315

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
25,953

 
23,597

Leasehold improvements
27,018

 
22,494

Software/License
8,389

 
6,802

 
95,731

 
87,931

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(39,017
)
 
(32,615
)
Total premises and equipment, net
$
56,714

 
$
55,316


Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $9.3 million, $8.1 million, and $7.0 million for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. In 2017, the Company sold buildings and land related to three former branch locations for total cash proceeds of $4.9 million for a net gain of $808 thousand.

F-50

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

7.
DEPOSITS
The aggregate amount of time deposits in denominations of more than $250 thousand at December 31, 2017 and 2016, was $1.28 billion and $1.08 billion, respectively. Included in time deposits of more than $250 thousand were $300.0 million in California State Treasurer’s deposits at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The California State Treasurer’s deposits are subject to withdrawal based on the State’s periodic evaluations. The Company is required to pledge eligible collateral of at least 110% of outstanding deposits. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, securities with carrying values of approximately $337.7 million and $371.6 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for the California State Treasurer’s deposits.
The Company also utilizes brokered deposits as a secondary source of funds. Total brokered deposits at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, totaled $797.0 million and $724.7 million, respectively. Brokered deposits at December 31, 2017 consisted of $258.5 million in money market and NOW accounts and $538.5 million in time deposits accounts. Brokered deposits at December 31, 2016 consisted of $303.7 million in money market and NOW accounts and $421.0 million in time deposits accounts.
At December 31, 2017, the scheduled maturities for time deposits were as follows:
 
December 31, 2017
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Scheduled maturities in:
 
2018
$
3,855,966

2019
376,108

2020
17,386

2021
21,054

2022 and thereafter
4,149

Total
$
4,274,663

The following table indicates the maturity schedules of time deposits in amounts of more than $250 thousand as of December 31, 2017:
 
More than $250,000
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months or less
$
249,568

Over three months through six months
473,313

Over six months through twelve months
493,054

Over twelve months
63,173

Total
$
1,279,108

Interest expense on deposits is summarized as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Money market and NOW
$
31,856

 
$
21,136

 
$
12,430

Savings deposits
1,354

 
1,282

 
1,670

Time deposits
41,692

 
25,673

 
19,312

Total deposit interest expense
$
74,902

 
$
48,091

 
$
33,412


F-51

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

8.
BORROWINGS
The Company maintains a secured credit facility with the FHLB against which the Bank may take advances. The borrowing capacity is limited to the lower of 25% of the Bank’s total assets or the Bank’s collateral capacity, which was $3.54 billion and $3.38 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The terms of this credit facility require the Bank to pledge eligible collateral with the FHLB equal to at least 100% of outstanding advances. The Company also has an unsecured credit facility with the FHLB totaling $91.0 million at December 31, 2017.
Real estate secured loans with a carrying amount of approximately $4.91 billion and $5.53 billion were pledged as collateral for borrowings from the FHLB at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, other than FHLB stock, no securities were pledged as collateral for borrowings from the FHLB.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, FHLB advances were $1.16 billion and $754.3 million, and had a weighted average effective interest rate of 1.63% and 1.22%, respectively which is net of any discounts on acquired borrowing. FHLB borrowing at December 31, 2017 had various maturities through December 2022. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $0 and $20.2 million, respectively, of the advances were putable advances. The original rate on FHLB advances as of December 31, 2017 ranged between 0.94% and 2.48%. At December 31, 2017, the Company had a remaining borrowing capacity of $2.32 billion. The Company acquired $200.0 million in FHLB advances from the acquisition of Wilshire during the third quarter of 2016, of which $100.0 million was repaid in the same quarter.
At December 31, 2017, the Company also had $69.9 million in overnight federal funds purchased from lines at other banks. There were no federal funds purchased from other banks at December 31, 2016. Total FHLB advances and federal funds purchased at December 31, 2017 was $1.23 billion compared to $754.3 million at December 31, 2016.
At December 31, 2017, the contractual maturities for FHLB advances and federal funds purchased were as follows:

December 31, 2017
Scheduled maturities in:
(Dollars in thousands)
2018
$
429,900

2019
322,693

2020
185,000

2021
145,000

2022 and thereafter
145,000

Total
$
1,227,593

As a member of the Federal Reserve Bank system, the Company may also borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. The maximum amount that we may borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank’s discount window is up to 95% of the outstanding principal balance of the qualifying loans and the fair value of the securities that we pledge. At December 31, 2017, the principal balance of the qualifying loans pledged at the Federal Reserve Bank was $732.0 million and there were no investment securities pledged. There were no borrowings outstanding against this line.

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Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

9.
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
At December 31, 2017, the Company had nine wholly-owned subsidiary grantor trusts that had issued $126.0 million of pooled trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities accrue and pay distributions periodically at specified annual rates as provided in the indentures. The trusts used the net proceeds from the offering to purchase a like amount of subordinated debentures (the “Debentures”) of the Company. The Debentures are the sole assets of the trusts. The Company’s obligations under the subordinated debentures and related documents, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the obligations of the trusts. The trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon the maturity of the Debentures, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indentures. The Company has the right to redeem the Debentures in whole (but not in part) on or after specific dates, at a redemption price specified in the indentures plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date. The Company also has a right to defer consecutive payments of interest on the debentures for up to five years.
The following table is a summary of trust preferred securities and debentures at December 31, 2017:
Issuance Trust

Issuance
Date

Trust
Preferred
Security
Amount

Subordinated
Debentures
Amount

Rate
Type

Current
Rate

Maturity
Date
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nara Capital Trust III

