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EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - Great Western Bancorp, Inc.gwb-20141231x10xqxex311v3.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - Great Western Bancorp, Inc.gwb-20141231x10xqxex312v3.htm
EX-2.2 - EXHIBIT 2.2 - Great Western Bancorp, Inc.gwb-20141231x10xqxex22v3.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - Great Western Bancorp, Inc.gwb-2014x12x31x10xqxex321v3.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - Great Western Bancorp, Inc.gwb-20141231x10xqxex322v3.htm


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


Form 10-Q
 
 
 
(Mark One)
 
 
þ

 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2014
 
 
Or
¨
 
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 001-36688


Great Western Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
47-1308512
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
 
 
 

100 North Phillips Avenue
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
 


57104
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(605) 334-2548
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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 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. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer  o
 
Accelerated filer   o
 
Non-accelerated filer x  
(Do not check if a smaller company)
 
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 February 6, 2014, the number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding was 57,886,114.





GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
EX-2.1
 
EX-2.2
 
EX-3.1
 
EX-3.2
 
EX-4.1
 
EX-4.2
 
EX-4.3
 
EX-4.4
 
EX-4.5
 
EX-10.1
 
EX-10.2
 
EX-10.3
 
EX-10.4
 
EX-10.5
 
EX-10.6
 
EX-10.7
 
EX-10.8
 
EX-10.9
 
EX-10.10
 
EX-10.11
 
EX-31.1
 
EX-31.2
 
EX-32.1
 
EX-32.2
 


- 2-




EXPLANATORY NOTE
Except as otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to:
“we,” “our,” “us” and our “company” refer to:
Great Western Bancorporation, Inc., an Iowa corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries, for all periods prior to the Formation Transactions; and
Great Western Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries, for all periods after the completion of the Formation Transactions;
“Great Western” refer to Great Western Bancorporation, Inc. but not its consolidated subsidiaries, for all periods prior to the Formation Transaction, and Great Western Bancorp, Inc. but not its consolidated subsidiaries, for all periods after the completion of the Formation Transaction;
our “bank” refer to Great Western Bank, a South Dakota banking corporation;
“NAB” refer to National Australia Bank Limited, an Australian public company and our controlling stockholder;
our “states” refer to the seven states (South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Kansas and Missouri) in which we currently conduct our business;
our “footprint” refer to the geographic markets within our states in which we currently conduct our business; and
the “Formation Transactions” means a series of transactions completed on October 17, 2014 and undertaken in preparation for our initial public offering comprised of:
the cash contribution by National Americas Holdings LLC to Great Western Bancorp, Inc. in an amount equal to the total stockholder’s equity of Great Western Bancorporation, Inc.;
the sale by National Americas Investment, Inc. of all outstanding capital stock of Great Western Bancorporation, Inc. to Great Western Bancorp, Inc. for an amount in cash equal to the total stockholder’s equity of Great Western Bancorporation, Inc.; and
the merger of Great Western Bancorporation, Inc. with and into Great Western Bancorp, Inc., with Great Western Bancorp, Inc. continuing as the surviving corporation and succeeding to all the assets, liabilities and business of Great Western Bancorporation, Inc.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “might,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “would,” “annualized” and “outlook,” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.


- 3-




A number of important factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements, including those factors identified in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” or “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” or the following:
current and future economic and market conditions in the United States generally or in our states in particular, including the rate of growth and employment levels;
changes in market interest rates;
the geographic concentration of our operations, and our concentration on originating business and agribusiness loans;
the relative strength or weakness of the agricultural and commercial credit sectors and of the real estate markets in the markets in which our borrowers are located;
declines in the market prices for agricultural products;
our ability to effectively execute our strategic plan and manage our growth;
our ability to successfully manage our credit risk and the sufficiency of our allowance for loan loss;
our ability to attract and retain skilled employees or changes in our management personnel;
our ability to effectively compete with other financial services companies and the effects of competition in the financial services industry on our business;
changes in the demand for our products and services;
the effectiveness of our risk management and internal disclosure controls and procedures;
fluctuations in the values of our assets and liabilities and off-balance sheet exposures;
our ability to attract and retain customer deposits;
our access to sources of liquidity and capital to address our liquidity needs;
possible changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies of, and other activities undertaken by, governments, agencies, central banks and similar organizations;
our ability to identify and address cyber-security risks;
any failure or interruption of our information and communications systems;
our ability to keep pace with technological changes;
our ability to successfully develop and commercialize new or enhanced products and services;
possible impairment of our goodwill and other intangible assets, or any adjustment of the valuation of our deferred tax assets;
the effects of problems encountered by other financial institutions;
the effects of geopolitical instability, including war, terrorist attacks, and man-made and natural disasters;
the effects of the failure of any component of our business infrastructure provided by a third party;
the impact of, and changes in applicable laws, regulations and accounting standards and policies;


- 4-




market perceptions associated with our separation from NAB and other aspects of our business;
our likelihood of success in, and the impact of, litigation or regulatory actions;
our inability to receive dividends from our bank and to service debt, pay dividends to our common stockholders and satisfy obligations as they become due;
the effect of NAB’s control over us as a result of its continuing beneficial ownership of a majority of our outstanding common stock;
the incremental costs of operating as a standalone public company;
our ability to meet our obligations as a public company, including our obligations under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;
our ability to retain service providers to perform oversight or control functions or services that have otherwise been performed in the past by NAB; and
damage to our reputation from any of the factors described above, in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” or in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
The foregoing factors should not be considered an exhaustive list and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.


- 5-




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


- 6-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2014
Assets
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
428,186

 
$
256,639

Securities
1,263,983

 
1,341,242

Investment in affiliates
1,683

 
1,683

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $51,820 and $47,518 at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively (includes $195,545 and $234,036 of loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, $1,023,281 and $985,411 of loans and written loan commitments at fair value under the fair value option at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, and $9,387 and $10,381 of loans held for sale at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively)
6,934,945

 
6,739,949

Premises and equipment
102,462

 
103,707

Accrued interest receivable
38,201

 
42,609

Other repossessed property (includes $10,602 and $10,628 of property covered under FDIC loss share agreements at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively)
43,442

 
49,580

FDIC indemnification asset
22,162

 
26,678

Goodwill
697,807

 
697,807

Core deposits and other intangibles
11,916

 
14,229

Net deferred tax assets
44,759

 
44,703

Other assets
51,715

 
52,603

Total assets
$
9,641,261

 
$
9,371,429

Liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing
$
1,381,887

 
$
1,303,015

Interest-bearing
5,857,319

 
5,749,165

Total deposits
7,239,206

 
7,052,180

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
190,585

 
161,687

FHLB advances and other borrowings
575,085

 
575,094

Related party notes payable
41,295

 
41,295

Subordinated debentures
56,083

 
56,083

Fair value of derivatives
32,409

 
13,092

Accrued interest payable
4,812

 
5,273

Income tax payable
12,563

 
4,915

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
37,853

 
40,720

Total liabilities
8,189,891

 
7,950,339

Stockholders' equity
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 500,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 - 57,886,114 shares
579

 
579

Additional paid-in capital
1,260,592

 
1,260,124

Retained earnings
193,241

 
166,544

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(3,042
)
 
(6,157
)
Total stockholders' equity
1,451,370

 
1,421,090

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
9,641,261

 
$
9,371,429

See accompanying notes.


- 7-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Interest and dividend income
 
 
 
Loans
$
84,344

 
$
81,403

Taxable securities
5,687

 
6,969

Nontaxable securities
13

 
14

Dividends on securities
250

 
201

Federal funds sold and other
284

 
184

Total interest and dividend income
90,578

 
88,771

 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
 
 
Deposits
6,015

 
6,879

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
146

 
146

FHLB advances and other borrowings
946

 
1,037

Related party notes payable
232

 
234

Subordinated debentures and other
330

 
334

Total interest expense
7,669

 
8,630

 
 
 
 
Net interest income
82,909

 
80,141

 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
3,319

 
(875
)
 
 
 
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
79,590

 
81,016

 
 
 
 
Noninterest income
 
 
 
Service charges and other fees
10,398

 
10,662

Net gain on sale of loans
1,544

 
1,616

Casualty insurance commissions
316

 
258

Investment center income
573

 
591

Net gain on sale of securities
51

 

Trust department income
1,068

 
905

Net increase (decrease) in fair value of loans at fair value
17,100

 
(9,110
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
(24,605
)
 
4,837

Other
1,455

 
1,067

Total noninterest income
7,900

 
10,826

 
 
 
 
Noninterest expense
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
24,088

 
24,021

Occupancy expenses, net
4,024

 
4,233

Data processing
4,828

 
5,028

Equipment expenses
956

 
1,027

Advertising
728

 
1,084

Communication expenses
1,173

 
1,114

Professional fees
3,572

 
2,898

Net (gain) loss from sale of repossessed property and other assets
(368
)
 
(571
)
Amortization of core deposits and other intangibles
2,313

 
4,688

Other
5,777

 
4,777

Total noninterest expense
47,091

 
48,299

Income before income taxes
40,399

 
43,543

Provision for income taxes
13,702

 
14,939

Net income
$
26,697

 
$
28,604

 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)—change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale (net of deferred income tax (expense) benefit of $(1,909) and 3,955 at December 31, 2014 and 2013 respectively)
3,115

 
(6,454
)
Comprehensive income
$
29,812

 
$
22,150

 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
57,895,783

 
57,886,114

Earnings per share
$
0.46

 
$
0.49

 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
57,895,783

 
57,886,114

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.46

 
$
0.49

 
 
 
 
Dividends per share
 
 
 
Dividends issued
$

 
$
34,000

Dividends per share
$
0.00

 
$
0.59

See accompanying notes.


- 8-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)


 
Comprehensive
Income
 
Common
Stock
Par Value
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Balance, September 30, 2013
 
 
$
579

 
$
1,260,124

 
$
163,592

 
$
(7,081
)
 
$
1,417,214

Net income
$
28,604

 

 

 
28,604

 

 
28,604

Other comprehensive income, net
of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in net unrealized
gain (loss) on securities
available for sale
$
(6,454
)
 

 

 

 
(6,454
)
 
(6,454
)
Comprehensive income
$
22,150

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation
 
 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.59 per
share
 
 

 

 
(34,000
)
 

 
(34,000
)
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
 
$
579

 
$
1,260,124

 
$
158,196

 
$
(13,535
)
 
$
1,405,364

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, September 30, 2014
 
 
$
579

 
$
1,260,124

 
$
166,544

 
$
(6,157
)
 
$
1,421,090

Net income
$
26,697

 

 

 
26,697

 

 
26,697

Other comprehensive income, net
of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in net
unrealized gain (loss) on
securities available for
sale
$
3,115

 

 

 

 
3,115

 
3,115

Comprehensive income
$
29,812

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation
 
 

 
468

 

 

 
468

Cash dividends declared:
 
 


 


 


 


 


Common stock, $0 per
share
 
 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2014
 
 
$
579

 
$
1,260,592

 
$
193,241

 
$
(3,042
)
 
$
1,451,370


See accompanying notes.


- 9-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
26,697

 
$
28,604

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

Depreciation and amortization
6,258

 
9,861

Net gain on sale of securities
(51
)
 

Net gain on sale of loans
(1,544
)
 
(1,616
)
Net (gain) loss on sale of premises and equipment
(7
)
 
292

Net gain from sale of repossessed property and other assets
(368
)
 
(571
)
Provision for loan losses
3,319

 
(875
)
Provision for repossessed assets
2,110

 
534

Proceeds from FDIC indemnification claims
1,635

 
633

Stock-based compensation
468

 

Originations of residential real estate loans held-for-sale
(63,298
)
 
(54,667
)
Proceeds from sales of residential real estate loans held-for-sale
65,836

 
55,810

Net deferred income taxes
(1,964
)
 
(3,697
)
Changes in:

 

Accrued interest receivable
4,408

 
3,443

Other assets
833

 
1,475

FDIC indemnification asset
2,881

 
3,300

FDIC clawback liability
221

 
143

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
23,416

 
(7,851
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
70,850

 
34,818

Investing activities

 

Purchase of securities available for sale
(48,539
)
 

Proceeds from sales and maturities of securities available for sale
129,116

 
84,323

Net increase in loans
(200,677
)
 
(121,735
)
Purchase of premises and equipment
(942
)
 
(442
)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
6

 
426

Proceeds from sale of other assets
5,765

 
2,801

Redemption of FHLB stock
53

 
2,061

Net cash used in investing activities
(115,218
)
 
(32,566
)
Financing activities

 

Net increase in deposits
187,026

 
237,430

Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase
28,898

 
(29,163
)
Net decrease in FHLB advances and other borrowings
(9
)
 
(50,503
)
Dividends paid

 
(34,000
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
215,915

 
123,764

Net increase in cash and due from banks
171,547

 
126,016

Cash and due from banks, beginning of period
256,639

 
282,157

Cash and due from banks, end of period
$
428,186

 
$
408,173

Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information

 

Cash payments for interest
$
8,129

 
$
8,919

Cash payments for income taxes
$
8,758

 
$
15,681

Supplemental schedules of noncash investing and financing activities

 

Loans transferred to repossessed assets and other assets
$
1,369

 
$
1,932

See accompanying notes.


- 10-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


1. Basis of Presentation
Great Western Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company organized under the laws of Delaware. The primary business of the Company is ownership of its wholly owned subsidiary, Great Western Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank is a full-service regional bank focused on relationship-based business and agribusiness banking in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The Company and the Bank are subject to the regulation of certain federal and/or state agencies and undergo periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities. Substantially all of the Company’s income is generated from banking operations. The Company was a majority owned indirect subsidiary of National Australia Bank Limited (“NAB”) at December 31, 2014.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature other than the reclassifications outlined below.
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ending September 30, 2014, which includes a description of significant accounting policies. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year or any other period.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. The preparation of unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
The Company has evaluated all events or transactions that occurred through the date the Company issued these financial statements. During this period, the Company did not have any material recognizable or non-recognizable subsequent events other than outlined below.
On January 28, 2015, the board of directors of the Company declared a dividend of $0.12 per common share payable on February 23, 2015 to owners of record as of close of business on February 12, 2015.
Changes in the Presentation of Results for Loans at Fair Value and Related Derivatives
In the normal course of business, the Company manages interest rate risk by entering into fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps related to all fixed-rate loans with original terms longer than five years. The Company has elected to account for these loans using the Fair Value Option. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company identified an immaterial error in its reporting of one aspect of the derivatives related to these loans and also elected to change the presentation of the reported changes in fair value of these loans and related derivatives, each as discussed below. The Company's previous consolidated financial statements have been corrected or reclassified, as appropriate, to be consistent with the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company identified that the current realized gain (loss) on the derivatives related to fair value loans has been improperly recorded as loan interest income instead of being presented in the same line item as the unrealized gain (loss) on the derivatives. As such, the realized gain (loss) on the derivatives related to fair value loans has been moved from loan interest income to "Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives" within noninterest income. The Company has determined these corrections to be immaterial to the prior period financial statements and there was no effect on net income, equity or cash flows. The following table reflects the impact of the matter described above on previously filed financial statements:


- 11-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 
Previously Reported
 
Currently Reported
 
Interest Income
 
Noninterest Income
Twelve months ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Realized gain (loss) on derivatives
$
(18,255
)
 
$
(18,255
)
 
 
 
 
Twelve months ended September 30, 2013
 
 
 
Realized gain (loss) on derivatives
$
(14,217
)
 
$
(14,217
)
 
 
 
 
Twelve months ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
Realized gain (loss) on derivatives
$
(9,931
)
 
$
(9,931
)

Additionally, the Company previously reported the changes in fair value of these loans related to both interest rates and credit quality in interest income and the Company presented the changes in fair value of the derivatives in noninterest expense. Changes in fair value related to interest rates on the loans and changes in fair value of the derivatives were completely offset in any reporting period. To improve the clarity and comparability of its financial statements, the Company has elected to change its presentation of the changes in fair value related to these loans and derivatives by presenting these changes in two separate line items in noninterest income. As such, changes in fair value related to these loans, both related to interest rates and credit quality, is presented in "Net increase (decrease) in fair value of loans at fair value" within noninterest income, and changes in fair value related to these derivatives is presented in "Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives" within noninterest income. The following table reflects the impact of the matter described above on previously filed financial statements:
 
Previously Reported
 
Currently Reported
 
Interest Income
 
Noninterest Expense
 
Noninterest Income
Twelve months ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
$

 
$
11,922

 
$

$
11,922

Loan fair value change related to interest rates
(11,922
)
 

 
(11,922
)

Loan fair value change related to credit quality
18

 

 
18


 
$
(11,904
)
 
$
11,922

 
$
(11,904
)
$
11,922

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve months ended September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
$

 
$
(40,305
)
 
$

$
(40,305
)
Loan fair value change related to interest rates
40,305

 

 
40,305


Loan fair value change related to credit quality
855

 

 
855


 
$
41,160

 
$
(40,305
)
 
$
41,160

$
(40,305
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve months ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
$

 
$
19,369

 
$

$
19,369

Loan fair value change related to interest rates
(19,369
)
 

 
(19,369
)

Loan fair value change related to credit quality
4,276

 

 
4,276


 
$
(15,093
)
 
$
19,369

 
$
(15,093
)
$
19,369


2. New Accounting Pronouncements
There have been no new applicable accounting pronouncements issued during the three months ended December 31, 2014.



- 12-




3. Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks
The Company is required to maintain reserve balances in cash and on deposit with the Federal Reserve based on a percentage of deposits. The total requirement was approximately $41.9 million and $50.4 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.

4. Securities
The amortized cost and approximate fair value of investments in securities, all of which are classified as available for sale according to management’s intent, are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
Amortized
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
As of December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
271,551

 
$
1,027

 
$

 
$
272,578

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government National Mortgage Association
989,204

 
3,307

 
(9,409
)
 
983,102

States and political subdivision securities
2,117

 
1

 

 
2,118

Corporate debt securities
4,996

 
145

 

 
5,141

Other
1,006

 
38

 

 
1,044

 
$
1,268,874

 
$
4,518

 
$
(9,409
)
 
$
1,263,983


 
Amortized
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
As of September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
222,868

 
$
31

 
$
(174
)
 
$
222,725

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government National Mortgage Association
1,113,363

 
4,639

 
(14,587
)
 
1,103,415

States and political subdivision securities
2,188

 
1

 

 
2,189

Corporate debt securities
11,732

 
141

 

 
11,873

Other
1,006

 
34

 

 
1,040

 
$
1,351,157

 
$
4,846

 
$
(14,761
)
 
$
1,341,242

The amortized cost and approximate fair value of debt securities available for sale as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Maturities of mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be called or repaid without any penalties.
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
(In Thousands)
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
470

 
$
470

 
$
7,207

 
$
7,218

Due after one year through five years
247,796

 
248,733

 
223,282

 
223,140

Due after five years through ten years
30,398

 
30,634

 
6,299

 
6,429

 
278,664

 
279,837

 
236,788

 
236,787

Mortgage-backed securities
989,204

 
983,102

 
1,113,363

 
1,103,415

Securities without contractual maturities
1,006

 
1,044

 
1,006

 
1,040

 
$
1,268,874

 
$
1,263,983

 
$
1,351,157

 
$
1,341,242





GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale were $55.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Gross gains of $0.6 million and $0 and gross losses of $0.5 million and $0 were realized on the sales for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, using the specific identification method.
Securities with a carrying value of approximately $1,161.7 million and $1,132.3 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, were pledged as collateral on public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and for other purposes as required or permitted by law. The counterparties do not have the right to sell or pledge the securities the Company has pledged as collateral.
As detailed in the following tables, certain investments in debt securities, which are approximately 52% and 64% of the Company’s investment portfolio at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, are reported in the consolidated financial statements at an amount less than their amortized cost. Based on evaluation of available evidence, including recent changes in market interest rates, credit rating information, implicit or explicit government guarantees, and information obtained from regulatory filings, management believes the declines in fair value of these securities are temporary. As the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider the securities to be other than temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014 or September 30, 2014. For the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment.
The following table presents the Company’s gross unrealized losses and approximate fair value in investments, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands):
 
Less than 12 months
 
December 31, 2014
12 months or more
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
U.S. Treasury securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Mortgage-backed securities
68

 

 
656,512

 
(9,409
)
 
656,580

 
(9,409
)
Corporate debt securities

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 
$
68

 
$

 
$
656,512

 
$
(9,409
)
 
$
656,580

 
$
(9,409
)
 
Less than 12 months
 
September 30, 2014
12 months or more
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
U.S. Treasury securities
$
98,344

 
$
(174
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
98,344

 
$
(174
)
Mortgage-backed securities
24,625

 
(125
)
 
730,171

 
(14,462
)
 
754,796

 
(14,587
)
Corporate debt securities

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 
$
122,969

 
$
(299
)
 
$
730,171

 
$
(14,462
)
 
$
853,140

 
$
(14,761
)
The Company’s investments in nonmarketable equity securities are all stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB"). The carrying value of Federal Home Loan Bank stock was $35.9 million and $35.9 million as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, and is reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. No indicators of impairment related to FHLB stock were identified during three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.



