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WEST BANCORPORATION INC - Quarter Report: 2015 September (Form 10-Q)


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

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015
 
 
or
 
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number:  0-49677

WEST BANCORPORATION, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

IOWA
42-1230603
(State of Incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 
1601 22nd Street, West Des Moines, Iowa
50266
 
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (515) 222-2300

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).

Yes  x                      No  o

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

Large accelerated filer
o
 
Accelerated filer
x
 
Non-accelerated filer
o
 
Smaller reporting company
o
 

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

Yes  o                      No  x

As of October 29, 2015, there were 16,064,435 shares of common stock, no par value, outstanding.



WEST BANCORPORATION, INC.

INDEX
 
 
Page
PART I.
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
 
"Safe Harbor" Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
 
 
 
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
PART II.
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit Index

2


Table of Contents


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands, except share data)
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
36,194

 
$
27,936

Federal funds sold
 
18,592

 
11,845

Cash and cash equivalents
 
54,786

 
39,781

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
 
325,617

 
272,790

Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $51,260
 
 
 
 
and $51,501 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively)
 
51,280

 
51,343

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
 
14,210

 
15,075

Loans
 
1,240,038

 
1,184,045

Allowance for loan losses
 
(14,660
)
 
(13,607
)
Loans, net
 
1,225,378

 
1,170,438

Premises and equipment, net
 
11,115

 
9,988

Accrued interest receivable
 
5,041

 
4,425

Bank-owned life insurance
 
32,657

 
32,107

Deferred tax assets, net
 
6,713

 
6,333

Other assets
 
6,370

 
13,553

Total assets
 
$
1,733,167

 
$
1,615,833

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing demand
 
$
447,386

 
$
362,827

Interest-bearing demand
 
241,250

 
241,722

Savings
 
578,775

 
527,277

Time of $250,000 or more
 
13,622

 
18,985

Other time
 
106,103

 
119,651

Total deposits
 
1,387,136

 
1,270,462

Federal funds purchased
 
2,660

 
2,975

Short-term borrowings
 
59,000

 
66,000

Subordinated notes
 
20,619

 
20,619

Federal Home Loan Bank advances, net of discount
 
98,008

 
96,888

Long-term debt
 
9,730

 
12,676

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
6,797

 
6,038

Total liabilities
 
1,583,950

 
1,475,658

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 8)
 
 
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued
 
 
 
 
and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014
 

 

Common stock, no par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; 16,064,435 and
 
 
 
 
16,018,734 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014, respectively
 
3,000

 
3,000

Additional paid-in capital
 
19,732

 
18,971

Retained earnings
 
126,369

 
117,950

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
116

 
254

Total stockholders' equity
 
149,217

 
140,175

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
1,733,167

 
$
1,615,833

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


Table of Contents


West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
 
$
13,313

 
$
11,934

 
$
38,934

 
$
34,936

Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
1,017

 
1,191

 
3,184

 
3,793

Tax-exempt
 
789

 
721

 
2,309

 
2,095

Federal funds sold
 
28

 
14

 
60

 
43

Total interest income
 
15,147

 
13,860

 
44,487

 
40,867

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Deposits
 
500

 
592

 
1,622

 
1,851

Federal funds purchased
 
2

 
2

 
6

 
8

Short-term borrowings
 
5

 
3

 
32

 
15

Subordinated notes
 
179

 
242

 
526

 
588

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
698

 
660

 
2,095

 
1,959

Long-term debt
 
57

 
72

 
183

 
233

Total interest expense
 
1,441

 
1,571

 
4,464

 
4,654

Net interest income
 
13,706

 
12,289

 
40,023

 
36,213

Provision for loan losses
 
200

 
100

 
400

 
250

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
13,506

 
12,189

 
39,623

 
35,963

Noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Service charges on deposit accounts
 
663

 
713

 
1,934

 
2,106

Debit card usage fees
 
463

 
443

 
1,367

 
1,306

Trust services
 
302

 
363

 
944

 
1,013

Revenue from residential mortgage banking
 
45

 
457

 
132

 
1,059

Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance
 
183

 
198

 
550

 
534

Realized investment securities gains, net
 

 
210

 
47

 
716

Other income
 
279

 
238

 
743

 
759

Total noninterest income
 
1,935

 
2,622

 
5,717

 
7,493

Noninterest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
 
4,056

 
3,961

 
12,051

 
12,059

Occupancy
 
1,031

 
1,072

 
3,090

 
3,107

Data processing
 
595

 
546

 
1,738

 
1,626

FDIC insurance
 
209

 
190

 
620

 
561

Other real estate owned
 

 
3

 

 
398

Professional fees
 
194

 
249

 
575

 
734

Director fees
 
226

 
183

 
642

 
525

Other expenses
 
1,238

 
1,182

 
3,722

 
3,742

Total noninterest expense
 
7,549

 
7,386

 
22,438

 
22,752

Income before income taxes
 
7,892

 
7,425

 
22,902

 
20,704

Income taxes
 
2,466

 
2,362

 
7,101

 
6,502

Net income
 
$
5,426

 
$
5,063

 
$
15,801

 
$
14,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.34

 
$
0.32

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.89

Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.34

 
$
0.32

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.89

Cash dividends declared per common share
 
$
0.16

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.35

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


Table of Contents



West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net income
 
$
5,426

 
$
5,063

 
$
15,801

 
$
14,202

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Unrealized gains on securities for which a portion
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of an other than temporary impairment has
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
been recorded in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains arising during the
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
period
 

 
225

 

 
583

Less: reclassification adjustment for impairment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
losses realized in net income
 

 

 

 

Income tax (expense)
 

 
(86
)
 

 
(222
)
Other comprehensive income on available
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for sale securities with other than temporary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
impairment
 

 
139

 

 
361

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities without
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

other than temporary impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains arising during
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the period
 
1,765

 
88

 
1,205

 
7,473

Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
realized in net income
 

 
(210
)
 
(47
)
 
(716
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of net unrealized gains on securities transferred
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from available for sale to held to maturity,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
realized in interest income
 
(10
)
 
(3
)
 
(29
)
 
(3
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
(667
)
 
48

 
(429
)
 
(2,566
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) on
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
available for sale securities without other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
than temporary impairment
 
1,088

 
(77
)
 
700

 
4,188

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
during the period
 
(735
)
 
387

 
(1,470
)
 
(2,386
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net loss on
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
derivatives realized in net income
 

 
73

 
74

 
73

Less: reclassification adjustment for amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of derivative termination costs
 
28

 

 
44

 

Income tax benefit (expense)
 
269

 
(175
)
 
514

 
879

Other comprehensive income (loss) on
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
derivatives
 
(438
)
 
285

 
(838
)
 
(1,434
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 
650

 
347

 
(138
)
 
3,115

Comprehensive income
 
$
6,076

 
$
5,410

 
$
15,663

 
$
17,317


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

5


Table of Contents


West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
Preferred
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-In
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
Stock
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
$

 
15,976,204

 
$
3,000

 
$
18,411

 
$
105,752

 
$
(3,538
)
 
$
123,625

Net income
 

 

 

 

 
14,202

 

 
14,202

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 

 
3,115

 
3,115

Cash dividends declared, $0.35 per common share
 

 

 

 

 
(5,600
)
 

 
(5,600
)
Stock-based compensation costs
 

 

 

 
456

 

 

 
456

Issuance of common stock upon vesting of restricted
 


 


 


 


 


 


 
 
stock units, net of shares withheld for payroll taxes
 

 
42,530

 

 
(189
)
 

 

 
(189
)
Excess tax benefits from vesting of restricted stock units
 

 

 

 
116

 

 

 
116

Balance, September 30, 2014
 
$

 
16,018,734

 
$
3,000

 
$
18,794

 
$
114,354

 
$
(423
)
 
$
135,725

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
$

 
16,018,734

 
$
3,000

 
$
18,971

 
$
117,950

 
$
254

 
$
140,175

Net income
 

 

 

 

 
15,801

 

 
15,801

Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax
 

 

 

 

 

 
(138
)
 
(138
)
Cash dividends declared, $0.46 per common share
 

 

 

 

 
(7,382
)
 

 
(7,382
)
Stock-based compensation costs
 

 

 

 
831

 

 

 
831

Issuance of common stock upon vesting of restricted
 


 


 


 


 


 


 
 
stock units, net of shares withheld for payroll taxes
 

 
45,701

 

 
(225
)
 

 

 
(225
)
Excess tax benefits from vesting of restricted stock units
 

 

 

 
155

 

 

 
155

Balance, September 30, 2015
 
$

 
16,064,435


$
3,000

 
$
19,732

 
$
126,369

 
$
116

 
$
149,217


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


6


Table of Contents


West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
15,801

 
$
14,202

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
 
400

 
250

Net amortization and accretion
 
2,718

 
2,843

(Gain) loss on disposition of premises and equipment
 
4

 
(1
)
Investment securities gains, net
 
(47
)
 
(716
)
Stock-based compensation
 
831

 
456

Gain on sale of loans held for sale
 
(14
)
 
(954
)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
 
840

 
49,250

Originations of loans held for sale
 

 
(46,409
)
Gain on sales of other real estate owned
 

 
(21
)
Write-down of other real estate owned
 

 
346

Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance
 
(550
)
 
(534
)
Depreciation
 
700

 
623

Deferred income taxes
 
(295
)
 
(84
)
Excess tax benefits from vesting of restricted stock units
 
(155
)
 
(116
)
Change in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Increase in accrued interest receivable
 
(616
)
 
(542
)
Decrease in other assets
 
2,902

 
1,687

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
(95
)
 
1,070

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
22,424

 
21,350

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 

 
 

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
 
16,946

 
36,582

Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale
 
36,899

 
43,478

Purchases of securities available for sale
 
(106,971
)
 
(67,770
)
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
 
(15,827
)
 
(12,448
)
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
 
16,692

 
10,335

Net increase in loans
 
(55,340
)
 
(92,438
)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
 

 
1,363

Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment
 

 
13

Purchases of premises and equipment
 
(1,831
)
 
(3,757
)
Purchase of bank-owned life insurance
 

 
(5,000
)
Proceeds from settlement of other assets
 
3,593

 

Net cash (used in) investing activities
 
(105,839
)
 
(89,642
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 

 
 

Net increase in deposits
 
116,674

 
41,420

Net decrease in federal funds purchased
 
(315
)
 
(12,752
)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings
 
(7,000
)
 
40,000

Principal payments on long-term debt
 
(2,946
)
 
(2,444
)
Interest rate swap termination costs paid
 
(541
)
 

Common stock dividends paid
 
(7,382
)
 
(5,600
)
Restricted stock units withheld for payroll taxes
 
(225
)
 
(189
)
Excess tax benefits from vesting of restricted stock units
 
155

 
116

Net cash provided by financing activities
 
98,420

 
60,551

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
15,005

 
(7,741
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
 
 
 
 
Beginning
 
39,781

 
42,425

Ending
 
$
54,786

 
$
34,684

 
 
 
 
 

7


Table of Contents


West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
(unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
 
 
 
 
Cash payments for:
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
$
4,493

 
$
4,628

Income taxes
 
4,110

 
3,650

Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
 

 
394

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

8


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


1.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by West Bancorporation, Inc. (the Company) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Although management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented understandable, it is suggested that these interim consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.  In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to fairly present the financial position as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, net income and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.  The results for these interim periods may not be indicative of results for the entire year or for any other period.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).  References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™, sometimes referred to as the Codification or ASC.  In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term are the fair value and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) of financial instruments, and the allowance for loan losses.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, West Bank and West Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary WB Funding Corporation (which owns an interest in a limited liability company). West Bank's 99.99 percent owned subsidiary ICD IV, LLC (a community development entity) was liquidated during the third quarter of 2014 because the underlying loan matured.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  In accordance with GAAP, West Bancorporation Capital Trust I is recorded on the books of the Company using the equity method of accounting and is not consolidated.

Reclassification: Certain amounts in prior year financial statements have been reclassified, with no effect on net income, comprehensive income or stockholders' equity, to conform with current period presentation.