06/05/2003

$
5,000


$
5,155


Variable

4.74%

06/15/2033
Nara Statutory Trust IV

12/22/2003

5,000


5,155


Variable

4.21%

01/07/2034
Nara Statutory Trust V

12/17/2003

10,000


10,310


Variable

4.55%

12/17/2033
Nara Statutory Trust VI

03/22/2007

8,000


8,248


Variable

3.24%

06/15/2037
Center Capital Trust I

12/30/2003

18,000


13,827


Variable

4.21%

01/07/2034
Wilshire Statutory Trust II
 
03/17/2005
 
20,000

 
15,314

 
Variable
 
3.39%
 
03/17/2035
Wilshire Statutory Trust III
 
09/15/2005
 
15,000

 
10,767

 
Variable
 
2.99%
 
09/15/2035
Wilshire Statutory Trust IV
 
07/10/2007
 
25,000

 
17,479

 
Variable
 
2.97%
 
09/15/2037
Saehan Capital Trust I
 
03/30/2007
 
20,000

 
14,598

 
Variable
 
3.31%
 
06/30/2037
TOTAL ISSUANCE



$
126,000


$
100,853







The Company’s investment in the common trust securities of the issuer trusts of $3.9 million at both December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, is included in other assets. Although the subordinated debt issued by the trusts are not included as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets, the debt is treated as capital for regulatory purposes. The trust preferred security debt issuances are includable in Tier I capital up to a maximum of 25% of capital on an aggregate basis. Any amount that exceeds 25% qualifies as Tier 2 capital.
Under the “Merger and Acquisition Transition Provisions” in BASEL III, if a depository institution holding company of $15 billion or more acquires a depository institution holding company with total consolidated assets of less than $15 billion as of December 31, 2009, the non-qualifying capital instruments of the resulting organization will be subject to a phase-out schedule. The phase-out schedule ended in 2016 and therefore in accordance with BASEL III, the Company’s subordinated debenture will no longer qualify for Tier 1 treatment once the Company exceeds total consolidated assets of $15 billion or more since the Company had acquisitions subsequent to December 31, 2009. The subordinated debentures will be still be eligible for Tier 2 inclusion once the Company exceeds $15 billion or more in total consolidated assets.


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Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

10.
INCOME TAXES
The following presents a summary of income tax provision follows for the years ended December 31:
 
Current
 
Deferred
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
64,910

 
$
31,464

 
$
96,374

State
24,739

 
3,276

 
28,015

 
$
89,649

 
$
34,740

 
$
124,389

2016
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
50,780

 
$
4,198

 
$
54,978

State
20,922

 
1,552

 
22,474

 
$
71,702

 
$
5,750

 
$
77,452

2015
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
47,919

 
$
(1,393
)
 
$
46,526

State
16,548

 
17

 
16,565

 
$
64,467

 
$
(1,376
)
 
$
63,091

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”). Among other changes, the Tax Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. The Company has not yet completed accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Tax Act; however, the Company has reasonably estimated the effects of the Tax Act and recorded provisional amounts in the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2017 in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”). The Company recorded a provisional amount increasing income tax provision expense by $25.4 million, included in federal deferred income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2017 in the table above. This amount is comprised of the re-measurement of federal net deferred tax assets and re-evaluation of investments in affordable housing partnerships resulting from the permanent reduction in the U.S. statutory corporate tax rate to 21% from 35%. The Company is still completing its analysis of the impact of the Tax Act and will record any adjustments to the provisional amount as a component of income tax expense during the measurement period provided for in SAB 118.
A reconciliation of the difference between the federal statutory income tax rate and the effective tax rate is shown in the following table for the years ended December 31:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Statutory tax rate
35.00
 %
 
35.00
 %
 
35.00
 %
State taxes-net of federal tax effect
7.04
 %
 
7.28
 %
 
7.21
 %
Rate change - federal and state
9.36
 %
 
 %
 
 %
CRA investment tax credit
(3.50
)%
 
(2.40
)%
 
(1.31
)%
Bank owned life insurance
(0.09
)%
 
(0.26
)%
 
(0.25
)%
Municipal securities
(0.45
)%
 
(0.22
)%
 
(0.15
)%
Nondeductible transaction costs
(0.02
)%
 
0.80
 %
 
 %
Other
(0.19
)%
 
0.31
 %
 
0.11
 %
Effective income tax rate
47.15
 %
 
40.51
 %
 
40.61
 %


F-54

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are comprised of the following:
 
At December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Purchase accounting fair value adjustment
$
21,508

 
$
42,009

Statutory bad debt deduction less than financial statement provision
20,162

 
26,574

Net operating loss carryforward
2,351

 
4,171

Investment security provision
593

 
1,646

State tax deductions
4,304

 
5,669

Accrued compensation
149

 
207

Deferred compensation
214

 
348

Mark to market on loans held for sale
764

 
1,244

Depreciation
221

 
3,157

Nonaccrual loan interest
6,272

 
7,330

Other real estate owned
1,753

 
1,507

FDIC loss share receivable
362

 
772

Unrealized loss on securities available for sale
8,961

 
9,989

Non-qualified stock option and restricted share expense
1,339

 
2,187

Goodwill
203

 
490

Other
3,053

 
7,063

Total Deferred Tax Assets
$
72,209

 
$
114,363

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
FHLB stock dividends
$
(695
)
 
$
(1,054
)
Deferred loan costs
(5,857
)
 
(7,085
)
State taxes deferred and other
(3,229
)
 
(6,629
)
Prepaid expenses
(1,542
)
 
(1,840
)
Amortization of intangibles
(5,236
)
 
(8,639
)
Lease expense
(447
)
 
(1,006
)
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities
$
(17,006
)
 
$
(26,253
)
Net deferred tax assets:
$
55,203

 
$
88,110

Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management evaluates both positive and negative evidence, including the existence of any cumulative losses in the current year and the prior two years, the amount of taxes paid in available carry-back years, the forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. This analysis is updated quarterly and adjusted as necessary.
Based on the analysis, the Company has determined that a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was not required as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

F-55

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

A summary of the Company’s net operating loss carry-forwards is as follows:
 
 
Federal
 
State
 
 
Remaining
Amount
 
Expires
 
Annual
Limitation
 
Remaining
Amount
 
Expires
 
Annual
Limitation
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Saehan Bank (acquired by Wilshire)
$
2,940

 
2030
 
$
226

 
$
2,940

 
2030
 
$
226

 
Korea First Bank of New York
991

 
2019
 
497

 

 
N/A
 

 
Pacific International Bank
6,089

 
2032
 
420

 

 
N/A
 

 
Total
$
10,020

 
 
 
$
1,143

 
$
2,940

 
 
 
$
226

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Saehan Bank (acquired by Wilshire)
$
3,166

 
2030
 
$
226

 
$
3,166

 
2030
 
$
226

 
Korea First Bank of New York
1,488

 
2019
 
497

 

 
N/A
 

 
Pacific International Bank
6,509

 
2032
 
420

 

 
N/A
 

 
Total
$
11,163

 
 
 
$
1,143

 
$
3,166

 
 