- 14-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

The components of other comprehensive income from net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning balance accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(6,157
)
 
$
(7,081
)
Net unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period
4,973

 
(10,409
)
Reclassification adjustment for net gain realized in net income
51

 

Net change in unrealized gain (loss) before income taxes
5,024

 
(10,409
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
(1,909
)
 
3,955

Net change in unrealized (loss) gain on securities after taxes
3,115

 
(6,454
)
Ending balance accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(3,042
)
 
$
(13,535
)

5. Loans
The composition of net loans as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, is as follows (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
Residential real estate
$
910,406

 
$
901,605

Commercial real estate
2,645,721

 
2,541,194

Commercial non real estate
1,551,607

 
1,571,640

Agriculture
1,788,028

 
1,681,209

Consumer
85,822

 
90,086

Other
35,311

 
34,243

 
7,016,895

 
6,819,977

Less:
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
(51,820
)
 
(47,518
)
Unamortized discount on acquired loans
(23,321
)
 
(25,638
)
Unearned net deferred fees and costs and loans in process
(6,809
)
 
(6,872
)
 
$
6,934,945

 
$
6,739,949

The loan breakouts above include loans covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements totaling $195.5 million and $234.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, residential real estate loans held for sale totaling $9.4 million and $10.4 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, and $1,023.3 million and $985.4 million of loans and written loan commitments accounted for at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
Unamortized net deferred fees and costs totaled $6.8 million and $6.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
Loans in process represent loans that have been funded as of the balance sheet dates but not classified into a loan category and loan payments received as of the balance sheet dates that have not been applied to individual loan accounts. Loans in process totaled $0 and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
Loans guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government totaled $101.9 million and $106.5 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.


- 15-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Principal balances of residential real estate loans sold totaled $64.3 million and $54.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The following table presents the Company’s nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 (in thousands), excluding loans covered under the FDIC loss-sharing agreements. Loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing interest as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, were not significant.
Nonaccrual loans
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
Residential real estate
$
7,269

 
$
6,671

Commercial real estate
10,638

 
20,767

Commercial non real estate
10,630

 
4,908

Agriculture
10,342

 
11,453

Consumer
104

 
146

Total
$
38,983

 
$
43,945


The following table (in thousands) presents the Company’s past due loans at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. This table is presented net of unamortized discount on acquired loans and excludes loans measured at fair value with changes in fair value reported in earnings of $1,023.3 million for December 31, 2014 and $985.4 million for September 30, 2014.
As of December 31, 2014
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
Greater Than
90 Days
 
Total
Past Due
 
Current
 
Total
Financing
Receivables
Residential real estate
$
3,652

 
$
543

 
$
3,368

 
$
7,563

 
$
773,471

 
$
781,034

Commercial real estate
1,860

 
3,632

 
4,636

 
10,128

 
2,256,815

 
2,266,943

Commercial non real estate
1,586

 
2,146

 
8,043

 
11,775

 
1,120,734

 
1,132,509

Agriculture
4,036

 

 
3,673

 
7,709

 
1,465,574

 
1,473,283

Consumer
205

 
108

 
28

 
341

 
85,327

 
85,668

Other

 

 

 

 
35,311

 
35,311

 
11,339

 
6,429

 
19,748

 
37,516

 
5,737,232

 
5,774,748

Loans covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements
4,760

 
1,879

 
3,315

 
9,954

 
185,591

 
195,545

Total
$
16,099

 
$
8,308

 
$
23,063

 
$
47,470

 
$
5,922,823

 
$
5,970,293


As of September 30, 2014
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
Greater Than
90 Days
 
Total
Past Due
 
Current
 
Total
Financing
Receivables
Residential real estate
$
675

 
$
611

 
$
2,581

 
$
3,867

 
$
760,887

 
$
764,754

Commercial real estate
11,050

 
819

 
3,384

 
15,253

 
1,988,585

 
2,003,838

Commercial non real estate
1,761

 
6,228

 
744

 
8,733

 
1,303,925

 
1,312,658

Agriculture
16

 
368

 
4,205

 
4,589

 
1,364,960

 
1,369,549

Consumer
244

 
18

 
49

 
311

 
89,528

 
89,839

Other

 

 

 

 
34,243

 
34,243

 
13,746

 
8,044

 
10,963

 
32,753

 
5,542,128

 
5,574,881

Loans covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements
1,960

 
1,252

 
3,728

 
6,940

 
227,096

 
234,036

Total
$
15,706

 
$
9,296

 
$
14,691

 
$
39,693

 
$
5,769,224

 
$
5,808,917




- 16-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

The composition of the loan portfolio by internally assigned grade is as follows as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. This table (in thousands) is presented net of unamortized discount on acquired loans and excludes loans measured at fair value with changes in fair value reported in earnings of $1,023.3 million for December 31, 2014 and $985.4 million for September 30, 2014:
As of December 31, 2014
Residential
Real Estate
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Commercial
Non Real
Estate
 
Agriculture
 
Consumer
 
Other
 
Total
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grade:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
$
764,217

 
$
2,129,884

 
$
1,021,994

 
$
1,314,547

 
$
85,082

 
$
35,311

 
$
5,351,035

Watchlist
4,548

 
70,965

 
73,936

 
125,659

 
365

 

 
275,473

Substandard
11,717

 
65,984

 
34,884

 
33,042

 
221

 

 
145,848

Doubtful
552

 
110

 
1,514

 
35

 

 

 
2,211

Loss

 

 
181

 

 

 

 
181

Ending balance
781,034

 
2,266,943

 
1,132,509

 
1,473,283

 
85,668

 
35,311

 
5,774,748

Loans covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements
119,894

 
66,264

 
7,460

 
1,874

 
53

 

 
195,545

Total
$
900,928

 
$
2,333,207

 
$
1,139,969

 
$
1,475,157

 
$
85,721

 
$
35,311

 
$
5,970,293


As of September 30, 2014
Residential
Real Estate
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Commercial
Non Real
Estate
 
Agriculture
 
Consumer
 
Other
 
Total
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grade:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
$
747,485

 
$
1,867,866

 
$
1,218,558

 
$
1,202,145

 
$
89,197

 
$
34,243

 
$
5,159,494

Watchlist
5,320

 
84,132

 
65,628

 
132,262

 
381

 

 
287,723

Substandard
11,290

 
51,692

 
27,499

 
35,107

 
242

 

 
125,830

Doubtful
659

 
148

 
798

 
35

 
19

 

 
1,659

Loss

 

 
175

 

 

 

 
175

Ending balance
764,754

 
2,003,838

 
1,312,658

 
1,369,549

 
89,839

 
34,243

 
5,574,881

Loans covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements
127,115

 
95,467

 
9,390

 
2,004

 
60

 

 
234,036

Total
$
891,869

 
$
2,099,305

 
$
1,322,048

 
$
1,371,553

 
$
89,899

 
$
34,243

 
$
5,808,917




- 17-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Impaired Loans
The following table presents the Company’s impaired loans (in thousands). This table excludes loans covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements:
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
As of December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential real estate
$
12,425

 
$
12,483

 
$
2,419

 
$
12,266

Commercial real estate
76,250

 
76,332

 
2,846

 
69,203

Commercial non real estate
39,110

 
39,194

 
8,828

 
35,816

Agriculture
34,080

 
34,077

 
955

 
34,804

Consumer
223

 
261

 
42

 
251

 
$
162,088

 
$
162,347

 
$
15,090

 
$
152,340


 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
As of September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential real estate
$
12,107

 
$
12,737

 
$
2,529

 
$
13,572

Commercial real estate
62,155

 
64,597

 
2,017

 
84,490

Commercial non real estate
32,522

 
37,882

 
3,927

 
31,827

Agriculture
35,528

 
37,958

 
1,155

 
30,546

Consumer
280

 
491

 
51

 
346

 
$
142,592

 
$
153,665

 
$
9,679

 
$
160,781


There are no impaired loans without a valuation allowance, other than those loans for which the Company has claim to collateral with value(s) in excess of the outstanding loan amount, after allowing for the cost of liquidating the collateral as of December 31, 2014. There were no impaired loans without a valuation allowance as of September 30, 2014. Interest income recognized on impaired loans was $3.1 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Valuation adjustments made to repossessed properties for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, totaled $2.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, and are included in other noninterest expense.
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans
Included in certain loan categories in the impaired loans are troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) that were classified as impaired. These TDRs do not include purchased impaired loans. When the Company grants concessions to borrowers such as reduced interest rates or extensions of loan periods that would not be considered other than because of borrowers’ financial difficulties, the modification is considered a TDR. Specific reserves included in the allowance for loan losses for TDRs were $2.1 million and $3.2 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. Commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were modified in a TDR were not significant as of December 31, 2014 or September 30, 2014.



- 18-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

The following table presents the recorded value of the Company’s TDR balances as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
Accruing
 
Nonaccrual
 
Accruing
 
Nonaccrual
Residential real estate
$
723

 
$
1,947

 
$
1,112

 
$
1,730

Commercial real estate
41,114

 
6,638

 
25,177

 
6,884

Commercial non real estate
7,561

 
1,468

 
6,753

 
1,785

Agriculture
3,731

 
9,708

 
3,780

 
9,994

Consumer
17

 
17

 
35

 
22

Total
$
53,146

 
$
19,778

 
$
36,857

 
$
20,415



- 19-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)



The following table presents a summary of all accruing loans restructured in TDRs during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
Recorded Investment
 
 
 
Recorded Investment
($ in thousands)
Number
 
Pre-
Modification
 
Post-
Modification
 
Number
 
Pre-
Modification
 
Post-
Modification
Residential real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate modification

 
$

 
$

 

 
$

 
$

Term extension

 

 

 
2

 
74

 
74

Payment modification

 

 

 
1

 
15

 
15

Bankruptcy

 

 

 
1

 
130

 
130

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Total residential real estate

 

 

 
4

 
219

 
219

Commercial real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate modification

 

 

 

 

 

Term extension

 

 

 

 

 

Payment modification
2

 
18,881

 
18,881

 
1

 
1,070

 
1,070

Bankruptcy

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Total commercial real estate
2

 
18,881

 
18,881

 
1

 
1,070

 
1,070

Commercial non real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate modification
1

 
32

 
32

 
2

 
500

 
500

Term extension

 

 

 
3

 
1,699

 
1,699

Payment modification
1

 
1,824

 
1,824

 
2

 
668

 
668

Bankruptcy

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Total commercial non real estate
2

 
1,856

 
1,856

 
7

 
2,867

 
2,867

Agriculture
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate modification

 

 

 

 

 

Term extension

 

 

 

 

 

Payment modification

 

 

 

 

 

Bankruptcy

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Total agriculture

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate modification

 

 

 

 

 

Term extension

 

 

 

 

 

Payment modification

 

 

 

 

 

Bankruptcy

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 
1

 
10

 
10

Total consumer

 

 

 
1

 
10

 
10

Total accruing
4

 
$
20,737

 
$
20,737

 
13

 
$
4,166

 
$
4,166

Change in recorded investment due to principal paydown at time of modification

 

 
 
 

 

 

Change in recorded investment due to chargeoffs at time of modification

 

 

 

 

 




- 20-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

The following table presents a summary of all non-accruing loans restructured in TDRs during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
Recorded Investment
 
 
 
Recorded Investment
($ in thousands)
Number
 
Pre-
Modification
 
Post-
Modification
 
Number
 
Pre-
Modification
 
Post-
Modification
Residential real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate modification

 
$

 
$

 

 
$

 
$

Term extension

 

 

 
1

 
2

 
2

Payment modification

 

 

 

 

 

Bankruptcy

 

 

 
1

 
4

 
4

Other

 

 

 
1

 
38

 
38

Total residential real estate

 

 

 
3

 
44

 
44

Commercial real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate modification

 

 

 

 

 

Term extension

 

 

 

 

 

Payment modification

 

 

 

 

 

Bankruptcy

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Total commercial real estate

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Non Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate modification

 

 

 

 

 

Term extension

 

 

 
8

 
125

 
125

Payment modification

 

 

 

 

 

Bankruptcy

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Total commercial non real estate

 

 

 
8

 
125

 
125

Agriculture
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate modification

 

 

 

 

 

Term extension

 

 

 

 

 

Payment modification

 

 

 

 

 

Bankruptcy

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Total agriculture

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate modification

 

 

 

 

 

Term extension

 

 

 
1

 
11

 
11

Payment modification

 

 

 

 

 

Bankruptcy

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 
1

 
1

 
1

Total consumer

 

 

 
2

 
12

 
12

Total non-accruing

 
$

 
$

 
13

 
$
181

 
$
181

Change in recorded investment due to principal paydown at time of modification

 

 

 

 

 

Change in recorded investment due to chargeoffs at time of modification

 

 

 

 

 



- 21-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

For the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the table below represents defaults on loans that were first modified during the respective past 12 months, that became 90 days or more delinquent or were charged-off during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
($ in thousands)
Number of
Loans
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Loans
 
Recorded
Investment
Residential real estate
6

 
$
522

 

 
$

Commercial real estate
1

 
95

 
2

 
6,296

Commercial non real estate

 

 

 

Agriculture
1

 
15

 
1

 
3,676

Consumer

 

 

 

 
8

 
$
632

 
3

 
$
9,972

The majority of loans that were modified and subsequently became 90 days or more delinquent have remained on nonaccrual status since the time of modification.



- 22-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

6. Allowance for Loan Losses
The following table presents the Company’s allowance for loan losses roll forward and respective loan balances for the three month period ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. This table (in thousands) is presented net of unamortized discount on acquired loans and excludes loans measured at fair value with changes in fair value reported in earnings of $1,023.3 million, loans held for sale of $9.4 million, and guaranteed loans of $101.9 million for December 31, 2014 and loans measured at fair value with changes in fair value reported in earnings of $985.4 million, loans held for sale of $10.4 million, and guaranteed loans of $106.5 million for September 30, 2014.
As of December 31, 2014
Residential
Real Estate
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Commercial
Non Real
Estate
 
Agriculture
 
Consumer
 
Other
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance October 1,
2014
$
8,342

 
$
16,884

 
$
10,550

 
$
10,655

 
$
264

 
$
823

 
$
47,518

Charge-offs
(57
)
 
(82
)
 
(84
)
 

 
(38
)
 
(428
)
 
(689
)
Recoveries
43

 
69

 
1,160

 
57

 
24

 
319

 
1,672

Provision
(350
)
 
735

 
2,999

 
208

 
(24
)
 
71

 
3,639

Impairment of loans
acquired with
deteriorated credit
quality
(411
)
 
116

 

 

 
(25
)
 

 
(320
)
Ending balance December 31, 2014
$
7,567

 
$
17,722

 
$
14,625

 
$
10,920

 
$
201

 
$
785

 
$
51,820

Ending balance: individually
evaluated for impairment
$
2,418

 
$
2,783

 
$
8,816

 
$
948

 
$
42

 
$

 
$
15,007

Ending balance: collectively
evaluated for impairment
$
2,776

 
$
11,986

 
$
5,809

 
$
9,972

 
$
159

 
$
785

 
$
31,487

Ending balance: loans acquired
with deteriorated credit
quality
$
2,373

 
$
761

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,134

Ending balance: loans acquired
without deteriorated credit
quality
$

 
$
2,192

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,192

Financing receivables
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance
$
890,085

 
$
2,291,220

 
$
1,088,065

 
$
1,468,565

 
$
85,721

 
$
35,311

 
$
5,858,967

Ending balance: individually
evaluated for impairment
$
9,592

 
$
66,049

 
$
37,961

 
$
23,743

 
$
142

 
$

 
$
137,487

Ending balance: collectively
evaluated for impairment
$
671,566

 
$
2,113,647

 
$
1,038,540

 
$
1,422,861

 
$
81,525

 
$
35,311

 
$
5,363,450

Ending balance: loans acquired
with deteriorated credit
quality
$
97,779

 
$
28,768

 
$
4,817

 
$
1,623

 
$
1,734

 
$

 
$
134,721

Ending balance: loans acquired
without deteriorated credit
quality
$
111,148

 
$
82,756

 
$
6,747

 
$
20,338

 
$
2,320

 
$

 
$
223,309




- 23-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

As of December 31, 2013
Residential
Real Estate
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Commercial
Non Real
Estate
 
Agricultural
 
Consumer
 
Other
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance October 1,
2013
$
11,779

 
$
22,562

 
$
11,222

 
$
9,296

 
$
312

 
$
693

 
$
55,864

Charge-offs
(230
)
 

 
(161
)
 

 
(56
)
 
(470
)
 
(917
)
Recoveries
75

 
591

 
887

 
17

 
36

 
391

 
1,997

Provision
230

 
(861
)
 
(646
)
 
(57
)
 
98

 
111

 
(1,125
)
Impairment of loans
acquired with
deteriorated credit
quality

 

 
250

 

 

 

 
250

Ending balance December 31, 2013
$
11,854

 
$
22,292

 
$
11,552

 
$
9,256

 
$
390

 
$
725

 
$
56,069

Ending balance: individually
evaluated for impairment
$
3,128

 
$
5,355

 
$
6,227

 
$
2,724

 
$
167

 
$

 
$
17,601

Ending balance: collectively
evaluated for impairment
$
3,691

 
$
16,207

 
$
3,614

 
$
6,532

 
$
223

 
$
725

 
$
30,992

Ending balance: loans acquired
with deteriorated credit
quality
$
5,035

 
$
730

 
$
1,711

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
7,476

Ending balance: loans acquired
without deteriorated credit
quality
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Financing receivables
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance
$
890,073

 
$
2,299,661

 
$
1,079,956

 
$
1,466,851

 
$
85,721

 
$
35,311

 
$
5,857,573

Ending balance: individually
evaluated for impairment
$
10,037

 
$
68,973

 
$
31,299

 
$
22,666

 
$
582

 
$

 
$
133,557

Ending balance: collectively
evaluated for impairment
$
611,785

 
$
2,019,099

 
$
1,025,543

 
$
1,412,871

 
$
77,315

 
$
35,311

 
$
5,181,924

Ending balance: loans acquired
with deteriorated credit
quality
$
122,068

 
$
80,903

 
$
6,833

 
$

 
$
2,646

 
$

 
$
212,450

Ending balance: loans acquired
without deteriorated credit
quality
$
146,183

 
$
130,686

 
$
16,281

 
$
31,314

 
$
5,178

 
$

 
$
329,642

The reserve for unfunded loan commitments was $0.4 million at both December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014.