Current accounting developments: In January 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-04, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructuring by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure. The update clarifies when an in substance foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan. This is the point when the consumer mortgage loan should be derecognized and the real property recognized. For public companies, this update was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 660): Summary and Amendments that Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40). The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the codification. For public companies, this update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The update simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is to be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has determined that this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


9


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)



2.  Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per common share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if the Company's outstanding restricted stock units were vested. The dilutive effect was computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes all stock-based awards were exercised and the hypothetical proceeds from exercise were used by the Company to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period.  The incremental shares, to the extent they would have been dilutive, were included in the denominator of the diluted earnings per common share calculation.  The calculations of earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are presented in the following table. 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net income
$
5,426

 
$
5,063

 
$
15,801

 
$
14,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
16,062

 
16,016

 
16,045

 
15,999

Weighted average effect of restricted stock units
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   outstanding
38

 
24

 
47

 
39

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
16,100

 
16,040

 
16,092

 
16,038

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic earnings per common share
$
0.34

 
$
0.32

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.89

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.34

 
$
0.32

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.89




10


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


3.  Investment Securities

The following tables show the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investment securities, by investment security type as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  
 
September 30, 2015
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Fair
Value
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government agencies and corporations
$
2,558

 
$
171

 
$

 
$
2,729

State and political subdivisions
61,610

 
1,080

 
(150
)
 
62,540

Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)
141,789

 
942

 
(525
)
 
142,206

Mortgage-backed securities (1)
106,391

 
757

 
(199
)
 
106,949

Trust preferred security
1,770

 

 
(734
)
 
1,036

Corporate notes and equity securities
10,146

 
42

 
(31
)
 
10,157

 
$
324,264

 
$
2,992

 
$
(1,639
)
 
$
325,617

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and political subdivisions
$
51,280

 
$
276

 
$
(296
)
 
$
51,260

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Fair
Value
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government agencies and corporations
$
12,626

 
$
204

 
$
(10
)
 
$
12,820

State and political subdivisions
51,234

 
1,286

 
(161
)
 
52,359

Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)
126,430

 
856

 
(1,416
)
 
125,870

Mortgage-backed securities (1)
65,813

 
624

 
(284
)
 
66,153

Trust preferred security
1,763

 

 
(845
)
 
918

Corporate notes and equity securities
14,729

 
66

 
(125
)
 
14,670

 
$
272,595

 
$
3,036

 
$
(2,841
)
 
$
272,790

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and political subdivisions
$
51,343

 
$
344

 
$
(186
)
 
$
51,501

(1)
All collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities consist of residential mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by GNMA or issued by FNMA and real estate mortgage investment conduits guaranteed by FHLMC or GNMA.

Investment securities with an amortized cost of approximately $79,525 and $4,805 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, were pledged to secure access to the Federal Reserve discount window, for public fund deposits, and for other purposes as required or permitted by law or regulation. The increase in the amount of pledged investment securities at September 30, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014 was primarily due to an increase in public fund deposits. 


11


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities available for sale as of September 30, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Certain securities have call features that allow the issuer to call the securities prior to maturity.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities for collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.  Therefore, collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories within the following maturity summary. Equity securities have no maturity date.
 
September 30, 2015
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
1,007

 
$
1,025

Due after one year through five years
19,002

 
19,424

Due after five years through ten years
23,138

 
23,521

Due after ten years
31,453

 
31,025

 
74,600

 
74,995

Collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities
248,180

 
249,155

Equity securities
1,484

 
1,467

 
$
324,264

 
$
325,617

The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities held to maturity as of September 30, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Certain securities have call features that allow the issuer to call the securities prior to maturity.  
 
September 30, 2015
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
Due after one year through five years
$
277

 
$
273

Due after five years through ten years
14,393

 
14,414

Due after ten years
36,610

 
36,573

 
$
51,280

 
$
51,260

The details of the sales of investment securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are summarized in the following table.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Proceeds from sales
$

 
$
7,344

 
$
16,946

 
$
36,582

Gross gains on sales

 
334

 
54

 
1,050

Gross losses on sales

 
124

 
7

 
334


12


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


The following tables show the fair value and gross unrealized losses, aggregated by investment type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
September 30, 2015
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government agencies and corporations
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

State and political subdivisions
11,928

 
(101
)
 
2,026

 
(49
)
 
13,954

 
(150
)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
20,423

 
(35
)
 
40,157

 
(490
)
 
60,580

 
(525
)
Mortgage-backed securities
60,434

 
(155
)
 
7,533

 
(44
)
 
67,967

 
(199
)
Trust preferred security

 

 
1,036

 
(734
)
 
1,036

 
(734
)
Corporate notes and equity securities
4,040

 
(20
)
 
481

 
(11
)
 
4,521

 
(31
)
 
$
96,825

 
$
(311
)
 
$
51,233

 
$
(1,328
)
 
$
148,058

 
$
(1,639
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Securities held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and political subdivisions
$
12,420

 
$
(145
)
 
$
6,063

 
$
(151
)
 
$
18,483

 
$
(296
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government agencies and corporations
$
10,039

 
$
(10
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
10,039

 
$
(10
)
State and political subdivisions
6,614

 
(90
)
 
5,887

 
(71
)
 
12,501

 
(161
)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
17,283

 
(87
)
 
53,318

 
(1,329
)
 
70,601

 
(1,416
)
Mortgage-backed securities
15,184

 
(101
)
 
17,126

 
(183
)
 
32,310

 
(284
)
Trust preferred security

 

 
918

 
(845
)
 
918

 
(845
)
Corporate notes and equity securities
4,581

 
(23
)
 
2,881

 
(102
)
 
7,462

 
(125
)
 
$
53,701

 
$
(311
)
 
$
80,130

 
$
(2,530
)
 
$
133,831

 
$
(2,841
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and political subdivisions
$
13,048

 
$
(186
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
13,048

 
$
(186
)
As of September 30, 2015, the available for sale and held to maturity securities with unrealized losses that have existed for longer than one year included 18 state and political subdivision securities, 11 collateralized mortgage obligation securities, two mortgage-backed securities, one trust preferred security and one equity security.

The Company believes the unrealized losses on investments available for sale and held to maturity as of September 30, 2015, were due to market conditions, rather than reduced estimated cash flows. The Company does not intend to sell these securities, does not anticipate that these securities will be required to be sold before anticipated recovery, and expects full principal and interest to be collected. Therefore, the Company does not consider these investments to have OTTI as of September 30, 2015.

    

13


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


4. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Loans consisted of the following segments as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Commercial
$
347,598

 
$
316,908

Real estate:
 
 
 
Construction, land and land development
168,831

 
154,490

1-4 family residential first mortgages
51,156

 
53,497

Home equity
22,147

 
24,500

Commercial
643,588

 
625,938

Consumer and other loans
7,628

 
9,318

 
1,240,948

 
1,184,651

Net unamortized fees and costs
(910
)
 
(606
)
 
$
1,240,038

 
$
1,184,045

Real estate loans of approximately $590,000 were pledged as security for Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Loans are stated at the principal amounts outstanding, net of unamortized loan fees and costs, with interest income recognized on the interest method based upon those outstanding loan balances.  Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. Loans are reported by the portfolio segments identified above and are analyzed by management on this basis. All loan policies identified below apply to all segments of the loan portfolio.

Delinquencies are determined based on the payment terms of the individual loan agreements. The accrual of interest on past due and other impaired loans is generally discontinued at 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, the borrower may be unable to make all payments pursuant to contractual terms.  Unless considered collectible, all interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income, if accrued in the current year, or charged to the allowance for loan losses, if accrued in the prior year.  Generally, all payments received while a loan is on nonaccrual status are applied to the principal balance of the loan. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. 

Based upon its ongoing assessment of credit quality within the loan portfolio, the Company maintains a Watch List, which includes loans classified as Doubtful, Substandard and Watch according to the Company's classification criteria. These loans involve the potential for payment defaults or collateral inadequacies. A loan on the Watch List is considered impaired when management believes it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement.  Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  The amount of impairment, if any, and any subsequent changes are included in the allowance for loan losses.

A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructured (TDR) loan when the Company concludes that a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and a concession was granted that would not otherwise be considered. Concessions may include a restructuring of the loan terms to alleviate the burden on the borrower's cash requirements, such as an extension of the payment terms beyond the original maturity date or a change in the interest rate charged.  TDR loans with extended payment terms are accounted for as impaired until performance is established. A change to the interest rate would change the classification of a loan to a TDR loan if the restructured loan yields a rate that is below a market rate for that of a new loan with comparable risk. TDR loans with below-market rates are considered impaired until fully collected. TDR loans may also be reported as nonaccrual or past due 90 days if they are not performing per the restructured terms.


14


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


The table below presents the TDR loans by segment as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Troubled debt restructured loans(1):
 
 
 
Commercial
$
107

 
$

Real estate:
 
 
 
Construction, land and land development
158

 
376

1-4 family residential first mortgages
92

 
86

Home equity

 

Commercial
473

 
557

Consumer and other loans

 

Total troubled debt restructured loans
$
830

 
$
1,019


(1)
There were three TDR loans as of September 30, 2015 and two TDR loans as of December 31, 2014, with balances of $652 and $643, respectively, categorized as nonaccrual.

There were no loan modifications considered to be TDR that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2015, and two loan modifications considered to be TDR that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 with a pre- and post-modification recorded investment totaling $130. There were no loan modifications considered to be TDR that occurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

One TDR loan that was modified within the twelve months preceding September 30, 2015, with a recorded investment of $107, has subsequently had a payment default. No TDR loans that were modified within the twelve months preceding September 30, 2014 have subsequently had a payment default. A TDR loan is considered to have a payment default when it is past due 30 days or more.


15


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


The following table summarizes the recorded investment in impaired loans by segment, broken down by loans with no related allowance and loans with a related allowance and the amount of that allowance as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Recorded Investment
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Related Allowance
 
Recorded Investment
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Related Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
164

 
$
310

 
$

Real Estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land and land development
158

 
760

 

 
376

 
978

 

1-4 family residential first mortgages
371

 
371

 

 
257

 
257

 

Home equity

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial
510

 
510

 

 
557

 
557

 

Consumer and other loans
4

 
4

 

 

 

 

 
1,043

 
1,645

 

 
1,354

 
2,102

 

With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
147

 
147

 
147

 
292

 
292

 
150

Real Estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land and land development

 

 

 
825

 
825

 
200

1-4 family residential first mortgages

 

 

 

 

 

Home equity
274

 
274

 
274

 
229

 
229

 
229

Commercial
160

 
160

 
160

 
172

 
172

 
172

Consumer and other loans

 

 

 

 

 

 
581

 
581

 
581

 
1,518

 
1,518

 
751

Total:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
147

 
147

 
147

 
456

 
602

 
150

Real Estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land and land development
158

 
760

 

 
1,201

 
1,803

 
200

1-4 family residential first mortgages
371

 
371

 

 
257

 
257

 

Home equity
274

 
274

 
274

 
229

 
229

 
229

Commercial
670

 
670

 
160

 
729

 
729

 
172

Consumer and other loans
4

 
4

 

 

 

 

 
$
1,624

 
$
2,226

 
$
581

 
$
2,872

 
$
3,620

 
$
751

   
The balance of impaired loans at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was composed of 13 and 11 different borrowers, respectively. The Company has no commitments to advance additional funds on any of the impaired loans.