 
$
226


The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of the state of California and various other states. The statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes for the consolidated Federal income tax return is closed for all tax years up to and including 2013. The expiration of the statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes for the various state income and franchise tax returns for the Company and subsidiaries varies by state. The Company is currently under examination by the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 tax years and by the New York State Department of Taxation for the 2013, 2014, and 2015 tax years. Wilshire Bancorp Inc. is currently under examination by the FTB for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 tax years. While the outcomes of the examinations are unknown, the Company does not expect any material adjustments.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:
 
At December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at January 1,
$
2,187

 
$
1,816

Additions based on tax positions related to the prior year through acquisition
3

 
1,399

Expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment of taxes

 
(916
)
Settlements with taxing authorities
(65
)
 
(112
)
Balance at December 31,
$
2,125

 
$
2,187

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $2.1 million at December 31, 2017 and $2.2 million at December 31, 2016 and is primarily for uncertainties related to California enterprise zone loan interest deductions taken in prior years. The total amount of tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate was $1.9 million and $1.6 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company expects the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to decrease by $2.1 million within the next twelve months due to the settlement with the state tax authority.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had approximately $348 thousand and $306 thousand for interest and penalties accrued at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

F-56

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

11.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company has a stock-based incentive plan (the “2016 Plan”) to award equity as a form of compensation. The 2016 Plan, was approved by the Company’s stockholders on September 1, 2016. The 2016 Plan provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, performance shares, and performance units (sometimes referred to individually or collectively as “awards”) to non-employee directors, employees, and consultants of the Company. Stock options may be either incentive stock options (“ISOs”), as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or nonqualified stock options (“NQSOs”). Stock options and restricted stock were assumed from the merger of Wilshire at substantially the same terms as those prior to the merger after applying the exchange ratio of 0.7034. These stock awards were issued to former Wilshire employees and directors through the 2016 Plan.
The 2016 Plan gives the Company flexibility to (i) attract and retain qualified non-employee directors, executives, other key employees, and consultants with appropriate equity-based awards to; (ii) motivate high levels of performance; (iii) recognize employee contributions to the Company’s success; and (iv) align the interests of the 2016 Plan participants with those of the Company’s stockholders. The plan initially had 2,400,000 shares available for grant to participants. The exercise price for shares under an ISO may not be less than 100% of fair market value on the date the award is granted under Code Section 422. Similarly, under the terms of the 2016 Plan, the exercise price for SARs and NQSOs may not be less than 100% of fair market value on the date of grant. Performance units are awarded to a participant at the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of award (after the lapse of the restriction period and the attainment of the performance criteria). No minimum exercise price is prescribed for performance shares and restricted stock awarded under the 2016 Plan. All options not exercised generally expire 10 years after the date of grant.
ISOs, SARs and NQSOs have vesting periods of three to five years and have 10-year contractual terms. Restricted stock, performance shares, and performance units will be granted with a restriction period of not less than one year from the grant date for performance-based awards and not more than three years from the grant date for time-based vesting of grants. Compensation expense for awards is recorded over the vesting period. The grant date fair value of stock option awards are estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The expected life (estimated period of time outstanding) of options is estimated using the simplified method. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility for a period equal to the stock option’s expected life. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
The Company had another stock-based incentive plan, the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (“2007 Plan”), which was approved by stockholders in May 2007. Under the terms of this plan, awards cannot be granted under the plan more than ten years after the plan adoption date. Therefore, subsequent to May 2017, equity awards can no longer be issued from this plan.
The 2016 plan has 1,341,621 shares available for future grants as of December 31, 2017.
The total shares reserved for issuance will serve as the underlying value for all equity awards under the 2016 Plan. With the exception of the shares underlying stock options and restricted stock awards, the board of directors may choose to settle the awards by paying the equivalent cash value or awarding the appropriate number of shares. For the year ended December 31, 2017, 165,612 shares of restricted and performance unit awards were granted under the 2007 and 2016 Plans. The fair value of performance unit awards granted is the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. In 2017, 2016 and 2015, 0, 1,281,552, and 0 options were granted, respectively.
The following is a summary of stock option activity under the 2007 and 2016 Plans for the year ended December 31, 2017:
 
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding - January 1, 2017
1,603,876

 
$
15.28

 
 
 
 
Granted

 

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(215,270
)
 
8.46

 
 
 
 
Expired
(250,762
)
 
21.61

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
(62,421
)
 
17.17

 
 
 
 
Outstanding - December 31, 2017
1,075,423

 
$
15.06

 
7.26
 
$
3,433,460

Options exercisable - December 31, 2017
644,086

 
$
13.81

 
6.54
 
$
2,857,618



F-57

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following is a summary of restricted and performance unit activity under the 2007 and 2016 Plans for the year ended December 31, 2017:
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
Outstanding - January 1, 2017
398,658

 
$
16.16

Granted
165,612

 
16.77

Vested
(149,792
)
 
16.15

Forfeited
(35,059
)
 
16.30

Outstanding - December 31, 2017
379,419

 
$
16.42


The total fair value of restricted and performance units vested for the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $2.7 million, $1.9 million, and $899 thousand respectively.
The amount charged against income related to stock based payment arrangements was $3.2 million, $3.0 million, and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
At December 31, 2017, unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option grants and restricted and performance units aggregated $5.5 million, and is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average vesting period of 3 years.
The estimated annual stock-based compensation expense as of December 31, 2017 for each of the succeeding years is indicated in the table below:
 
 
Stock Based
Compensation Expense
 
(Dollars in thousands)
For the year ended December 31:
 
2018
$
2,757

2019
1,466

2020
864

2021
420

2022
42

Total
$
5,549


On August, 21, 2017 the Company adopted the Hope Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase the Company’s common shares through payroll deductions which build up between the offering date and the purchase date. At the purchase date, the Company uses the accumulated funds to purchase shares in the Company on behalf of the participating employees at a 10% discount from the closing price of the Company’s common shares. The closing price is the lower of either the closing price on the first day of the offering period or on the closing price on the purchase date. The dollar amount of common shares purchased under the ESPP must not exceed 20% of the participating employee’s base salary, subject to a cap of $25 thousand in stock value based on the grant date. The ESPP is considered compensatory under GAAP and compensation expense for the ESPP is recognized as part of the Company’s stock based compensation expenses. The compensation expense for ESPP for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $64 thousand. The Company did not have any compensation expenses for the ESPP in 2016 or 2015.


