8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): January 26, 2023

WEST BANCORPORATION, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Iowa	0-49677	42-1230603
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1601 22nd Street, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

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

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, no par value	WTBA	The Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On January 26, 2023, West Bancorporation, Inc. (the "Company") issued a press release announcing its fourth quarter earnings results for the period ended December 31, 2022, and the declaration of a quarterly dividend. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

The information furnished in this item of this Form 8-K, and the related exhibits, shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Exchange Act, except as may be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

The Company hereby furnishes the Earnings Presentation attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.

The information furnished in this item of this Form 8-K, and the related exhibits, shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act, except as may be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits:

Exhibit Number	Description
99.1	Press Release of West Bancorporation, Inc. dated January 26, 2023
99.2	Fourth Quarter 2022 Earnings Presentation
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

SIGNATURES

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

		West Bancorporation, Inc.
January 26, 2023	By:	/s/ Jane M. Funk
		Name: Jane M. Funk
		Title: Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Press Release

January 26, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Jane Funk, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (515) 222-5766

WEST BANCORPORATION, INC. ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR END 2022 FINANCIAL RESULTS, DECLARES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

West Des Moines, IA - West Bancorporation, Inc. (Nasdaq: WTBA; the “Company”), parent company of West Bank, today reported 2022 net income of $46.4 million, or $2.76 per diluted common share, compared to 2021 net income of $49.6 million, or $2.95 per diluted common share. Net income for the fourth quarter 2022 was $8.9 million, or $0.53 per diluted common share, compared to fourth quarter 2021 net income of $11.9 million, or $0.71 per diluted common share. On January 25, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.25 per common share. The dividend is payable on February 22, 2023, to stockholders of record on February 8, 2023.

David Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, “Our company had another strong year, the second best year in our company’s history. Our credit quality continues to be pristine and we remain diligent in monitoring and managing our credit risk as we anticipate increasing economic challenges resulting from the Federal Reserve’s aggressive interest rate hikes in 2022. Loan growth in 2022 exceeded eleven percent and for the sixth consecutive quarter end, we had no loans greater than 30 days past due.”

David Nelson added, “Rising interest rates in 2022 have increased the average yield of our loan portfolio. However, changes in liquidity and competitive deposit pricing, as a result of volatility and uncertainty in the interest rate environment, have increased our cost of funds and resulted in a decline in our net interest income and net interest margin. We expect to continue to experience a lower than normal net interest margin while the Federal Reserve continues raising short-term rates. Our capital position is strong and we remain focused on delivering high quality services and products through our very successful relationship based business model.”

Fourth Quarter and Year Ended 2022 Financial Highlights

	Quarter Ended December 31, 2022		Year Ended December 31, 2022
Net Income (in thousands)	$8,946		$46,399
Return on Average Equity	17.75	%	20.71	%
Return on Average Assets	1.01	%	1.32	%
Efficiency ratio (a non-GAAP measure)	50.42	%	43.70	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets	0.01	%	0.01	%

Fourth Quarter 2022 Compared to Third Quarter 2022 Overview

•Loans increased $128.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, or 19.7 percent annualized.

•No provision for loan losses was recorded in either the fourth quarter of 2022 or the third quarter of 2022.

•The allowance for loan losses to total loans was 0.93 percent at December 31, 2022, compared to 0.97 percent at September 30, 2022. There were no loans greater than 30 days past due at December 31, 2022, which was the sixth consecutive quarter in which no loans were greater than 30 days past due. Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2022, consisted of one loan with a balance of $322 thousand.

•Deposits increased $57.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Included in deposits were brokered deposits totaling $272.7 million at December 31, 2022, compared to $258.1 million at September 30, 2022.

•The efficiency ratio (a non-GAAP measure) was 50.42 percent for the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to 43.16 percent for the third quarter of 2022. The increase in the efficiency ratio is primarily the result of the decline in tax equivalent net interest income.

