Fourth Quarter of 2011 Highlights

  • Net Earnings of $13.9 Million or $0.38 Per Diluted Share
  • Net Interest Margin of 5.00%
  • Return on Average Assets and Equity of 1.00% and 10.22%
  • Tangible Book Value Per Share Increases to $13.14
  • Credit Loss Reserve at 3.34% of Net Non-Covered Loans and 161% of Non-Covered Nonaccrual Loans
  • Noninterest-Bearing Deposits at 37% and Core at 79% of Total Deposits

Fiscal 2011 Highlights

  • Net Earnings of $50.7 Million or $1.37 Per Diluted Share
  • Return on Average Assets and Equity of 0.92% and 9.92%
  • Core Deposit Growth of $191.7 Million

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --PacWest Bancorp(Nasdaq:PACW) today announced net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2011 of $13.9 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, compared to net earnings for the third quarter of 2011 of $13.3 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, and net earnings of $50.7 million for fiscal 2011, or $1.37 per diluted share, compared to a $62.0 million net loss, or $1.77 per diluted share, for fiscal 2010.

This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial disclosures for tangible common equity, pre-credit, pre-tax earnings, and credit cost adjusted efficiency ratios. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company's operational performance and to enhance investors' overall understanding of such financial performance. Given the use of tangible common equity amounts and ratios is prevalent among banking regulators, investors and analysts, we disclose our tangible common equity ratios in addition to equity-to-assets ratios. Also, as analysts and investors view pre-credit, pre-tax earnings as an indicator of the Company's ability to absorb credit losses, we disclose this amount in addition to net earnings. We disclose the credit cost adjusted efficiency ratio as it eliminates the volatility of FDIC loss sharing income and OREO expenses from the base efficiency ratio and shows the trend in overhead-related noninterest expense relative to net revenues.

Please refer to the tables at the end of this release for a presentation of performance ratios in accordance with GAAP and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the GAAP financial measures.

FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS

Three Months Ended
December 31,  September 30, 
2011 2011
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Financial Highlights:
Net earnings   $ 13,883  $ 13,304
Diluted earnings per share  $ 0.38  $ 0.36
Annualized return on average assets 1.00% 0.97%
Annualized return on average equity 10.22% 10.11%
Net interest margin 5.00% 5.15%
Efficiency ratio 60.4% 67.9%
At Quarter End:
Allowance for credit losses to non-covered loans, 
net of unearned income (1) 3.34% 3.34%
Allowance for credit losses to non-covered 
nonaccrual loans (1)  161.0% 161.0%
Equity to assets ratios:
PacWest Bancorp Consolidated 9.88% 9.82%
Pacific Western Bank 11.35% 11.59%
Tangible common equity ratios:
PacWest Bancorp Consolidated 8.95% 8.85%
Pacific Western Bank 10.43% 10.64%
(1) Non-covered loans exclude loans covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC.

The $579,000 increase in net earnings for the linked quarters was due to lower covered OREO costs of $4.6 million ($2.7 million after tax) and higher FDIC loss sharing income of $1.7 million ($1.0 million after tax), offset by a higher provision for credit losses on covered loans of $3.8 million ($2.2 million after tax) and lower net interest income of $668,000 ($387,000 after tax). 

Covered OREO costs declined due to lower write-downs in the current quarter. FDIC loss sharing income grew due to the higher provision for credit losses on covered loans. Net interest income declined due to lower average loans and lower accelerated accretion of discounts on covered loan payoffs, offset by lower interest expense on deposits. 

Net credit costs on a pre-tax basis are shown in the following table:

Three Months Ended
December 31,  September 30, 
2011 2011
(In thousands)
Provision for credit losses on non-covered loans

The provision for credit losses for the fourth quarter had two components: no provision for non-covered loans and $4.1 million for covered loans. The lack of a fourth quarter non-covered credit loss provision was based on our allowance methodology which reflected (a) non-covered loan net charge-offs of $2.8 million, (b) the levels and trends of nonaccrual and classified loans, (c) the migration of loans into various risk classifications, and (d) a decline in outstanding non-covered loans. During the fourth quarter, nonaccrual loans declined by $1.7 million to $58.3 million, classified loans increased by $7.8 million to $185.6 million, and gross non-covered loans declined $85.7 million to $2.8 billion.

The covered loan credit loss provision was driven by decreases in expected cash flows on covered loan pools compared to those previously estimated. The covered loan credit loss provision and covered OREO expense are offset by an increase in FDIC loss sharing income, which represents the FDIC's share of these net costs. FDIC loss sharing income also includes reductions of the FDIC loss sharing asset when expected cash flows on covered loan pools improve.

Matt Wagner, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased to post another profitable quarter, with net earnings reaching $13.9 million for the fourth quarter and $50.7 million for the year. Credit quality ratios remained stable as our legacy credit loss reserve represented 3.34% of legacy loans and 161% of legacy nonaccruals at the end of December. Although loan portfolio growth remains tepid, we continue to retain many maturing lending relationships that contribute positively to our profitability and net interest margin."

Mr. Wagner continued, "We continue to generate significant core earnings, which strengthens our balance sheet, gives us operating flexibility, and enables us to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. Our earnings and capital levels enabled us to pay an $0.18 per share dividend last quarter and gives us dividend flexibility going forward. Our strong balance sheet enabled our acquisition of Marquette Equipment Finance, a leasing operation with $166 million in earning assets, which we closed on January 3rd. This acquisition diversifies our loan portfolio, expands our product line, and provides growth opportunities. It also importantly deployed our excess liquidity into higher-yielding assets."