- 24-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

7. Accounting for Certain Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality
In June 2010, the Company acquired certain loans that had deteriorated credit quality. Loan accounting specific to these purchased impaired loans addresses differences between contractual cash flows expected to be collected from the initial investment in loans if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. Several factors were considered when evaluating whether a loan was considered a purchased impaired loan, including the delinquency status of the loan, updated borrower credit status, geographic information, and updated loan-to-values (“LTV”). U.S. GAAP allows purchasers to aggregate purchased impaired loans acquired in the same fiscal quarter in one or more pools, provided that the loans have common risk characteristics. A pool is then accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate expectation of cash flows.
Loan pools are periodically reassessed to determine expected cash flows. In determining the expected cash flows, the timing of cash flows and prepayment assumptions for smaller, homogenous loans are based on statistical models that take into account factors such as the loan interest rate, credit profile of the borrowers, the years in which the loans were originated, and whether the loans are fixed or variable rate loans. Prepayments may be assumed on large individual loans that consider similar prepayment factors listed above for smaller homogenous loans. The re-assessment of purchased impaired loans resulted in the following changes in the accretable yield during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):  
Balance at September 30, 2014
$
50,889

Accretion
(4,787
)
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference
320

Disposals
(80
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
46,342

 
 
Balance at September 30, 2013
$
67,660

Accretion
(4,430
)
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference

Disposals
(4,819
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
58,411

The reclassifications from nonaccretable difference noted in the table above represent instances where specific pools of loans are expected to perform better over the remaining lives of the loans than expected at the prior re-assessment date.
The following table provides purchased impaired loans at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
Outstanding
Balance 1
 
Recorded
Investment 2
 
Carrying
Value 3
 
Outstanding
Balance
1
 
Recorded
Investment
2
 
Carrying
Value
3
Residential real estate
$
110,493

 
$
97,779

 
$
95,406

 
$
115,863

 
$
102,987

 
$
100,203

Commercial real estate
107,514

 
28,768

 
28,007

 
130,825

 
49,202

 
48,557

Commercial non real estate
14,710

 
4,817

 
4,817

 
16,697

 
6,361

 
6,361

Agriculture
1,622

 
1,623

 
1,623

 
1,747

 
1,746

 
1,746

Consumer
1,838

 
1,734

 
1,734

 
2,019

 
1,843

 
1,818

Total lending
$
236,177

 
$
134,721

 
$
131,587

 
$
267,151

 
$
162,139

 
$
158,685


1    Represents the legal balance of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality.  
2    Represents the book balance of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality.  
3    Represents the book balance of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality net of the related allowance for loan losses. 

Due to improved cash flows of the purchased impaired loans, the reductions to allowance recognized on previous impairments were $0 and $0.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.


- 25-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


8. FDIC Indemnification Asset
Under the terms of the purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC with regard to the TierOne Bank acquisition, the Company is reimbursed for a portion of the losses incurred on covered assets. As covered assets are resolved, whether it be through repayment, short sale of the underlying collateral, the foreclosure on or sale of collateral, or the sale or charge-off of loans or OREO, any differences between the carrying value of the covered assets versus the payments received during the resolution process, that are reimbursable by the FDIC, are recognized as reductions in the FDIC indemnification asset. Any gains or losses realized from the resolution of covered assets reduce or increase, respectively, the amount recoverable from the FDIC. The following table represents a summary of the activity related to the FDIC indemnification asset for the three months ended December 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of year
$
26,678

 
$
45,690

Amortization
(2,534
)
 
(3,285
)
Changes in expected reimbursements from FDIC for changes in expected credit losses
(191
)
 
(26
)
Changes in reimbursable expenses
(156
)
 
10

Payments to/(from) the FDIC
(1,635
)
 
(633
)
Balance at end of year
$
22,162

 
$
41,756

The loss claims filed are subject to review, approval, and annual audits by the FDIC or its assigned agents for compliance with the terms in the loss sharing agreements.

9. Derivative Financial Instruments
In the normal course of business, the Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its interest rate risk and market risk in accommodating the needs of its customers. Also, the Company enters into interest rate lock commitments on mortgage loans to be held for sale, with corresponding forward sales contracts related to these interest rate lock commitments.
Derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and are measured at fair value.
The following table summarizes the notional amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 (in thousands).
 
December 31, 2014
 
Notional
Amount
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Positive Fair
Value
 
Negative Fair
Value
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
1,018,809

 
Liabilities
 
$
1,118

 
$
(33,513
)
Mortgage loan commitments
31,834

 
Assets
 
14

 

Mortgage loan forward sale contracts
36,004

 
Liabilities
 

 
(14
)
 
September 30, 2014
 
Notional
Amount
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Positive Fair
Value
 
Negative Fair
Value
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
986,440

 
Liabilities
 
$
6,213

 
$
(19,286
)
Mortgage loan commitments
22,563

 
Assets
 
19

 

Mortgage loan forward sale contracts
28,459

 
Liabilities
 

 
(19
)


- 26-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

As with any financial instrument, derivative financial instruments have inherent risk including adverse changes in interest rates. The Company’s exposure to derivative credit risk is defined as the possibility of sustaining a loss due to the failure of the counterparty to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. Credit risks associated with interest rate swaps is similar to those relating to traditional on-balance sheet financial instruments. The Company manages interest rate swap credit risk with the same standards and procedures applied to its commercial lending activities. Amounts due from NAB to reclaim cash collateral under the interest rate swap master netting arrangements have not been offset against the derivative balances. These receivables are classified on the consolidated balance sheets as cash and were $0 as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
The effect of derivatives on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands) was as follows:
 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Location of
Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
Noninterest income
 
$
(24,605
)
 
$
4,837

Mortgage loan commitments
Noninterest income
 
14

 
3

Mortgage loan forward sale contracts
Noninterest income
 
(14
)
 
(3
)
Netting of Derivatives
The Company has various financial assets and financial liabilities that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements or similar agreements. The Company has entered into an ISDA master netting arrangement with NAB. Under the terms of the master netting arrangements, all transactions between the Company and the counterparty constitute a single business relationship such that in the event of default, the non-defaulting party is entitled to set off claims and apply property held by that party in respect of any transaction against obligations owed. Any payments, deliveries, or other transfers may be applied against each other and netted.
The table below shows total gross derivative assets and liabilities which are adjusted on an aggregate basis, where applicable to take into consideration the effects of legally enforceable master netting agreements for the net reported amount in the consolidated balance sheets. These amounts are offset on the consolidated balance sheets.
The following tables (in thousands) present the Company's gross derivative financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, and the related impact of enforceable master netting arrangements and cash collateral, where applicable:
 
Gross
Amount
 
Amount
Offset
 
Net Amount
Presented in
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 
Held/Pledged
Financial
Instruments1
 
Net
Amount
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives subject to master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
$
1,118

 
$
(1,118
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

Derivative financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives subject to master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
(33,513
)
 
1,118

 
(32,395
)
 
32,395

 

Total derivative financial liabilities
$
(32,395
)
 
$

 
$
(32,395
)
 
$
32,395

 
$

1 The actual amount of collateral exceeds the fair value exposure, at the individual counterparty level, as of the date presented.


- 27-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 
Gross
Amount
 
Amount
Offset
 
Net Amount
Presented in
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 
Held/Pledged
Financial
Instruments
 
Net
Amount
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives subject to master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
$
6,213

 
$
(6,213
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

Derivative financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives subject to master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
(19,286
)
 
6,213

 
(13,073
)
 
13,073

 

Total derivative financial liabilities
$
(13,073
)
 
$

 
$
(13,073
)
 
$
13,073

 
$


10. The Fair Value Option
The Company has elected to measure certain long-term loans and written loan commitments at fair value to assist in managing the interest rate risk for longer-term loans. This fair value option was elected upon the origination of these loans. Interest income is recognized in the same manner as interest on non-fair value loans.
See Note 17 for additional disclosures regarding the fair value of the fair value option loans and written loan commitments.
Long-term loans and written loan commitments for which the fair value option has been elected had a net favorable difference between the aggregate fair value and the aggregate unpaid loan principal balance and written loan commitment amount of approximately $28.1 million and $7.1 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The total unpaid principal balance of these long-term loans was approximately $995.2 million and $978.3 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The fair value of these loans and written loan commitments is included in total loans in the consolidated balance sheets and are grouped with commercial non real estate, commercial real estate, and agricultural loans in Note 5. The fair value of these written loan commitments was not material at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. None of the noted loans were greater than 90 days past due or in nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2014 or September 30, 2014.
Changes in fair value for items for which the fair value option has been elected and the line items in which these changes are reported are as follows for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
2014
 
2013
 
Noninterest
Income
 
Total Changes
in Fair Value
 
Noninterest
Income
 
Total Changes
in Fair Value
Long-term loans and written loan commitments
$
17,100

 
$
17,100

 
$
(9,110
)
 
$
(9,110
)
For long-term loans and written loan commitments at December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $1.7 million and $0, respectively, of the total change in fair value is attributable to changes in specific credit risk. The gains or losses attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk were determined based on an assessment of existing market conditions and credit quality of the underlying loan for the specific portfolio of loans.



- 28-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

11. Core Deposits and Other Intangibles
A summary of intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows (in thousands):
 
Core Deposit
Intangible
 
Brand
Intangible
 
Customer
Relationships
Intangible
 
Total
As of December 31,2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross carrying amount
$
92,679

 
$
8,464

 
$
16,089

 
$
117,232

Accumulated amortization
(89,121
)
 
(3,713
)
 
(12,482
)
 
(105,316
)
 
$
3,558

 
$
4,751

 
$
3,607

 
$
11,916

As of September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross carrying amount
$
92,679

 
$
8,464

 
$
16,089

 
$
117,232

Accumulated amortization
(87,423
)
 
(3,572
)
 
(12,008
)
 
(103,003
)
 
$
5,256

 
$
4,892

 
$
4,081

 
$
14,229

Amortization expense of intangible assets was $2.3 million and $4.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The estimated amortization expense of intangible assets assumes no activities, such as acquisitions, which would result in additional amortizable intangible assets. Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets in subsequent fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):
Remaining in 2015
$
4,797

2016
2,822

2017
1,097

2018
564

2019
564

2020 and thereafter
2,072


$
11,916


12. Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase generally mature within one to four days from the transaction date. Securities underlying the agreements had an amortized cost of approximately $200.3 million and $190.6 million and fair value of approximately $199.2 million and $188.6 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The Company holds the securities under third-party safekeeping agreements.



- 29-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

13. FHLB Advances, Related Party Notes Payable and Other Borrowings
FHLB advances, related party notes payable, and other borrowings consist of the following at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 (in thousands):

December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
Subordinated capital note to NAB New York (a branch of NAB), due June 2018 (callable June 2015), interest paid quarterly based on LIBOR plus 205 basis points, unsecured
$
35,795

 
$
35,795

$10,000 revolving line of credit to NAB due on demand, interest paid monthly based on LIBOR plus 125 basis points, unsecured
5,500

 
5,500

Total related party notes payable
41,295

 
41,295

Notes payable to Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), interest rates from 0.21% to 3.66% and maturity dates from January 2015 to July 2023, collateralized by real estate loans and FHLB stock, with various call dates at the option of the FHLB
575,000

 
575,000

Other
85

 
94

Total FHLB advances and other borrowings
575,085

 
575,094


$
616,380

 
$
616,389

As of December 31, 2014, based on its Federal Home Loan Bank stock holdings, the combined aggregate additional borrowing capacity of the Company with the Federal Home Loan Bank was $685.6 million.

Principal balances of loans pledged to the Federal Home Loan Bank to collateralize notes payable totaled $2,174.2 million and $2,145.5 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
As of December 31, 2014, FHLB advances, related party notes payable and other borrowings are due or callable (whichever is earlier) in subsequent fiscal years as follows (in thousands):
Remaining in 2015
$
95,585

2016
90,000

2017
25,000

2018
60,795

2019
75,000

2020 and thereafter
270,000


$
616,380




- 30-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

14. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes charged to operations consists of the following for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Currently paid or payable
 
 
 
Federal
$
13,673

 
$
15,967

State
1,993

 
2,669

 
15,666

 
18,636

Deferred tax benefit
(1,964
)
 
(3,697
)
Income tax expense
$
13,702

 
$
14,939

The income tax provision differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to pretax income due to the following for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Tax at statutory rate (35%)
$
14,019

 
$
15,240

Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
 
 
 
Tax exempt interest income
(1,565
)
 
(1,102
)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
1,295

 
1,735

Other
(47
)
 
(934
)
Income tax expense
$
13,702

 
$
14,939

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following components at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
$
20,705

 
$
19,683

Compensation
508

 
329

Net operating loss carryforward
106

 
119

Securities available for sale
1,849

 
3,758

Other real estate owned
14,780

 
13,721

Core deposit intangible and other fair value adjustments
10,900

 
10,573

Excess tax basis of loans acquired over carrying value
9,005

 
9,595

Other
4,880

 
6,272

 
62,733

 
64,050

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Goodwill and other intangibles
(10,072
)
 
(9,099
)
Premises and equipment
(3,957
)
 
(4,390
)
Excess carrying value of FDIC indemnification asset and clawback liability
(2,480
)
 
(4,280
)
Other
(1,465
)
 
(1,578
)
 
(17,974
)
 
(19,347
)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
$
44,759

 
$
44,703



- 31-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

At December 31, 2014, the Company had income tax payable of $13.7 million to the Internal Revenue Service and at September 30, 2014, had income tax payable of $4.9 million to National Americas Investment, Inc. (included in income tax payable).
Management has determined a valuation reserve is not required for the deferred tax assets because it is more likely than not these assets could be realized through carry back to taxable income in prior years, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, and future taxable income.
Uncertain tax positions were not significant at December 31, 2014 or September 30, 2014.
The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009. In July 2014, the IRS issued the final report on their examination of federal income tax returns for the periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2011.  The results of the examination did not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

15. Profit-Sharing Plan
The Company participates in a multiple employer 401(k) profit sharing plan (the Plan). All employees are eligible to participate, beginning with the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the completion of one year of service and having reached the age of 21. In addition to employee contributions, the Company may contribute discretionary amounts for eligible participants. Contribution rates for participating employers must be equal. The Company contributed $1.3 million and $1.2 million to the Plan for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

16. Stock-Based Compensation
On September 26, 2014, the Board of Directors adopted, and on October 10, 2014 NAB, our controlling shareholder, approved the Great Western Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2014 Plan”), the Great Western Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Non-Employee Director Plan (the “2014 Director Plan”), and the Great Western Bancorp, Inc. Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Bonus Plan”), collectively ("the Plans"), which provide for the issuance of restricted share units and performance based share units to certain officers, employees and directors of the Company. The Plans were primarily established to enhance the Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate employees. The Company’s Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors ("Compensation Committee"), or executive management upon delegation of the Compensation Committee has exclusive authority to select the employees and others, including directors, to receive the awards and to establish the terms and conditions of each award made pursuant to the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.
Stock units issued under the Company’s restricted and performance based stock plans may not be sold or otherwise transferred until the vesting period (typically 3 years) has been met and/or performance objectives have been obtained. During the vesting periods, participants do not have voting rights and dividends are accumulated until the time upon which the award vests. Upon specified events, as defined in the Plans, stock unit awards that have not vested and/or performance hurdles that have not been met will be forfeited.
Based on the substantive terms of each award, restricted and performance-based awards are classified as equity awards and accounted for under the Treasury method. The fair value of equity-classified awards is based on the market price of the stock on the measurement date and is amortized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting or performance period.
Stock based compensation is recognized based on the number of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical turnover experience of qualified employees. For performance-based stock awards, an estimate is made of the number of shares expected to vest as a result of actual performance against the performance targets to determine the amount of compensation expense to be recognized. The estimate is reevaluated quarterly and total compensation expense is adjusted for any change in the current period. Stock-based compensation expense is included in salaries and employee benefits expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. For the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, stock compensation expense was $0.5 million and $0, respectively. Related income tax benefits recognized for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $0.2 million and $0, respectively.
The following is a summary of the Plans’ restricted share and performance-based stock award activity as of December 31, 2014:


- 32-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Restricted Shares
Common Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Measurement Date
Fair Value
Restricted stock, beginning of fiscal year

 
$

Granted
78,063

 
18.00

Vested
(12,221
)
 
18.00

Forfeited

 

Canceled

 

Restricted stock, end of period
65,842

 
$
18.00

 
 
 
 
Performance Shares
 
 
 
Restricted stock, beginning of fiscal year

 
$

Granted
220,579

 
18.00

Vested

 

Forfeited
(1,045
)
 
18.00

Canceled

 

Restricted stock, end of period
219,534

 
$
18.00


The number of performance shares granted is reflected in the above table at the 100% target performance level. The actual performance-based award payouts will vary based on the achievement of the pre-established targets and can range from0% to 150% of the target amount. The outstanding number of performance shares reflected in the table represents the number of shares expected to be awarded based on estimated achievement of the goals as of year end. However, at December 31, 2014, the maximum number of performance-based shares that could be issued if performance is attained at 150% of target based on the grants made to date was approximately 329,301 shares.
As of December 31, 2014, there was $2.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards expected to be recognized over a period of 2.75 years.


- 33-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


17. Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Interest Rate Risk
The Company measures, monitors and discloses certain of its assets and liabilities on a fair value basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The guidance describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1    Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities

Level 3
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities
Level 1 inputs are considered to be the most transparent and reliable and Level 3 inputs are considered to be the least transparent and reliable. The Company assumes the use of the principal market to conduct a transaction of each particular asset or liability being measured and then considers the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. Whenever possible, the Company first looks for quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (Level 1 inputs) to value each asset or liability. However, when inputs from identical assets or liabilities on active markets are not available, the Company utilizes market observable data for similar assets and liabilities. The Company maximizes the use of observable inputs and limits the use of unobservable inputs to occasions when observable inputs are not available. The need to use unobservable inputs generally results from the lack of market liquidity of the actual financial instrument or of the underlying collateral. Although in some instances, third party price indications may be available, limited trading activity can challenge the observability of these quotations.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies and inputs used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as the general classification of such assets and liabilities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
Securities Available for Sale
Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities include U.S. Treasury securities. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flows and classified as Level 2 securities. Level 2 securities include U.S. government agency, agency mortgage-backed, states and political subdivisions, corporate debt, and other securities. Where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.
Interest Rate Swaps and Loans
Interest rate swaps are valued using the system used to value all of NAB’s traded securities and derivatives using LIBOR rates. The fair value of loans accounted for under the fair value option represents the net carrying value of the loan, plus the equal and opposite amount of the value of the swap needed to hedge the interest rate risk and an adjustment for credit risk based on our assessment of existing market conditions for the specific portfolio of loans. This is used due to the strict prepayment penalties put in the loan terms to cover the cost of exiting the hedge of the loans in the case of early prepayment or termination. The adjustment for credit risk on loans accounted for under the fair value option is not significant to the overall fair value of the loans. The fair values estimated by NAB use interest rates that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data and, therefore, are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The Company is required to post cash collateral to NAB for interest rate derivative contracts that are in a liability position, thus a credit risk adjustment on interest rate swaps is not warranted.