F-58

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

12.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Deferred Compensation Plan— The Company established a deferred compensation plan that permits eligible officers, key executives and directors to defer a portion of their compensation. The deferred compensation plan is still in effect and was amended in 2007 to be in compliance with the new IRC §409(A) regulations. The deferred compensation, together with accrued accumulated interest, is distributable in cash after retirement or termination of service. The deferred compensation liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, which are included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition. Interest expense recognized under the deferred compensation plan totaled $21 thousand, $23 thousand and $25 thousand for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 
The Company established and the Board approved a Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) that rewards the named executive officers (“NEO”) with deferred compensation if the Company meets certain performance goals, the NEOs meet individual performance goals, and the NEOs remain employed for a pre-determined period (between five and ten years, depending on the officer). Only two NEOs are currently participating in the LTIP. The Company accrued $455 thousand, $418 thousand, and $306 thousand in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
The Company has insured the lives of certain officers and directors who participate in the deferred compensation plan. The Company has also purchased life insurance policies and entered into split dollar life insurance agreements with certain directors and officers. Under the terms of the split dollar life insurance agreements, a portion of the death benefits received by the Company will be paid to beneficiaries named by the directors and officers.
401(k) Savings Plan— The Company established a 401(k) savings plan, which is open to all eligible employees who are 21 years old or over and have completed three months of service. The Company matches 75% of the first 8% of the employee’s compensation contributed. Employer matching is vested 25% after 2 years of service, 50% after 3 years of service, 75% after 4 years of service, and 100% after 5 or more years of service. Total employer contributions to the plan amounted to approximately $4.4 million, $2.6 million and $2.3 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans— In 2016, the Company assumed Wilshire’s Survivor Income Plan which was adopted in 2003 for the benefit of the directors and officers of the bank in order to encourage their continued employment and service, and to reward them for their past contributions. Wilshire had also entered into separate Survivor Income Agreements with officers and directors relating to the Survivor Income Plan. Under the terms of the Survivor Income Plan, each participant is entitled to a base amount of death proceeds as set forth in the participant’s election to participate, which base amount increases three percent per calendar year, but only until normal retirement age, which is 65. If the participant remains employed after age 65, the death benefit will be fixed at the amount determined at age 65. If a participant has attained age 65 prior to becoming a participant in the Survivor Income Plan, the death benefit shall be equal to the base amount set forth in their election to participate with no increases. We are obligated to pay any death benefit owed under the Survivor Income Plan in a lump sum within 90 days following the participant’s death.
In 2011, the Company assumed Center Bank’s Survivor Income Plan which was adopted in 2004 for the benefit of the directors and officers of the bank in order to encourage their continued employment and service, and to reward them for their past contributions. Under the terms of the Survivor Income Plan, each participant is entitled to a base amount of death proceeds as set forth in the participant’s election to participate. We are obligated to pay any death benefit owed under the Survivor Income Plan in a lump sum within 90 days following the participant’s death.
The participant’s rights under the Survivor Income Plans terminate upon termination of employment. Upon termination of employment (except for termination for cause), if the participant has achieved the vesting requirements outlined in the plan, the participant will have the option to convert the amount of death benefits calculated at such termination to a split dollar arrangement, provided such arrangement is available under bank regulations and/or tax laws. If available, the Bank and the participant will enter into a split dollar agreement and a split dollar policy endorsement. Under such an arrangement, the Bank would annually impute income to the officer or the director based on tax laws or rules in force upon conversion. The Company’s accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2017 and 2016, was $7.8 million and $6.6 million, respectively.

F-59

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

13.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Lease Commitments
The Company leases its premises under non-cancelable operating leases, and at December 31, 2017, the future minimum rental commitments under these leases are as follows:
 
December 31, 2017
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2018
$
14,055

2019
12,124

2020
9,774

2021
9,426

2022
5,456

Thereafter
15,863

 
$
66,698

 
Operating lease expense recorded under such leases in 2017, 2016 and 2015 amounted to approximately $17.8 million, $14.7 million and $11.1 million, respectively.
Legal Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various legal claims. Management has reviewed all legal claims against the Company with counsel for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, and has taken into consideration the views of such counsel as to the outcome of the claims. Accrued loss contingencies for all legal claims totaled approximately $414 thousand and $557 thousand at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. It is reasonably possible we may incur losses in addition to the amounts we have accrued. However, at this time, we are unable to estimate the range of additional losses that are reasonably possible because of a number of factors, including the fact that certain of these litigation matters are still in their early stages and involve claims for which, at this point, we believe have little to no merit. Management has considered these and other possible loss contingencies and does not expect the amounts to be material to any of the consolidated financial statements.
Unfunded Commitments and Letters of Credit
The Company is a 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, standby letters of credit and other commercial letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit and other commercial letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for extending loan facilities to customers. 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 counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable; inventory; property, plant and equipment; and income-producing properties.
Commitments at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Commitments to Fund Low Income Housing Partnership Investments
$
38,467

 
$
24,409

Unused Credit Extensions
1,526,981

 
1,592,221

Standby Letters of Credit
74,748

 
63,753

Other Commercial Letters of Credit
74,147

 
52,125

 
$
1,714,343

 
$
1,732,508



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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Commitments and letters of credit generally have variable rates that are tied to the prime rate. The amount of fixed rate commitments is not considered material to this presentation. From time to time, the Company enters into certain types of contracts that contingently require the Company to indemnify parties against third party claims and other obligations customarily indemnified in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. The terms of such obligations vary, and, generally, a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated. Therefore, the overall maximum amount of the obligations cannot be reasonably estimated. The most significant of these contracts relate to certain agreements with the Company’s officers and directors under which the Company may be required to indemnify such persons for liabilities arising out of their employment relationship. Historically, the Company has not been obligated to make significant payments for these obligations, and no liabilities have been recorded for these obligations in its consolidated statements of financial condition as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Mortgage-Banking Derivatives
The Company enters into various stand-alone mortgage-banking derivatives in order to hedge the risk associated with the fluctuation of interest rates. Changes in fair value are recorded as mortgage banking revenue. Residential mortgage loans funded with interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors are considered derivatives. At December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $4.8 million in interest rate lock commitments and $4.8 million in total forward sales commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans. At December 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $23.7 million in interest rate lock commitments and $13.0 million in total forward sales commitments.