Vic Santoro, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, stated, "The fourth quarter repeated the solid performance of our third quarter, with a strong net interest margin, lower overhead, stable credit metrics, core deposit generation and a strong capital base. Our fourth quarter net interest margin of 5.00% is one of the highest in the nation as our loan yield held steady at 6.87% and all-in deposit cost dropped 8 basis points to 0.36%. Operating costs continue to be controlled, demonstrated by a $1.4 million decline in noninterest expense when OREO costs, severance costs and acquisition costs are excluded. Core deposits were up $89 million, including a $57 million increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits. The Company's and the Bank's capital positions remain well in excess of the well-capitalized regulatory minimums, and the Company's tangible capital increased to $13.14 per share at December 31 compared to $12.91 at the end of September."  

YEAR TO DATE RESULTS

Year Ended
December 31, 
2011 2010
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Financial Highlights:
Net earnings (loss)  $ 50,704  $ (62,016)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share  $ 1.37  $ (1.77)
Annualized return on average assets 0.92% (1.14%)
Annualized return on average equity 9.92% (12.56%)
Net interest margin 5.26% 5.02%
Efficiency ratio 61.2% 64.5%

The increase in net earnings for 2011 over 2010 was due mostly to a lower provision for credit losses. The provision for 2010 included $85.7 million related to the sales of $398.5 million of non-covered classified loans; there were no similar sales of classified loans in the current year. When compared to 2010, 2011 shows higher net interest income of $13.3 million ($7.7 million after tax), lower provision for credit losses of $185.9 million ($107.8 million after tax), lower FDIC loss sharing income of $15.0 million ($8.7 million after tax), and lower noninterest expense of $8.8 million ($5.1 million after tax). The increase in net interest income was due to higher interest income on investment securities from purchases during 2011 and lower interest expense on deposits from reduced interest rates, offset by lower interest income on loans due mostly to a lower average balance. The decline in FDIC loss sharing income is directly related to lower net credit costs on covered loans and OREO. The decline in noninterest expense reflects lower non-covered OREO costs, insurance and assessment costs, and other expense, offset partially by higher covered OREO costs and other professional services expense.

The comparability of financial information is affected by our acquisitions. Operating results include the operations of Los Padres Bank, which was acquired in August 2010 and added $824 million in assets and nine branch offices.

BALANCE SHEET CHANGES

Asset growth of $34.3 million during the fourth quarter was due to higher balances in interest-earning deposits in financial institutions and investment securities, offset by lower loan balances. During the fourth quarter, interest-earning deposits in financial institutions increased $130.1 million from positive cash flows and investment securities available-for-sale increased $64.6 million from purchases. The loan portfolio continues to decline generally due to repayments and resolution activities, as the Bank continues to selectively generate loans and renew maturing loans consistent with our portfolio goals and credit quality and pricing standards. The non-covered loan portfolio declined $85.7 million on a gross basis, attributable to decreases of $39.4 million and $49.4 million in construction and real estate mortgage loans. The reduction in construction loans is due mostly to the payoff of one loan for $30 million. The covered loan portfolio declined $58.0 million. At December 31, 2011, non-covered loans, net of unearned income, totaled $2.8 billion and the covered loan portfolio was $703.0 million.   

Total deposits grew $23.1 million during the fourth quarter to $4.6 billion at December 31, 2011. Time deposits decreased $66.4 million during the fourth quarter to $967.9 million at December 31, 2011. Core deposits, which include noninterest-bearing demand, interest checking, money market, and savings accounts, grew $89.5 million during the fourth quarter with increases of $57.5 million, $30.4 million, and $3.1 million in noninterest-bearing, money market deposits, and interest checking deposits, respectively. At December 31, 2011, core deposits totaled $3.6 billion, or 79% of total deposits at that date. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits were $1.7 billion at December 31, 2011 and represented 37% of total deposits at that date.

COVERED ASSETS

As part of the Los Padres and Affinity acquisitions we entered into loss sharing agreements with the FDIC that cover a substantial portion of losses incurred after the acquisition dates on covered loans and other real estate owned, and in the case of the Affinity acquisition, certain investment securities.

 A summary of covered assets is shown in the following table as of the dates indicated:

December 31,  September 30,  December 31,
Covered Assets 2011 2011 2010
 (In thousands) 
Loans, net  $ 703,023  $ 761,059  $ 908,576
Investment securities   45,149  47,213  50,437
Other real estate owned, net   33,506  32,301  55,816
Total covered assets   $ 781,678  $ 840,573  $ 1,014,829

NET INTEREST INCOME

Net interest income was $63.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to $64.4 million for the third quarter of 2011. The $668,000 decline was due to a $1.7 million decrease in loan interest income from lower average loans. Offsetting the decline in interest income was a reduction in interest expense of $937,000 due to lower rates on all interest-bearing deposits and a decline in average time deposits.

Net interest income grew $13.3 million to $262.6 million during 2011. This change was due to a $5.0 million increase in interest income and an $8.3 million decrease in interest expense. The increase in interest income was due mainly to purchases of investment securities, offset by lower average loans. The decrease in interest expense was due to a lower average rate on money market deposits, lower average time deposits and lower average borrowings as $260 million of FHLB advances were repaid in the first half of 2010 and another $50 million were repaid in December 2010.

NET INTEREST MARGIN

Our net interest margin for the fourth quarter of 2011 was 5.00%, a decrease of 15 basis points from the 5.15% reported for the third quarter of 2011. The decrease reflected a shift in the mix of average interest-earning assets to lower yielding investment securities from higher yielding loans and lower accelerated accretion of discounts on covered loan payoffs. Average interest-earning assets increased $91.1 million for the linked quarters including a $141.1 million increase in average investment securities.