- 34-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
As of December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
272,578

 
$
272,578

 
$

 
$

Mortgage-backed securities
983,102

 

 
983,102

 

States and political subdivision securities
2,118

 

 
160

 
1,958

Corporate debt securities
5,141

 

 
5,141

 

Other
1,044

 

 
1,044

 

Securities available for sale
$
1,263,983

 
$
272,578

 
$
989,447

 
$
1,958

Derivatives-assets
$
14

 
$

 
$
14

 
$

Derivatives-liabilities
32,409

 

 
32,409

 

Fair value loans and written loan
commitments
1,023,281

 

 
1,023,281

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
As of September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
222,725

 
$
222,725

 
$

 
$

Mortgage-backed securities
1,103,415

 

 
1,103,415

 

States and political subdivision securities
2,189

 

 
160

 
2,029

Corporate debt securities
11,873

 

 
11,873

 

Other
1,040

 

 
1,040

 

Securities available for sale
$
1,341,242

 
$
222,725

 
$
1,116,488

 
$
2,029

Derivatives-assets
$
19

 
$

 
$
19

 
$

Derivatives-liabilities
13,092

 

 
13,092

 

Fair value loans and written loan
commitments
985,411

 

 
985,411

 

The following table presents the changes in Level 3 financial instruments for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
Other Securities Available for Sale
Balance at September 30, 2014
$
2,029

Principal paydown
(71
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
1,958

 
 
Balance at September 30, 2013
2,243

Principal paydown

Balance at December 31, 2013
$
2,243





- 35-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as the general classification of such assets and liabilities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
Impaired Loans (Collateral Dependent)
Loans for which it is probable that the Company will not collect all principal and interest due according to contractual terms are measured for impairment. Allowable methods for estimating fair value include using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans or, where a loan is determined not to be collateral dependent, using the discounted cash flow method.
If the impaired loan is identified as collateral dependent, then the fair value method of measuring the amount of the impairment is utilized. This method requires obtaining a current independent appraisal of the collateral and applying a discount factor, if necessary, to the appraised value and including costs to sell. Because many of these inputs are not observable, the measurements are classified as Level 3.
Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)
Other real estate owned consists of loan collateral that has been repossessed through foreclosure. This collateral is comprised of commercial and residential real estate. OREO is recorded initially at fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are updated periodically, and the assets may be marked down further to fair value less selling costs, reflecting a valuation allowance. Fair value measurements may be based upon appraisals, third-party price opinions, or internally developed pricing methods. These measurements are classified as Level 3.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is based on either quoted prices for the same or similar loans, or values obtained from third parties, or are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics and are therefore considered a Level 2 valuation.
The following tables present the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
As of December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate owned
$
7,164

 
$

 
$

 
$
7,164

Impaired loans
152,312

 

 

 
152,312

Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair
value
9,387

 

 
9,387

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate owned
$
36,879

 
$

 
$

 
$
36,879

Impaired loans
111,265

 

 

 
111,265

Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair
value
10,381

 

 
10,381

 

The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used to measure Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):


- 36-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Financial
Instrument
Fair Value of Assets / (Liabilities) at December 31, 2014
 
Valuation
Technique(s)
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
 
Weighted
Average
Other real estate
owned
$
7,164

 
Appraisal value
 
Property specific adjustment
 
N/A
 
N/A
Impaired loans
$
152,312

 
Appraisal value
 
Property
specific adjustment
 
N/A
 
N/A
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
For financial instruments that have quoted market prices, those quotes are used to determine fair value. Financial instruments that have no defined maturity, have a remaining maturity of 180 days or less, or reprice frequently to a market rate are assumed to have a fair value that approximates carrying value, after taking into consideration any applicable credit risk. If no market quotes are available, financial instruments are valued by discounting the expected cash flows using an estimated current market interest rate for the financial instrument.
The short maturity of the Company’s assets and liabilities results in having a significant number of financial instruments whose fair value equals or closely approximates carrying value. Such financial instruments are reported in the following consolidated balance sheet categories: cash and due from banks, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and accrued interest.
Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments include premises and equipment, deferred income taxes, goodwill, and core deposit and other intangibles. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.
Off-balance sheet instruments (commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit) are generally short-term and at variable rates. Therefore, both the carrying amount and the estimated fair value associated with these instruments are immaterial. Fair values for balance sheet instruments as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
Level in
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
Level 1
 
$
428,186

 
$
428,186

 
$
256,639

 
$
256,639

Loans, net excluding fair valued loans and loans
held for sale
Level 3
 
5,902,227

 
5,887,141

 
5,744,157

 
5,734,274

Accrued interest receivable
Level 2
 
38,201

 
38,201

 
42,609

 
42,609

Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Level 2
 
35,869

 
35,869

 
35,922

 
35,922

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
Level 3
 
$
7,239,206

 
$
7,241,999

 
$
7,052,180

 
$
7,057,591

FHLB advances, related party notes payable, and other borrowings
Level 2
 
616,380

 
607,884

 
616,389

 
604,615

Securities sold under repurchase agreements
Level 2
 
190,585

 
190,585

 
161,687

 
161,687

Accrued interest payable
Level 2
 
4,812

 
4,812

 
5,273

 
5,273

Subordinated debentures
Level 2
 
56,083

 
56,083

 
56,083

 
56,084

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of financial instruments that were not previously disclosed:


- 37-




GREAT WESTERN BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Cash and cash due from banks: Due to the short term nature of cash and cash equivalents, the estimated fair value is equal to the carrying value and they are categorized as a Level 1 fair value measurement.
Loans, net excluding fair valued loans and loans held for sale: The fair value of the loan portfolio is estimated using observable inputs including estimated cash flows, and discount rates based on interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms, to borrowers of similar credit quality. Loans held for investment are categorized as a Level 3 fair value measurement.
Accrued interest receivable: Due to the nature of accrued interest receivable, the estimated fair value is equal to the carrying value and they are categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement.
Federal Home Loan Bank stock: The carrying amount of FHLB stock approximates its fair value as it can only be redeemed with the FHLB at par value. Federal Home Loan Bank stock has been categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement.
Deposits: The estimated fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest bearing demand deposits, savings, NOW, and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand. The fair value of interest-bearing time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows of such deposits, taking into account the option for early withdrawal. The discount rate is estimated using the rates offered by the Company, at the respective measurement dates, for deposits of similar maturities. Deposits have been categorized as a Level 3 fair value measurement.
FHLB advances, related party notes payable, and other borrowings: The fair value of FHLB advances, related party notes payable, and other borrowings is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. In the absence of a reasonably precise methodology to determine the fair value of the credit agreement, carrying value has been used to represent fair value. FHLB advances, related party notes payable, and other borrowings have been categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement.
Securities sold under repurchase agreements: The Company’s repurchase agreements are overnight transactions that mature the day after the transaction, and as a result of this short-term nature, the estimated fair value equals the carrying value. Securities sold under repurchase agreements have been categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement.
Accrued interest payable: Due to the nature of accrued interest payable, the estimated fair value is equal to the carrying value and they are categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement.
Subordinated Debentures: The fair value of subordinated debentures is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on current incremental debt rates. Subordinated debentures have been categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement.
18. Earnings per Share
Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated using a two-class method. Under the two-class method, basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding outstanding non-vested restricted stock awards. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding determined for the basic earnings per share calculation plus the dilutive effect of stock compensation using the treasury stock method.
The following information was used in the computation of basic earnings per share (EPS) for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands except share data).


- 38-




 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Net income
$
26,697

 
$
28,604

 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
57,895,783

 
57,886,114

Dilutive effect of stock based compensation

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share calculation
$
57,895,783

 
$
57,886,114

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.46

 
$
0.49

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.46

 
$
0.49


The Company had 219,534 and 0 shares of unvested restricted stock as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because performance conditions for vesting had not been met. The Company had no anti-dilutive stock awards outstanding as of December 31, 2014.




ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The historical consolidated financial data discussed below reflects our historical results of operations and financial condition and should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes thereto presented elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, previously filed with the SEC. In addition to historical financial data, this discussion includes certain forward-looking statements regarding events and trends that may affect our future results. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” For a more complete discussion of the factors that could affect our future results, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.
Any discrepancies included in this filing between totals and the sums of percentages and dollar amounts presented, or between rounded dollar amounts, are due to rounding.
Unless otherwise noted, references to "the current period" or "the current quarter" refer to the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2014 and references to "the comparable period" or "the comparable quarter" refer to the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2013.

Changes in the Presentation of Results for Loans at Fair Value and Related Derivatives
In the normal course of business, we manage interest rate risk by entering into fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps related to all fixed-rate loans with original terms longer than five years. We have elected to account for these loans using the Fair Value Option. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, we identified an immaterial error in our reporting of one aspect of the derivatives related to these loans and also elected to change the presentation of the reported changes in fair value of these loans and related derivatives, each as discussed below. The Company's previous consolidated financial statements have been corrected or reclassified, as appropriate, to be consistent with the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements.
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, we identified that the current realized gain (loss) on the derivatives related to fair value loans has been improperly recorded as loan interest income instead of being presented in the same line item as the unrealized gain (loss) on the derivatives. As such, the realized gain (loss) on the derivatives related to fair value loans has been moved from loan interest income to "Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives" within noninterest income. We have determined these corrections to be immaterial to the prior period financial statements and there was no effect on net income, equity or cash flows. Because we believe that, economically, the current realized gain (loss) on the derivatives increases (decreases) the fixed-rate interest income received from our customers (as historically presented), we have presented non-GAAP adjusted net interest margin and adjusted loan yield to reflect the underlying economics.

Additionally, we previously reported the changes in fair value of these loans related to both interest rates and credit quality in interest income and we presented the changes in fair value of the derivatives in noninterest expense. Changes in fair value related to interest rates on the loans and changes in fair value of the derivatives were completely offset in any reporting period. To improve the clarity and comparability of our financial statements, we have elected to change the presentation of the changes in fair value related to these loans and derivatives by presenting these changes in two separate line items in noninterest income. As such, changes in fair value related to these loans, both related to interest rates and credit quality, is presented in "Net increase (decrease) in fair value of loans at fair value" within noninterest income, and changes in fair value related to these derivatives is presented in "Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives" within noninterest income. This change in presentation is consistent with how we have previously presented our adjusted net interest income, adjusted noninterest expense, adjusted net interest margin and adjusted efficiency ratio on a non-GAAP basis to reflect the net effect of the change in fair value related to interest rates.

The immaterial error correction and the change in presentation, each as discussed above, have been reflected for all periods presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and all supplementary financial data disclosed by us related to the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.

See "Note 1. Basis of Presentation" in the accompanying "Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements" included in this report for more information.


- 40-




Tax Equivalent Presentation
All references to net interest income, net interest margin, interest income on loans other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, yield on loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality and the related non-GAAP adjusted measure of each item are presented on a fully-tax equivalent basis unless otherwise noted. This differs from our previous disclosures which did not include the tax equivalent adjustments for these measures. We believe this will improve comparability of our results to our peers.

Overview
We are a full-service regional bank holding company focused on relationship-based business and agribusiness banking. We serve our customers through 163 branches in attractive markets in seven states: South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Kansas and Missouri. During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, we opened a new branch in Greeley, Colorado, and we have announced plans to relocate our business banking hub in Omaha, Nebraska in an effort to drive revenue growth in that market and plans to close five branches in our Omaha, Nebraska and Sioux Falls, South Dakota markets that we no longer believe are consistent with our strategy. We do not expect any material negative impact to our financial results arising from these closures.
We were established more than 70 years ago and have achieved strong market positions by developing and maintaining extensive local relationships in the communities we serve. By leveraging our business and agribusiness focus, presence in attractive markets, highly efficient operating model and robust approach to risk management, we have achieved significant and profitable growth—both organically and through disciplined acquisitions. We provide financial results based on a fiscal year ending September 30 as a single reportable segment.
Net income was $26.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, a decrease of $1.9 million, or 7%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2014. Provision for loan losses was $3.3 million in the current quarter compared to $(0.9) million (i.e., net release of provision) in the comparable period, an increase of $4.2 million between the two periods. Higher provision for loan losses was partially offset by stronger net interest income and lower noninterest expenses. Our efficiency ratio remained strong during the quarter at 48.5%. For more information on our efficiency ratio, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.
Net interest margin was 3.91% for the current period and 3.98% for the comparable period. Adjusted net interest margin, which adjusts for the current realized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, and which we believe is a more representative measure of our performance, was 3.67% and 3.77%, respectively for the current quarter and the comparable quarter. Net interest margin and adjusted net interest margin for the current quarter were impacted by the fact that the proceeds from our initial public offering were held on deposit in our bank by NAB for most of the quarter. These funds earned marginal interest income and drove each measure lower by approximately 9 basis points. For more information on our adjusted net interest margin, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.
Net income for the quarter represents earnings per common share of $0.46, compared to $0.49 in the comparable period. On January 28, 2015, our board of directors declared a dividend of $0.12 per common share payable on February 23, 2015 to owners of record as of the close of business on February 12, 2015.
Both loans and deposits grew during the quarter. Total loans increased from $6.79 billion at September 30, 2014 to $6.99 billion at December 31, 2014, an increase of $199.3 million or 2.9%. The majority of loan growth occurred in the commercial real estate ("CRE") and agribusiness segments of the portfolio, with a portion of the growth in agribusiness driven by seasonality related to some of our customers' tax planning strategies. The loan portfolio remains well diversified across a number of segments, industries and geographies. Deposits increased from $7.05 billion at September 30, 2014 to $7.24 billion at December 31, 2014, an increase of $187.0 million or 2.7%. The growth in deposits was balanced between noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing accounts, with the majority of the growth in interest-bearing balances driven by successful campaigns to generate business and consumer account balances.
Our asset quality remains strong with continuing declines in nonperforming loans despite our overall loan growth. Total nonperforming loans have decreased from $78.9 million at September 30, 2014 to $68.5 million at December 31, 2014, a decrease of 13%. Excluding charge-offs on acquired loans subject to purchase accounting fair value adjustments, net charge-offs as a percentage


- 41-




of average total loans was (0.06)% (annualized) for the quarter, compared to 0.14% for fiscal year 2014. As of December 31, 2014, $29.5 million of our total nonperforming loans are covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements.
Our capital position is strong and stable, with Tier 1 capital, total capital and Tier 1 leverage ratios of 11.8%, 12.9% and 9.1%, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. Our retained earnings increased during the quarter, which was offset by the impact of higher risk weighted assets primarily driven by loan growth. Our tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 8.3% at December 31, 2014 compared to 8.2% at September 30, 2014. For more information on our tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.
Until our initial public offering in October 2014 we were a wholly owned subsidiary of NAB, and our results have been part of NAB’s consolidated business operations since NAB acquired us in 2008. NAB is a large financial institution incorporated in Australia and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange with operations in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and parts of Asia. Historically, NAB and its affiliates have provided financial and administrative support to us. In connection with our initial public offering, we and NAB entered into certain agreements that provide a framework for our ongoing relationship, including a Stockholder Agreement governing NAB’s rights as a controlling stockholder and a Transitional Services Agreement pursuant to which NAB has agreed to continue to provide us with certain services for a transition period. We do not expect our costs associated with these services to be significant.
Key Factors Affecting Our Business and Financial Statements
As discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, our business and results of operations are impacted by several key factors, including economic conditions, interest rates, asset quality and loss-sharing arrangements, banking laws and regulations, competition, our operational efficiency, goodwill and amortization of other intangible assets and accounting for loans and interest rate swaps at fair value.  There have been no material changes to these factors except as otherwise supplemented below.
At December 31, 2014, we had $697.8 million of goodwill, the majority of which relates to the acquisition of us by NAB in 2008 and was pushed down to our balance sheet, with the balance relating to subsequent acquisitions completed by us. Under relevant accounting guidance, we are required to review goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of our business may be less than its carrying value. We determine impairment by comparing the implied fair value of the goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, evidence of impairment is present and we will measure the impairment and potentially record an impairment loss in the amount of the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value. The valuation of goodwill is dependent on forward-looking expectations related to nationwide and local economic conditions and our associated financial performance. A significant decline in our expected future cash flows, a material change in interest rates, a significant adverse change in the business climate, slower growth rates,  or a significant or sustained decline in the price of our common stock may necessitate taking charges in the future related to the impairment of our goodwill and other intangible assets.  In addition, other factors, such as a sale of our common stock by our controlling stockholder at a price below our book value per share, could negatively impact the implied fair value of our goodwill.  Our recognition of any such impairment could adversely affect our business and future financial results. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—The value of our goodwill and other intangible assets may decline in the future” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As discussed above under “—Presentation of Results for Loans at Fair Value and Related Derivatives”, we mitigate our interest rate risk associated with certain fixed rate loans by entering into equal and offsetting fixed-to floating interest rate swap agreements for these loans with NAB London Branch.  Notwithstanding the change in the manner in which we present fair value changes in these loans, related to both interest rates and credit quality, and fair value changes in the derivatives related to interest rates, the hedges are fully effective from an interest rate risk perspective, as gain and losses on our swaps are directly offset by changes in fair value of the hedged loans (i.e., swap interest rate risk adjustments are directly offset by associated loan interest rate risk adjustments).   


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Results of Operations—Quarters Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013

Overview
The following table highlights certain key financial and performance information for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
For the three months ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Operating Data:
 
 
 
Interest and dividend income (FTE)
$
92,082

 
$
89,803

Interest expense
7,669

 
8,630

Noninterest income
7,900

 
10,826

Noninterest expense
47,091

 
48,299

Provision for loan losses
3,319

 
(875
)
Net income
26,697

 
28,604

Earnings per common share
$
0.46

 
$
0.49

 
 
 
 
Performance Ratios:
 
 
 
Net interest margin (FTE)
3.91
%
 
3.98
%
Adjusted net interest margin (FTE) (1)
3.67
%
 
3.77
%
Return on average total assets
1.10
%
 
1.23
%
Return on average common equity
7.39
%
 
7.98
%
Return on average tangible common equity (1)
15.8
%
 
18.5
%
Efficiency ratio (1)
48.5
%
 
47.4
%
 
 
 
 
(1) This is a non-GAAP financial measure we believe is helpful to interpreting our financial results. For more information on this non-GAAP financial measure, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.


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Net Interest Income
The following table presents net interest income, net interest margin and adjusted net interest margin for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three months ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
Net interest income:
 
 
 
Total interest and dividend income (FTE)
$
92,082

 
$
89,803

Less: Total interest expense
7,669

 
8,630

Net interest income (FTE)
84,413

 
81,173

Less: Provision for loan losses
3,319

 
(875
)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses (FTE)
$
81,094

 
$
82,048

 
 
 
 
Net interest margin (FTE) and adjusted net interest margin (FTE):
 
 
 
Average interest-earning assets
8,556,688

 
8,101,659

Average interest-bearing liabilities
8,157,697

 
7,764,374

Net interest margin (FTE)
3.91
%
 
3.98
%
Adjusted net interest margin (FTE) (1)   
3.67
%
 
3.77
%
 
 
 
 
1 This is a non-GAAP financial measure we believe is helpful to interpreting our financial results. For more information on this non-GAAP financial measure, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

Net interest income was $84.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to $81.2 million for the same quarter in fiscal year 2014. The increase was driven by higher interest income on loans, partially attributable to the portion of the portfolio acquired with deteriorated credit quality, and lower deposit interest expense, partially offset by lower interest income on the investment portfolio. Compared to the same quarter in fiscal year 2014, the investment portfolio represented a smaller portion of total interest-earning assets driven by higher loan growth compared to deposit growth over the year, which was funded in part by investment portfolio run-off. Net interest margin was 3.91% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared with 3.98% for the same period in fiscal year 2014. Adjusted net interest margin was 3.67% and 3.77%, respectively, over the same periods. As noted above, the proceeds from our initial public offering were held on deposit in our bank by NAB for the majority of the quarter. We earned marginal interest income on these funds and the result of carrying additional average interest earning assets reduced net interest margin and adjusted net interest margin by approximately 9 basis points. For more information on our adjusted net interest margin and adjusted net interest income, including a reconciliation of each to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.
The following table presents the distribution of average assets, liabilities and equity, interest income and resulting yields on average interest-earning assets, and interest expense and rates on average interest-bearing liabilities for the current and comparable quarters. Loans on nonaccrual status, totaling $68.5 million at December 31, 2014 and $119.7 million at December 31, 2013, are included in the average balances below. Any interest that had accrued as of the date of nonaccrual is immediately reversed as a reduction to interest income, while any interest subsequently recovered is recorded in the period of recovery. Tax-exempt loans and securities, totaling $494.3 million at December 31, 2014 and $366.8 million at December 31, 2013, are typically entered at lower interest rate arrangements than comparable non-exempt loans and securities. The amount of interest income reflected below has been adjusted to include the amount of tax benefit realized in the period and as such is presented on a fully-tax equivalent basis, the calculation of which is outlined in the discussion of non-GAAP items later in this section. Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality represent loans accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30 Accounting for Purchased Loans that were credit impaired at the time we acquired them. Loans other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality represent loans we have originated and loans we have acquired that were not credit impaired at the time we acquired them.