16


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


The following table summarizes the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
132

 
$

 
$
165

 
$

 
$
151

 
$

 
$
303

 
$

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   land development
255

 
3

 
394

 
3

 
319

 
10

 
403

 
11

1-4 family residential first
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   mortgages
316

 

 
302

 

 
295

 

 
378

 
7

Home equity

 

 
22

 

 

 

 
9

 

Commercial
1,565

 

 
663

 

 
1,088

 

 
708

 
3

Consumer and other loans
3

 

 

 

 
3

 

 

 

 
2,271

 
3

 
1,546

 
3

 
1,856

 
10

 
1,801

 
21

With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
146

 

 
573

 
2

 
222

 
2

 
566

 
7

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   land development

 

 
1,150

 
13

 
247

 
6

 
1,562

 
54

1-4 family residential first
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   mortgages

 

 

 

 

 

 
187

 

Home equity
231

 

 
236

 

 
227

 

 
94

 

Commercial
161

 

 
44

 

 
166

 

 
18

 

Consumer and other loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
538

 

 
2,003

 
15

 
862

 
8

 
2,427

 
61

Total:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
278

 

 
738

 
2

 
373

 
2

 
869

 
7

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   land development
255

 
3

 
1,544

 
16

 
566

 
16

 
1,965

 
65

1-4 family residential first
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   mortgages
316

 

 
302

 

 
295

 

 
565

 
7

Home equity
231

 

 
258

 

 
227

 

 
103

 

Commercial
1,726

 

 
707

 

 
1,254

 

 
726

 
3

Consumer and other loans
3

 

 

 

 
3

 

 

 

 
$
2,809

 
$
3

 
$
3,549

 
$
18

 
$
2,718

 
$
18

 
$
4,228

 
$
82




17


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


The following tables provide an analysis of the payment status of the recorded investment in loans as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
September 30, 2015
 
30-59
Days Past
Due
 
60-89
Days Past
Due
 
90 Days
or More
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 
Current
 
Nonaccrual Loans
 
Total Loans
Commercial
$
50

 
$

 
$

 
$
50

 
$
347,401

 
$
147

 
$
347,598

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
land development

 

 

 

 
168,831

 

 
168,831

1-4 family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
first mortgages
339

 

 

 
339

 
50,466

 
351

 
51,156

Home equity

 

 

 

 
21,873

 
274

 
22,147

Commercial

 

 

 

 
642,918

 
670

 
643,588

Consumer and other

 

 

 

 
7,624

 
4

 
7,628

Total
$
389

 
$

 
$

 
$
389

 
$
1,239,113

 
$
1,446

 
$
1,240,948

 
December 31, 2014
 
30-59
Days Past
Due
 
60-89
Days Past
Due
 
90 Days
or More
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 
Current
 
Nonaccrual Loans
 
Total
Loans
Commercial
$
34

 
$

 
$

 
$
34

 
$
316,528

 
$
346

 
$
316,908

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
land development

 

 

 

 
154,490

 

 
154,490

1-4 family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
first mortgages

 

 

 

 
53,240

 
257

 
53,497

Home equity
14

 

 

 
14

 
24,257

 
229

 
24,500

Commercial
1,500

 

 

 
1,500

 
623,709

 
729

 
625,938

Consumer and other

 

 

 

 
9,318

 

 
9,318

Total
$
1,548

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,548

 
$
1,181,542

 
$
1,561

 
$
1,184,651



18


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


The following tables present the recorded investment in loans by credit quality indicator and loan segment as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
September 30, 2015
 
Pass
 
Watch
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Total
Commercial
$
341,815

 
$
5,386

 
$
397

 
$

 
$
347,598

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land and land development
166,783

 
852

 
1,196

 

 
168,831

1-4 family residential first mortgages
50,136

 
522

 
498

 

 
51,156

Home equity
21,793

 
68

 
286

 

 
22,147

Commercial
616,901

 
25,199

 
1,488

 

 
643,588

Consumer and other
7,609

 

 
19

 

 
7,628

Total
$
1,205,037

 
$
32,027

 
$
3,884

 
$

 
$
1,240,948

 
December 31, 2014
 
Pass
 
Watch
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Total
Commercial
$
309,704

 
$
6,268

 
$
936

 
$

 
$
316,908

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land and land development
151,258

 
993

 
2,239

 

 
154,490

1-4 family residential first mortgages
52,574

 
536

 
387

 

 
53,497

Home equity
23,958

 
218

 
324

 

 
24,500

Commercial
614,974

 
7,467

 
3,497

 

 
625,938

Consumer and other
9,318

 

 

 

 
9,318

Total
$
1,161,786

 
$
15,482

 
$
7,383

 
$

 
$
1,184,651

All loans are subject to the assessment of a credit quality indicator. Risk ratings are assigned for each loan at the time of approval, and they change as circumstances dictate during the term of the loan. The Company utilizes a 9-point risk rating scale as shown below, with ratings 1 - 5 included in the Pass column, rating 6 included in the Watch column, ratings 7 - 8 included in the Substandard column and rating 9 included in the Doubtful column. All loans classified as impaired that are included in the specific evaluation of the allowance for loan losses are included in the Substandard column along with all other loans with ratings of 7 - 8.

Risk rating 1: The loan is secured by cash equivalent collateral.

Risk rating 2: The loan is secured by properly margined marketable securities, bonds or cash surrender value of life insurance.

Risk rating 3: The borrower is in strong financial condition and has strong debt service capacity. The loan is performing as agreed, and the financial characteristics and trends of the borrower exceed industry statistics.

Risk rating 4: The borrower is in satisfactory financial condition and has satisfactory debt service capacity. The loan is performing as agreed, and the financial characteristics and trends of the borrower fall in line with industry statistics.

Risk rating 5: The borrower's financial condition is less than satisfactory. The loan is still generally paying as agreed, but strained cash flows may cause some slowness in payments. The collateral values adequately preclude loss on the loan. Financial characteristics and trends lag industry statistics. There may be noncompliance with loan covenants.

Risk rating 6: The borrower's financial condition is deficient. Payment delinquencies may be more common. Collateral values still protect from loss, but margins are narrow. The loan may be reliant on secondary sources of repayment, including liquidation of collateral and guarantor support.


19


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


Risk rating 7: The loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Well-defined weaknesses exist that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. The Company is inadequately protected by the valuation or paying capacity of the collateral pledged. If deficiencies are not corrected, there is a distinct possibility that a loss will be sustained.

Risk rating 8: All the characteristics of rating 7 exist with the added condition that the loan is past due more than 90 days or there is reason to believe the Company will not receive its principal and interest according to the terms of the loan agreement.

Risk rating 9: All the weaknesses inherent in risk ratings 7 and 8 exist with the added condition that collection or liquidation, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions and values, is highly questionable and improbable. A loan reaching this category would most likely be charged off.

Credit quality indicators for all loans and the Company's risk rating process are dynamic and updated on a continuous basis. Risk ratings are updated as circumstances that could affect the repayment of an individual loan are brought to management's attention through an established monitoring process. Individual lenders initiate changes as appropriate for ratings 1 through 5, and changes for ratings 6 through 9 are initiated via communications with management. The likelihood of loss increases as the risk rating increases and is generally preceded by a loan appearing on the Watch List, which consists of all loans with a risk rating of 6 or worse. Written action plans with firm target dates for resolution of identified problems are maintained and reviewed on a quarterly basis for all segments of criticized loans.

In addition to the Company's internal credit monitoring practices and procedures, an outsourced independent credit review function is in place to further assess assigned internal risk classifications and monitor compliance with internal lending policies and procedures.

In all portfolio segments, the primary risks are that a borrower's income stream diminishes to the point that the borrower is not able to make scheduled principal and interest payments and any collateral securing the loan declines in value. The risk of declining collateral values is present for most types of loans.

Commercial loans consist primarily of loans to businesses for various purposes, including revolving lines to finance current operations, inventory and accounts receivable, and capital expenditure loans to finance equipment and other fixed assets.  These loans generally have short maturities, have either adjustable or fixed interest rates, and are either unsecured or secured by inventory, accounts receivable and/or fixed assets. For commercial loans, the primary source of repayment is from the operation of the business.

Real estate loans include various types of loans for which the Company holds real property as collateral, and consist of loans on commercial properties and single and multifamily residences.  Real estate loans are typically structured to mature or reprice every five years with payments based on amortization periods up to 30 years.  The majority of construction loans are to contractors and developers for construction of commercial buildings or residential real estate. These loans typically have maturities of up to 24 months. The Company's loan policy includes minimum appraisal and other credit guidelines.

Consumer loans include loans extended to individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures not secured by real estate.  The majority of the Company's consumer lending is for vehicles, consolidation of personal debts and household improvements. The repayment source for consumer loans, including 1-4 family residential and home equity loans, is typically wages.

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense.  Loans are charged-off against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collectability of the principal is unlikely.  The allowance is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans, based on an evaluation of the collectability of loans and prior loss experience.  This evaluation also takes into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, the review of specific problem loans, and the current economic conditions that may affect the borrower's ability to pay.  While management uses the best information available to make its evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic conditions or the other factors relied upon.



20


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


The allowance for loan losses consists of specific and general components.  The specific component relates to loans that meet the definition of impaired.  The general component covers the remaining loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors such as delinquency trends, loan growth, economic elements and local market conditions.  These same policies are applied to all segments of loans. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review the Company's allowance for loan losses, and may require the Company to make additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

The following tables detail the changes in the allowance for loan losses by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
4,736

 
$
1,700

 
$
445

 
$
474

 
$
6,982

 
$
27

 
$
14,364

Charge-offs
(152
)
 

 

 

 

 
(2
)
 
(154
)
Recoveries
201

 

 
2

 
43

 
3

 
1

 
250

Provision (1)
(327
)
 
189

 
(30
)
 
(16
)
 
388

 
(4
)
 
200

Ending balance
$
4,458

 
$
1,889

 
$
417

 
$
501

 
$
7,373

 
$
22

 
$
14,660

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
3,898

 
$
2,540

 
$
553

 
$
563

 
$
5,609

 
$
50

 
$
13,213

Charge-offs

 

 
(10
)
 
(60
)
 

 

 
(70
)
Recoveries
35

 

 
2

 
56

 
7

 
2

 
102

Provision (1)
347

 
(189
)
 
66

 
(18
)
 
(107
)
 
1

 
100

Ending balance
$
4,280

 
$
2,351

 
$
611

 
$
541

 
$
5,509

 
$
53

 
$
13,345

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
4,415

 
$
2,151

 
$
466

 
$
534

 
$
6,013

 
$
28

 
$
13,607

Charge-offs
(208
)
 

 
(15
)
 

 

 
(2
)
 
(225
)
Recoveries
528

 
250

 
4

 
78

 
9

 
9

 
878

Provision (1)
(277
)
 
(512
)
 
(38
)
 
(111
)
 
1,351

 
(13
)
 
400

Ending balance
$
4,458

 
$
1,889

 
$
417

 
$
501

 
$
7,373

 
$
22

 
$
14,660

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
4,199

 
$
3,032

 
$
613

 
$
403

 
$
5,485

 
$
59

 
$
13,791

Charge-offs
(577
)
 

 
(73
)
 
(123
)
 
(112
)
 

 
(885
)
Recoveries
87

 
8

 
4

 
80

 
7

 
3

 
189

Provision (1)
571

 
(689
)
 
67

 
181

 
129

 
(9
)
 
250

Ending balance
$
4,280

 
$
2,351

 
$
611

 
$
541

 
$
5,509

 
$
53

 
$
13,345

(1)
The negative provisions for the various segments are related to either the decline in each of those portfolio segments during the time periods disclosed and/or improvement in the credit quality factors related to those portfolio segments.

21


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


The following tables present a breakdown of the allowance for loan losses disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method by segment as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
Ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
147

 
$

 
$

 
$
274

 
$
160

 
$

 
$
581

Collectively evaluated for impairment
4,311

 
1,889

 
417

 
227

 
7,213

 
22

 
14,079

Total
$
4,458

 
$
1,889

 
$
417

 
$
501

 
$
7,373

 
$
22

 
$
14,660

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
Ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
150

 
$
200

 
$

 
$
229

 
$
172

 
$

 
$
751

Collectively evaluated for impairment
4,265

 
1,951

 
466

 
305

 
5,841

 
28

 
12,856

Total
$
4,415

 
$
2,151

 
$
466

 
$
534

 
$
6,013

 
$
28

 
$
13,607

The following tables present the recorded investment in loans, exclusive of unamortized fees and costs, disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method by segment as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
Ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
147

 
$
158

 
$
371

 
$
274

 
$
670

 
$
4

 
$
1,624

Collectively evaluated for impairment
347,451

 
168,673

 
50,785

 
21,873

 
642,918

 
7,624

 
1,239,324

Total
$
347,598

 
$
168,831

 
$
51,156

 
$
22,147

 
$
643,588

 
$
7,628

 
$
1,240,948

 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
Ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
456

 
$
1,201

 
$
257

 
$
229

 
$
729

 
$

 
$
2,872

Collectively evaluated for impairment
316,452

 
153,289

 
53,240

 
24,271

 
625,209

 
9,318

 
1,181,779

Total
$
316,908

 
$
154,490

 
$
53,497

 
$
24,500

 
$
625,938

 
$
9,318

 
$
1,184,651



22


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


5. Derivatives

The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to assist in its interest rate risk management. The notional amounts of the interest rate swaps do not represent amounts exchanged by the counterparties, but rather, the notional amount is used to determine, along with other terms of the derivative, the amounts to be exchanged between the counterparties.