The net interest margin has been impacted by the accelerated accretion of discounts on covered loan payoffs and loans being placed on or removed from nonaccrual status. The effects of such items on the net interest margin are shown in the following table:

 Year 
 Three Months Ended   Ended 
December 31,  September 30,  December 31, 
2011 2011 2011
Net interest margin as reported 5.00% 5.15% 5.26%
Less:
Accelerated accretion of purchase 
discounts on covered loan payoffs 0.02% 0.10% 0.18%
Nonaccrual loan interest 0.01% 0.03% 0.01%
Net interest margin as adjusted 4.97% 5.02% 5.07%

The yield on average loans was 6.87% for the fourth and third quarters of 2011. The combination of accelerated accretion of discounts on covered loan payoffs and nonaccrual loan interest positively impacted the loan yield for the fourth quarter by 4 basis points and the third quarter by 17 basis points. The cost of interest-bearing deposits declined 12 basis points to 0.57%  due to lower rates on interest-bearing deposits and lower average time deposits, and all-in deposit cost declined 8 basis points to 0.36%.

The net interest margin for the year ended December 31, 2011 was 5.26% compared to 5.02% for the same period last year. The increase was due to a higher yield on loans, lower costs for money market deposits and subordinated debentures, and a lower average balance of FHLB advances. This was offset partially by a shift in the mix of average interest-earning assets to lower yielding investment securities from higher yielding loans. Average interest-earning assets increased $21.8 million due mostly to a $424.9 million increase in average investment securities while average loans decreased $313.3 million.

NONINTEREST INCOME

Noninterest income for the fourth quarter of 2011 totaled $8.3 million compared to $7.1 million for the third quarter of 2011. The $1.1 million increase was due to higher FDIC loss sharing income of $1.7 million stemming from a higher provision for credit losses on covered loans. FDIC loss sharing income also includes reductions of the FDIC loss sharing asset when the estimated amount of losses collectible from the FDIC decreases; this occurs when expected cash flows on covered loan pools improve during a reporting period causing the carrying value of the FDIC loss sharing asset to be reduced.   

Noninterest income declined by $11.8 million to $31.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the same period last year. This reduction was attributable to a decrease in FDIC loss sharing income.

NONINTEREST EXPENSE

Noninterest expense decreased $5.1 million to $43.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to $48.6 million for the third quarter of 2011. This change was due mostly to lower covered OREO costs. Covered OREO costs decreased by $4.6 million due to lower write-downs of $7.7 million and lower gains on sales of $3.1 million. The fourth quarter included an $885,000 charge to compensation related to a staff reduction, which is expected to result in annual savings of approximately $2.4 million, and $600,000 in acquisition costs related to the Marquette Equipment Finance transaction; there were no similar items in the prior quarter. The decline of $293,000 in other professional services was due mostly to internal audit transition costs recognized in the third quarter and a recovery of $368,000 in legal costs from an insurance claim in the fourth quarter. The decline of $286,000 in occupancy costs was due mostly to third quarter leasing commissions and a lease buyout.

Noninterest expense includes amortization of time-based restricted stock, which is included in compensation, and intangible asset amortization. Amortization of restricted stock totaled $1.4 million and $2.1 million for the fourth and third quarters of 2011, respectively. Intangible asset amortization totaled $1.8 million and $2.0 million for the fourth and third quarters of 2011, respectively. 

Noninterest expense declined by $8.8 million to $180.0 million during 2011. This reduction was attributable to decreases in non-covered net OREO costs, insurance and assessments expense, and other expense, offset partially by increases in covered OREO costs and other professional services. Non-covered OREO costs declined $5.3 million due to lower write-downs of $7.2 million, offset by lower gains on sales of $1.8 million. Covered OREO costs increased by $1.2 million due to higher write-downs, which were offset by higher gains on sales. The increase in other professional services was due to higher legal costs for ongoing credit work-outs.

Amortization of restricted stock totaled $7.6 million and $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Intangible asset amortization totaled $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $9.6 million for the same period last year.

CREDIT QUALITY

December 31,  September 30,  December 31,
2011 2011 2010
 (Dollars in thousands) 
Non-Covered Credit Quality Metrics:
Allowance for credit losses to loans, net of 
unearned income  3.34% 3.34% 3.30%
Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans 161.0% 161.0% 110.8%
Nonperforming assets to loans, net of unearned 
income, and other real estate owned 3.73% 3.68% 3.76%
Nonaccrual loans  $ 58,260  $ 59,968  $ 94,183
Classified loans (1)  $ 185,560  $ 177,745  $ 214,009
(1) Classified loans are those with a credit risk rating of substandard or doutbtful.

Credit Loss Provisions

The provision for credit losses for the fourth and third quarters totaled $4.1 million and $348,000, respectively; such provisions related only to the covered loan portfolio. The provision level on the non-covered portfolio is generated by our allowance methodology and reflects net charge-offs, the levels of nonaccrual and classified loans, and the migration of loans into various risk classifications. The provision for credit losses on the covered loans increases the covered loan allowance for credit losses and results from decreases in expected cash flows on covered loans compared to those previously estimated. 

Fourth quarter of 2011 net charge-offs on non-covered loans totaled $2.8 million compared to third quarter net charge-offs of $6.0 million. The allowance for credit losses on the non-covered portfolio totaled $93.8 million and $96.5 million at December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011, respectively, and represented 3.34% of the non-covered loan balances at both those dates. The allowance for credit losses as a percent of nonaccrual loans was 161% at December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011.

Non-covered Nonaccrual Loans and Other Real Estate Owned

Non-covered nonperforming assets include non-covered nonaccrual loans and non-covered OREO and totaled $106.7 million at December 31, 2011 compared to $108.2 million at September 30, 2011. The $1.5 million decline in non-covered nonperforming assets was due to reductions of $1.7 million in nonaccrual loans and an increase of $152,000 in OREO.  The ratio of non-covered nonperforming assets to non-covered loans and non-covered OREO increased to 3.73% at December 31, 2011 from 3.68% at September 30, 2011 due to a decline in outstanding non-covered loans.