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For the three months ended
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Average Balance
 
Interest (FTE)
 
Yield / Cost1
 
Average Balance
 
Interest (FTE)
 
Yield / Cost1
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
442,902

 
$
284

 
0.25
%
 
$
280,671

 
$
184

 
0.26
%
Investment securities
1,336,235

 
5,950

 
1.77
%
 
1,471,895

 
7,184

 
1.94
%
Loans, other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, net2
6,626,507

 
82,876

 
4.96
%
 
6,130,898

 
80,546

 
5.21
%
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, net
151,044

 
2,972

 
7.81
%
 
218,195

 
1,889

 
3.43
%
Loans, net
6,777,551

 
85,848

 
5.03
%
 
6,349,093

 
82,435

 
5.15
%
Total interest-earning assets
8,556,688

 
92,082

 
4.27
%
 
8,101,659

 
89,803

 
4.40
%
Noninterest-earning assets
1,109,386

 
 
 
 
 
1,146,345

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
9,666,074

 
$
92,082

 
3.78
%
 
$
9,248,004

 
$
89,803

 
3.85
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing deposits
$
1,492,262

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,235,764

 
 
 
 
NOW, MMDA and savings deposits
4,149,871

 
$
2,651

 
0.25
%
 
3,806,620

 
$
2,248

 
0.23
%
CDs
1,683,865

 
3,364

 
0.79
%
 
2,057,041

 
4,631

 
0.89
%
Total deposits
7,325,998

 
6,015

 
0.33
%
 
7,099,425

 
6,879

 
0.38
%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
167,835

 
146

 
0.35
%
 
204,081

 
146

 
0.28
%
FHLB advances and other borrowings
566,486

 
946

 
0.66
%
 
363,490

 
1,037

 
1.13
%
Related party notes payable
41,295

 
232

 
2.23
%
 
41,295

 
234

 
2.25
%
Subordinated debentures and other
56,083

 
330

 
2.33
%
 
56,083

 
334

 
2.36
%
Total borrowings
831,699

 
1,654

 
0.79
%
 
664,949

 
1,751

 
1.04
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
8,157,697

 
$
7,669

 
0.37
%
 
7,764,374

 
$
8,630

 
0.44
%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
74,540

 
 
 
 
 
61,606

 
 
 
 
Stockholders' equity
1,433,837

 
 
 
 
 
1,422,024

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
9,666,074

 
 
 
 
 
$
9,248,004

 
 
 
 
Net interest spread
 
 
 
 
3.41
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.41
%
Net interest income and net interest margin (FTE)
 
 
$
84,413

 
3.91
%
 
 
 
$
81,173

 
3.98
%
Less: Tax equivalent adjustment
 
 
$
1,504

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,032

 
 
Net interest income and net interest margin - ties to Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
$
82,909

 
3.84
%
 
 
 
$
80,141

 
3.92
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Annualized for all partial-year periods.
2 Interest income includes $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 and 2014, respectively, resulting from accretion of purchase accounting discount associated with acquired loans.



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Interest and Dividend Income
 
The following table presents interest and dividend income for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three months ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
Interest and dividend income:
 
 
 
Loans
$
84,344

 
$
81,403

Taxable securities
5,687

 
6,969

Nontaxable securities
13

 
14

Dividends on securities
250

 
201

Federal funds sold and other
284

 
184

Total interest and dividend income (GAAP)
90,578

 
88,771

Tax equivalent adjustment
1,504

 
1,032

Total interest and dividend income (FTE)
$
92,082

 
$
89,803


Total interest and dividend income consists primarily of interest income on loans and interest and dividend income on our investment portfolio. Total interest and dividend income was $92.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to $89.8 million for the same period of fiscal year 2014. Significant components of interest and dividend income are described in further detail below.
Loans. Interest income on all loans increased to $85.8 million in first quarter of fiscal year 2015 from $82.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, an increase of 4% between the two periods. The growth was driven primarily by higher average loan balances driven by organic loan origination over the course of the year, partially offset by lower overall loan yields. Interest income on loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality increased $1.1 million between the two periods, primarily as a result of a small number of accelerated payoffs in that portion of the portfolio which we do not expect to be recurring items.
Our yield on loans is affected by market rates, the level of adjustable-rate loan indices, interest rate floors and caps, customer repayment activity, the level of loans held for sale, portfolio mix, and the level of nonaccrual loans. The average tax equivalent yield on loans, other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, was 4.96% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, a decrease of 25 basis points compared to 5.21% for the same period in fiscal year 2014. Adjusted for the current realized gain (loss) on derivatives we use to manage interest rate risk on certain of our loans at fair value, which we believe represents the underlying economics of the transactions, the adjusted yield on loans, other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, was 4.65% for the current quarter, a 28 basis point decrease compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2014. This decrease is attributable to the competitive interest rate environment for high quality commercial and agricultural credits across our footprint and a prolonged rate cycle with short-term rates at or near zero. The average yield on loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality was 7.81% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to 3.43% for the comparable period in fiscal year 2014. The yield on this portion of the portfolio is heavily impacted by the amortization rates for the related FDIC indemnification assets, which we pass through interest income. While we do not expect consistent high yields on this portion of the portfolio going forward, the portfolio continues to run off and represents a very small portion of the overall loan portfolio.
Average net loan balances for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 were $6.78 billion, representing a 7% increase compared to the same period in fiscal year 2014. The growth was focused in the CRE, commercial non-real estate ("C&I") and agribusiness segments of the portfolio.
Loan-related fee income of $2.3 million is included in interest income for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 compared to $2.1 million for the same period in fiscal year 2014. In addition, certain fees collected at loan origination are considered to be a component of yield on the underlying loans and are deferred and recognized into income over the life of the loans. Amortization related to the FDIC indemnification assets of $2.8 million and $3.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively, is included as a reduction to interest income.


- 46-




Investment Portfolio. Interest and dividend income on investments includes income earned on investment securities and FHLB stock. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the balance of our investment portfolio decreased $77.3 million, or 6%, to $1.26 billion. The decrease was driven by scheduled principal paydowns on residential agency mortgage-backed securities, while approximately $50 million of residential agency mortgage-backed securities were sold to reduce the risk profile in the portfolio and reinvested into U.S. Treasury securities. The net proceeds during the month have been retained in cash as we have not identified a suitable reinvestment option with appropriate yield and risk management characteristics. Interest and dividend income on investments decreased from $7.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 to $6.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, a decrease of 17%, driven both by lower average balances in the portfolio and a reduction in yield from 1.94% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 to 1.77% for the same period in fiscal year 2015.
The weighted average life of the portfolio was 3.0 years and 3.1 years at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. Average investments represented 16% and 18% of total average interest-earning assets in the first quarter of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. The carrying value of investment securities and FHLB stock was $1.30 billion as of December 31, 2014.
Interest Expense
The following table presents interest expense for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three months ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
Interest expense:
 
 
 
Deposits
$
6,015

 
$
6,879

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
146

 
146

FHLB advances and other borrowings
946

 
1,037

Related party notes payable
232

 
234

Subordinated debentures and other
330

 
334

Total interest expense
$
7,669

 
$
8,630


Total interest expense consists primarily of interest expense on five components: deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, FHLB advances and other borrowings, related party notes payable and our outstanding subordinated debentures. Total interest expense decreased to $7.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, from $8.6 million for the same quarter in fiscal year 2014, a decrease of 11%, despite an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities from $7.76 billion to $8.16 billion over the same period, driven primarily by lower cost of deposits. The average cost of total interest-bearing liabilities was 0.37% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to 0.44% for the same period in fiscal year 2014. Significant components of interest expense are described in further detail below.
Deposits. Interest expense on deposits, consisting of checking accounts, MMDAs, NOW accounts, savings accounts and CDs, was $6.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 compared with $6.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 13%. Average deposit balances were $7.33 billion and $7.10 billion, respectively, for the same periods. The average rate declined from 0.38% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 to 0.33% for the same period in fiscal year 2015.
Average non-interest-bearing demand account balances comprised 20% of average total deposits for the current quarter, compared with 17% for the comparable quarter. Total average other liquid accounts, consisting of money market and savings accounts, continued to increase to 57% of total average deposits for the current quarter, compared to 54% of total average deposits for the comparable quarter, while CD accounts represented 23% of average total deposits in the current quarter, compared to 29% in the comparable quarter. This shift in our deposit composition, as well as prolonged low benchmark interest rates, accounted for much of the improvement in the cost of our deposit funding between the two periods.
FHLB Advances and Other Borrowings. Interest expense on FHLB advances and other borrowings was $0.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to $1.0 million for the same period in fiscal year 2014, reflecting weighted average cost of 0.66% and 1.13%, respectively. Our average balance for FHLB advances and other borrowings increased to $566.5 million in the


- 47-




current quarter compared to $363.5 million in the comparable quarter, an increase of 56%, driven by higher loan growth than deposit growth between the two periods. Average FHLB advances and other borrowings as a proportion of total average interest-bearing liabilities were 7% for the current quarter compared to 5% for the comparable quarter. The average rate paid on FHLB advances is impacted by market rates and the various terms and repricing frequency of the specific outstanding borrowings in each year. Our total outstanding FHLB advances were $575.0 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. The weighted average contractual rate paid on our FHLB advances was 0.64% at December 31, 2014 and 0.62% at September 30, 2014. The average tenor of our FHLB advances was 51 months and 56 months at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The amount of other borrowings and related interest expense as of and for the current quarter were immaterial.
We must collateralize FHLB advances by pledging real estate loans or investments. We pledge more assets than required by our current level of borrowings in order to maintain additional borrowing capacity. Although we may substitute other loans for such pledged loans, we are restricted in our ability to sell or otherwise pledge these loans without substituting collateral or prepaying a portion of the FHLB advances. At December 31, 2014, we had pledged $2.7 billion of loans to the FHLB, against which we had borrowed $575.0 million.
Subordinated Debentures and Other. Interest expense on our outstanding subordinated debentures was $0.3 million in both the current and comparable quarters. At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the weighted average contractual rate on outstanding subordinated notes was 2.29%.
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase; Related Party Notes Payable. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase represent retail repurchase agreements with customers and, together, with our related party notes payable, represent a small portion of our overall funding profile. The interest expense associated with these two classes of liabilities remained largely consistent between the current quarter and comparable quarter.
Rate and Volume Variances
Net interest income is affected by changes in both volume and interest rates. Volume changes are caused by increases or decreases during the year in the level of average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities. Rate changes result from increases or decreases in the yields earned on assets or the rates paid on liabilities.
The following table presents for the current and comparable quarters a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense resulting from changes in the volume of average asset and liability balances and changes in the average yields or rates compared with the preceding fiscal year. If significant, the change in interest income or interest expense due to both volume and rate has been prorated between the volume and the rate variances based on the dollar amount of each variance. The table illustrates the continued benefit of balance sheet growth, mainly within loans funded by cost-effective deposit growth, partially offset by a reduction in net interest margin most pronounced in loan yield.


- 48-




 
Current Quarter vs Comparable Quarter
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Increase (decrease) in interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
105

 
$
(5
)
 
$
100

Investment securities
(633
)
 
(601
)
 
$
(1,234
)
Loans, other than acquired with deteriorated credit quality
6,316

 
(3,986
)
 
$
2,330

Loans, acquired with deteriorated credit quality
(725
)
 
1,808

 
$
1,083

Loans
5,591

 
(2,178
)
 
$
3,413

Total increase (decrease)
5,063


(2,784
)
 
2,279

Increase (decrease) in interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
NOW, MMDA & savings deposits
211

 
192

 
$
403

CDs
(780
)
 
(487
)
 
$
(1,267
)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
(28
)
 
28

 
$

FHLB advances and other borrowings
441

 
(532
)
 
$
(91
)
Related party notes payable

 
(2
)
 
$
(2
)
Subordinated debentures and other

 
(4
)
 
$
(4
)
Total increase (decrease)
(156
)

(805
)
 
(961
)
Increase (decrease) in net interest income
$
5,219


$
(1,979
)
 
$
3,240


Provision for Loan Losses

We recognized provision for loan losses of $3.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 compared to a release of provision for loan losses of $0.9 million for the comparable period in fiscal year 2014, an increase of $4.2 million between the two periods. The provision for loan losses related to the portion of our loan portfolio that was not acquired with deteriorated credit quality or for which we have elected the fair value option, increased by $4.7 million from $(1.1) million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 to $3.6 million in the current quarter. This change was driven by an increase in specific allowance required for a small number of loan relationships and loan growth over the course of the twelve months and partially offset by continued improvement in our incurred loss history, which drives required allowance on the majority of the loan portfolio. We also recorded a net improvement (i.e., negative provision for loan losses) of $0.3 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 associated with loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. This compares to a net impairment of $0.2 million related to this portion of the portfolio recorded in the comparable period. All loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality for which we recognized an improvement in the current and comparable quarters are covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements. We did not record any meaningful provision for loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements related to loans other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality in either period.


- 49-




Noninterest Income
The following table presents noninterest income for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three months ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
Non-interest income:
 
 
 
Service charges and other fees
$
10,398

 
$
10,662

Net gain on sale of loans
1,544

 
1,616

Casualty insurance commissions
316

 
258

Investment center income
573

 
591

Net gain on sale of securities
51

 

Trust department income
1,068

 
905

Net increase (decrease) in fair value of loans at fair value
17,100

 
(9,110
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
(24,605
)
 
4,837

Other
1,455

 
1,067

Total noninterest income
$
7,900

 
$
10,826


Noninterest income was $7.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to $10.8 million for the comparable period in fiscal year 2014, a decrease of 27%. Included within noninterest income are the changes in fair value of certain loans for which we have elected the fair value option and the net gain (loss), realized and unrealized, of the related derivatives we use to manage the interest rate risk on these loans. For the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, these two components of noninterest income accounted for a net charge of $7.5 million, compared to a net charge of $4.3 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2014. The increase was primarily driven by a $2.7 million charge related to a change in the fair value, related to credit, of one loan relationship that was ultimately charged off during the quarter.
Aside from the increased net charges related to loans at fair value and the related derivatives, noninterest income remained strong, driven primarily by our portion of recoveries related to acquired loans and improved trust services revenue. These increases were partially offset by a 2% reduction in service charges and other fees, which primarily relates to lower OD/NSF fees, and a 4% reduction in income generated by our mortgage business, which earned a lower average yield on sales of originated loans despite higher origination levels between the two periods.


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Noninterest Expense
The following table presents noninterest expense for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three months ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
Noninterest expense:
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
$
24,088

 
$
24,021

Occupancy expenses, net
4,024

 
4,233

Data processing
4,828

 
5,028

Equipment expenses
956

 
1,027

Advertising
728

 
1,084

Communication expenses
1,173

 
1,114

Professional fees
3,572

 
2,898

Net gain from sale of repossessed property and other assets
(368
)
 
(571
)
Amortization of core deposits and other intangibles
2,313

 
4,688

Other
5,777

 
4,777

Total noninterest expense
$
47,091


$
48,299


Our noninterest expense consists primarily of salaries and employee benefits, net occupancy expenses, data processing, professional fees and amortization of core deposits and other intangibles. Noninterest expense was $47.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 compared to $48.3 million for the same period in fiscal year 2014, a decrease of 2% or $1.2 million. Adjusted for the amortization of intangible assets, our tangible noninterest expenses were $44.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, a 3% increase over the same period in fiscal year 2014. Our efficiency ratio was 48.5% for the current quarter and 47.4% for the comparable quarter. For more information on our tangible noninterest expense and efficiency ratio, including a reconciliation of each to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.
The increase in tangible noninterest expenses was primarily driven by higher professional fees, including audit and consulting costs related to being a public company, and a $0.9 million increase in net OREO costs, which are reflected in Other noninterest expense. Salaries and employee benefits, the largest component of our noninterest expense, was up only slightly between the two periods as the costs of management long-term incentives issued in conjunction with our initial public offering were offset by lapses of other incentives related to historical incentive plans. Although not included in tangible noninterest expense, amortization of core deposits and other intangibles also decreased substantially between the two periods, driven entirely by lower scheduled amortization as these assets continue to shrink.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes varies due to the amount of taxable income, the level and effectiveness of tax-advantaged assets and tax credit funds and the rates charged by federal and state authorities. The provision for income taxes of $13.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 represents an effective tax rate of 33.9%, compared to provision of $14.9 million or an effective tax rate of 34.3% for the comparable period, with the decrease in rate primarily due to a larger amount of tax exempt interest and the mix of state and local taxes we recognized. We have historically calculated our provision for income taxes as though we were a standalone company and we do not expect any material changes in our provisioning for income taxes as a result of our initial public offering.


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Return on Assets and Equity
The table below presents our return on average total assets, return on average common equity, average common equity to average assets ratio and net income per average common share at and for the dates presented:
 
At and for the three months ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Return on average total assets
1.10
%
 
1.23
%
Return on average common equity
7.39
%
 
7.98
%
Average common equity to average assets ratio
14.83
%
 
15.38
%
Net income per average common share(1)

$0.46

 

$0.49

 
 
 
 
(1) Net income per average common share for the three months ended December 31, 2013 is calculated using the 57,886,114 shares outstanding after the stock split we effected on October 17, 2014 for purposes of comparability. We have calculated that the amount of share dilution during the current quarter was marginal and, as such, diluted EPS equals EPS for all periods presented.

Analysis of Financial Condition
The following table highlights certain key financial and performance information as of the dates indicated:
 
As of
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance Sheet and Other Information:
 
 
 
Total assets
$
9,641,261

 
$
9,371,429

Loans(2)    
6,986,765

 
6,787,467

Allowance for loan losses
(51,820
)
 
(47,518
)
Deposits
7,239,206

 
7,052,180

Stockholders' equity
1,451,370

 
1,421,090

Tangible common equity(1)    
741,647

 
709,054

Tier 1 capital ratio
11.8
 %
 
11.8
%
Total capital ratio
12.9
 %
 
12.9
%
Tier 1 leverage ratio
9.1
 %
 
9.1
%
Tangible common equity / tangible assets(1)    
8.3
 %
 
8.2
%
Nonperforming loans / total loans
0.98
 %
 
1.16
%
Net charge-offs (recoveries) / average total loans
(0.06
)%
 
0.14
%
Allowance for loan losses / total loans
0.74
 %
 
0.70
%
 
 
 
 
(1) This is a non-GAAP financial measure we believe is helpful to interpreting our financial results. For more information on this non-GAAP financial measure, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.
(2) Loans include unpaid principal balance net of unamortized discount on acquired loans and unearned net deferred fees and costs and loans in process.




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Loan Portfolio
The following table presents our loan portfolio by category at each of the dates indicated:
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
Unpaid principal balance:
 
 
 
Commercial non-real estate(1) 
 
 
 
Loans, other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
$
1,544,483

 
$
1,562,540

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
7,124

 
9,100

Total
1,551,607


1,571,640

Agriculture(1)
 
 
 
Loans, other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
$
1,788,028

 
$
1,681,209

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

 

Total
1,788,028

 
1,681,209

Commercial real estate(1)
 
 
 
Loans, other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
$
2,603,138

 
$
2,476,935

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
42,583

 
64,259

Total
2,645,721

 
2,541,194

Residential real estate
 
 
 
Loans, other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
$
803,659

 
$
789,386

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
106,747

 
112,219

Total
910,406

 
901,605

Consumer
 
 
 
Loans, other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
$
84,080

 
$
88,163

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
1,742

 
1,923

Total
85,822

 
90,086

Other lending
 
 
 
Loans, other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
$
35,311

 
$
34,243

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

 

Total
35,311

 
34,243

Total loans, other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
$
6,858,699

 
$
6,632,476

Total loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
158,196

 
187,501

Total unpaid principal balance
7,016,895

 
6,819,977

Less: Unamortized discount on acquired loans
(23,321)

 
(25,638)

Less: Unearned net deferred fees and costs and loans in process
(6,809)

 
(6,872)

Total loans
6,986,765

 
6,787,467

Allowance for loan losses
(51,820)

 
(47,518)

Loans, net
$
6,934,945

 
$
6,739,949

 
 
 
 
 (1) Unpaid principal balance for commercial non-real estate, agriculture and commercial real estate loans includes fair value adjustments associated with long-term fixed-rate loans where we have entered into interest rate swaps to hedge our interest rate risk.
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, total loans grew by 2.9%, or $199.3 million. The growth was primarily focused in the CRE and agribusiness segments of the portfolio. Over the same time period, C&I, residential real estate, consumer and other loan balances remained generally stable. We believe a portion of the growth in the agribusiness segment was driven by some of our customers' seasonal tax planning strategies and that some of this growth may reverse in the second quarter of the fiscal year.