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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

14.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. The fair value inputs of the instruments are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories pursuant to ASC 820:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. The quoted price shall not be adjusted for any blockage factor (i.e., size of the position relative to trading volume).
Level 2 - Pricing inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies, including the use of pricing matrices. If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, a Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 - Pricing inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an asset’s or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
The Company uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments. Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis are listed as follows:
Securities Available for Sale
The fair values of securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs) or matrix pricing, which is a technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs).
The fair values of the Company’s Level 3 securities available for sale were measured using an income approach valuation technique. The primary inputs and assumptions used in the fair value measurement were derived from the securities’ underlying collateral which included discount rates, prepayment speeds, payment delays, and an assessment of the risk of default of the underlying collateral, among other factors. Significant increases or decreases in any of the inputs or assumptions would result in a significant increase or decrease in the fair value measurement.
Interest Rate Swaps
The Company offers interest rate swaps to certain loan customers to allow them to hedge the risk of rising interest rates on their variable rate loans. The Company originates a variable rate loan and enters into a variable-to-fixed interest rate swap with the customer. The Company also enters into an offsetting swap with a correspondent bank. These back-to-back agreements are intended to offset each other and allow the Company to originate a variable rate loan, while providing a contract for fixed interest payments for the customer. The net cash flow for the Company is equal to the interest income received from a variable rate loan originated with the customer. The fair value of these derivatives is based on a discounted cash flow approach. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the fair value of these derivative contracts, the valuation of interest rate swaps is classified as Level 2.
Impaired Loans
The fair values of impaired loans are generally measured for impairment using the practical expedients permitted by FASB ASC 310-10-35 including impaired loans measured at an observable market price (if available), or at the fair value of the loan’s collateral (if the loan is collateral dependent). Fair value of the loan’s collateral, when the loan is dependent on collateral, is determined by appraisals or independent valuation, less costs to sell of 8.5%. Appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and income approach. Adjustment may be made in the appraisal procses by the independent appraiser to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available for similar loans

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

and the underlying collateral. For commercial and industrial and asset backed loans, independent valuations may include a 20-60% discount for accounts receivable and a 50-70% discount for inventory. These result in a Level 3 classification.
Derivatives
The fair value of our derivative financial instruments is based on derivative valuation models using market data inputs as of the valuation date that can generally be verified and do not typically involve significant management judgments. (Level 2 inputs).
OREO
OREO is fair valued at the time the loan is foreclosed upon and the asset is transferred to OREO. The value is based primarily on third party appraisals, less costs to sell of 8.5% and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. OREO is reviewed and evaluated on at least an annual basis for additional impairment and adjusted to lower of cost or market accordingly, based on the same factors identified above.
Loans Held for Sale
Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors, or based on recent comparable sales (Level 2 inputs), if available, and if not available, are based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk (Level 3 inputs) or may be assessed based upon the fair value of the collateral which is obtained from recent real estate appraisals (Level 3 inputs). These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.
Mortgage Banking Derivatives
Mortgage banking derivative instruments consist of interest rate lock commitments and forward sale contracts that trade in liquid markets. The fair value is based on the prices available from third party investors. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the fair value, the valuation of mortgage banking derivatives are classified as Level 2.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
 
 

Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
 
December 31, 2017

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:







Securities available-for-sale:







U.S. Government agency and U.S.
Government sponsored enterprises:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Collateralized mortgage obligations
838,709




838,709



Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
471,214

 

 
471,214

 

Commercial
301,365

 

 
301,365

 

Corporate securities
4,475




4,475



Municipal securities
82,537




81,429


1,108

Mutual funds
21,957


21,957





Interest rate swaps
(2,838
)
 

 
(2,838
)
 

Mortgage banking derivatives
33

 

 
33

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
(2,838
)
 

 
(2,838
)
 

Mortgage banking derivatives
5

 

 
5

 


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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
 
December 31, 2016
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agency and U.S.
Government sponsored enterprises:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities
$
12,008

 
$

 
$
12,008

 
$

Collateralized mortgage obligations
705,667

 

 
705,667

 

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
602,952

 

 
602,952

 

Commercial
125,089

 

 
125,089

 

Corporate securities
11,127

 

 
11,127

 

Municipal securities
86,839

 

 
85,700

 
1,139

Mutual funds
13,058

 
13,058

 

 

Interest rate swaps
(1,565
)
 

 
(1,565
)
 

Mortgage banking derivatives
147

 

 
147

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
(1,565
)
 

 
(1,565
)
 

Mortgage banking derivatives
41

 

 
41

 

There were no transfers between Level 1, 2, and 3 during the period ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The table below presents a reconciliation and income statement classification of gains and losses for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Securities available for sale - municipal securities
 
 
 
 
Beginning Balance, January 1
 
$
1,139

 
$
1,166

Total losses included in other comprehensive income
 
(31
)
 
(27
)
Ending Balance, December 31
 
$
1,108

 
$
1,139


Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized below:
 
 

Fair Value Measurements at the End of the
Reporting Period Using
 
December 31, 2017

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate
$
6,086


$


$


$
6,086

Commercial business
3,320






3,320

Consumer
84

 

 

 
84

Other real estate owned
5,615






5,615

 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at the End of the
Reporting Period Using
 
December 31, 2016
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate
$
58,882

 
$

 
$

 
$
58,882

Commercial business
6,563

 

 

 
6,563

Consumer
253

 

 

 
253

Loans held for sale, net
3,788

 

 
3,788

 

Other real estate owned
21,990

 

 

 
21,990


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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


For assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, the total net (losses) gains, which include charge offs, recoveries, specific reserves, and gains and losses on sales recognized in 2017 and 2016 are summarized below:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
 
Impaired loans at fair value:
 
 
 
Real estate
$
(2,552
)
 
$
163

Commercial business
(5,424
)
 
(5,856
)
Trade finance
(1,187
)
 
1,739

Consumer
(912
)
 
(713
)
Loans held for sale, net
12

 
2,920

Other real estate owned
(1,962
)
 
2,245





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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments, not previously presented, at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:
 
December 31, 2017
 
Carrying
Amount

Estimated
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Measurement
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
492,000


$
492,000

 
Level 1
Interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions
and other investments
53,366

 
52,960

 
Level 2/3
Loans held for sale
29,661


32,048

 
Level 2
Loans receivable—net
11,018,034


11,112,179

 
Level 3
FHLB stock
29,776

 
N/A

 
N/A
Accrued interest receivable
29,979

 
29,979

 
Level 2/3
Servicing assets
24,710

 
27,511

 
Level 3
Customers’ liabilities on acceptances
1,691


1,691

 
Level 2
Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest bearing deposits
$
2,998,734