The Company has variable rate FHLB advances, which create exposure to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates. In December 2012, to manage the interest rate risk related to the variability of interest payments, the Company entered into three forward-starting interest rate swap transactions, with a total notional amount of $80,000. The interest rate swaps effectively convert $80,000 of variable rate FHLB advances to fixed rate debt as of the forward-starting dates. The three swap transactions were designated as cash flow hedges of the changes in cash flows attributable to changes in LIBOR, the benchmark interest rate being hedged, associated with the interest payments made on the underlying FHLB advances with quarterly interest rate reset dates. One interest rate swap, with a notional amount of $25,000(1), became effective in December 2014 and was subsequently terminated in March 2015, subject to a termination fee of $158. A second interest rate swap, with a notional amount of $25,000(2), was terminated in June 2015, prior to its effective date and subject to a termination fee of $383. The third interest rate swap, with a notional amount of $30,000(3), will become effective in December 2015. The termination fees are being reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense over the remaining life of the underlying cash flows, through December 2019 and June 2020, respectively.

In June 2013, the Company entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap transaction with a total notional amount of $20,000(4), to effectively convert its $20,000 variable rate junior subordinated notes to fixed rate debt as of the forward-starting date of the swap transaction. The effective date of this swap was June 30, 2014, and it was terminated in September 2014, when the fair value was $0.

At the inception of each hedge transaction, the Company represented that the underlying principal balance would remain outstanding throughout the hedge transaction, making it probable that sufficient LIBOR-based interest payments would exist through the maturity date of the swaps. The cash flow hedges were determined to be fully effective during the remaining terms of the swaps. Therefore, the aggregate fair value of the remaining swap is recorded in other assets or other liabilities with changes in market value recorded in other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes. See Note 9 for additional fair value information and disclosures. The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income for the remaining hedge will be reclassified to interest expense should the hedge no longer be considered effective. No amount of ineffectiveness was included in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014, and the Company estimates there will be approximately $542 of cash payments and reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense through September 30, 2016. The Company will continue to assess the effectiveness of the remaining hedge on a quarterly basis.

The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the interest rate swap counterparty. The Company minimizes this risk by entering into derivative contracts with only large, stable financial institutions, and the Company has not experienced, and does not expect, any losses from counterparty nonperformance on the interest rate swaps. The Company monitors counterparty risk in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 815. In addition, the interest rate swap agreements contain language outlining collateral-pledging requirements for each counterparty. Collateral must be posted when the market value exceeds certain threshold limits. As of September 30, 2015, the Company pledged to the counterparty $990 of required collateral in the form of cash on deposit with a third party.



23


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


The tables below identify the balance sheet category and fair values of the Company's derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
September 30, 2015
Swap
Number
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet
Category
 
Receive Rate
 
Pay Rate
 
Maturity
Interest rate swap
(3)
 
$
30,000

 
$
1,116

 
Other Liabilities
 
0.66
%
 
2.52
%
 
9/21/2020
December 31, 2014
Swap
Number
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet
Category
 
Receive Rate
 
Pay Rate
 
Maturity
Interest rate swap
(1)
 
$
25,000

 
$
97

 
Other Liabilities
 
0.54
%
 
2.10
%
 
12/23/2019
Interest rate swap
(2)
 
25,000

 
87

 
Other Liabilities
 
0.56
%
 
2.34
%
 
6/22/2020
Interest rate swap
(3)
 
30,000

 
77

 
Other Liabilities
 
0.56
%
 
2.52
%
 
9/21/2020
The following tables identify the pre-tax losses recognized on the Company's derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Effective Portion
 
Ineffective Portion
 
 
 
Amount of
 
Reclassified from AOCI into
Income
 
Recognized in Income on
Derivatives
 
 
 
Pre-tax (Loss)
 
 
 
Swap
Number
 
Recognized in
 
 
 
Amount of
 
 
 
Amount of
 
 
OCI
 
Category
 
Gain (Loss)
 
Category
 
Gain (Loss)
Interest rate swap
(1)
 
$
(134
)
 
Interest Expense
 
$
(93
)
 
Other Income
 
$

Interest rate swap
(2)
 
(297
)
 
Interest Expense
 
(25
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
(3)
 
(1,039
)
 
Interest Expense
 

 
Other Income
 

 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Effective Portion
 
Ineffective Portion
 
 
 
Amount of
 
Reclassified from AOCI into
Income
 
Recognized in Income on
Derivatives
 
 
 
Pre-tax (Loss)
 
 
 
Swap
Number
 
Recognized in
 
 
 
Amount of
 
 
 
Amount of
 
 
OCI
 
Category
 
Gain (Loss)
 
Category
 
Gain (Loss)
Interest rate swap
(1)
 
$
(545
)
 
Interest Expense
 
$

 
Other Income
 
$

Interest rate swap
(2)
 
(647
)
 
Interest Expense
 

 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
(3)
 
(843
)
 
Interest Expense
 

 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
(4)
 
(277
)
 
Interest Expense
 
(73
)
 
Other Income
 



24


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


6.  Deferred Income Taxes

Net deferred tax assets consisted of the following as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
$
5,571

 
$
5,171

Intangibles
848

 
1,079

Other real estate owned
367

 
367

Accrued expenses
830

 
891

Restricted stock compensation
230

 
184

Net unrealized losses on interest rate swaps
613

 
99

State net operating loss carryforward
1,170

 
1,100

Capital loss carryforward
797

 
797

Other
44

 
46

 
10,470

 
9,734

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Net deferred loan fees and costs
341

 
334

Premises and equipment
436

 
565

Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale
684

 
255

Other
329

 
350

 
1,790

 
1,504

Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance
8,680

 
8,230

Valuation allowance
(1,967
)
 
(1,897
)
Net deferred tax assets
$
6,713

 
$
6,333

The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against the tax effect of the state net operating loss carryforwards and federal and state capital loss carryforwards, as management believes it is more likely than not that such carryforwards will expire without being utilized.


25


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


7.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
Noncredit-related
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Accumulated
 
Gains (Losses)
 
Gains (Losses)
 
Gains
 
Other
 
on Securities
 
on Securities
 
(Losses) on
 
Comprehensive
 
with OTTI
 
without OTTI
 
Derivatives
 
Income (Loss)
Balance, December 31, 2013
$
(1,439
)
 
$
(4,217
)
 
$
2,118

 
$
(3,538
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
reclassifications
361

 
4,634

 
(1,479
)
 
3,516

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
comprehensive income

 
(446
)
 
45

 
(401
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
361

 
4,188

 
(1,434
)
 
3,115

Balance, September 30, 2014
$
(1,078
)
 
$
(29
)
 
$
684

 
$
(423
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2014
$

 
$
416

 
$
(162
)
 
$
254

Other comprehensive income (loss) before
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
reclassifications

 
747

 
(911
)
 
(164
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
comprehensive income

 
(47
)
 
73

 
26

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)

 
700

 
(838
)
 
(138
)
Balance, September 30, 2015
$

 
$
1,116

 
$
(1,000
)
 
$
116

8.  Commitments and Contingencies

Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk: The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations that it uses for on-balance-sheet instruments.  The Company's commitments consisted of the following approximate amounts as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Commitments to extend credit
$
526,573

 
$
441,124

Standby letters of credit
5,803

 
14,595

 
$
532,376

 
$
455,719

West Bank previously had executed Mortgage Partnership Finance (MPF) Master Commitments (Commitments) with the FHLB of Des Moines to deliver mortgage loans and to guarantee the payment of any realized losses that exceed the FHLB's first loss account for mortgages delivered under the Commitments.  West Bank receives credit enhancement fees from the FHLB for providing this guarantee and continuing to assist with managing the credit risk of the MPF Program mortgage loans.  The term of the most recent Commitment was through January 16, 2015 and was not renewed.  At September 30, 2015, the liability represented by the present value of the credit enhancement fees less any expected losses in the mortgages delivered under the Commitments was approximately $377.

Contractual commitments: The Company has remaining commitments to invest in four qualified affordable housing projects totaling $4,292 as of September 30, 2015.

26


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


Contingencies: On September 29, 2010, West Bank was sued in a class action lawsuit that, as amended, asserts nonsufficient funds fees charged by West Bank to Iowa resident customers on debit card transactions are usurious under the Iowa Consumer Credit Code, rather than allowable fees, and that the sequence in which West Bank formerly posted debit card transactions for payment violated various alleged duties of good faith and ordinary care. Plaintiffs are seeking alternative remedies that include injunctive relief, damages (including treble damages), punitive damages, refund of fees and attorney fees. The case is currently being brought by Darla and Jason T. Legg, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, in the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Iowa. West Bank believes it has substantial defenses and is vigorously defending the action. The trial court entered orders on preliminary motions on March 4, 2014. It dismissed one of the plaintiffs’ claims and found that factual disputes precluded summary judgment in West Bank’s favor on the remaining claims. In addition, the court certified two classes for further proceedings. West Bank appealed the adverse rulings to the Iowa Supreme Court. The Iowa Supreme Court heard oral arguments on October 13, 2015. The cases have now been submitted for decisions, and West Bank believes the opinions will be released during the first half of 2016. The amount of potential loss, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated now because of the unresolved legal issues and because, among other things, the multiple alternative claims involve different time periods, burdens of proof, defenses and potential remedies.
Except as described above, neither the Company nor West Bank is a party, and no property of these entities is subject, to any other material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to West Bank's business. The Company does not know of any proceeding contemplated by a governmental authority against the Company or West Bank.


9. Fair Value Measurements

Accounting guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities using a hierarchy system.  Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts business.

The Company's balance sheet contains securities available for sale and derivative instruments that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  The three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value is as follows:

Level 1 uses quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 uses observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3 uses unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The Company's policy is to recognize transfers between Levels at the end of each reporting period, if applicable. There were no transfers between Levels of the fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.

Investment securities available for sale: When available, quoted market prices are used to determine the fair value of investment securities. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company determines fair value based on various sources and may apply matrix pricing with observable prices for similar bonds where a price for the identical bond is not observable. The fair values of these securities are determined by pricing models that consider observable market data such as interest rate volatilities, LIBOR yield curve, credit spreads, prices from market makers and live trading systems. Level 1 securities include certain corporate bonds and preferred stocks, and would include U.S. Treasuries, if any were held. Level 2 securities include U.S. government and agency securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed securities, state and political subdivision securities, and a trust preferred security. The Company currently holds no investment securities classified as Level 3.


27


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


Generally, management obtains the fair value of investment securities at the end of each reporting period via a third party pricing service. Management, with the assistance of an independent investment advisory firm, reviewed the valuation process used by the third party and believes that process was valid. On a quarterly basis, management corroborates the fair values of investment securities by obtaining pricing from an independent investment advisory firm and compares the two sets of fair values. Any significant variances are reviewed and investigated. In addition, the Company has instituted a practice of further testing the fair values of a sample of securities. For that sample, the prices are further validated by management, with assistance from an independent investment advisory firm, by obtaining details of the inputs used by the pricing service. Those inputs were independently tested, and management concluded the fair values were consistent with GAAP requirements and securities were properly classified in the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative instruments: The Company's derivative instruments consist of interest rate swaps, which are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The Company's derivative position is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and is valued using models generally accepted in the financial services industry and that use actively quoted or observable market input values from external market data providers and/or non-binding broker-dealer quotations. The fair value of the derivatives are determined using discounted cash flow models. These models’ key assumptions include the contractual terms of the respective contract along with significant observable inputs, including interest rates, yield curves, nonperformance risk and volatility.