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The following tables present an analysis of the unpaid principal balance of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2014, by borrower and collateral type and by each of the four major geographic areas we use to manage our markets.
 
December 31, 2014
 
Nebraska
 
Iowa / Kansas / Missouri
 
South Dakota
 
Arizona /
Colorado
 
Other(2)
 
Total
 
%
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial non-real estate(1)
$
349,756

 
$
708,302

 
$
251,419

 
$
199,924

 
$
42,206

 
$
1,551,607

 
22.1
%
Agriculture(1)
179,343

 
453,364

 
604,472

 
543,779

 
7,070

 
1,788,028

 
25.5
%
Commercial real estate(1)
581,758

 
791,362

 
679,695

 
545,872

 
47,034

 
2,645,721

 
37.7
%
Residential real estate
228,396

 
317,172

 
167,763

 
132,746

 
64,329

 
910,406

 
13.0
%
Consumer
24,834

 
27,393

 
25,632

 
5,695

 
2,268

 
85,822

 
1.2
%
Other lending

 

 

 

 
35,311

 
35,311

 
0.5
%
Total
$
1,364,087

 
$
2,297,593

 
$
1,728,981

 
$
1,428,016

 
$
198,218

 
$
7,016,895

 
100
%
% by location
19.4
%
 
32.8
%
 
24.6
%
 
20.4
%
 
2.8
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (1) Unpaid principal balance for commercial non-real estate, agriculture and commercial real estate loans includes fair value adjustments associated with long-term fixed-rate loans where we have entered into interest rate swaps to hedge our interest rate risk.
 (2) Balances in this column represent acquired workout loans and certain other loans managed by our staff, commercial and consumer credit card loans, fair value adjustments related to acquisitions and loans for which we have elected the fair value option, which could result in a negative carrying amount in the event of a net negative fair value adjustment.
 
The following table presents additional detail regarding our agriculture, CRE and residential real estate loans at December 31, 2014:
 
December 31, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial non-real estate
$
1,551,607

Agriculture real estate
800,631

Agriculture operating loans
987,397

Agriculture
1,788,028

Construction and development
285,366

Owner-occupied CRE
1,146,670

Non-owner-occupied CRE
1,033,481

Multifamily residential real estate
180,204

Commercial real estate
2,645,721

Home equity lines of credit
338,112

Closed-end first lien
444,936

Closed-end junior lien
55,274

Residential construction
72,084

Residential real estate
910,406

Consumer
85,822

Other
35,311

Total unpaid principal balance
$
7,016,895





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Commercial Non-Real Estate. Commercial non-real estate, or business lending, represents one of our core competencies. We believe that providing a tailored range of integrated products and services, including lending, to small- and medium-enterprise customers is the business at which we excel and through which we can generate favorable returns for our stockholders. We offer a number of different products including working capital and other shorter-term lines of credit, fixed-rate loans over a wide range of terms including our tailored business loans, for which we enter into matching interest rate swaps that give us floating payments for all deals over five years, and variable-rate loans with varying terms.
Agriculture. Agriculture loans include farm operating loans and loans collateralized by farm land. According to the American Bankers Association, at September 30, 2014, we were ranked the eighth-largest farm lender bank in the United States measured by total dollar volume of farm loans, and we take great pride in our knowledge of the agricultural industry across our footprint. We consider agriculture lending one of our core competencies. In 2008, agriculture loans comprised approximately 15% of our overall loan portfolio, compared to 26% as of December 31, 2014. We target a 20% to 35% portfolio composition for agriculture loans according to our risk appetite statement approved by our board of directors. Within our agriculture portfolio, loans are diversified across a wide range of subsectors with the majority of the portfolio concentrated within various types of grain, livestock and dairy products, and across different geographical segments within our footprint.
Commercial Real Estate. CRE includes both owner-occupied CRE and non-owner-occupied CRE and construction and development lending. While CRE lending will remain a significant component of our overall loan portfolio, we are committed to managing our exposure to riskier construction and development deals specifically, and to CRE lending in general, by targeting relationships with relatively low loan-to-value positions, priced to reflect the amount of risk we accept as the lender. This focus on rebalancing the portfolio is reflected in the fact that CRE lending comprised nearly 50% of the portfolio at the time of the NAB acquisition in 2008, compared to 38% as of December 31, 2014.
Residential Real Estate. Residential real estate lending reflects 1-to-4-family real estate construction loans, closed-end first-lien mortgages (primarily single-family long-term first mortgages resulting from acquisitions of other banks), closed-end junior-lien mortgages and home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs. Our closed-end first-lien mortgages include a small percentage of single-family first mortgages that we originate and cannot subsequently sell into the secondary market, including jumbo products, adjustable-rate mortgages and rural home mortgages. Conversely, a large percentage of our total single-family first mortgage originations are sold into the secondary market in order to meet our interest rate risk management objectives.
Consumer. Our consumer lending offering comprises a relatively small portion of our total loan portfolio, and predominantly reflects small-balance secured and unsecured products marketed by our retail branches.
Other Lending. Other lending includes all other loan relationships that do not fit within the categories above, primarily consumer and commercial credit cards and customer deposit account overdrafts.
The following table presents the maturity distribution of our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2014. The maturity dates were determined based on the contractual maturity date of the loan:
 
1 Year or Less
 
>1 Through 5
Years
 
>5 Years
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Maturity distribution:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial non-real estate
$
472,383

 
$
603,759

 
$
475,465

 
$
1,551,607

Agriculture
778,157

 
656,401

 
353,470

 
1,788,028

Commercial real estate
296,008

 
1,093,616

 
1,256,097

 
2,645,721

Residential real estate
94,323

 
403,869

 
412,214

 
910,406

Consumer
13,733

 
51,190

 
20,899

 
85,822

Other lending
35,311

 

 

 
35,311

Total
$
1,689,915

 
$
2,808,835

 
$
2,518,145

 
$
7,016,895



- 55-





The following table presents the distribution, as of December 31, 2014, of our loans that were due after one year between fixed and variable interest rates:
 
Fixed
 
Variable
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Maturity distribution:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial non-real estate
$
620,505

 
$
458,719

 
$
1,079,224

Agriculture
720,093

 
289,778

 
1,009,871

Commercial real estate
1,231,148

 
1,118,565

 
2,349,713

Residential real estate
226,561

 
589,522

 
816,083

Consumer
63,101

 
8,988

 
72,089

Total
$
2,861,408

 
$
2,465,572

 
$
5,326,980


OREO
In the normal course of business, we obtain title to parcels of real estate and other assets when borrowers are unable to meet their contractual obligations and we initiate foreclosure proceedings, or via deed in lieu of foreclosure actions. OREO assets are considered nonperforming assets. When we obtain title to an asset, we evaluate how best to maintain and protect our interest in the property and seek to liquidate the assets at an acceptable price in a timely manner. Our total OREO carrying value was $43.4 million as of December 31, 2014, a decrease of $6.1 million compared to September 30, 2014. The amount of OREO covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements was $10.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and as of September 30, 2014. The following table presents our OREO balances for the period indicated:
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
Beginning balance
$
49,580

Additions to OREO
1,369

Valuation adjustments and other
(2,110)

Sales
(5,397)

Ending balance
$
43,442

Investments
The following table presents the amortized cost of each category of our investment portfolio at the dates indicated:
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities
$
271,551

 
$
222,868

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
Government National Mortgage Association
989,204

 
1,113,363

States and political subdivision securities
2,117

 
2,188

Corporate debt securities
4,996

 
11,732

Other
1,006

 
1,006

Total
$
1,268,874


$
1,351,157


We have historically invested excess deposits in high-quality, liquid investment securities including residential agency mortgage-backed securities and, to a lesser extent, U.S. Treasury securities, corporate debt securities and securities issued by U.S. states and political subdivisions. Our investment portfolio serves as a means to collateralize FHLB borrowings and public funds deposits,


- 56-




to earn net spread income on excess deposits and to maintain liquidity and balance interest rate risk. Dating to the beginning of fiscal year 2011, the portfolio composition was heavily weighted toward Government National Mortgage Association residential agency mortgage-backed securities to fit the risk appetite and financial return targets of NAB; however, we rebalanced approximately $272 million of the portfolio into U.S. Treasury securities in the last half of fiscal year 2014 and first quarter of fiscal year 2015 to balance our interest rate risk exposures. U.S. Treasury securities comprised 22% of the total portfolio as of December 31, 2014. Since September 30, 2014, the carrying value of the portfolio decreased by $77.3 million, or 6%, driven by scheduled principal repayments on mortgage-backed securities which we have chosen not to reinvest in due to limited options that meet yield and risk requirements.
The following tables present the aggregate amortized cost of each investment category of the investment portfolio and the weighted average yield for each investment category for each maturity period at December 31, 2014. Maturities of mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be called or prepaid without any penalties. The weighted-average yield on these assets is presented below based on the contractual rate, as opposed to a tax equivalent yield concept.
 
December 31, 2014
 
Due in one year or less
 
Due after one year
through five years
 
Due after five years
through ten years
 
Due after ten years
 
Mortgage-backed
securities
 
Securities without
contractual
maturities
 
Total
 
Amount
 
Weighted average return
 
Amount
 
Weighted average return
 
Amount
 
Weighted average return
 
Amount
 
Weighted average return
 
Amount
 
Weighted average return
 
Amount
 
Weighted average return
 
Amount
 
Weighted average return
 
(dollars in thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities
$

 
%
 
$
247,262

 
1.36
%
 
$
24,289

 
1.72
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
271,551

 
1.39
%
Mortgage-backed securities

 
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 
989,204

 
1.78
%
 

 
%
 
989,204

 
1.78
%
States and political subdivision securities
470

 
5.78
%
 
534

 
3.46
%
 
1,113

 
5.30
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 
2,117

 
4.94
%
Corporate debt securities

 
%
 

 
%
 
4,996

 
1.76
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 
4,996

 
1.76
%
Other

 
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 
1,006

 
%
 
1,006

 
%
Total
$
470

 
5.78
%
 
$
247,796

 
1.37
%
 
$
30,398

 
1.86
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
989,204

 
1.78
%
 
$
1,006

 
%
 
$
1,268,874

 
1.70
%

Asset Quality
We place an asset on nonaccrual status when any installment of principal or interest is more than 90 days past due (except for loans that are well secured and in the process of collection) or earlier when management determines the ultimate collection of all contractually due principal or interest to be unlikely. Restructured loans for which we grant payment or significant interest rate concessions are placed on nonaccrual status until collectability improves and a satisfactory payment history is established, generally by the receipt of at least six consecutive payments. Our collection policies related to delinquent and charged-off loans are highly focused on individual relationships, and we believe that these policies are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The following table presents the dollar amount of nonaccrual loans, OREO, restructured performing loans and accruing loans over 90 days past due, at the end of the dates indicated. Loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements are generally pooled with other similar loans and are generally accreting purchase discount into income each period. Subject to compliance with the applicable loss-sharing agreement, we are generally indemnified by the FDIC at a rate of 80% for any future credit losses on loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements through June 4, 2015 for commercial loans and June 4, 2020 for single-family real estate loans.


- 57-




 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
Nonaccrual loans(1)
 
 
 
Commercial non-real estate
 
 
 
Loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
$
1,996

 
$
2,126

Loans not covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
10,630

 
4,908

Total
12,626


7,034

Agriculture
 
 
 
Loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
$

 
$

Loans not covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
10,342

 
11,453

Total
10,342


11,453

Commercial real estate
 
 
 
Loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
$
16,831

 
$
21,995

Loans not covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
10,638

 
20,767

Total
27,469


42,762

Residential real estate
 
 
 
Loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
$
10,644

 
$
10,839

Loans not covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
7,269

 
6,671

Total
17,913


17,510

Consumer
 
 
 
Loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
$

 
$

Loans not covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
104

 
146

Total
104

 
146

Other lending
 
 
 
Loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
$

 
$

Loans not covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements

 

Total



 
 
 
 
Total nonaccrual loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
$
29,471

 
$
34,960

Total nonaccrual loans not covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
38,983

 
43,945

Total nonaccrual loans
68,454


78,905

 
 
 
 
OREO
43,442

 
49,580

 
 
 
 
Total nonperforming assets
$
111,896

 
$
128,485

Restructured performing loans
53,146

 
36,857

 
 
 
 
Total nonperforming and restructured assets
$
165,042


$
165,342

 
 
 
 
Accruing loans 90 days or more past due
$
376

 
$
28

Nonperforming restructured loans included in total nonaccrual loans
$
19,778

 
$
20,415

Nonaccretable difference outstanding related to loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
$
62,078

 
$
62,606

Percent of total assets
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans(1)
 
 
 
Loans not covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
0.40
%
 
0.47
%
Total
0.71
%
 
0.84
%
OREO
0.45
%
 
0.53
%
Nonperforming assets(2)
1.16
%
 
1.37
%
Nonperforming and restructured assets(2)
1.71
%
 
1.76
%
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes nonperforming restructured loans
 
 
 
(2) Includes nonaccrual loans, which includes nonperforming restructured loans.
 
 
 




- 58-




At December 31, 2014, our nonperforming assets were approximately 1.16% of total assets, compared to 1.37% at September 30, 2014.
Excluding loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements, we had simple average nonaccrual loans of $41.5 million outstanding during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. Based on the average loan portfolio yield for these loans for the quarter, we estimate that interest income would have been less than $1 million higher during the quarter had these loans been accruing. During the same period, the amount of net interest income that we recorded on these loans was immaterial.
Nonaccrual loans not covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements decreased by $5.0 million compared to September 30, 2014, driven by an increase in C&I nonaccrual loans related to a small number of relationships, more than offset by a reduction in CRE nonaccrual loans that were resolved during the quarter without experiencing material charge-offs.
Nonaccrual loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements continued to decline and are down $5.5 million over the quarter, and we expect these loans to continue to decline due to the expiration of the commercial loss-sharing arrangement on June 4, 2015 and the natural runoff through payment or foreclosure of the underlying assets.
We consistently monitor all loans internally rated “watch” or worse because that rating indicates we have identified some potential weakness emerging; but loans rated “watch” will not necessarily become problem loans or become impaired. Aside from the loans on the watch list, we do not believe we have any potential problem loans that are not already identified as nonaccrual, past due or restructured as it is our policy to promptly reclassify loans as soon as we become aware of doubts as to the borrowers’ ability to meet repayment terms. We do not have any material interest-bearing assets that would be disclosed as nonperforming loans or restructured performing loans if they were loans.
When we grant concessions to borrowers that we would not otherwise grant if not for the borrowers’ financial difficulties, such as reduced interest rates or extensions of loan periods, we consider these modifications troubled debt restructurings, or TDRs. The table below outlines total TDRs, split between performing and nonperforming loans, at each of the dates indicated:


- 59-




 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial non-real estate
 
 
 
Performing TDRs
$
7,561

 
$
6,753

Nonperforming TDRs
1,468

 
1,785

Total
9,029

 
8,538

Agriculture
 
 
 
Performing TDRs
$
3,731

 
$
3,780

Nonperforming TDRs
9,708

 
9,994

Total
13,439

 
13,774

Commercial real estate
 
 
 
Performing TDRs
$
41,114

 
$
25,177

Nonperforming TDRs
6,638

 
6,884

Total
47,752

 
32,061

Residential real estate
 
 
 
Performing TDRs
$
723

 
$
1,112

Nonperforming TDRs
1,947

 
1,730

Total
2,670

 
2,842

Consumer
 
 
 
Performing TDRs
$
17

 
$
35

Nonperforming TDRs
17

 
22

Total
34

 
57

Other lending
 
 
 
Performing TDRs
$

 
$

Nonperforming TDRs

 

Total

 

 
 
 
 
Total performing TDRs
$
53,146

 
$
36,857

Total nonperforming TDRs
19,778

 
20,415

 
 
 
 
Total TDRs
$
72,924

 
$
57,272


We entered into loss-sharing arrangements with the FDIC related to certain assets (loans and OREO) acquired from TierOne Bank on June 4, 2010. We are generally indemnified by the FDIC at a rate of 80% for any future credit losses through June 4, 2015 for commercial loans and OREO and June 4, 2020 for single-family real estate loans and OREO. The table below presents nonaccrual loans, TDRs, and OREO covered by loss-sharing arrangements; a rollforward of the allowance for loan losses for loans covered by loss-sharing arrangements; a rollforward of allowance for loan losses for only those loans purchased with deteriorated credit quality covered by loss-sharing arrangements; and a rollforward of OREO covered by loss-sharing arrangements at and for the periods presented.


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At and for the three months ended December 31, 2014
 
At and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
Assets covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans(1)
$
29,471

 
$
34,960

TDRs
3,252

 
5,293

OREO
10,602

 
10,628

Allowance for loan losses, loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
5,108

 
$
7,246

Additional impairment recorded
119

 
2,364

Recoupment of previously-recorded impairment
(510
)
 
(4,482
)
Charge-offs

 
(20
)
Recoveries

 

Balance at end of period
$
4,717

 
$
5,108

 
 
 
 
OREO covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangement
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
10,628

 
$
24,412

Additions to OREO
1,164

 
1,785

Valuation adjustments and other
(693
)
 
(3,750
)
Sales
(497
)
 
(11,819
)
Balance at end of period
$
10,602


$
10,628

 
 
 
 
(1) Includes nonperforming restructured loans.
 
 
 

Allowance for Loan Losses
We establish an allowance for the inherent risk of probable losses within our loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is management’s best estimate of probable credit losses that are incurred in the loan portfolio. We determine the allowance for loan losses based on an ongoing evaluation, driven primarily by monitoring changes in loan risk grades, delinquencies and other credit risk indicators, which is an inherently subjective process. We consider the uncertainty related to certain industry sectors and the extent of credit exposure to specific borrowers within the portfolio. In addition, we consider concentration risks associated with the various loan portfolios and current economic conditions that might impact the portfolio. All of these estimates are susceptible to significant change. Changes to the allowance for loan losses are made by charges to the provision for loan losses. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged off against the allowance for loan losses. Recoveries of amounts previously charged-off are credited to the allowance for loan losses.
Our allowance for loan losses consists of two components. For non-impaired loans, we calculate a weighted average ratio of 12-, 36- and 60-month historical realized losses by collateral type; adjust as necessary for our interpretation of current economic conditions and current portfolio trends including credit quality, concentrations, aging of the portfolio and/or significant policy and underwriting changes not entirely covered by the calculated historical loss rates; and apply the loss rates to outstanding loan balances in each collateral category. We calculate the weighted average ratio of 12-, 36- and 60-month historical realized losses for each collateral type by dividing the average net annual charge-offs by the average outstanding loans of such type subject to the calculation for each of the 12-, 36- and 60-month periods, then averaging those three results. For impaired loans, we estimate our exposure for each individual relationship, given the current payment status of the loan, the present value of expected payments and the value of the underlying collateral as supported by third party appraisals, broker’s price opinions, and/or the borrower’s audited financial statements, each adjusted for liquidation costs. Any shortfall between the liquidation value of the underlying collateral and the recorded investment value of the loan is considered the required specific reserve amount. Actual losses in any period may exceed allowance amounts. We evaluate and adjust our allowance for loan losses, and the allocation of the allowance between loan categories, each month.