$
2,998,734

 
Level 2
Saving and other interest bearing demand deposits
3,573,212


3,573,212

 
Level 2
Time deposits
4,274,663


4,263,585

 
Level 2
FHLB advances
1,157,693


1,220,529

 
Level 2
Federal funds purchased
69,900

 
69,900

 
Level 2
Subordinated debentures
100,853


100,853

 
Level 2
Accrued interest payable
15,961

 
15,961

 
Level 2
Acceptances outstanding
1,691


1,691

 
Level 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
Carrying
Amount

Estimated
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Measurement
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
437,334


$
437,334

 
Level 1
Interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions
and other investments
44,202


43,773

 
Level 2/3
Loans held for sale
22,785


24,492

 
Level 2
Loans receivable—net
10,463,989


10,666,642

 
Level 3
FHLB stock
21,964

 
N/A

 
N/A
Accrued interest receivable
26,880

 
26,880

 
 Level 2/3
Servicing assets
26,457

 
29,030

 
 Level 3
Customers’ liabilities on acceptances
2,899


2,899

 
Level 2
Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest bearing deposits
$
2,900,241


$
2,900,241

 
Level 2
Saving and other interest bearing demand deposits
3,703,352


3,703,352

 
Level 2
Time deposits
4,038,442


4,036,664

 
Level 2
FHLB advances
754,290


749,486

 
Level 2
Subordinated debentures
99,808


99,808

 
Level 2
Accrued interest payable
10,863

 
10,863

 
 Level 2
Acceptances outstanding
2,899


2,899

 
Level 2

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The carrying amount approximates estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents, savings and other interest bearing demand deposits, customers’ and Bank’s liabilities on acceptances, noninterest bearing deposits, federal funds purchased, subordinated debentures, and variable rate loans or deposits that reprice frequently and fully. For fixed rate loans or deposits and for variable rate loans or deposits with infrequent repricing or repricing limits, fair value is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk. The allowance for loan losses is considered to be a reasonable estimate of discount for credit quality concerns. Fair value of SBA loans held for sale is based on market quotes. For fair value of non-SBA loans held for sale, see the measurement method discussed previously. Fair value of time deposits and debt is based on current rates for similar financing. It was not practicable to determine the fair value of FHLB stock due to restrictions placed on their transferability. The fair value of commitments to fund loans represents fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements with similar remaining maturities and is not presented herein. The fair value of these financial instruments is not material to the consolidated financial statements.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

15.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company offers a loan hedging program to certain loan customers. Through this program, the Company originates a variable rate loan with the customer. The Company and the customer will then enter into a fixed interest rate swap. Lastly, an identical offsetting swap is entered into by the Company with a correspondent bank. These “back-to-back” swap arrangements are intended to offset each other and allow the Company to book a variable rate loan, while providing the customer with a contract for fixed interest payments. In these arrangements, the Company’s net cash flow is equal to the interest income received from the variable rate loan originated with the customer. These customer swaps are not designated as hedging instruments and are recorded at fair value in other assets and other liabilities. The changes in fair value are recognized in the income statement in other income and fees.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the following interest rate swaps related to our loan hedging program were outstanding:
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest rate swaps on loans with loan customers
 
 
 
 
Notional amount
 
$
274,156

 
$
223,098

Weighted average remaining term (years)
 
7.3

 
7.4

Received fixed rate (weighted average)
 
4.34
%
 
4.29
%
Pay variable rate (weighted average)
 
3.74
%
 
3.06
%
Estimated fair value
 
$
(2,838
)
 
$
(1,565
)
 
 
 
 
 
Back to back interest rate swaps with correspondent banks
 
 
 
 
Notional amount
 
$
274,156

 
$
223,098

Weighted average remaining term (years)
 
7.3

 
7.4

Received variable rate (weighted average)
 
3.74
%
 
3.06
%
Pay fixed rate (weighted average)
 
4.34
%
 
4.29
%
Estimated fair value
 
$
2,838

 
$
1,565


The Company enters into various stand-alone mortgage-banking derivatives in order to hedge the risk associated with the fluctuation of interest rates. Changes in fair value are recorded as mortgage banking revenue. Residential mortgage loans funded with interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors are considered derivatives. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $4.8 million and $23.7 million in interest rate lock commitments, and $4.8 million and $13.0 million in total forward sales commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans, respectively.
The following table reflects the notional amount and fair value of mortgage banking derivatives for the dates indicated:
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments
$
4,795

 
$
25

 
$
11,168

 
$
130

Forward sale contracts related to mortgage banking:
$
2,452

 
$
8

 
$
3,223

 
$
17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments
$

 
$

 
$
1,810

 
$
3

Forward sale contracts related to mortgage banking:
$
2,343

 
$
5

 
$
9,755

 
$
38




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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

16.
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
On July 29, 2016 the Company acquired Wilshire in an all-stock transaction. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Wilshire shareholders received 0.7034 shares of the Company’s common stock for each share of Wilshire stock owned. Based on this exchange ratio, 55.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock were issued to Wilshire shareholders at $15.37 per share, the closing price of the Company’s stock on July 29, 2016. As a result, $852.9 million in common stock was issued as consideration in the transaction and $3.4 million in additional paid-in capital was recorded to account for the fair value of stock options and restricted stock assumed. Total stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2017 was $1.93 billion, compared to $1.86 billion at December 31, 2016.
Warrants
The Company assumed certain warrants (related to the TARP Capital Purchase Plan) to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. On May 20, 2015, the U.S. Treasury Department completed an auction to sell certain of its warrant positions. The Company submitted the winning bid to repurchase an outstanding warrant to purchase 350,767 shares of the Company’s common stock and repurchased this warrant for $1.2 million. As of December 31, 2017, the U.S. Treasury Department held one remaining warrant for the purchase of 20,379 shares of the Company’s common stock.
Dividends
The Company’s Board of Directors approved and the Company paid quarterly dividends of $0.12 per common share for the first and second quarter of 2017 and paid dividends of $0.13 per common shares for the third and fourth quarter of 2017. The Company paid aggregate dividends of $67.7 million to common shareholders in 2017. The Company’s Board of Directors paid quarterly dividends of $0.12 per common share for the fourth quarter of 2016 and $0.11 per common share for the first three quarters of 2016. The Company paid aggregate dividends of $42.5 million to common shareholders during 2016.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table presents the changes to accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015:
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
(14,657
)
 
$
(1,832
)
 