The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government agencies and corporations
 
$
2,729

 
$

 
$
2,729

 
$

State and political subdivisions
 
62,540

 

 
62,540

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
142,206

 

 
142,206

 

Mortgage-backed securities
 
106,949

 

 
106,949

 

Trust preferred security
 
1,036

 

 
1,036

 

Corporate notes and equity securities
 
10,157

 
9,857

 
300

 


 


 


 


 


Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments, interest rate swaps
 
$
1,116

 
$

 
$
1,116

 
$

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available for sale:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. government agencies and corporations
 
$
12,820

 
$

 
$
12,820

 
$

State and political subdivisions
 
52,359

 

 
52,359

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
125,870

 

 
125,870

 

Mortgage-backed securities
 
66,153

 

 
66,153

 

Trust preferred security
 
918

 

 
918

 

Corporate notes and equity securities
 
14,670

 
14,370

 
300

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments, interest rate swaps
 
$
261

 
$

 
$
261

 
$


28


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


The following table presents changes in investment securities available for sale with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The activity in the table consists of one pooled trust preferred security, which was considered to have OTTI and was sold in December 2014.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Beginning balance
$

 
$
2,207

 
$

 
$
1,850

Transfer into level 3

 

 

 

Total gains:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income

 
226

 

 
583

Sale of security

 

 

 

Principal payments

 

 

 

Ending balance
$

 
$
2,433

 
$

 
$
2,433

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. That is, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).  The following tables present those assets carried on the balance sheet by caption and by level within the valuation hierarchy as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Impaired loans
 
$
158

 
$

 
$

 
$
158

Other real estate owned
 
2,235

 

 

 
2,235

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Impaired loans
 
$
1,266

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,266

Other real estate owned
 
2,235

 

 

 
2,235

Loans in the previous tables consist of impaired loans for which a fair value adjustment was recorded.  Impaired loans are evaluated and valued at the lower of cost or fair value when the loan is identified as impaired.  Fair value is measured based on the value of the collateral securing these loans.  Collateral may be real estate or business assets such as equipment, inventory or accounts receivable. Fair value is determined by management evaluations or independent appraisals.  Appraised or reported values may be discounted based on management's opinions concerning market developments or the client's business.  Other real estate owned in the tables above consists of property acquired through foreclosures and loan settlements.  Property acquired is carried at fair value of the property less estimated disposal costs. Fair value of other real estate owned is determined by management by obtaining appraisals or other market value information at the time of acquisition, is updated at least annually, and may be discounted.


29


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


The following tables present additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range (Average)
Impaired loans
 
$
158

 
Evaluation of collateral
 
Estimation of value
 
NM*
Other real estate owned
 
2,235

 
Appraisal
 
Appraisal adjustment
 
0.0% - 25.0% (25.0%)
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range (Average)
Impaired loans
 
$
1,266

 
Evaluation of collateral
 
Estimation of value
 
NM*
Other real estate owned
 
2,235

 
Appraisal
 
Appraisal adjustment
 
0.0% - 25.0% (25.0%)
* Not Meaningful. Evaluations of the underlying assets are completed for each impaired loan with a specific reserve. The types of collateral vary widely and could include accounts receivables, inventory, a variety of equipment and real estate. Collateral evaluations are reviewed and discounted as appropriate based on knowledge of the specific type of collateral. In the case of real estate, an independent appraisal may be obtained. Types of discounts considered included aging of receivables, condition of the collateral, potential market for the collateral and estimated disposal costs. These discounts will vary from loan to loan, thus providing a range would not be meaningful.
GAAP requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis.  The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis are discussed above.  The methodologies for other financial assets and financial liabilities are discussed below.

Cash and due from banks:  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Federal funds sold:  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Investment securities held to maturity: The fair values of these securities, which are all state and political subdivisions, are determined by the same method described previously for investment securities available for sale.

FHLB stock:  The fair value of this restricted stock is estimated at its carrying value and redemption price of $100 per share.

Loans:  The fair values of fixed rate loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on observable market interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers with similar credit quality. The carrying values of variable rate loans approximate their fair values.

Deposits:  The carrying amounts for demand and savings deposits, which represent the amounts payable on demand, approximate their fair values.  The fair values for certificates of deposit are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on observable market interest rates currently being offered on certificates with similar terms.

Accrued interest receivable and payable:  The fair values of both accrued interest receivable and payable approximate their carrying amounts.

Borrowings:  The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, short-term borrowings, variable rate FHLB advances, and variable rate long-term borrowings approximate their fair values.  Fair values of subordinated notes, fixed rate FHLB advances and other long-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on observable market interest rates currently being offered with similar terms.

Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit:  The approximate fair values of commitments and standby letters of credit are based on the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and creditworthiness of the counterparties.


30


Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


The following table presents the carrying amounts and approximate fair values of financial assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
 
Carrying Amount
 
Approximate Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Approximate Fair Value
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
Level 1
 
$
36,194

 
$
36,194

 
$
27,936

 
$
27,936

Federal funds sold
Level 1
 
18,592

 
18,592

 
11,845

 
11,845

Investment securities available for sale
See previous table
 
325,617

 
325,617

 
272,790

 
272,790

Investment securities held to maturity
Level 2
 
51,280

 
51,260

 
51,343

 
51,501

Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Level 1
 
14,210

 
14,210

 
15,075

 
15,075

Loans, net(1)
Level 2
 
1,225,378

 
1,232,652

 
1,170,438

 
1,199,832

Accrued interest receivable
Level 1
 
5,041

 
5,041

 
4,425

 
4,425

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
Level 2
 
1,387,136

 
1,387,459

 
1,270,462

 
1,270,987

Federal funds purchased
Level 1
 
2,660

 
2,660

 
2,975

 
2,975

Short-term borrowings
Level 1
 
59,000

 
59,000

 
66,000

 
66,000

Subordinated notes
Level 2
 
20,619

 
11,909

 
20,619

 
13,330

Federal Home Loan Bank advances, net
Level 2
 
98,008

 
98,639

 
96,888

 
96,312

Long-term debt
Level 2
 
9,730

 
9,641

 
12,676

 
12,571

Accrued interest payable
Level 1
 
389

 
389

 
419

 
419

Interest rate swaps
Level 2
 
1,116

 
1,116

 
261

 
261

Off-balance-sheet financial instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments to extend credit
Level 3
 

 

 

 

Standby letters of credit
Level 3
 

 

 

 


(1) All loans are Level 2 except impaired loans of $158 and $1,266 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which are Level 3.

31


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

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

"SAFE HARBOR" CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this report, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “future,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “strategy,” “plan,” “opportunity,” “will be,” “will likely result,” “will continue” or similar references, or references to estimates, predictions or future events.  Such forward-looking statements are based upon certain underlying assumptions, risks and uncertainties.  Because of the possibility that the underlying assumptions are incorrect or do not materialize as expected in the future, actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements.  Risks and uncertainties that may affect future results include: interest rate risk; competitive pressures; pricing pressures on loans and deposits; changes in credit and other risks posed by the Company's loan and investment portfolios, including declines in commercial or residential real estate values or changes in the allowance for loan losses dictated by new market conditions or regulatory requirements; actions of bank and nonbank competitors; changes in local and national economic conditions; changes in regulatory requirements, limitations and costs; changes in customers' acceptance of the Company's products and services; cyber-attacks; and any other risks described in the “Risk Factors” sections of this and other reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements to reflect current or future events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates are based upon historical experience and on various other assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The estimates and judgments that management believes have the most effect on the Company's reported financial position and results of operations are described as critical accounting policies in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2015. There have been no significant changes in the critical accounting policies or the assumptions and judgments utilized in applying these policies since the year ended December 31, 2014.


32


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

OVERVIEW

The following discussion describes the consolidated operations and financial condition of the Company, which includes West Bank and West Bank's wholly owned subsidiary WB Funding Corporation (which owns an interest in SmartyPig, LLC). West Bank's 99.99 percent owned subsidiary ICD IV, LLC, a community development entity, was liquidated during the third quarter of 2014 when the underlying loan matured. Results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are compared to the results for the same periods in 2014, and the consolidated financial condition of the Company as of September 30, 2015 is compared to balances as of December 31, 2014. The Company operates in three markets: central Iowa, which is generally the greater Des Moines metropolitan area; eastern Iowa, which is the area including and surrounding Iowa City and Coralville, Iowa; and the Rochester, Minnesota area.
 
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $5,426, or $0.34 per diluted common share, compared to $5,063, or $0.32 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The Company's annualized return on average assets (ROA) and return on average equity (ROE) for the three months ended September 30, 2015 were 1.28 and 14.63 percent, respectively, compared to 1.32 and 15.00 percent, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

The increase in net income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily due to a $1,417 increase in net interest income. The 11.5 percent increase in net interest income over the same three months of 2014 was primarily the result of loan growth. The increase in net interest income was partially offset by an increase of $100 in the provision for loan losses, a $412 reduction in revenue from residential mortgage banking, a reduction of $210 in investment securities gains, and a $163 increase in noninterest expense. As previously disclosed, the Company changed its process for providing first mortgage loans to its customers at the end of 2014. Starting in January 2015, residential mortgage underwriting and processing were outsourced, and funding for residential mortgages is provided by a third party. The Company now receives a fee from that third party for each residential mortgage loan initiated and closed by our retail staff. The reduction in this source of revenue had a correlating reduction in associated operating costs.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $15,801, or $0.98 per diluted common share, compared to $14,202, or $0.89 per diluted common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company's annualized ROA and ROE for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were 1.28 and 14.62 percent, respectively, compared to 1.27 and 14.61 percent, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

The improvement in net income for first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily due to a $3,810, or 10.5 percent, increase in net interest income for the same reason mentioned above. Partially offsetting this increase for the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2104, the provision for loan losses increased $150, and noninterest income declined $1,776, mainly due to lower residential mortgage banking revenue and lower net gains on sales of investment securities. Noninterest expense declined $314 for the first nine months of 2015 compared to the first nine months of 2014 primarily due to the combination of the change in residential mortgage banking operations and lower costs associated with holding other real estate owned.

Total loans outstanding increased $55,993 during the first nine months of the year compared to December 31, 2014. Management believes loan growth will continue to be strong in the fourth quarter of 2015, but may be somewhat mitigated by expected payoffs. Credit quality remained strong as evidenced by the Company's Texas ratio, which was 2.35 percent as of September 30, 2015 compared to 2.71 percent as of December 31, 2014. As of September 30, 2015, the allowance for loan losses was 1.18 percent of loans outstanding compared to 1.15 percent as of December 31, 2014.

The Company was recently named as a "Sm-All Star" for the fourth year in a row by the investment banking firm Sandler O'Neill + Partners, L.P. The list is composed of top-performing, publicly traded, small-cap banks and thrifts in the United States. For purposes of the analysis, small-cap companies were those with a market value between $25 million and $2.5 billion. Out of 435 comparable companies, only 34 were named as 2015 Sm-All Stars. The Company is the only bank or thrift on the list in 2015 to receive the honor for the fourth consecutive year and is the only Iowa or Minnesota bank to be recognized. The criteria used to determine the 2015 Sm-All Stars concentrated on growth, profitability, credit quality and capital strength. Additional criteria included having a net charge-off ratio over the prior 12 months of less than 0.25 percent and a tangible common equity ratio above 7.00 percent as of June 30, 2015.


33


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

The Company's four key performance metrics are compared to our identified peer group of 16 companies throughout the year. The group of 16 publicly traded peer financial institutions against which we compared our performance each quarter consists of BankFinancial Corporation, Baylake Corp., Farmers Capital Bank Corporation, First Defiance Financial Corp., First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc., Hills Bancorporation, Horizon Bancorp, Isabella Bank Corporation, Mercantile Bank Corporation, MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc., MutualFirst Financial, Inc., Peoples Bancorp, Pulaski Financial Corp., QCR Holdings, Inc., Southwest Bancorp and Waterstone Financial, Inc. When contrasted with the peer group's metrics through June 30, 2015, the Company's metrics for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were better than those of each company in the peer group as of June 30, 2015 (latest data available) as shown in the table below.
 
West Bancorporation, Inc.
 
Peer Group Range
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
Six months ended June 30, 2015
Return on average assets
1.28%
 
0.28% - 1.26%
Return on average equity
14.62%
 
2.17% - 12.49%
Efficiency ratio*
47.12%
 
53.49% - 78.29%
Texas ratio*
2.35%
 
2.97% - 33.63%
* A lower ratio is more desirable.

The Company's previously disclosed plan to build a permanent office in Rochester, Minnesota moved forward with a formal ground breaking on October 5, 2015. The new facility is expected to open in the third quarter of 2016, and we believe it will enhance our ability to expand our customer base in that market.