The amount of new nonaccrual loans has slowed significantly in 2011 as shown in the following chart:

http://media.globenewswire.com/cache/13824/file/12287.pdf

The following table presents our non-covered nonaccrual loans and accruing loans past due between 30 and 89 days by portfolio segment and class as of the dates indicated:

Nonaccrual Loans (1) Accruing and 
December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011 30 - 89 Days Past Due (1)
% of % of December 31, September 30,
Loan Loan 2011 2011
Balance Category Balance Category Balance Balance
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate mortgage:
Hospitality  $ 7,251 5.0%  $ 7,336 5.0%  $ --  $ --
SBA 504  2,800 4.8%  2,895 4.9%  --  3,168
Other commercial  19,060 1.2%  19,378 1.2%  13,055  14,664
Residential  2,226 1.2%  2,315 1.3%  182  400
Total real estate 
mortgage  31,337 1.6%  31,924 1.6%  13,237  18,232
Real estate construction
and land:
Residential  1,086 6.1%  1,091 5.4%  --  --
Commercial  6,194 6.5%  9,399 7.1%  2,290  --
Total real estate 
construction  7,280 6.4%  10,490 6.9%  2,290  --
Commercial:
Collateralized  8,186 2.0%  4,769 1.2%  593  396
Unsecured  3,057 3.9%  4,887 6.9%  4  73
Asset-based   14 0.0%  15 0.0%  --  --
SBA 7(a)   7,801 26.9%  7,318 24.4%  434  828
Total commercial  19,058 2.8%  16,989 2.5%  1,031  1,297
Consumer   585 2.5%  565 2.7%  31  53
Total non-covered 
loans  $ 58,260 2.1%  $ 59,968 2.1%  $ 16,589  $ 19,582
(1) Excludes covered loans.

The $1.7 million decline in non-covered nonaccrual loans during the fourth quarter was attributable to (a) foreclosures of $1.3 million, (b) other reductions, payoffs and returns to accrual status of $5.3 million, (c) charge-offs of $3.8 million, and (d) additions of $8.7 million.

Below is a summary of the ten largest lending relationships on nonaccrual status, excluding SBA-related loans, at December 31, 2011:

Nonaccrual
 Amount  Description
(In thousands)
 $ 10,226 This loan is secured by three airplane hangar structures and two office buildings in Los Angeles County, California. (1)
 7,251 This loan is secured by two hotels in San Diego County, California. The borrower is paying according to the restructured terms of the loan. (1)
 3,813 This loan is secured by four industrial warehouse buildings in Riverside County, California. The borrower is paying according to the
restructured terms of the loan. (1)
 3,585 This loan is unsecured. The borrower is paying according to the restructured terms of the loan.
 2,520 This loan is secured by a strip retail center in Riverside County, California. The borrower is paying according to the restructured terms of the loan. (1)
 2,306 This loan is unsecured and has a specific reserve for 95% of the balance. The borrower is paying according to the restructured terms of the loan. (1)
 1,963 This loan is secured by a multi-tenant industrial building in Riverside County, California. The borrower is paying according to the
restructured terms of the loan. 
 1,701 Two unsecured loans that are fully reserved for. (1)
 1,553 Loan secured by unimproved land in Imperial County, California. (1)
 1,492 This loan is secured by a medical-related office building in Los Angeles County, California. The borrower is paying according to the
restructured terms of the loan. (1)
 $ 36,410 Total
(1) On nonaccrual status at September 30, 2011

The following table presents the details of non-covered and covered OREO as of the dates indicated:

December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011
Non-Covered Covered  Non-Covered Covered 
Property Type OREO OREO OREO OREO
(In thousands)
Commercial real estate   $ 23,003  $ 15,053  $ 21,431  $ 14,151
Construction and land development   24,788  15,461  26,093  14,676
Multi-family  --  --  --  1,656
Single family residences  621  2,992  736  1,818
Total OREO  $ 48,412  $ 33,506  $ 48,260  $ 32,301

While the overall OREO values changed little quarter-to-quarter, there continues to be ongoing foreclosure and sales activity with offsetting effects on the total carrying value. The fourth quarter included 11 foreclosures totaling $11.7 million, 10 sales removing $8.3 million in OREO, and $2.0 million in valuation adjustments.  The majority of foreclosure activity relates to covered OREO, with the largest foreclosure totaling $2.8 million on a self-storage facility. The sales velocity remained relatively consistent during the quarter with the 10 sales, and there are two legacy OREO sales expected to close in January 2012 which will reduce legacy OREO by $3.0 million. The non-covered construction and land development category above includes foreclosed undeveloped land located in Ventura County having a carrying value of $22 million.

The following table presents non-covered and covered OREO activity for the fourth quarter:

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2011
Non-Covered Covered  Total
OREO OREO OREO
(In thousands)
Beginning of period  $ 48,260  $ 32,301  $ 80,561
Foreclosures  1,296  10,120  11,416
Payments to third parties (1)  238  10  248
Provision for losses  (1,071)  (912)  (1,983)
Reductions related to sales  (311)  (8,013)  (8,324)
End of period  $ 48,412  $ 33,506  $ 81,918
Net gain on sale  $ 22  $ 784  $ 806
(1) Represent amounts due to participants and for guarantees, property taxes or any other prior lien positions.

REGULATORY CAPITAL MEASURES ARE ABOVE THE WELL-CAPITALIZED MINIMUMS

PacWest and its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Pacific Western Bank, each remained well capitalized at December 31, 2011 as shown in the following table:

December 31, 2011
Well  Pacific PacWest
Capitalized Western Bancorp
Requirement Bank Consolidated
Tier 1 leverage capital ratio  5.00% 9.73% 10.42%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio  6.00% 14.95% 15.94%
Total risk-based capital ratio 10.00% 16.22% 17.22%
Tangible common equity ratio N/A 10.43% 8.95%

MARQUETTE EQUIPMENT FINANCE ACQUISITION

On January 3, 2012, Pacific Western Bank completed the acquisition of Marquette Equipment Finance, or MEF, a specialty equipment leasing company located in Midvale, Utah. MEF focuses on business-essential equipment leases throughout the United States with transactions primarily in the mid-ticket segment.