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The following table presents an analysis of our allowance for loan losses, including provisions for loan losses, charge-offs and recoveries, for the periods indicated:
 
At and for the three months ended December 31, 2014
 
At and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
47,518

 
$
55,864

Provision charged to expense
3,639

 
4,456

Impairment of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
(320
)
 
(3,772
)
Charge-offs:
 
 
 
Commercial non-real estate
(84
)
 
(5,380
)
Agriculture

 
(2,429
)
Commercial real estate
(82
)
 
(3,199
)
Residential real estate
(57
)
 
(631
)
Consumer
(38
)
 
(211
)
Other lending
(428
)
 
(1,893
)
Total charge-offs
(689
)
 
(13,743
)
 
 
 
 
Recoveries:
 
 
 
Commercial non-real estate
1,160

 
1,439

Agriculture
57

 
58

Commercial real estate
69

 
1,470

Residential real estate
43

 
233

Consumer
24

 
156

Other lending
319

 
1,357

Total recoveries
1,672

 
4,713

 
 
 
 
Net loan (charge-offs) recoveries
983

 
(9,030
)
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period
$
51,820

 
$
47,518

 
 
 
 
Average total loans for the period(1)
$
6,825,990

 
$
6,556,818

Total loans at period end(1)
$
6,986,765

 
$
6,787,467

Ratios
 
 
 
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average total loans
(0.06
)%
 
0.14
%
Allowance for loan losses to:
 
 
 
Total loans
0.74
 %
 
0.70
%
Nonaccruing loans(2)
132.93
 %
 
108.13
%
 
 
 
 
(1) Loans include unpaid principal balance net of unamortized discount on acquired loans and unearned net deferred fees and costs and loans in process.
(2) Nonaccruing loans excludes loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing arrangements.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, we recorded net recoveries of $1.0 million, representing (0.06)% of total loans on an annualized basis, a 20 basis point improvement compared to 0.14% for fiscal year 2014. The charge-offs we recorded during the quarter were relatively small in magnitude and were not concentrated in any one segment of the loan portfolio.
At December 31, 2014, the allowance for loan losses was 0.74% of our total loan portfolio, a 4 basis point increase compared with 0.70% at September 30, 2014. The increase in the allowance for loan losses, both in total dollars and as a percentage of the loan portfolio, was primarily driven by a small number of impaired credits that required higher specific allowance as well as by loan


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growth in the quarter. Additionally, certain of our loans which are carried at fair value, totaling $1.02 billion and $985 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, have no associated allowance for loan losses, but rather have a fair value adjustment related to credit risk, which is reflected in noninterest income, thus driving the overall ratio of allowance for loan losses to total loans lower. The amount of fair value adjustment related to credit risk on these loans was $4.3 million and $6.0 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
The following tables present management’s historical allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category, in both dollars and percentage of our total allowance for loan losses, to specific loans in those categories at the dates indicated:
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
Allocation of allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
Commercial non-real estate
$
14,625

 
$
10,550

Agriculture
10,920

 
10,655

Commercial real estate
17,722

 
16,884

Residential real estate
7,567

 
8,342

Consumer
201

 
264

Other lending
785

 
823

Total
$
51,820

 
$
47,518


 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
Allocation of allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
Commercial non-real estate
28.2
%
 
22.2
%
Agriculture
21.1
%
 
22.4
%
Commercial real estate
34.2
%
 
35.5
%
Residential real estate
14.6
%
 
17.6
%
Consumer
0.4
%
 
0.6
%
Other lending
1.5
%
 
1.7
%

Management will continue to evaluate the loan portfolio and assess economic conditions in order to determine future allowance levels and the amount of loan loss provisions. We review the appropriateness of our allowance for loan losses on a monthly basis. Management monitors closely all past due and restructured loans in assessing the appropriateness of its allowance for loan losses. In addition, we follow procedures for reviewing and grading all substantial commercial and agriculture relationships at least annually. Based predominantly upon the review and grading process, we determine the appropriate level of the allowance in response to our assessment of the probable risk of loss inherent in our loan portfolio. Management will make additional loan loss provisions when the results of its problem loan assessment methodology or overall allowance appropriateness test indicate additional provisions are required.
The review of problem loans is an ongoing process during which management may determine that additional charge-offs are required or additional loans should be placed on nonaccrual status. We recorded provision for loan losses of $3.3 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. We have also recorded an allowance for unfunded lending-related commitments that represents our estimate of incurred losses on the portion of lending commitments that borrowers have not advanced. The balance of the allowance for unfunded lending-related commitments was $0.4 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014.




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Deposits
We obtain funds from depositors by offering consumer and business demand deposit accounts, MMDAs, NOW accounts, savings accounts and term CDs. At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, our total deposits were $7.24 billion and $7.05 billion, respectively, an increase of 2.7% over the quarter. Our accounts are federally insured by the FDIC up to the legal maximum. We advertise in newspapers, on the Internet and on television and radio to attract deposits and perform limited direct telephone solicitation of potential institutional depositors such as investment managers, public depositors and pension plans. We have significantly shifted the composition of our deposit portfolio away from CDs toward demand, NOW, MMDA and savings accounts over the last 24 months. This has dramatically reduced our overall cost of deposit funding, in addition to the fact that we have greatly increased adherence to internally published rate offerings for various types of deposit account offerings. The following table presents the balances and weighted average cost of our deposit portfolio at the following dates:
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
Amount
 
Weighted Avg. Cost
 
Amount
 
Weighted Avg. Cost
 
(dollars in thousands)
Non-interest-bearing demand
$
1,381,887

 
%
 
$
1,303,015

 
%
NOW accounts, money market and savings
4,233,797

 
0.27
%
 
4,005,471

 
0.24
%
Time certificates, $100,000 or more
678,241

 
0.91
%
 
733,376

 
0.98
%
Other time certificates
945,281

 
0.72
%
 
1,010,318

 
0.82
%
Total
$
7,239,206

 
0.34
%
 
$
7,052,180

 
0.36
%

Municipal public deposits constituted $0.98 billion and $1.00 billion of our deposit portfolio at December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014, respectively, of which $704 million and $760 million, respectively, were required to be collateralized. Our top 10 depositors were responsible for 9% of our total deposits at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014.
The following table presents deposits by region:
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2104
 
(dollars in thousands)
Nebraska
$
2,384,008

 
$
2,366,196

Iowa / Kansas / Missouri
2,180,577

 
2,096,212

South Dakota
1,506,138

 
1,431,737

Arizona / Colorado
1,128,440

 
1,105,535

Corporate and other
40,043

 
52,500

Total deposits
$
7,239,206

 
$
7,052,180


We fund a portion of our assets with CDs that have balances of $100,000 or more and that have maturities generally in excess of six months. At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, our CDs of $100,000 or more totaled $678 million and $733 million, respectively. The following table presents the maturities of our CDs of $100,000 or more and less than $100,000 in size at December 31, 2014:


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Greater than or equal to $100,000
 
Less than $100,000
 
(dollars in thousands)
Remaining maturity:
 
 
 
Three months or less
$
136,459

 
$
220,828

Over three through six months
142,658

 
151,776

Over six through twelve months
169,124

 
248,008

Over twelve months
230,000

 
324,669

Total
$
678,241

 
$
945,281

Percent of total deposits
9.4
%
 
13.1
%

At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the average remaining maturity of all CDs was approximately 13 months. The average CD amount per account was approximately $27,974 and $28,581 at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
Derivatives
In the normal course of business, we enter into fixed-rate loans having original maturities of 5 years or greater (typically between 5 and 15 years) with certain of our commercial and agribusiness banking customers to assist them in facilitating their risk management strategies. We mitigate our interest rate risk associated with these loans by entering into equal and offsetting fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements for these loans with NAB London Branch. We have elected to account for the loans at fair value under ASC 825 Fair Value Option. Changes in the fair value of these loans are recorded in earnings as a component of noninterest income in the relevant period. The related interest rate swaps are recognized as either assets or liabilities in our financial statements and any gains or losses on these swaps, both realized and unrealized, are recorded in earnings as a component of noninterest income. The economic hedges are fully effective from an interest rate risk perspective, as gains and losses on our swaps are directly offset by changes in fair value of the hedged loans (i.e., swap interest rate risk adjustments are directly offset by associated loan interest rate risk adjustments). Consequently, any changes in noninterest income associated with changes in fair value resulting from interest rate movement, as opposed to changes in credit quality, on the loans are directly offset by equal and opposite unrealized charges to or reductions in noninterest income for the related interest rate swap. Any changes in the fair value of the loans related to credit quality and the current realized gain (loss) on derivatives are not offsetting amounts within noninterest income. To ensure the correlation of movements in fair value between the interest rate swap and the related loan, we pass on all economic costs associated with our hedging activity resulting from loan customer prepayments (partial or full) to the customer.
Short-Term Borrowings
Our primary sources of short-term borrowings include securities sold under repurchase agreements and certain FHLB advances maturing within 12 months. The following table presents certain information with respect to only our borrowings with original maturities less than 12 months at and for the periods noted:


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At and for the three months ended December 31, 2014
 
At and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
Short-term borrowings:
 
 
 
FHLB advances
$
25,000

 
$

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
187,693

 
157,979

Related party notes payable
5,500

 
5,500

Other short-term borrowings
85

 
94

Total short-term borrowings
$
218,278

 
$
163,573

 
 
 
 
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the period
$
218,278

 
$
264,345

Average amount outstanding during the period
$
186,471

 
$
205,483

Weighted average rate for the period
0.31
%
 
0.42
%
Weighted average rate as of date indicated
0.33
%
 
0.37
%

Great Western also has a $10 million revolving line of credit issued by NAB that is due on demand. Amounts outstanding under the line of credit bear interest at a rate equal to the London inter-bank offered rate, or LIBOR, for three-month U.S. dollar deposits plus 125 basis points, with interest payable quarterly. The interest rate is recalculated every quarter and was 1.42% at December 31, 2014. There were outstanding advances of $5.5 million on this line of credit at each of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. We incurred an immaterial amount of interest expense related to this facility during the quarter.
Other Borrowings
Great Western has outstanding $56.1 million of junior subordinated debentures to affiliated trusts in connection with the issuance of trust preferred securities by such trusts as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. We are permitted under applicable laws and regulations to count these trust preferred securities as part of our Tier 1 capital.
Great Western also has outstanding a subordinated capital note issued to NAB New York Branch having an aggregate principal amount of approximately $35.8 million maturing in June 2018. Interest on the note is payable quarterly and accrues at a rate equal to LIBOR for three-month U.S. dollar deposits plus 205 basis points. The interest rate on the note is recalculated every quarter and was 2.28% at December 31, 2014. We incurred $0.2 million in interest on outstanding amounts under the line of credit during the quarter. Subject to receipt of regulatory approval, we may prepay the note at any time, in whole but not in part, without penalty.
Off-Balance Sheet Commitments, Commitments, Guarantees and Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes the maturity of our contractual obligations and other commitments to make future payments at December 31, 2014. Customer deposit obligations categorized as “not determined” include noninterest-bearing demand accounts, NOW accounts, MMDAs and passbook accounts.


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Less Than 1 Year
 
1 to 2 Years
 
2 to 5 Years
 
>5 Years
 
Not Determined
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Contractual Obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer deposits
$
1,068,854

 
$
287,381

 
$
248,409

 
$
18,878

 
$
5,615,684

 
$
7,239,206

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

 

 
2,802

 

 
187,783

 
$
190,585

FHLB advances and other borrowings
90,085

 
90,000

 
125,000

 
270,000

 

 
$
575,085

Related party notes payable
5,500

 

 
35,795

 

 

 
$
41,295

Subordinated debentures(1)

 

 

 
56,083

 

 
$
56,083

Accrued interest payable
4,812

 

 

 

 

 
$
4,812

Interest on FHLB advances
3,379

 
2,317

 
5,352

 
4,156

 

 
$
15,204

Interest on related party notes payable(1)
815

 
815

 
1,223

 

 

 
$
2,853

Other Commitments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments to extend credit—non-credit card
$
974,504

 
$
372,030

 
$
289,532

 
$
202,042

 
$
15,656

 
$
1,853,764

Commitments to extend credit—credit card

 

 

 

 
173,263

 
$
173,263

Letters of credit
54,542

 

 

 

 

 
$
54,542

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The outstanding balance of our $10 million line of credit with NAB New York Branch and our subordinated debentures can be prepaid at any time without penalty; therefore, no future interest payments, other than those already accrued, are reflected.

Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
In the normal course of business, we enter into various transactions that are not included in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. These transactions include commitments to extend credit to our customers and letters of credit. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued primarily to support or guarantee the performance of a customer’s obligations to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as originating a loan to the customer. We manage the risks associated with these arrangements by evaluating each customer’s creditworthiness prior to issuance through a process similar to that used by us in deciding whether to extend credit to the customer.
The following table presents the total notional amounts of all commitments by us to extend credit and letters of credit as of the dates indicated:
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commitments to extend credit
$
2,027,027

 
$
1,939,544

Letters of credit
54,542

 
54,381

Total
$
2,081,569

 
$
1,993,925






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Liquidity
Liquidity refers to our ability to maintain cash flow that is adequate to fund operations and meet present and future financial obligations through either the sale or maturity of existing assets or by obtaining additional funding through liability management. We consider the effective and prudent management of liquidity to be fundamental to our health and strength. Our objective is to manage our cash flow and liquidity reserves so that they are adequate to fund our obligations and other commitments on a timely basis and at a reasonable cost.
Our liquidity risk is managed through a comprehensive framework of policies and limits overseen by our bank’s asset and liability committee. We continuously monitor and make adjustments to our liquidity position by adjusting the balance between sources and uses of funds as we deem appropriate. Our primary measures of liquidity include monthly cash flow analyses under ordinary business activities and conditions and under situations simulating a severe run on our bank. We also monitor our bank’s deposit to loan ratio to ensure high quality funding is available to support our strategic lending growth objectives, and have internal management targets for the FDIC’s liquidity ratio, net short-term non-core funding dependence ratio and non-core liabilities to total assets ratio. The results of these measures and analyses are incorporated into our contingency funding plan, which provides the basis for the identification of our liquidity needs.
Great Western. Great Western’s primary source of liquidity is cash obtained from dividends by our bank. We primarily use our cash for the payment of dividends, when and if declared by our board of directors, and the payment of interest on our outstanding junior subordinated debentures and related party notes payable. We also use cash, as necessary, to satisfy the needs of our bank through equity contributions and for acquisitions. At December 31, 2014, Great Western had $4.8 million of cash. Great Western did not declare or pay any dividends during the quarter. The outstanding amounts under our revolving line of credit with NAB and subordinated capital note issued to NAB New York Branch together totaled $41.3 million at December 31, 2014. Our management believes that the sources of available liquidity are adequate to meet all reasonably foreseeable short-term and intermediate-term demands.
Great Western Bank. Our bank maintains sufficient liquidity by maintaining minimum levels of excess cash reserves (measured on a daily basis), a sufficient amount of unencumbered, highly liquid assets and access to contingent funding with the FHLB. At December 31, 2014, our bank had cash of $423.4 million and $1.26 billion of highly-liquid securities held in our investment portfolio, of which $1.16 billion were pledged as collateral on public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and for other purposes as required or permitted by law. The balance could be sold to meet liquidity requirements. Our bank also had $575.0 million in FHLB borrowings at December 31, 2014, with additional available lines of $685.5 million. Our bank primarily uses liquidity to meet loan requests and commitments (including commitments under letters of credit), to accommodate outflows in deposits and to take advantage of interest rate market opportunities. At December 31, 2014, we had a total of $2.08 billion of outstanding exposure under commitments to extend credit and issued letters of credit. Our management believes that the sources of available liquidity are adequate to meet all our bank’s reasonably foreseeable short-term and intermediate-term demands.
Capital
As a bank holding company, we must comply with the capital requirements established by the Federal Reserve, and our bank must comply with the capital requirements established by the FDIC. The current risk-based guidelines applicable to us and our bank are based on the Basel I framework, as implemented by the federal bank regulators.
The following table presents our regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2014 and the standards for both well-capitalized depository institutions and minimum capital requirements. Our capital ratios exceeded applicable regulatory requirements.


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Actual
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Amount
 
Ratio
 
Minimum Capital Requirement Ratio
 
Well Capitalized Ratio
 
(dollars in thousands)
Great Western
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 capital
$
812,661

 
11.8
%
 
4.0
%
 
6.0
%
Total capital
886,258

 
12.9
%
 
8.0
%
 
10.0
%
Tier 1 leverage
812,661

 
9.1
%
 
4.0
%
 
5.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Great Western Bank
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 capital
$
844,367

 
12.3
%
 
4.0
%
 
6.0
%
Total capital
896,488

 
13.0
%
 
8.0
%
 
10.0
%
Tier 1 leverage
844,367

 
9.4
%
 
4.0
%
 
5.0
%

At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, our Tier 1 capital included an aggregate of $56.1 million of trust preferred securities issued by our subsidiaries. At December 31, 2014, our Tier 2 capital included $51.8 million of the allowance for loan losses and $21.5 million of an intercompany subordinated capital note, subject to phase-out and a current haircut of 60%. At September 30, 2014, our Tier 2 capital included $47.5 million of the allowance for loan losses and $21.5 million of an intercompany subordinated capital note, subject to phase-out and a current haircut of 60%. Our total risk-weighted assets were $6.88 billion at December 31, 2014.
In July 2013, the federal bank regulators approved capital rules implementing the Basel III capital framework and various provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act (the "New Capital Rules"). We and our bank are required to comply with these rules as of January 1, 2015, subject to the phase-in of certain provisions. In addition to other changes, the New Capital Rules establish a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio. At December 31, 2014, calculated on a fully phased-in basis, our common equity Tier 1 capital ratio would have been 10.6%, which exceeds the 4.5% minimum ratio requirement in the rules (and the 7.0% minimum ratio requirement after including the full phase-in of the capital conservation buffer). At December 31, 2014, calculated on a fully phased-in basis, our bank’s common equity Tier 1 capital ratio would have been 11.8%.
The New Capital Rules also make changes to the calculation of Tier 1 capital and total capital, as well as changing the risk weightings associated with calculating our risk weighted assets. We believe the most significant changes from the current risk-based capital guidelines currently applicable to us will be the increased risk weightings for higher-volatility CRE, revolving lines of credit with less than a one year term and on past-due and impaired loans. In addition, our outstanding trust preferred securities will continue to qualify as additional Tier 1 capital under the New Capital Rules until we exceed $15 billion in consolidated total assets. At December 31, 2014, calculated on a fully phased-in basis, our Tier 1 capital ratio calculated under the New Capital Rules was 11.4%, and our bank’s Tier 1 capital ratio calculated under the New Capital Rules was 11.8%. We believe that, as of December 31, 2014, we and our bank would meet all capital adequacy requirements under the New Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basis as if such requirements were then in effect.
The common equity Tier 1 capital and Tier 1 capital ratio calculated under the New Capital Rules for both us and our bank are unaudited, non-GAAP financial measures. These ratios are calculated based on our estimates of the required adjustments under the New Capital Rules to the current regulatory-required calculation of risk-weighted assets and estimates of the application of provisions of the New Capital Rules to be phased in over time. We believe these estimates are reasonable, but they may ultimately be incorrect as we finalize our calculations under the New Capital Rules. A reconciliation of our and our bank’s common equity Tier 1 capital and Tier 1 capital ratio calculated under the New Capital Rules at December 31, 2014 to our and our bank’s current regulatory-required Tier 1 capital ratios are presented in the table below:


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December 31, 2014
 
Great Western
 
Great Western Bank
 
(dollars in thousands)
Common equity Tier 1 capital:
 
 
 
Total Tier 1 capital
$
812,661

 
$
844,367

Less: Trust preferred securities
56,083

 

Total common equity Tier 1 capital
$
756,578

 
$
844,367

 
 
 
 
Risk-weighted assets
$
6,876,196

 
$
6,875,117

Add: Net change in risk-weighted assets
270,000

 
270,000

Basel III risk-weighted assets
$
7,146,196

 
$
7,145,117

 
 
 
 
Regulatory Tier 1 capital ratio, calculated pursuant to capital rules in effect as of December 31, 2014
11.8
%
 
12.3
%
Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio
10.6
%
 
11.8
%
Basel III Tier 1 capital ratio
11.4
%
 
11.8
%

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We rely on certain non-GAAP measures in making financial and operational decisions about our business which exclude certain items that we do not consider reflective of our business performance. We believe that each of the non-GAAP measures presented is helpful in highlighting trends in our business, financial condition and results of operations which might not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on our financial results calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP.
In particular, we evaluate our profitability and performance based on our cash net income and return on average tangible common equity, each of which excludes the effects of amortization expense relating to intangible assets and related tax effects from the acquisition of us by NAB and our acquisitions of other institutions. We believe these measures help highlight trends associated with our financial condition and results of operations by providing net income and return information based on our cash payments and receipts during the applicable period.
We also evaluate our profitability and performance based on our adjusted net interest income, adjusted net interest margin, adjusted interest income on loans other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality and adjusted yield on loans other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. We adjust each of these four measures to include the current realized gain (loss) of derivatives we use to manage interest rate risk on certain of our loans, which we believe economically offsets the interest income earned on the loans. Similarly, we evaluate our operational efficiency based on our efficiency ratio, which excludes the effect of amortization of core deposit and other intangibles (a non-cash expense item) and includes the tax benefit associated with our tax-advantaged loans.
We evaluate our financial condition based on the ratio of our tangible common equity to our tangible assets. Our calculation of this ratio excludes the effect of our goodwill and other intangible assets. We believe this measure is helpful in highlighting the common equity component of our capital and because of its focus by federal bank regulators when reviewing the health and strength of financial institutions in recent years and when considering regulatory approvals for certain actions, including capital actions.
Reconciliations for each of these non-GAAP financial measures to the closest GAAP financial measures are included in the tables below. Each of the non-GAAP measures presented should be considered in context with our GAAP financial results included in this filing.