$
1,705

Unrealized losses on securities available for sale
   and interest only strips
(5,796
)
 
(21,273
)
 
(5,717
)
Reclassification adjustments for gains realized in income
(301
)
 
(950
)
 
(424
)
Less tax benefit
(2,570
)
 
(9,398
)
 
(2,604
)
  Total other comprehensive loss
(3,527
)
 
(12,825
)
 
(3,537
)
Reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings due to
tax reform
$
(3,597
)
 
$

 
$

Balance at end of period
$
(21,781
)
 
$
(14,657
)
 
$
(1,832
)
The reclassification adjustments were recognized in net gains on sales or called securities available for sale in the consolidated statements of income. As permitted by ASU 2018-02, the Company made the election to reclassify $3.6 million in disproportionate tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income that resulted from the reduction in corporate tax rates as a result of the Tax Act to retained earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Tax Act, which was enacted on December 22, 2017 and is effective staring January 1, 2018, permanently reduces the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. The disproportionate tax effect was a result of the re-evaluation of the Company’s deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale and interest only strip at the lower tax rate.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

17.
REGULATORY MATTERS
The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s and the Bank’s business, financial condition and results of operations, such as restrictions on growth or the payment of dividends or other capital distributions or management fees. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank 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.
In July, 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies adopted final regulations, which revised their risk-based and leverage capital requirements for banking organizations to meet requirements of Dodd-Frank and to implement Basel III international agreements reached by the Basel Committee. The final rules began for the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015 and are subject to a phase-in period through January 1, 2019. The final rules that had an impact on the Company and the Bank include:
An increase in the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio from 4.00% to 6.00% of risk-weighted assets;
A new category and a required 4.50% of risk-weighted assets ratio is established for “Common Equity Tier 1” as a subset of Tier 1 capital limited to common equity;
A minimum non-risk-based leverage ratio is set at 4.00%, eliminating a 3.00% exception for higher rated banks;
Changes in the permitted composition of Tier 1 capital to exclude trust preferred securities, mortgage servicing rights and certain deferred tax assets and include unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt and equity securities;
The risk-weights of certain assets for purposes of calculating the risk-based capital ratios are changed for high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development and construction loans, certain past due non-residential mortgage loans and certain mortgage-backed and other securities exposures; and
A new additional capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk weighted assets over each of the required capital ratios is being phased in from 2016 to 2019 and must be met to avoid limitations on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends, repurchase shares, or pay discretionary bonuses. The capital conservation buffer for the Company was initially 0.625% in 2016, and increases 0.625% annually until 2019. As of December 31, 2017, the capital conservation buffer for the Company stood at 1.25%.
As of December 31, 2017, the ratios for the Company and the Bank are sufficient to meet the fully phased-in conservation buffer.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the most recent regulatory notification categorized the Bank as “well-capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To generally be categorized as “well-capitalized”, the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, common equity Tier 1, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the following table. There are no conditions or events since the most recent notification from regulators that management believes has changed the institution’s category. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company and the Bank met the capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.


F-71

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Company’s and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the table below:
 
Actual
 
Required
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 
Minimum Capital Adequacy With Capital Conservation Buffer
 
Required To Be Well
Capitalized under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity tier 1 capital
(to risk-weighted assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
$
1,471,193

 
12.30
%
 
$
538,435

 
4.50
%
 
$
688

 
5.75
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Bank
$
1,548,401

 
12.95
%
 
$
538,178

 
4.50
%
 
$
688

 
5.75
%
 
$
777,368

 
6.50
%
Total capital
(to risk-weighted assets):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Company
$
1,653,521

 
13.82
%
 
$
957,217

 
8.00
%
 
$
1,106,782

 
9.25
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Bank
$
1,633,778

 
13.66
%
 
$
956,761

 
8.00
%
 
$
1,106,255

 
9.25
%
 
$
1,195,951

 
10.00
%
Tier I capital
(to risk-weighted assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
$
1,568,144

 
13.11
%
 
$
717,913

 
6.00
%
 
$
867,478

 
7.25
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Bank
$
1,548,401

 
12.95
%
 
$
717,571

 
6.00
%
 
$
687,672

 
7.25
%
 
$
956,761

 
8.00
%
Tier I capital
(to average assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
$
1,568,144

 
11.54
%
 
$
543,528

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

Bank
$
1,548,401

 
11.40
%
 
$
543,441

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
$
679,301

 
5.00
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual
 
Required
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 
Minimum Capital Adequacy With Capital Conservation Buffer
 
Required To Be Well
Capitalized under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity tier 1 capital
(to risk-weighted assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
$
1,400,246

 
12.10
%
 
$
520,917

 
4.50
%
 
$
593,267

 
5.125
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Bank
$
1,475,228

 
12.75
%
 
$
520,631

 
4.50
%
 
$
592,941

 
5.125
%
 
$
752,022

 
6.50
%
Total capital
(to risk-weighted assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
$
1,578,690

 
13.64
%
 
$
926,076

 
8.00
%
 
$
998,425

 
8.625
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Bank
$
1,557,765

 
13.46
%
 
$
925,566

 
8.00
%
 
$
997,876

 
8.625
%
 
$
1,156,957

 
10.00
%
Tier I capital
(to risk-weighted assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
$
1,496,153

 
12.92
%
 
$
694,557

 
6.00
%
 
$
766,906

 
6.625
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Bank
$
1,475,228

 
12.75
%
 
$
694,174

 
6.00
%
 
$
766,484

 
6.625
%
 
$
925,566

 
8.00
%
Tier I capital
(to average assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
$
1,496,153

 
11.49
%
 
$
520,947

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

Bank
$
1,475,228

 
11.33
%
 
$
520,903

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
$
651,129

 
5.00
%

F-72

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

18.
EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”)
Basic EPS does not reflect the possibility of dilution that could result from the issuance of additional shares of common stock upon exercise or conversion of outstanding securities, and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted to common stock that would then share in our earnings. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, stock options and restricted shares awards of approximately 443 thousand and 519 thousand shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded in computing diluted earnings per common share because they were considered antidilutive. Additionally, warrants to purchase 20,379 and 19,849 of common stock (related to the TARP Capital Purchase Plan) were antidilutive and excluded for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015:
 
Net income
available to common
stockholders
(Numerator)
 
Weighted Average
Shares
(Denominator)
 
Per
Share
(Amount)
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
Basic EPS - common stock
$
139,445