The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per common share at its meeting on October 28, 2015. The dividend is payable on November 25, 2015, to stockholders of record as of November 11, 2015.


34


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table shows selected financial results and measures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared with the same periods in 2014
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
Change %
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
Change %
Net income
$
5,426

 
$
5,063

 
$
363

 
7.17
%
 
$
15,801

 
$
14,202

 
$
1,599

 
11.26
%
Average assets
1,678,005

 
1,517,145

 
160,860

 
10.60
%
 
1,652,232

 
1,493,024

 
159,208

 
10.66
%
Average stockholders' equity
147,120

 
133,896

 
13,224

 
9.88
%
 
144,540

 
129,958

 
14,582

 
11.22
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets
1.28
%
 
1.32
%
 
(0.04
)%
 
 
 
1.28
%
 
1.27
%
 
0.01
 %
 
 

Return on average equity
14.63
%
 
15.00
%
 
(0.37
)%
 
 
 
14.62
%
 
14.61
%
 
0.01
 %
 
 

Net interest margin
3.59
%
 
3.56
%
 
0.03
 %
 
 
 
3.59
%
 
3.58
%
 
0.01
 %
 
 
Efficiency ratio*
46.30
%
 
48.39
%
 
(2.09
)%
 
 
 
47.12
%
 
50.16
%
 
(3.04
)%
 
 
Dividend payout ratio
47.36
%
 
37.96
%
 
9.40
 %
 
 
 
46.72
%
 
39.43
%
 
7.29
 %
 
 

Average equity to average
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   assets ratio
8.77
%
 
8.83
%
 
(0.06
)%
 
 
 
8.75
%
 
8.70
%
 
0.05
 %
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
 
Texas ratio*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.35
%
 
6.21
%
 
(3.86
)%
 
 
Equity to assets ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.61
%
 
8.91
%
 
(0.30
)%
 
 

Tangible common equity ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.61
%
 
8.91
%
 
(0.30
)%
 
 

* A lower ratio is more desirable.

Definitions of ratios:
Return on average assets - annualized net income divided by average assets.
Return on average equity - annualized net income divided by average stockholders' equity.
Net interest margin - annualized tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
Efficiency ratio - noninterest expense (excluding other real estate owned expense) divided by noninterest income (excluding net securities gains and gains/losses on disposition of premises and equipment) plus tax-equivalent net interest income.
Dividend payout ratio - dividends paid to common stockholders divided by net income.
Texas ratio - total nonperforming assets divided by tangible common equity plus the allowance for loan losses.
Equity to assets ratio - average equity divided by average assets.
Tangible common equity ratio - common equity less intangible assets divided by tangible assets.



35


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Net Interest Income

The following tables present average balances and related interest income or interest expense, with the resulting average yield or rate by category of interest-earning assets or interest-bearing liabilities.  Interest income and the resulting net interest income are shown on a fully taxable basis.
Data for the three months ended September 30:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Balance
 
Interest Income/Expense
 
Yield/Rate
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
Change-
%
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
Change-
%
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
337,915

 
$
273,249

 
$
64,666

 
23.67
 %
 
$
3,564

 
$
2,897

 
$
667

 
23.02
 %
 
4.18
%
 
4.21
%
 
(0.03
)%
Real estate
877,732

 
784,995

 
92,737

 
11.81
 %
 
9,921

 
9,134

 
787

 
8.62
 %
 
4.48
%
 
4.62
%
 
(0.14
)%
Consumer and other
8,052

 
10,408

 
(2,356
)
 
(22.64
)%
 
84

 
101

 
(17
)
 
(16.83
)%
 
4.12
%
 
3.85
%
 
0.27
 %
Total loans
1,223,699

 
1,068,652

 
155,047

 
14.51
 %
 
13,569

 
12,132

 
1,437

 
11.84
 %
 
4.40
%
 
4.50
%
 
(0.10
)%
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Investment securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Taxable
211,297

 
249,488

 
(38,191
)
 
(15.31
)%
 
1,017

 
1,191

 
(174
)
 
(14.61
)%
 
1.93
%
 
1.91
%
 
0.02
 %
Tax-exempt
107,408

 
95,183

 
12,225

 
12.84
 %
 
1,195

 
1,089

 
106

 
9.73
 %
 
4.45
%
 
4.58
%
 
(0.13
)%
Total investment securities
318,705

 
344,671

 
(25,966
)
 
(7.53
)%
 
2,212

 
2,280

 
(68
)
 
(2.98
)%
 
2.78
%
 
2.65
%
 
0.13
 %
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Federal funds sold
43,725

 
20,342

 
23,383

 
114.95
 %
 
28

 
13

 
15

 
115.38
 %
 
0.26
%
 
0.25
%
 
0.01
 %
Total interest-earning assets
$
1,586,129

 
$
1,433,665

 
$
152,464

 
10.63
 %
 
15,809

 
14,425

 
1,384

 
9.59
 %
 
3.95
%
 
3.99
%
 
(0.04
)%
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest-bearing demand,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
savings and money
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
market
$
815,195

 
$
742,875

 
$
72,320

 
9.74
 %
 
302

 
307

 
(5
)
 
(1.63
)%
 
0.15
%
 
0.16
%
 
(0.01
)%
Time deposits
121,356

 
151,089

 
(29,733
)
 
(19.68
)%
 
198

 
285

 
(87
)
 
(30.53
)%
 
0.65
%
 
0.75
%
 
(0.10
)%
Total deposits
936,551

 
893,964

 
42,587

 
4.76
 %
 
500

 
592

 
(92
)
 
(15.54
)%
 
0.21
%
 
0.26
%
 
(0.05
)%
Other borrowed funds
139,302

 
139,980

 
(678
)
 
(0.48
)%
 
941

 
979

 
(38
)
 
(3.88
)%
 
2.68
%
 
2.77
%
 
(0.09
)%
Total interest-bearing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
liabilities
$
1,075,853

 
$
1,033,944

 
$
41,909

 
4.05
 %
 
1,441

 
1,571

 
(130
)
 
(8.27
)%
 
0.53
%
 
0.60
%
 
(0.07
)%
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tax-equivalent net interest income
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
$
14,368

 
$
12,854

 
$
1,514

 
11.78
 %
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net interest spread
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
3.42
%
 
3.39
%
 
0.03
 %
Net interest margin
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
3.59
%
 
3.56
%
 
0.03
 %

36


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Data for the nine months ended September 30:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Balance
 
Interest Income/Expense
 
Yield/Rate
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
Change-
%
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
Change-
%
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
327,185

 
$
265,839

 
$
61,346

 
23.08
 %
 
$
10,232

 
$
8,441

 
$
1,791

 
21.22
 %
 
4.18
%
 
4.25
%
 
(0.07
)%
Real estate
870,436

 
766,026

 
104,410

 
13.63
 %
 
29,181

 
26,717

 
2,464

 
9.22
 %
 
4.48
%
 
4.66
%
 
(0.18
)%
Consumer and other
8,572

 
9,607

 
(1,035
)
 
(10.77
)%
 
252

 
291

 
(39
)
 
(13.40
)%
 
3.93
%
 
4.05
%
 
(0.12
)%
Total loans
1,206,193

 
1,041,472

 
164,721

 
15.82
 %
 
39,665

 
35,449

 
4,216

 
11.89
 %
 
4.40
%
 
4.55
%
 
(0.15
)%
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Investment securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Taxable
219,597

 
255,356

 
(35,759
)
 
(14.00
)%
 
3,184

 
3,793

 
(609
)
 
(16.06
)%
 
1.93
%
 
1.98
%
 
(0.05
)%
Tax-exempt
104,325

 
91,615

 
12,710

 
13.87
 %
 
3,495

 
3,163

 
332

 
10.50
 %
 
4.47
%
 
4.60
%
 
(0.13
)%
Total investment securities
323,922

 
346,971

 
(23,049
)
 
(6.64
)%
 
6,679

 
6,956

 
(277
)
 
(3.98
)%
 
2.75
%
 
2.67
%
 
0.08
 %
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Federal funds sold
31,190

 
22,152

 
9,038

 
40.80
 %
 
60

 
43

 
17

 
39.53
 %
 
0.26
%
 
0.26
%
 
 %
Total interest-earning assets
$
1,561,305

 
$
1,410,595

 
$
150,710

 
10.68
 %
 
46,404

 
42,448

 
3,956

 
9.32
 %
 
3.97
%
 
4.02
%
 
(0.05
)%
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest-bearing demand,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
savings and money
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
market
$
817,065

 
$
730,780

 
$
86,285

 
11.81
 %
 
953

 
904

 
49

 
5.42
 %
 
0.16
%
 
0.17
%
 
(0.01
)%
Time deposits
132,766

 
153,644

 
(20,878
)
 
(13.59
)%
 
669

 
947

 
(278
)
 
(29.36
)%
 
0.67
%
 
0.82
%
 
(0.15
)%
Total deposits
949,831

 
884,424

 
65,407

 
7.40
 %
 
1,622

 
1,851

 
(229
)
 
(12.37
)%
 
0.23
%
 
0.28
%
 
(0.05
)%
Other borrowed funds
148,681

 
144,556

 
4,125

 
2.85
 %
 
2,842

 
2,803

 
39

 
1.39
 %
 
2.56
%
 
2.59
%
 
(0.03
)%
Total interest-bearing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
liabilities
$
1,098,512

 
$
1,028,980

 
$
69,532

 
6.76
 %
 
4,464

 
4,654

 
(190
)
 
(4.08
)%
 
0.54
%
 
0.60
%
 
(0.06
)%
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tax-equivalent net interest income
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
$
41,940

 
$
37,794

 
$
4,146

 
10.97
 %
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net interest spread
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
3.43
%
 
3.42
%
 
0.01
 %
Net interest margin
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
3.59
%
 
3.58
%
 
0.01
 %
The Company's largest component of net income is net interest income. Fluctuations in net interest income can result from the combination of changes in the average balances of asset and liability categories and changes in interest rates.  Interest rates earned and paid are affected by general economic conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, and by competitive factors, government policies and the actions of regulatory authorities.  Net interest margin is a measure of the net return on interest-earning assets and is computed by dividing annualized tax-equivalent net interest income by total average interest-earning assets for the period.  

The net interest margin for the three months ended September 30, 2015 increased three basis points to 3.59 percent compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the net interest margin increased one basis point to 3.59 percent compared to the same period in 2014. The persisting low interest rate environment continues to put pressure on the net interest margin. Management continually develops and applies strategies to maintain the net interest margin. Management believes the net interest margin will remain at approximately the same level throughout the remainder of 2015 if the level of outstanding loans remains at similar levels and the Federal Reserve maintains its current monetary policy. Tax-equivalent net interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased $1,514 and $4,146, respectively, compared to the same time periods in 2014, primarily as the result of the increase in average outstanding loans.
   

37


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Tax-equivalent interest income on loans increased $1,437 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, and increased $4,216 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The improvement during both time periods was due to significant increases in average loan volume, which exceeded the effects of the decline in rates. The overall yield declined 10 and 15 basis points, respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014. The Company continues to focus on expanding existing and entering into new customer relationships while maintaining strong credit quality. The yield on the Company's loan portfolio is affected by the mix of the loans in the portfolio, the interest rate environment, the effects of competition, the level of nonaccrual loans and reversals of previously accrued interest on charged-off loans.  The political and economic environments can also influence the volume of new loan originations and the mix of variable rate versus fixed rate loans. 
 
The average balance of investment securities was $25,966 lower during the three months ended September 30, 2015 than during the same period last year, while the yield on the portfolio improved 13 basis points compared to the same period in 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the average balance of investment securities declined $23,049 compared to the same period of 2014, while the yield increased 8 basis points. The decline in average balances was primarily attributable to paydowns received on collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities. The Company also sold selected investment securities in the first nine months of both years to take advantage of available net gains and was able to reinvest the proceeds in higher yielding securities. Towards the end of the third quarter of 2015, the Company utilized deposit growth to purchase $91,316 of investment securities available for sale, which should contribute to higher levels of net interest income in future quarters.