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At or for the three months ended
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
June 30,
2014
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Cash net income and return on average tangible common equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
26,697

 
$
27,875

 
$
22,503

 
$
25,970

 
$
28,604

Add: Amortization of intangible assets
2,313

 
2,768

 
4,069

 
4,690

 
4,688

Add: Tax on amortization of intangible assets
(220
)
 
(811
)
 
(811
)
 
(811
)
 
(811
)
Cash net income
$
28,790

 
$
29,832

 
$
25,761

 
$
29,849

 
$
32,481

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average common equity
$
1,433,837

 
$
1,439,117

 
$
1,445,813

 
$
1,420,933

 
$
1,422,924

Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets
711,088

 
713,462

 
717,104

 
721,529

 
726,208

Average tangible common equity
$
722,749

 
$
725,655

 
$
728,709

 
$
699,404

 
$
696,716

Return on average common equity
7.39
%
 
7.69
%
 
6.24
%
 
7.41
%
 
7.98
%
Return on average tangible common equity *
15.8
%
 
16.3
%
 
14.2
%
 
17.3
%
 
18.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Calculated as cash net income divided by average tangible common equity. Annualized for quarterly periods.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted net interest income and adjusted net interest margin (fully-tax equivalent basis):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
82,909

 
$
83,226

 
$
80,100

 
$
76,957

 
$
80,141

Add: Tax equivalent adjustment
1,504

 
1,324

 
1,199

 
1,108

 
1,032

Net interest income (FTE)
84,413

 
84,550

 
81,299

 
78,065

 
81,173

Add: Current realized derivative gain (loss)
(5,282
)
 
(4,978
)
 
(4,600
)
 
(4,389
)
 
(4,288
)
Adjusted net interest income (FTE)
$
79,131

 
$
79,572

 
$
76,699

 
$
73,676

 
$
76,885

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average interest earning assets
$
8,556,688

 
$
8,181,194

 
$
8,098,052

 
$
8,001,112

 
$
8,101,659

Net interest margin (FTE) *
3.91
%
 
4.10
%
 
4.03
%
 
3.96
%
 
3.98
%
Adjusted net interest margin (FTE) **
3.67
%
 
3.86
%
 
3.80
%
 
3.73
%
 
3.77
%
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Calculated as net interest income (FTE) divided by average interest earning assets. Annualized for quarterly periods.
** Calculated as adjusted net interest income (FTE) divided by average interest earning assets. Annualized for quarterly periods.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted interest income and adjusted yield (fully-tax equivalent basis), on loans other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
81,372

 
$
82,968

 
$
79,245

 
$
77,048

 
$
79,514

Add: Tax equivalent adjustment
1,504

 
1,324

 
1,199

 
1,108

 
1,032

Interest income (FTE)
82,876

 
84,292

 
80,444

 
78,156

 
80,546

Add: Current realized derivative gain (loss)
(5,282
)
 
(4,978
)
 
(4,600
)
 
(4,389
)
 
(4,288
)
Adjusted interest income (FTE)
$
77,594

 
$
79,314

 
$
75,844

 
$
73,767

 
$
76,258

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loans other than loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
$
6,626,507

 
$
6,527,721

 
$
6,362,850

 
$
6,224,179

 
$
6,130,898

Yield (FTE) *
4.96
%
 
5.12
%
 
5.07
%
 
5.09
%
 
5.21
%
Adjusted yield (FTE) **
4.65
%
 
4.82
%
 
4.78
%
 
4.81
%
 
4.93
%
 

 

 

 

 

* Calculated as interest income (FTE) divided by average loans. Annualized for quarterly periods.
** Calculated as adjusted interest income (FTE) divided by average loans. Annualized for quarterly periods.


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Efficiency ratio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenue
$
90,809

 
$
91,727

 
$
90,414

 
$
87,097

 
$
90,967

Add: Tax equivalent adjustment
1,504

 
1,324

 
1,199

 
1,108

 
1,032

Total revenue (FTE)
$
92,313

 
$
93,051

 
$
91,613

 
$
88,205

 
$
91,999

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest expense
$
47,091

 
$
48,318

 
$
54,279

 
$
49,326

 
$
48,299

Less: Amortization of intangible assets
2,313

 
2,768

 
4,069

 
4,690

 
4,688

Tangible noninterest expense
$
44,778

 
$
45,550

 
$
50,210

 
$
44,636

 
$
43,611

Efficiency ratio *
48.5
%
 
49.0
%
 
54.8
%
 
50.6
%
 
47.4
%
 

 

 

 

 

* Calculated as the ratio of tangible noninterest expense to total revenue (FTE).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible common equity and tangible common equity to tangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total stockholders' equity
$
1,451,370

 
$
1,421,090

 
$
1,430,964

 
$
1,437,656

 
$
1,406,316

Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets
709,723

 
712,036

 
714,803

 
718,872

 
723,562

Tangible common equity
$
741,647

 
$
709,054

 
$
716,161

 
$
718,784

 
$
682,754

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets
$
9,641,261

 
$
9,371,429

 
$
9,292,283

 
$
9,274,880

 
$
9,273,411

Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets
709,723

 
712,036

 
714,803

 
718,872

 
723,562

Tangible assets
$
8,931,538

 
$
8,659,393

 
$
8,577,480

 
$
8,556,008

 
$
8,549,849

Tangible common equity to tangible assets
8.3
%
 
8.2
%
 
8.3
%
 
8.4
%
 
8.0
%

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Until our initial public offering in October 2014, we were a wholly owned subsidiary of NAB, and our results have been included in NAB’s consolidated financial statements since NAB acquired us in 2008. As a result, we have historically reported our financial results to NAB under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), which was applicable to us as a wholly owned subsidiary of NAB. In accordance with the terms of the Stockholder Agreement we entered into with NAB, we are required to report our financial results to NAB under IFRS until such time as NAB is no longer required under IFRS to account in its financial statements for its holdings in our business under an equity method of accounting (unless our obligation is terminated earlier by NAB). In addition, as regulated financial institutions, we and our bank have also reported our financial results under GAAP for an extended period of time, as required under the financial reporting regulatory regime applicable to financial institutions and their holding companies in the U.S. We are required to report financial results under GAAP to the Federal Reserve, and our bank is also required to report financial results under GAAP to the FDIC and the South Dakota Division of Banking.
As a publicly traded company, we are subject to the financial reporting standards prescribed under GAAP and SEC rules, which are more extensive than the standards applicable to us as a wholly owned subsidiary of NAB prior to our initial public offering. Complying with these heightened financial reporting standards has required us to implement enhancements to the design and operation of our internal control over financial reporting. In the process of preparing additional disclosures required by the SEC for public companies contained within our consolidated financial statements under these requirements in connection with our initial public offering, during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, we concluded a material weakness existed in the design and operation of our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weakness identified resulted primarily from a lack of sufficient resources and personnel within the accounting function engaged in the preparation and review of our consolidated financial statements and a lack of formal controls and procedures with respect to our internal review of the accuracy and completeness of our application of SEC rules to our consolidated financial statements. The material weakness did not affect our reported net income or stockholders' equity for any financial reporting period or materially affect our reported total assets and total liabilities for any financial reporting period.
Following identification of the material weakness, we implemented a number of controls and procedures designed to improve our control environment. In particular, we included additional members of our accounting and financial reporting staff in the


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preparation and review of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2014 and the quarter ended December 31, 2014, and have implemented a more formal preparation and review hierarchy designed to identify and resolve potential errors on a timely basis. We have also contracted with an independent consulting firm to assist us in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, and we plan to hire and utilize additional experienced, qualified personnel within our financial reporting function in the future to assist with the preparation and review of future financial statements. Although we believe these changes to our control environment will be sufficient to remediate our previously identified material weakness, we believe that further reporting periods are required to confirm the remediation as well as the ongoing effectiveness of the revised control environment. We may be unsuccessful in implementing all remedial measures we may undertake, and these measures may not significantly improve or remediate the material weakness identified in the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, which, in future periods, could impact our ability to report our financial results accurately or on a timely basis.
More generally, if we are unable to meet the demands that have been placed upon us as a public company, including the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results in future periods, or report them within the timeframes required by law or stock exchange regulations. Failure to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley, when and as applicable, could also potentially subject us to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities. Under such circumstances, we may be unable to implement the necessary internal controls in a timely manner, or at all, and future material weaknesses may exist or may be discovered. If we fail to implement the necessary improvements, or if material weaknesses or other deficiencies occur, our ability to accurately and timely report our financial position could be impaired, which could result in late filings of our annual and quarterly reports under the Exchange Act, restatements of our consolidated financial statements, a decline in our stock price, suspension or delisting of our common stock from the NYSE and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Even if we are able to report our financial statements accurately and in a timely manner, any failure in our efforts to implement the improvements or disclosure of material weaknesses in our future filings with the SEC could cause our reputation to be harmed and our stock price to decline significantly.
We have not performed an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting, as contemplated by Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley, nor have we engaged our independent registered public accounting firm to perform an audit of our internal control over financial reporting as of any balance sheet date reported in our financial statements. Had we performed such an evaluation or had our independent registered public accounting firm performed an audit of our internal control over financial reporting, additional control deficiencies, including additional material weaknesses and significant deficiencies, may have been identified. In addition, the JOBS Act provides that, so long as we qualify as an “emerging growth company,” we will be exempt from the provisions of Section 404(b) of Sarbanes-Oxley, which would require that our independent registered public accounting firm provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We may take advantage of this exemption so long as we qualify as an “emerging growth company.”
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
Our financial statements included in this prospectus have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires us to measure financial position and operating results primarily in terms of historic dollars. Changes in the relative value of money due to inflation or recession generally are not considered. The primary effect of inflation on our operations is reflected in increased operating costs. In our management’s opinion, changes in interest rates affect the financial condition of a financial institution to a far greater degree than changes in the inflation rate. While interest rates are greatly influenced by changes in the inflation rate, they do not necessarily change at the same rate or in the same magnitude as the inflation rate. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including changes in the expected rate of inflation, the influence of general and local economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government, its agencies and various other governmental regulatory authorities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See "Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements" in the accompanying "Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements" included in this report for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements and their expected impact on our financial statements.


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Critical Accounting Policies and the Impact of Accounting Estimates
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and accounting estimates from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.
ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As of December 31, 2014, there have been no material changes in the quantitative and qualitative information about market risk provided pursuant to Item 305 of Regulation S-K as presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.
Evaluation of Interest Rate Risk
We use a net interest income simulation model to measure and evaluate potential changes in our net interest income. We run various hypothetical interest rate scenarios at least monthly and compare these results against a scenario with no changes in interest rates. Our net interest income simulation model incorporates various assumptions, which we believe are reasonable but which may have a significant impact on results such as: (1) the timing of changes in interest rates, (2) shifts or rotations in the yield curve, (3) re-pricing characteristics for market-rate-sensitive instruments on and off balance sheet, (4) differing sensitivities of financial instruments due to differing underlying rate indices, (5) varying loan prepayment speeds for different interest rate scenarios, (6) the effect of interest rate limitations in our assets, such as floors and caps, (7) the effect of our interest rate swaps, and (8) overall growth and repayment rates and product mix of assets and liabilities. Because of limitations inherent in any approach used to measure interest rate risk, simulation results are not intended as a forecast of the actual effect of a change in market interest rates on our results but rather as a means to better plan and execute appropriate asset-liability management strategies and manage our interest rate risk.
Potential changes to our adjusted net interest income (i.e., GAAP net interest income plus current realized gain or loss on derivatives) in hypothetical rising and declining rate scenarios calculated as of December 31, 2014 are presented in the following table. The projections assume (1) immediate, parallel shifts downward of the yield curve of 100 basis points and immediate, parallel shifts upward of the yield curve of 100, 200, 300 and 400 basis points and (2) gradual shifts downward of 100 basis points over 12 months and gradual shifts upward of 100, 200, 300 and 400 basis points over 12 months. In the current interest rate environment, a downward shift of the yield curve of 200, 300 and 400 basis points does not provide us with meaningful results. In a downward parallel shift of the yield curve, interest rates at the short-end of the yield curve are not modeled to decline any further than 0%. For the immediate-shift scenarios, we assume short-term rates follow a forward yield curve throughout the forecast period that is dictated by the instantaneously shocked yield curve from the as of date. In the gradual-shift scenarios, we take each rate across the yield curve from the as of date and shock it by 1/12th of the total change in rates each month for twelve months.


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Estimated Increase (Decrease) in
Annualized Adjusted Net Interest Income for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2014
Change in Market Interest Rates as of December 31, 2014
Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2015
 
Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2016
Immediate Shifts
 
 
 
+400 basis points
16.69
 %
 
9.50
 %
+300 basis points
12.56
 %
 
7.31
 %
+200 basis points
8.35
 %
 
5.04
 %
+100 basis points
4.08
 %
 
2.68
 %
-100 basis points
(2.40
)%
 
(2.57
)%
 
 
 
 
Gradual Shifts
 
 
 
+400 basis points
3.43
 %
 
 
+300 basis points
2.37
 %
 
 
+200 basis points
1.38
 %
 
 
+100 basis points
0.45
 %
 
 
-100 basis points
(0.04
)%
 
 

We primarily use interest rate swaps to ensure that long-term fixed-rate loans are effectively re-priced as short-term rates change, which we believe would allow us to achieve these results.  The results of this simulation analysis are hypothetical, and a variety of factors might cause actual results to differ substantially from what is depicted. For example, if the timing and magnitude of interest rate changes differ from those projected, our net interest income might vary significantly. Non-parallel yield curve shifts such as a flattening or steepening of the yield curve or changes in interest rate spreads, would also cause our net interest income to be different from that depicted. An increasing interest rate environment could reduce projected net interest income if deposits and other short-term liabilities re-price faster than expected or faster than our assets re-price. Actual results could differ from those projected if we grow assets and liabilities faster or slower than estimated, if we experience a net outflow of deposit liabilities or if our mix of assets and liabilities otherwise changes. Actual results could also differ from those projected if we experience substantially different repayment speeds in our loan portfolio than those assumed in the simulation model. Finally, these simulation results do not contemplate all the actions that we may undertake in response to potential or actual changes in interest rates, such as changes to our loan, investment, deposit, funding or hedging strategies.
For more information on our adjusted net interest income, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" above.
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.    We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a−15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In connection with the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, an evaluation was carried out by our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2014 due to the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting described in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.” 

(b) Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting.    This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q does not include a report on changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter due to a transition


- 75-




period established by the Exchange Act for new reporting companies.  Following identification of the material weakness referenced above, we implemented a number of controls and procedures designed to improve our control environment as described in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.”

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There have been no material changes in legal proceedings as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes in the risk factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.
ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities

On October 20, 2014, we completed our initial public offering. As part of our formation in preparation for our initial public offering, on July 9, 2014, we issued and sold 100 shares of our common stock to National Americas Holdings LLC, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of NAB, for aggregate cash consideration of $100. This transaction was exempt from registration under the Securities Act under section 4(a)(2) thereof. In addition, on October 17, 2014, we effected a 578,861.14-for-1 split of our outstanding common stock.

                        Purchases of Equity Securities

We did not repurchase any of our common stock during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.

ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.

ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.



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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
2.1
Purchase and Assumption Agreement (Whole Bank, All Deposits), dated as of June 4, 2010, among Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of TierOne Bank, Lincoln, Nebraska, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Great Western Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on August 28, 2014 (File No. 333-198458))
 
 
2.2
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 8, 2014, of Great Western Bancorp, Inc. and Great Western Bancorporation, Inc.
 
 
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on December 12, 2014)
 
 
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on August 28, 2014 (File No. 333-198458))
 
 
4.1
First Supplemental Indenture dated October 17, 2014, between Great Western Bancorporation, Inc., Great Western Bancorp, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on December 12, 2014)
 
 
4.2
First Supplemental Indenture, dated October 17, 2014, between Great Western Bancorp, Inc. and LaSalle Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on December 12, 2014)
 
 
4.3
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated October 17, 2014, between Great Western Bancorporation, Inc., Great Western Bancorp, Inc. and The Bank of New York Trust Company, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on December 12, 2014)
 
 
4.4
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated October 17, 2014, between Great Western Bancorporation, Inc. and National Australia Bank Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on December 12, 2014)
 
 
4.5
Assumption of Subordinated Note Due June 3, 2018, dated October 17, 2014, between Great Western Bancorp, Inc. and Great Western Bancorporation, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on December 12, 2014)
 
 
10.1
Stockholder Agreement, dated October 20, 2014, between National Australia Bank Limited and Great Western Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on December 12, 2014)
 
 
10.2
Transitional Services Agreement, dated October 20, 2014, between National Australia Bank Limited and Great Western Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on December 12, 2014)
 
 
10.3
First Amendment to the Transitional Services Agreement, dated November 15, 2014, between National Australia Bank Limited and Great Western Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on December 12, 2014)
 
 


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10.4
Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 20, 2014, between National Australia Bank Limited, National Americas Holdings LLC and Great Western Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on December 12, 2014)
 
 
10.5
Great Western Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on October 16, 2014 (File No. 333-199426))
 
 
10.6
Great Western Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Non-Employee Director Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on October 16, 2014 (File No. 333-199426))
 
 
10.7
Great Western Bancorp, Inc. Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on December 12, 2014)
 
 
10.8
Form of Great Western Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan Performance Share Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on October 3, 2014 (File No. 333-198458))
 
 
10.9
Form of Great Western Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on October 3, 2014 (File No. 333-198458))
 
 
10.10
Form of Great Western Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Non-Employee Director Plan Performance Share Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on October 9, 2014 (File No. 333-198458))
 
 
10.11
Form of Great Western Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Non-Employee Director Plan Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by Great Western Bancorp, Inc. on October 3, 2014 (File No. 333-198458))
 
 
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Great Western Bancorp, Inc. in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Great Western Bancorp, Inc. in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Great Western Bancorp, Inc. in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Great Western Bancorp, Inc. in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002



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

Date: February 12, 2015
By:    ______/s/_Peter Chapman_________________
Name: Peter Chapman
Title: Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President
(Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Officer)




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