Pacific Western Bank acquired all of the capital stock of MEF from Meridian Bank, N.A. for $35 million in cash. MEF's tangible net assets after our fair value adjustments were $18 million at December 31, 2011. 

At December 31, 2011, MEF had approximately $166 million in gross leases outstanding, with no leases on nonaccrual status. MEF's leases are spread across 18 industries, with the top three being financial services/insurance, manufacturing, and health care and representing 68% of the lease portfolio balance. The weighted average yield on the lease portfolio at year end 2011 was approximately 9% and its weighted average remaining maturity was 34 months. In addition, Pacific Western Bank assumed $154 million in outstanding debt and other liabilities, which included $129 million payable to MEF's former parent. Pacific Western Bank repaid this amount on the closing date from its excess liquidity on deposit at the Federal Reserve Bank. This resulted in MEF's interest-earning assets being funded with our low-cost deposit base.  

MEF will continue operating under the name Marquette Equipment Finance as a subsidiary of Pacific Western Bank on a temporary basis. Pacific Western Bank has committed to changing MEF's name within one year and Pacific Western Bank is in the process of integrating MEF into the Bank, after which MEF will operate as a division of the Bank instead of a standalone subsidiary The integration of MEF into the Bank is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2012.

ABOUT PACWEST BANCORP

PacWest Bancorp ("PacWest") is a bank holding company with $5.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2011, with one wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Pacific Western Bank ("Pacific Western"). Through 76 full-service community banking branches, Pacific Western provides commercial banking services, including real estate, construction and commercial loans, to small and medium-sized businesses. Pacific Western's branches are located throughout California in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo and Ventura Counties. Through its subsidiaries, BFI Business Finance and Marquette Equipment Finance, and its division First Community Financial, Pacific Western also provides working capital financing and equipment leasing to growing companies located throughout the United States, with a focus on the Southwestern U.S., primarily in Arizona, California, Utah and Texas. Additional information regarding PacWest Bancorp is available on the Internet at . Information regarding Pacific Western Bank is also available on the Internet at .

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain forward-looking information about PacWest that is intended to be covered by the safe harbor for "forward-looking statements" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Company. We caution readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, implied or projected by, such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: lower than expected revenues; credit quality deterioration or a reduction in real estate values could cause an increase in the allowance for credit losses and a reduction in net earnings; increased competitive pressure among depository institutions; the Company's ability to complete future acquisitions, successfully integrate such acquired entities, or achieve expected beneficial synergies and/or operating efficiencies within expected time-frames or at all; settlements with the FDIC related to our loss-sharing arrangement and other adjustments related to the Los Padres Bank and Affinity Bank acquisitions; the possibility that personnel changes will not proceed as planned; the cost of additional capital is more than expected; a change in the interest rate environment reduces net interest margins; asset/liability repricing risks and liquidity risks; pending legal matters may take longer or cost more to resolve or may be resolved adversely to the Company; general economic conditions, either nationally or in the market areas in which the Company does or anticipates doing business, are less favorable than expected; environmental conditions, including natural disasters, may disrupt our business, impede our operations, negatively impact the values of collateral securing the Company's loans or impair the ability of our borrowers to support their debt obligations; the economic and regulatory effects of the continuing war on terrorism and other events of war, including the conflicts in the Middle East; legislative or regulatory requirements or changes adversely affecting the Company's business; changes in the securities markets; regulatory approvals for any capital activities cannot be obtained on the terms expected or on the anticipated schedule; and, other risks that are described in PacWest's public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or if any of the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements proves to be incorrect, PacWest's results could differ materially from those expressed in, implied or projected by such forward-looking statements. PacWest assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements.

For a more complete discussion of risks and uncertainties, investors and security holders are urged to read PacWest Bancorp's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other reports filed by PacWest with the SEC. The documents filed by PacWest with the SEC may be obtained at PacWest Bancorp's website at . These documents may also be obtained free of charge from PacWest by directing a request to: PacWest Bancorp c/o Pacific Western Bank, 275 North Brea Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821. Attention: Investor Relations. Telephone 714-671-6800.

PACWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(Unaudited)
December 31,  September 30,  December 31,
2011 2011 2010
(In thousands, except per share and share data)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks  $ 92,342  $ 94,112  $ 82,170
Interest-earning deposits in financial institutions  203,275  73,209  26,382
Total cash and cash equivalents  295,617  167,321  108,552
Non-covered securities available-for-sale  1,281,209  1,214,563  823,579
Covered securities available-for-sale  45,149  47,213  50,437
Total securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value   1,326,358  1,261,776  874,016
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost  46,106  48,342  55,040
Total investment securities  1,372,464  1,310,118  929,056
Non-covered loans, net of unearned income  2,807,713  2,893,637  3,161,055
Allowance for loan losses  (85,313)  (90,110)  (98,653)
Total non-covered loans, net  2,722,400  2,803,527  3,062,402
Covered loans, net  703,023  761,059  908,576
Total loans  3,425,423  3,564,586  3,970,978
Non-covered other real estate owned, net  48,412  48,260  25,598
Covered other real estate owned, net  33,506  32,301  55,816
Total other real estate owned  81,918  80,561  81,414
Premises and equipment, net  23,068  22,919  22,578
Goodwill   39,141  39,141  47,301
Core deposit and customer relationship intangibles  17,415  19,251  25,843
Cash surrender value of life insurance  67,469  67,004  66,182
FDIC loss sharing asset  95,187  89,197  116,352
Other assets  110,535  133,793  160,765
Total assets  $ 5,528,237  $ 5,493,891  $ 5,529,021
LIABILITIES
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits  $ 1,685,799  $ 1,628,253  $ 1,465,562
Interest-bearing deposits  2,891,654  2,926,143  3,184,136
Total deposits  4,577,453  4,554,396  4,649,698
Borrowings  225,000  225,000  225,000
Subordinated debentures  129,271  129,347  129,572
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities  50,310  45,680  45,954
Total liabilities  4,982,034  4,954,423  5,050,224
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (1)  546,203  539,468  478,797
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $ 5,528,237  $ 5,493,891  $ 5,529,021
(1) Includes net unrealized gain on securities 
available-for-sale, net  $ 22,803  $ 23,324  $ 3,969
Tangible book value per share  $ 13.14  $ 12.91  $ 11.06
Book value per share  $ 14.66  $ 14.48  $ 13.06
Shares outstanding (includes unvested restricted shares of 
1,675,730 at December 31, 2011; 1,762,870 at September 30, 2011;
and 1,230,582 at December 31, 2010)  37,254,318  37,258,832  36,672,429
PACWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
December 31,  September 30,  December 31,  December 31, 
2011 2011 2010 2011 2010
(In thousands, except per share data)
Interest income:
Loans  $ 61,684  $ 63,347  $ 70,597  $ 260,143  $ 265,136
Investment securities   9,107  9,077  7,222  34,785  24,564
Deposits in financial institutions   122  94  79  356  584
Total interest income   70,913  72,518  77,898  295,284  290,284
Interest expense:
Deposits   4,103  5,072  6,028  20,649  26,237
Borrowings   1,782  1,782  2,113  7,071  9,126
Subordinated debentures   1,255  1,223  1,237  4,923  5,594
Total interest expense   7,140  8,077  9,378  32,643  40,957
Net interest income  63,773  64,441  68,520  262,641  249,327
Provision for credit losses:
Non-covered loans  --  --  35,315  13,300  178,992
Covered loans  4,122  348  (1,100)  13,270  33,500
Total provision for credit losses  4,122  348  34,215  26,570  212,492
Net interest income after 
provision for credit losses   59,651  64,093  34,305  236,071  36,835
PACWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND YIELD ANALYSIS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
December 31,  September 30,  December 31,  December 31, 
2011 2011 2010 2011 2010
(Dollars in Thousands)
Average Assets:
Loans, net of unearned income  $ 3,562,766  $ 3,656,184  $ 4,216,088  $ 3,755,190  $ 4,068,450
Investment securities  1,309,931  1,168,822  886,392  1,100,869  675,979
Interest-earning deposits in 
financial institutions  186,147  142,691  116,721  136,447  226,276
Average interest-earning assets  5,058,844  4,967,697  5,219,201  4,992,506  4,970,705
Other assets  463,328  486,276  531,829  492,577  455,005
Average total assets  $ 5,522,172  $ 5,453,973  $ 5,751,030  $ 5,485,083  $ 5,425,710
Average liabilities:
Interest checking deposits  $ 488,783  $ 489,988  $ 494,313  $ 491,145  $ 458,703
Money market deposits  1,229,387  1,222,787  1,305,199  1,227,482  1,230,924
Savings deposits  157,617  154,922  139,228  150,837  121,793
Time deposits  1,003,939  1,049,805  1,327,869  1,077,930  1,181,735
Average interest-bearing deposits  2,879,726  2,917,502  3,266,609  2,947,394  2,993,155
Borrowings  225,011  225,022  272,848  225,542  324,150
Subordinated debentures  129,319  129,395  129,621  129,432  129,703
Average interest-bearing liabilities  3,234,056  3,271,919  3,669,078  3,302,368  3,447,008
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits  1,702,543  1,616,012  1,538,748  1,627,729  1,437,493
Other liabilities  46,777  43,983  47,002  43,996  47,586
Average total liabilities  4,983,376  4,931,914  5,254,828  4,974,093  4,932,087
Average stockholders' equity  538,796  522,059  496,202  510,990  493,623
Average liabilities and stockholders' 
 equity  $ 5,522,172  $ 5,453,973  $ 5,751,030  $ 5,485,083  $ 5,425,710
Average deposits   $ 4,582,269  $ 4,533,514  $ 4,805,357  $ 4,575,123  $ 4,430,648
Yield on:
Average loans 6.87% 6.87% 6.64% 6.93% 6.52%
Average investment securities 2.76% 3.08% 3.23% 3.16% 3.63%
Average interest-earning deposits 0.26% 0.26% 0.27% 0.26% 0.26%
Average interest-earning assets 5.56% 5.79% 5.92% 5.91% 5.84%
Cost of:
Average interest-bearing deposits 0.57% 0.69% 0.73% 0.70% 0.88%
Average borrowings 3.14% 3.14% 3.07% 3.14% 2.82%