The average rate paid on deposits for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 declined five basis points compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The decline in rates was primarily due to maturing time deposits that had higher rates than are currently offered. The average balance of time deposits continues to decline as fewer customers are willing to lock in low rates in this extended period of historically low interest rates. Average interest-bearing demand, savings and money market deposits increased primarily due to an increase in average money market accounts, with a large portion deposited by a significant related party depositor.

Provision for Loan Losses and the Related Allowance for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses represents a charge made to earnings to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses.  The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is evaluated quarterly by management and reviewed by the Board of Directors. The allowance for loan losses is management's best estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date.  Based upon the evaluations, the provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $200 and $100, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the provision for loan losses was $400 and $250, respectively.

Factors considered in establishing an appropriate allowance include: an assessment of the financial condition of the borrowers; the value and adequacy of loan collateral; the condition of the local economy and the condition of the specific industries of the borrowers; the levels and trends of loans by segment; and a review of delinquent and classified loans.  The quarterly evaluation focuses on factors such as specific loan reviews, changes in the components of the loan portfolio given the current and forecasted economic conditions, and historical loss experience.  Any one of the following conditions may result in the review of a specific loan: concern about whether the customer's cash flow or net worth is sufficient to repay the loan; delinquency status; criticism of the loan in a regulatory examination; the suspension of interest accrual; or other factors, including whether the loan has other special or unusual characteristics that suggest special monitoring is warranted. The Company's concentration risks include geographic concentration in central and eastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota. The local economies are composed primarily of service industries and state and county governments.

West Bank has a significant portion of its loan portfolio in commercial real estate loans, commercial lines of credit, commercial term loans, and construction and land development loans.  West Bank's typical commercial borrower is a small or medium-sized, privately owned business entity.  West Bank's commercial loans typically have greater credit risks than residential mortgages or consumer loans because they often have larger balances and repayment usually depends on the borrowers' successful business operations.  Commercial loans also involve additional risks because they generally are not fully repaid over the loan period and, thus, may require refinancing or a large payoff at maturity.  When the economy turns downward, commercial borrowers may not be able to repay their loans, and the value of their assets, which are usually pledged as collateral, may decrease rapidly and significantly. 


38


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, further reduction in the carrying amounts of loans may be necessary based on changes in circumstances, changes in the overall economy in the markets we currently serve, or later acquired information.  Identifiable sectors within the general economy are subject to additional volatility, which at any time may have a substantial impact on the loan portfolio.  In addition, regulatory agencies, as integral parts of their examination processes, periodically review the credit quality of the loan portfolio and the level of the allowance for loan losses.  Such agencies may require West Bank to recognize additional losses based on such agencies' review of information available to them at the time of their examinations.
  
West Bank's policy is to charge off loans when, in management's opinion, a loan or a portion of a loan is deemed uncollectible. Concerted efforts are made to maximize subsequent recoveries.  The following table summarizes the activity in the Company's allowance for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and related ratios. 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
Balance at beginning of period
$
14,364

 
$
13,213

 
$
1,151

 
$
13,607

 
$
13,791

 
$
(184
)
Charge-offs
(154
)
 
(70
)
 
(84
)
 
(225
)
 
(885
)
 
660

Recoveries
250

 
102

 
148

 
878

 
189

 
689

Net (charge-offs) recoveries
96

 
32

 
64

 
653

 
(696
)
 
1,349

Provision for loan losses charged to operations
200

 
100

 
100

 
400

 
250

 
150

Balance at end of period
$
14,660

 
$
13,345

 
$
1,315

 
$
14,660

 
$
13,345

 
$
1,315

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loans outstanding, excluding loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   held for sale
$
1,223,699

 
$
1,067,023

 
 
 
$
1,206,160

 
$
1,039,704

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of annualized net charge-off (recoveries)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
during the period to average loans outstanding
(0.03
)%
 
(0.01
)%
 
 
 
(0.07
)%
 
0.09
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   average loans outstanding
1.20
 %
 
1.25
 %
 
 
 
1.22
 %
 
1.28
%
 
 
In general, the economy has shown signs of improvement, but the economic indicators remain mixed. The U.S. unemployment rate declined to 5.1 percent as of September 30, 2015, but part of that improvement was due to people dropping out of the workforce. Jobs growth in September 2015 totaled approximately 142,000, which was lower than in previous months. Personal income and spending are up. The housing market is mixed, with sales slowing but prices holding steady. The economic environments in Iowa and Minnesota continue to slowly improve. Based on the mixed economic indicators, the Company decided to maintain the economic factors within the allowance for loan losses evaluation at the same level used in 2014. In the first nine months of 2015, the Company continued to use experience factors based on the highest losses calculated over a rolling 12-, 16-, or 20-quarter period. As the experience factors continued to decline, management decided to increase the factors for other considerations in the first and third quarters of 2015 for commercial and commercial real estate loans to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses. This increased the portion of the allowance for loan losses related to loans collectively evaluated for impairment to 1.14 percent of loans collectively evaluated as of September 30, 2015 from 1.09 percent as of December 31, 2014. Management believes the resulting allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2015 was adequate to absorb the losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the end of the quarter.

39


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Noninterest Income

The following tables show the variance from the prior year in the noninterest income categories shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  In addition, accounts within the “Other income” category that represent a significant portion of the total or a significant variance are shown below.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
Noninterest income:
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
Change %
Service charges on deposit accounts
$
663

 
$
713

 
$
(50
)
 
(7.01
)%
Debit card usage fees
463

 
443

 
20

 
4.51
 %
Trust services
302

 
363

 
(61
)
 
(16.80
)%
Revenue from residential mortgage banking
45

 
457

 
(412
)
 
(90.15
)%
Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance
183

 
198

 
(15
)
 
(7.58
)%
Realized investment securities gains, net

 
210

 
(210
)
 
(100.00
)%
Other income:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Loan fees
85

 
28

 
57

 
203.57
 %
Letter of credit fees
13

 
38

 
(25
)
 
(65.79
)%
All other income
181

 
172

 
9

 
5.23
 %
Total other income
279

 
238

 
41

 
17.23
 %
Total noninterest income
$
1,935

 
$
2,622

 
$
(687
)
 
(26.20
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Noninterest income:
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
Change %
Service charges on deposit accounts
$
1,934

 
$
2,106

 
$
(172
)
 
(8.17
)%
Debit card usage fees
1,367

 
1,306

 
61

 
4.67
 %
Trust services
944

 
1,013

 
(69
)
 
(6.81
)%
Revenue from residential mortgage banking
132

 
1,059

 
(927
)
 
(87.54
)%
Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance
550

 
534

 
16

 
3.00
 %
Realized investment securities gains, net
47

 
716

 
(669
)
 
(93.44
)%
Other income:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Loan fees
122

 
84

 
38

 
45.24
 %
Letter of credit fees
61

 
88

 
(27
)
 
(30.68
)%
All other income
560

 
587

 
(27
)
 
(4.60
)%
Total other income
743

 
759

 
(16
)
 
(2.11
)%
Total noninterest income
$
5,717

 
$
7,493

 
$
(1,776
)
 
(23.70
)%
The decline in service charges on deposit accounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 was caused by lower instances of nonsufficient funds and lower fees from commercial accounts.

Revenue from residential mortgage banking declined $412 and $927, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. As discussed earlier, starting in January 2015, the Company changed its process for providing first mortgage loans to its customers, which has caused the reduction in revenue and also a reduction in operating costs. West Bank currently receives a fee from a third party for each loan initiated and closed by our retail staff.

Revenue from trust services was lower in both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same time periods in 2014 due to lower asset values in the current market.

The Company invested an additional $5,000 in bank-owned life insurance in the second quarter of 2014, resulting in a higher level of increases in cash value of bank-owned life insurance for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Due to the historically low interest rate environment, crediting rates within the policies have declined slightly and caused this revenue to be lower in the three months ended September 30, 2015 than in the three months ended September 30, 2014.

40


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

The Company did not sell any investment securities during the third quarter of 2015, while net gains of $210 were recognized in the third quarter of 2014. The Company recognized net gains on sales of securities of $47 and $716 during the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. In both years, the sales were undertaken in order to capitalize on available net gains while being able to reinvest the proceeds in investment securities with higher yields.

Loan fees were higher for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 due to the recognition of a previously deferred rate lock fee on one loan. A lower level of outstanding letters of credit caused the reduction in revenue from letter of credit fees for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014. Volumes of letters of credit fluctuate based upon the needs of our commercial customers.



41


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Noninterest Expense

The following tables show the variance from the prior year in the noninterest expense categories shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, accounts within the “Other expenses” category that represent a significant portion of the total or a significant variance are shown below. 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
Noninterest expense:
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
Change %
Salaries and employee benefits
$
4,056

 
$
3,961

 
$
95

 
2.40
 %
Occupancy
1,031

 
1,072

 
(41
)
 
(3.82
)%
Data processing
595

 
546

 
49

 
8.97
 %
FDIC insurance expense
209

 
190

 
19

 
10.00
 %
Other real estate owned expense

 
3

 
(3
)
 
(100.00
)%
Professional fees
194

 
249

 
(55
)
 
(22.09
)%
Director fees
226

 
183

 
43

 
23.50
 %
Other expenses:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Marketing
55

 
46

 
9

 
19.57
 %
Business development
166

 
140

 
26

 
18.57
 %
Consulting fees
70

 
84

 
(14
)
 
(16.67
)%
Insurance expense
96

 
93

 
3

 
3.23
 %
Bank service charges and investment advisory fees
177

 
140

 
37

 
26.43
 %
Postage and courier
78

 
79

 
(1
)
 
(1.27
)%
Supplies
68

 
65

 
3

 
4.62
 %
Low income housing projects amortization
76

 
45

 
31

 
68.89
 %
All other
452

 
490

 
(38
)
 
(7.76
)%
Total other
1,238

 
1,182

 
56

 
4.74
 %
Total noninterest expense
$
7,549

 
$
7,386

 
$
163

 
2.21
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Noninterest expense:
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
Change %
Salaries and employee benefits
$
12,051

 
$
12,059

 
$
(8
)
 
(0.07
)%
Occupancy
3,090

 
3,107

 
(17
)
 
(0.55
)%
Data processing
1,738

 
1,626

 
112

 
6.89
 %
FDIC insurance expense
620

 
561

 
59

 
10.52
 %
Other real estate owned expense

 
398

 
(398
)
 
(100.00
)%
Professional fees
575

 
734

 
(159
)
 
(21.66
)%
Director fees
642

 
525

 
117

 
22.29
 %
Other expenses:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Marketing
182

 
140

 
42

 
30.00
 %
Business development
534

 
545

 
(11
)
 
(2.02
)%
Consulting fees
191

 
196

 
(5
)
 
(2.55
)%
Insurance expense
265

 
291

 
(26
)
 
(8.93
)%
Bank service charges and investment advisory fees
520

 
384

 
136

 
35.42
 %
Postage and courier
244

 
248

 
(4
)
 
(1.61
)%
Supplies
220

 
196

 
24

 
12.24
 %
Low income housing projects amortization
198

 
136

 
62

 
45.59
 %
All other
1,368

 
1,606

 
(238
)
 
(14.82
)%
Total other
3,722

 
3,742

 
(20
)
 
(0.53
)%
Total noninterest expense
$
22,438

 
$
22,752

 
$
(314
)
 
(1.38
)%

42


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Salaries and employee benefits for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 had minimal net change from the same time periods in 2014. The staff reductions related to residential mortgage loan origination lowered salaries and employee benefits by approximately $308 and $882, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014. Offsetting these reductions were increases in stock-based compensation costs of $104 and $238, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014, along with normal annual salary increases.

Data processing expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same periods of 2014 because of the addition of mobile banking technology, the continued strengthening of security measures and an annual contractual increase in fees paid to our core processor that is based upon an inflation factor.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same periods of 2014 due to growth in total assets. In June 2015, the FDIC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on proposed refinements to the deposit insurance assessment system for small insured depository institutions (generally, those institutions with less than $10 billion in total assets). The refinements would become effective the quarter after the reserve ratio of the Deposit Insurance Fund reaches 1.15 percent. The Company's analysis projects that the proposal would increase our annual cost of FDIC insurance by approximately $190 based on our current balance sheet size.

Other real estate owned expense declined $3 and $398, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same periods of 2014. The Company held only one parcel of land in other real estate owned throughout the first nine months of 2015 and incurred a negligible amount of real estate tax expense.