 
135,348,938

 
$
1.03

Effect of Dilutive Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Options and Performance Units
 
 
336,031

 
 
Diluted EPS - common stock
$
139,445

 
135,684,969

 
$
1.03

 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
Basic EPS - common stock
$
113,747

 
103,289,059

 
$
1.10

Effect of Dilutive Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Options and Performance Units
 
 
241,259

 
 
Diluted EPS - common stock
$
113,747

 
103,530,318

 
$
1.10

 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
Basic EPS - common stock
$
92,258

 
79,549,651

 
$
1.16

Effect of Dilutive Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Options and Performance Units
 
 
31,905

 
 
Common stock warrants
 
 
30,244

 
 
Diluted EPS - common stock
$
92,258

 
79,611,800

 
$
1.16



F-73

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

19.
SERVICING ASSETS
Servicing assets are recognized when SBA and residential mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Servicing assets are initially recorded at fair value based on the present value of the contractually specified servicing fee, net of servicing costs, over the estimated life of the loan, using a discount rate. The Company’s servicing costs approximates the industry average servicing costs of 40 basis points. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans.
Management periodically evaluates servicing assets for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to the carrying amount. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into groupings based on loan type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual grouping, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount.
The changes in net servicing assets for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
26,457

 
$
12,000

Additions through originations of servicing assets
5,492

 
4,472

Additions through acquisition of Wilshire (net of servicing liabilities)

 
15,873

Amortization
(7,239
)
 
(5,888
)
Balance at end of period
$
24,710

 
$
26,457

Total servicing assets at December 31, 2017 totaled $24.7 million, and was comprised of $22.2 million in SBA servicing assets and $2.5 million in mortgage related servicing assets. At December 31, 2016, servicing assets totaled $26.5 million, comprised of $24.7 million in SBA servicing assets and $1.8 million in mortgage related servicing assets.
The Company utilizes the discounted cash flow method to calculate the initial excess servicing assets. The inputs used in determining the fair value of the servicing assets at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are presented below.
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Range
 
Range
SBA Servicing Assets:
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average discount rate
 
10.13% ~ 11.13%
 
5.55% ~ 9.85%
Constant prepayment rate
 
7.50% ~ 12.50%
 
7.20% ~ 12.10%
Mortgage Servicing Assets:
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average discount rate
 
9.50% ~ 9.66%
 
7.00% ~ 7.25%
Constant prepayment rate
 
7.71% ~ 9.13%
 
13.77% ~ 15.88%




F-74

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

20.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT COMPANY
The following presents the unconsolidated condensed financial statements of only the parent company, Hope Bancorp, Inc., as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
13,327

 
$
13,859

Other assets
10,763

 
11,428

Investment in bank subsidiary
2,005,462

 
1,930,455

TOTAL ASSETS
$
2,029,552

 
$
1,955,742

LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Other borrowings
$
100,853

 
$
99,808

Accounts payable and other liabilities
444

 
461

Total liabilities
101,297

 
100,269

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
1,928,255

 
1,855,473

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
2,029,552

 
$
1,955,742


STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest income
$

 
$

 
$

Interest expense
5,089

 
2,927

 
1,561

Other operating expense
5,988

 
9,826

 
4,967

Equity in earnings of bank subsidiary
146,397

 
121,996

 
96,318

Income before income tax benefit
135,320

 
109,243

 
89,790

Income tax benefit
4,125

 
4,504

 
2,468

Net income
139,445

 
113,747

 
92,258

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(3,527
)
 
(12,825
)
 
(3,537
)
Comprehensive income
$
135,918

 
$
100,922

 
$
88,721

 











F-75

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
139,445

 
$
113,747

 
$
92,258

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from
  operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization
1,045

 
558

 
188

Stock-based compensation expense
523

 

 

Change in other assets
665

 
2,172

 
717

Change in accounts payable and other liabilities
(17
)
 
(119
)
 
(1,053
)
Equity in undistributed earnings of bank subsidiary
(76,397
)
 
(77,996
)
 
(62,318
)
Net cash from operating activities
65,264

 
38,362

 
29,792

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents acquired through the merger

 
13,248

 

Net cash from investing activities

 
13,248

 

CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of additional stock pursuant to various stock plans
1,865

 

 

Redemption of common stock warrant

 

 
(1,150
)
Payments of cash dividends
(67,661
)
 
(42,493
)
 
(33,407
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(65,796
)
 
(42,493
)
 
(34,557
)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(532
)
 
9,117

 
(4,765
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR
13,859

 
4,742

 
9,507

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR
$
13,327

 
$
13,859

 
$
4,742


F-76

Table of Contents
HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

21.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)    
Summarized unaudited quarterly financial data follows for the three months ended:
 
2017 Quarter Ended,
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest income
$
132,743

 
$
138,533

 
$
147,643

 
$
153,185

Interest expense
17,838

 
21,713

 
24,380

 
26,793

Net interest income before provision for loan losses
114,905

 
116,820

 
123,263

 
126,392

Provision for loan losses
5,600

 
2,760

 
5,400

 
3,600

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
109,305

 
114,060

 
117,863


122,792

Noninterest income
17,603

 
16,115

 
16,246

 
16,451

Noninterest expense
67,699

 
64,037

 
61,837

 
73,028

Income before income tax provision
59,209

 
66,138


72,272


66,215

Income tax provision
22,999

 
25,451

 
27,708

 
48,231

Net income
$
36,210

 
$
40,687


$
44,564


$
17,984

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.27

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.33

 
$
0.13

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.27

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.33

 
$
0.13

 
2016 Quarter Ended,
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest income
$
83,461

 
$
83,534

 
$
119,552

 
$
135,387

Interest expense
11,853

 
12,470

 
16,078

 
18,178

Net interest income before provision for loan losses
71,608

 
71,064

 
103,474

 
117,209

Provision for loan losses
500

 
1,200

 
6,500

 
800

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
71,108

 
69,864

 
96,974

 
116,409

Noninterest income
8,774

 
10,707

 
14,146

 
18,192

Noninterest expense
40,050

 
40,348

 
67,846

 
66,731

Income before income tax provision
39,832

 
40,223

 
43,274

 
67,870

Income tax provision
16,210

 
16,833

 
17,169

 
27,240

Net income
$
23,622

 
$
23,390

 
$
26,105

 
$
40,630

 


 


 


 


Basic earnings per common share
$
0.30

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.30

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.30

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.30




F-77