Average subordinated debentures 3.85% 3.75% 3.79% 3.80% 4.31%
Average interest-bearing liabilities 0.88% 0.98% 1.01% 0.99% 1.19%
Interest rate spread (1) 4.68% 4.81% 4.91% 4.92% 4.65%
Net interest margin (2) 5.00% 5.15% 5.21% 5.26% 5.02%
Cost of average deposits/all-in deposit 
cost (3) 0.36% 0.44% 0.50% 0.45% 0.59%
(1) Interest rate spread is calculated as the yield on average interest-earning assets less the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(2) Net interest margin is calculated as annualized net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
(3) Cost of average deposits/all-in deposit cost is calculated as annualized interest expense on deposits divided by average deposits.
PACWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
NON-COVERED LOAN CONCENTRATION 
(Unaudited)
December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31,
Loan Segment 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
(In thousands)
Real estate mortgage   $ 1,982,464  $ 2,031,893  $ 2,073,868  $ 2,172,923  $ 2,274,733
Commercial   671,939  671,963  640,805  667,401  663,557
Real estate construction   113,059  152,411  160,254  176,758  179,479
Consumer   23,711  20,621  22,248  21,815  25,058
Foreign:
Commercial   19,531  19,532  18,633  21,808  21,057
Other, including real estate   1,401  1,400  1,442  1,488  1,551
Total gross non-covered loans  $ 2,812,105  $ 2,897,820  $ 2,917,250  $ 3,062,193  $ 3,165,435
PACWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
COVERED LOAN CONCENTRATION 
(Unaudited)
December 31,  September 30, December 31, 
Loan Category 2011 2011 2010
 (In thousands) 
Multi-family  $ 258,470  $ 267,892  $ 321,650
Commercial real estate  349,039  386,326  444,244
Single family  124,546  129,692  157,424
Construction and land  49,047  57,601  87,301
Commercial and industrial  21,776  22,869  34,828
Home equity lines of credit  6,161  6,287  5,916
Consumer   582  603  1,378
Total gross covered loans  809,621  871,270  1,052,741
Less: discount  (75,323)  (80,920)  (110,901)
Covered loans, net of discount  734,298  790,350  941,840
Less: allowance for loan losses  (31,275)  (29,291)  (33,264)
Covered loans, net  $ 703,023  $ 761,059  $ 908,576
PACWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
NON-COVERED LOAN CONCENTRATION 
REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION LOANS
(Unaudited)
December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011 December 31, 2010
% of  % of 
PACWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
NON-COVERED NONCLASSIFIED AND CLASSIFIED LOANS
(Unaudited)
December 31, 2011
Nonclassified Classified Total
(In thousands)
Real estate mortgage:
Hospitality  $ 123,071  $ 21,331  $ 144,402
SBA 504  51,522  6,855  58,377
Other  1,690,830  88,855  1,779,685
Total real estate mortgage  1,865,423  117,041  1,982,464
Real estate construction:
Residential  14,743  2,926  17,669
Commercial  64,667  30,723  95,390
Total real estate construction  79,410  33,649  113,059
Commercial:
Collateralized  395,041  18,979  414,020
Unsecured  75,017  3,920  78,937
Asset-based   149,947  40  149,987
SBA 7(a)   18,045  10,950  28,995
Total commercial  638,050  33,889  671,939
Consumer   22,730  981  23,711
Foreign  20,932  --  20,932
Total non-covered loans  $ 2,626,545  $ 185,560  $ 2,812,105
September 30, 2011
Nonclassified Classified Total
(In thousands)
Real estate mortgage:
Hospitality  $ 124,346  $ 21,437  $ 145,783
SBA 504  51,838  7,386  59,224
Other  1,749,840  77,046  1,826,886
Total real estate mortgage  1,926,024  105,869  2,031,893
Real estate construction:
Residential  16,908  3,398  20,306
Commercial  98,819  33,286  132,105
Total real estate construction  115,727  36,684  152,411
Commercial:
Collateralized  396,393  17,133  413,526
Unsecured  65,214  5,967  71,181
Asset-based   157,270  48  157,318
SBA 7(a)   18,716  11,222  29,938
Total commercial  637,593  34,370  671,963
Consumer   19,799  822  20,621
Foreign  20,932  --  20,932
Total non-covered loans  $ 2,720,075  $ 177,745  $ 2,897,820
Note: Nonclassified loans are those with a credit risk rating of either pass or special mention, while classified loans are those
with a credit risk rating of either substandard or doubtful.
PACWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES ROLLFORWARD 
AND NET CHARGE-OFF RATIOS FOR 
NON-COVERED LOANS (1) 
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
December 31,  September 30,  December 31,  December 31, 
2011 2011 2010 2011 2010
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of
period   $ 96,535  $ 102,552  $ 101,244  $ 104,328  $ 124,278
Loans charged-off:
Real estate mortgage   (321)  (4,293)  (22,591)  (10,180)  (117,029)
Real estate construction   (1,048)  --  (1,476)  (6,886)  (63,590)
Commercial  (2,105)  (2,237)  (7,311)  (10,072)  (18,548)
Consumer   (43)  (54)  (1,469)  (1,422)  (3,749)
Foreign   --  --  (193)  --  (306)
Total loans charged off   (3,517)  (6,584)  (33,040)  (28,560)  (203,222)
Recoveries on loans charged-off:
Real estate mortgage   164  225  25  513  1,222
Real estate construction   4  33  --  1,025  708
Commercial  508  235  591  1,668  1,652
Consumer   19  74  193  1,394  565
Foreign   70  --  --  115  133
Total recoveries on loans charged off   765  567  809
PACWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES, NONPERFORMING 
ASSETS AND CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS FOR 
NON-COVERED LOANS 
(Unaudited)
December 31,  September 30,  December 31,
2011 2011 2010
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for loan losses (1)  $ 85,313  $ 90,110  $ 98,653
Reserve for unfunded loan commitments (1)  8,470  6,425  5,675
Total allowance for credit losses  $ 93,783  $ 96,535  $ 104,328
Nonaccrual loans (2)   $ 58,260  $ 59,968  $ 94,183
Other real estate owned (2)  48,412  48,260  25,598