Professional fees declined for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same time periods in 2014 due to lower legal fees. Director fees increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 as a result of increased stock-based compensation costs.

Marketing expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same time periods in 2014 due to additional advertising efforts.

Insurance expense declined for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same time period in 2014 primarily due to a 2013 experience-based refund received from the Company's carrier in the first quarter of 2015.

The increase in bank service charges and investment advisory fees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 resulted from the administrative fee charged by an investment management firm for assisting with the purchase and administration of public company floating rate commercial loans. This arrangement began in the second quarter of 2014. As of September 30, 2015, approximately $48,000 of these loans were outstanding. The Company plans to keep the balance of this portfolio around $50,000.

The increase in the cost of low income housing project amortization was related to the Company making commitments in 2014 to invest in additional projects.

Income Tax Expense

The Company recorded income tax expense of $2,466 (31.2 percent of pre-tax income) and $7,101 (31.0 percent of pre-tax income), respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared with $2,362 (31.8 percent of pre-tax income) and $6,502 (31.4 percent of pre-tax income), respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The Company's consolidated income tax rate differs from the federal statutory income tax rate primarily due to tax-exempt interest income, the tax-exempt increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance, disallowed interest expense, state income taxes and changes in the valuation allowance. The tax rate for both years was also impacted by year-to-date federal low income housing tax credits of approximately $225 and $120, respectively.


43


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

FINANCIAL CONDITION

The Company had total assets of $1,733,167 as of September 30, 2015, an increase of 7.26 percent compared to total assets as of December 31, 2014. The most significant changes in the balance sheet were increases in deposits, investment securities and loans.  A summary of changes in the components of the balance sheet is described below.

Investment Securities

The balance of investment securities available for sale increased by $52,827 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The Company purchased $106,971 of investment securities available for sale during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, with $91,316 of those purchases occurring in the third quarter of 2015. The purchases were primarily mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, and were offset in part by principal paydowns. The purchases were made to productively utilize deposit growth.

As of September 30, 2015, approximately 77 percent of the available for sale investment securities portfolio consisted of government agency guaranteed collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities. In the current low interest rate environment, management believes both provide relatively good yields, have little to no credit risk and provide fairly consistent cash flows.

Loans and Nonperforming Assets

Loans outstanding increased $55,993 from $1,184,045 as of December 31, 2014 to $1,240,038 as of September 30, 2015. Growth in the loan portfolio during the first nine months of 2015 was primarily in the commercial and commercial real estate segments. The Company continues to focus on business development efforts in all of its markets. Management believes loan growth will continue to be strong in all three of our markets, but may be somewhat mitigated by expected payoffs. Management expects payoffs of certain construction loans upon completion of the construction projects, and of certain commercial real estate loans with the mortgaged properties currently for sale.

Credit quality of the Company's loan portfolio remains strong as nonperforming loans remained at less than a quarter percent of total loans outstanding as of September 30, 2015, as shown in the table below. The Company's Texas ratio, which is computed by dividing total nonperforming assets by tangible common equity plus the allowance for loan losses, was 2.35 percent as of September 30, 2015, compared to 2.71 percent as of December 31, 2014. The ratio for both dates was significantly better than the June 30, 2015 peer group average, which was approximately 11.83 percent, according to data in the June 2015 Bank Holding Company Performance Report, which is prepared by the Division of Supervision and Regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

The following table sets forth the amount of nonperforming loans and assets held by the Company and common ratio measurements of those items as of the dates shown. 
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
Nonaccrual loans
$
1,446

 
$
1,561

 
$
(115
)
Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest

 

 

Troubled debt restructured loans (1)
178

 
376

 
(198
)
Total nonperforming loans
1,624

 
1,937

 
(313
)
Other real estate owned
2,235

 
2,235

 

Total nonperforming assets
$
3,859

 
$
4,172

 
$
(313
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

Nonperforming loans to total loans
0.13
%
 
0.16
%
 
(0.03
)%
Nonperforming assets to total assets
0.22
%
 
0.26
%
 
(0.04
)%

(1)
While TDR loans are commonly reported by the industry as nonperforming, those not classified in the nonaccrual category are accruing interest due to payment performance. TDR loans on nonaccrual status are categorized as nonaccrual. There were three TDR loans as of September 30, 2015 and two TDR loans as of December 31, 2014, with balances of $652 and $643, respectively, categorized as nonaccrual.

For additional information, refer to the “Provision for Loan Losses and the Related Allowance for Loan Losses” in this section, and Notes 4 and 9 to the financial statements.


44


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Other Assets

Other assets declined $7,183 from $13,553 as of December 31, 2014 to $6,370 as of September 30, 2015. A receivable of $3,953, related to the sale of an investment security in December 2014, was collected during 2015, and income taxes receivable declined by $2,375.

Deposits

Deposits increased $116,674 during the first nine months of 2015, or 9.18 percent, compared to December 31, 2014.  Approximately $45,000 of the increase was due to an increase in deposits from a significant related party depositor. As of September 30, 2015, this significant related party depositor maintained total deposit balances with West Bank of approximately $175,000.

Savings deposits, which include money market and insured cash sweep money market accounts, increased $51,498 from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015. Interest-bearing demand accounts declined $472, and noninterest-bearing demand accounts increased $84,559, from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015. These are considered normal fluctuations, as corporate customers' liquidity needs vary at any given time.

Time deposits as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 included $46,041 and $52,114, respectively, of Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service deposits, which is a program that coordinates, on a reciprocal basis, a network of banks to spread deposits exceeding the FDIC insurance coverage limits out to numerous institutions in order to provide insurance coverage for all participating deposits. Total time deposits declined $18,911 during the first nine months of 2015, as fewer customers were willing to lock in low rates for extended time periods in the current low interest rate environment.

Borrowings

Short-term borrowings declined to $59,000 as of September 30, 2015 from $66,000 as of December 31, 2014. The need for overnight funding is primarily dependent on corporate customer deposit fluctuations, loan fundings and loan repayments. Long-term debt declined $2,946 during the first nine months of 2015, and included a $500 prepayment in addition to the scheduled payments.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

The objectives of liquidity management are to ensure the availability of sufficient cash flows to meet all financial commitments and to capitalize on opportunities for profitable business expansion.  The Company's principal source of funds is deposits.  Other sources include loan principal repayments, proceeds from the maturity and sale of investment securities, principal payments on collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities, federal funds purchased, advances from the FHLB, and funds provided by operations.  Liquidity management is conducted on both a daily and a long-term basis.  Investments in liquid assets are adjusted based on expected loan demand, projected loan and investment securities maturities and payments, expected deposit flows and the objectives set by the Company's asset-liability management policy. The Company had liquid assets (cash and cash equivalents) of $54,786 as of September 30, 2015 compared with $39,781 as of December 31, 2014.

As of September 30, 2015, West Bank had additional borrowing capacity available from the FHLB of approximately $136,000, as well as $67,000 through unsecured federal funds lines of credit with correspondent banks.  Net cash from operating activities contributed $22,424 and $21,350 to liquidity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The combination of high levels of potentially liquid assets, cash flows from operations and additional borrowing capacity provided the Company with strong liquidity as of September 30, 2015.

The Company's total stockholders' equity increased to $149,217 at September 30, 2015 from $140,175 at December 31, 2014.  The increase was primarily the result of net income less dividends paid.

At September 30, 2015, the Company's tangible common equity as a percent of tangible assets was 8.61 percent compared to 8.68 percent as of December 31, 2014.


45


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

The Company and West Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements (as shown in the following table) can result in certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators, which, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and West 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 Company's and West Bank's capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. Management believes the Company and West Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject as of September 30, 2015.
The Company's and West Bank's capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table.
 
Actual
 
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 
To Be Well-Capitalized
Under Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
As of September 30, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
$
183,752

 
11.94
%
 
$
123,133

 
8.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

West Bank
170,656

 
11.16
%
 
122,288

 
8.00
%
 
$
152,860

 
10.00
%
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
169,092

 
10.99
%
 
92,350

 
6.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

West Bank
155,996

 
10.21
%
 
91,716

 
6.00
%
 
122,288

 
8.00
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Equity Tier I Capital (to
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk-Weighted Assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
149,092

 
9.69
%
 
69,262

 
4.50
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

West Bank
155,996

 
10.21
%
 
68,787

 
4.50
%
 
99,359

 
6.50
%
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tier I Leverage
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
169,092

 
10.08
%
 
67,090

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

West Bank
155,996

 
9.36
%
 
66,675

 
4.00
%
 
83,344

 
5.00
%
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

As of December 31, 2014:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
$
173,448

 
12.81
%
 
$
108,281

 
8.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

West Bank
163,253

 
12.19
%
 
107,099

 
8.00
%
 
$
133,874

 
10.00
%
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
159,841

 
11.81
%
 
54,140

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

West Bank
149,646

 
11.18
%
 
53,549

 
4.00
%
 
80,324

 
6.00
%
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tier I Leverage
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
159,841

 
10.17
%
 
62,848

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

West Bank
149,646

 
9.62
%
 
62,203

 
4.00
%
 
77,754

 
5.00
%

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC issued final rules implementing the Basel III regulatory capital framework and related Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act changes. The rules revised minimum capital requirements and adjusted prompt corrective action thresholds. The final rules revised the regulatory capital elements, added a new common equity Tier I capital ratio, increased the minimum Tier I capital ratio requirements and implemented a new capital conservation buffer. The rules also permitted certain banking organizations to retain, through a one-time election, the existing treatment for accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company and West Bank made the election to retain the existing treatment, which excludes accumulated other comprehensive income from regulatory capital amounts. The final rules took effect for the Company and West Bank on January 1, 2015, subject to a transition period for certain parts of the rules.

46


Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Beginning in 2016, an additional capital conservation buffer will be added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes, subject to a three year phase-in period. The capital conservation buffer will be fully phased-in on January 1, 2019 at 2.5 percent. A banking organization with a conservation buffer of less than 2.5 percent (or the required phase-in amount in years prior to 2019) will be subject to limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments, and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. At September 30, 2015, the ratios for the Company and West Bank were sufficient to meet the fully phased-in conservation buffer.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of earnings volatility that results from adverse changes in interest rates and market prices. The Company's market risk is primarily interest rate risk arising from its core banking activities of lending and deposit taking. Interest rate risk is the risk that the change in market interest rates may adversely affect the Company's net interest income.  Management continually develops and implements strategies to mitigate this risk.  The analysis of the Company's interest rate risk as of December 31, 2014 was presented in the Company's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2015.  The Company has not experienced any material changes to its interest rate risk position since December 31, 2014.  Management does not believe that the Company's primary market risk exposure and management of that exposure in the first nine months of 2015 materially changed compared to those in the year ended December 31, 2014.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

a.  Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.  As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) was performed under the supervision, and with the participation, of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

b.  Changes in internal controls over financial reporting.  There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Part II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

Information required by this item is set forth in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I Item 1 of this report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Management does not believe there have been any material changes in the risk factors that were disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2015.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the third quarter of 2015, there were no purchases of the Company's common shares under the existing stock repurchase plan, which was extended by the Board of Directors on April 22, 2015.  Under the stock repurchase plan, management is authorized by the Board of Directors to purchase up to $2 million of the Company's common stock over a twelve month period.  The authorization does not require such purchases and is subject to certain restrictions.  Shares of Company common stock may be repurchased on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.  The extent to which the shares are repurchased and the timing of such repurchase will depend on market conditions and other corporate considerations. The current authorization of the stock repurchase plan expires on April 22, 2016.


47


Table of Contents


Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.  Other Information

None.


48


Table of Contents


Item 6.  Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
Exhibits
Description
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.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


49


Table of Contents


SIGNATURES

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

West Bancorporation, Inc.
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 30, 2015
By:
/s/ David D. Nelson
 
Date
 
David D. Nelson
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
October 30, 2015
By:
/s/ Douglas R. Gulling
 
Date
 
Douglas R. Gulling
 
 
 
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
October 30, 2015
By:
/s/ Marie I. Roberts
 
Date
 
Marie I. Roberts
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 


50


Table of Contents


EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed herewith:
Exhibit No.
Description
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.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
 

51