Total nonperforming assets  $ 106,672  $ 108,228  $ 119,781
Performing restructured loans (1)  $ 116,791  $ 86,406  $ 89,272
Allowance for credit losses to loans, net of unearned income 3.34% 3.34% 3.30%
Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans 161.0% 161.0% 110.8%
Nonperforming assets to loans, net of unearned income, 
and other real estate owned 3.73% 3.68% 3.76%
Nonaccrual loans to loans, net of unearned income 2.07% 2.07% 2.98%
(1) Applies to non-covered loans.
(2) Excludes covered nonperforming assets.
PACWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
DEPOSITS
(Unaudited)
December 31,  September 30,  December 31,
Deposit Category 2011 2011 2010
(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits  $ 1,685,799  $ 1,628,253  $ 1,465,562
Interest checking deposits  500,998  497,987  494,617
Money market deposits  1,265,282  1,234,900  1,321,780
Savings deposits  157,480  158,921  135,876
Total core deposits  3,609,559  3,520,061  3,417,835
Time deposits under $100,000  324,521  345,380  436,838
Time deposits $100,000 and over  643,373  688,955  795,025
Total time deposits  967,894  1,034,335  1,231,863
Total deposits   $ 4,577,453  $ 4,554,396  $ 4,649,698
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits as a percentage 
of total deposits 37% 36% 32%
Core deposits as a percentage of total deposits 79% 77% 74%
PACWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
December 31,  September 30,  December 31,  December 31, 
Pre-Credit, Pre-Tax Earnings 2011 2011 2010 2011 2010
(In thousands)
Net earnings (loss)  $ 13,883  $ 13,304  $ (7,688)  $ 50,704  $ (62,016)
Plus: Total provision for credit losses  4,122  348  34,215  26,570  212,492
Other real estate owned expense, net 
Non-covered  1,714  2,293  1,093  7,010  12,310
Covered  226  4,813  699  3,666  2,460
Income tax expense (benefit)  10,553  9,345  (5,841)  36,800  (46,714)
Less: FDIC loss sharing income, net  2,667  963  (4,473)  7,776  22,784
Pre-credit, pre-tax earnings  $ 27,831  $ 29,140  $ 26,951  $ 116,974  $ 95,748
Three Months Ended Year Ended
December 31,  September 30,  December 31,  December 31, 
Credit Cost Adjusted Efficiency Ratio 2011 2011 2010 2011 2010
(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest expense  $ 43,469  $ 48,587  $ 49,286  $ 179,993  $ 188,803
Less: Non-covered OREO expense  1,714  2,293  1,093  7,010  12,310
Covered OREO expense  226  4,813  699  3,666  2,460
Credit adjusted noninterest 
expense  $ 41,529  $ 41,481  $ 47,494  $ 169,317  $ 174,033
Net interest income  $ 63,773  $ 64,441  $ 68,520  $ 262,641  $ 249,327
Noninterest income  8,254  7,143  1,452  31,426  43,238
Net revenues  72,027  71,584  69,972  294,067  292,565
Less: FDIC loss sharing income 
(expense), net  2,667  963  (4,473)  7,776  22,784
Credit adjusted net revenues  $ 69,360  $ 70,621  $ 74,445  $ 286,291  $ 269,781
Base efficiency ratio (1) 60.4% 67.9% 70.4% 61.2% 64.5%
Credit cost adjusted efficiency ratio (2) 59.9% 58.7% 63.8% 59.1% 64.5%
(1) Noninterest expense divided by net revenues.
(2) Credit adjusted noninterest expense divided by credit adjusted net revenues.
PACWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS
(Unaudited)
December 31,  September 30,  December 31,
Tangible Common Equity 2011 2011 2010
(Dollars in thousands)
PacWest Bancorp Consolidated:
Stockholders' equity  $ 546,203  $ 539,468  $ 478,797
Less: Intangible assets  56,556  58,392  73,144
Tangible common equity  $ 489,647  $ 481,076  $ 405,653
Total assets  $ 5,528,237  $ 5,493,891  $ 5,529,021
Less: Intangible assets  56,556  58,392  73,144
Tangible assets  $ 5,471,681  $ 5,435,499  $ 5,455,877
Equity to assets ratio 9.88% 9.82% 8.66%
Tangible common equity ratio (1) 8.95% 8.85% 7.44%
Pacific Western Bank:
Stockholders' equity
PACWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
EARNINGS PER SHARE CALCULATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
December 31,  September 30,  December 31,  December 31, 
2011 2011 2010 2011 2010
(In thousands, except per share data)
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
Net earnings (loss)  $ 13,883  $ 13,304  $ (7,688)  $ 50,704  $ (62,016)
Less: earnings allocated to unvested 
restricted stock (1)  (470)  (622)  (7)  (2,072)  (31)
Net earnings (loss) allocated to 
 common shares  $ 13,413  $ 12,682  $ (7,695)  $ 48,632  $ (62,047)
Weighted-average basic shares and
 unvested restricted stock 
 outstanding  37,260.8  37,257.4  36,686.7  37,141.5  36,438.7
Less: weighted-average unvested 
 restricted stock outstanding  (1,712.8)  (1,768.9)  (1,280.2)  (1,650.7)  (1,330.6)
Weighted-average basic shares
outstanding   35,548.0  35,488.5  35,406.5  35,490.8  35,108.1
Basic earnings (loss) per share  $ 0.38  $ 0.36  $ (0.22)  $ 1.37  $ (1.77)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
Net earnings (loss) allocated to 
 common shares  $ 13,413  $ 12,682  $ (7,695)  $ 48,632  $ (62,047)
Weighted-average basic shares 
 outstanding  35,548.0  35,488.5  35,406.5  35,490.8  35,108.1
Add: warrants outstanding  --   --   --   --   -- 
Weighted-average diluted shares
outstanding   35,548.0  35,488.5  35,406.5  35,490.8  35,108.1
Diluted earnings (loss) per share  $ 0.38  $ 0.36  $ (0.22)  $ 1.37  $ (1.77)
(1) Represents cash dividends paid to holders of unvested restricted stock, net of estimated forfeitures,
plus undistributed earnings amounts available to holders of unvested restricted stock, if any.

CONTACT:  Matthew P. Wagner
          Chief Executive Officer
          10250 Constellation Boulevard
          Suite 1640
          Los Angeles, CA 90067

          Phone: 310-728-1020
          Fax: 310-201-0498

          Victor R. Santoro
          Executive Vice President and CFO
          10250 Constellation Boulevard
          Suite 1640
          Los Angeles, CA 90067

          Phone: 310-728-1021
          Fax: 310-201-0498
Source: PacWest Bancorp