•Net interest margin, on a fully tax-equivalent basis (a non-GAAP measure), was 2.49 percent for the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to 2.78 percent for the third quarter of 2022. Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2022 was $20.7 million, compared to $23.0 million for the third quarter of 2022. The rising cost of deposits and borrowed funds and the change in mix of liabilities has increased interest expense faster than the increase in interest income from loan repricing and loan growth.

•The tangible common equity ratio was 5.84 percent at December 31, 2022, an increase of 19 basis points compared to 5.65 percent at September 30, 2022 due to a modest increase in the market value of the securities portfolio, which decreased the accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Fourth Quarter 2022 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2021 Overview

•Loans increased $286.6 million at December 31, 2022, or 11.7 percent, compared to December 31, 2021.

•Deposits decreased $135.6 million at December 31, 2022, compared to December 31, 2021. Included in deposits were brokered deposits totaling $272.7 million at December 31, 2022, compared to $176.0 million at December 31, 2021. The decline in deposits was primarily attributable to customers using their own liquidity to fund business transactions, instead of using debt, and customers seeking higher yielding investment options for excess deposits accumulated over the past couple of years.

•Borrowed funds increased to $485.9 million at December 31, 2022, compared to $199.9 million at December 31, 2021. The increase included $58.9 million in subordinated notes that were issued in June 2022, $30.0 million in FHLB Advances associated with a long-term interest rate swap and $197.1 million in federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings.

•The efficiency ratio (a non-GAAP measure) was 50.42 percent for the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to 43.32 percent for the fourth quarter of 2021. Tax-equivalent net interest income decreased in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to the fourth quarter of 2021 due to the increased cost of deposits and borrowed funds. Additionally, salaries and benefits were higher in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to the fourth quarter of 2021, due primarily to annual compensation adjustments.

•Net interest margin, on a fully tax-equivalent basis (a non-GAAP measure), was 2.49 percent for the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to 3.00 percent for the fourth quarter of 2021. Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2022 was $20.7 million, compared to $24.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. Net interest income in the fourth quarter of 2021 included $912 thousand of PPP loan interest income, compared to $5 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2022. In 2022, the rising cost of deposits and borrowed funds and the change in mix of liabilities has increased interest expense faster than the increase in interest income from loan repricing and loan growth.

Year Ended 2022 Compared to Year Ended 2021 Overview

•The provision for loan losses recorded in 2022 was negative $2.5 million, compared to a negative provision of $1.5 million in 2021. The negative provision in 2022 was primarily due to the reversal of a specific reserve on an impaired loan and the reduction of certain qualitative factors resulting from the sustained performance of loans after the expiration of COVID-19 modifications and continued improvement in classified loans. The negative provision in 2021 was primarily due to the reduction of certain qualitative factors resulting from improvements in economic conditions and lack of loan losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

•Net interest income declined $3.3 million, or 3.5 percent, in 2022 compared to 2021. Net interest margin decreased to 2.76 percent in 2022, compared to 3.05 percent in 2021. The decline in both net interest income and net interest margin was primarily due to the rising cost of deposits and borrowed funds and the change in mix of liabilities, which has increased interest expense faster than the increase in interest income from loan repricing and loan growth.

•Noninterest income increased $479 thousand, or 4.9 percent, in 2022 compared to 2021. This increase was primarily due to the increase in loan swap fees.

•Noninterest expense increased $1.7 million, or 3.9 percent, in 2022 compared to 2021. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $2.6 million, or 11.2 percent, in salaries and benefits resulting from an increase in expenses related to the issuance of restricted stock units, an increase in full time equivalent employees and annual compensation adjustments. This was partially offset by a decrease of $822 thousand in FDIC insurance expense primarily due to reductions in the assessment rate resulting from capital injections into the Bank.

The Company plans to file its report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before February 23, 2023. Please refer to that document for a more in-depth discussion of the Company’s financial results. The Form 10-K will be available on the Investor Relations section of West Bank’s website at www.westbankstrong.com.

The Company will discuss its results in a conference call scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, January 26, 2023. The telephone number for the conference call is 844-200-6205. The access code for the conference call is 214929. A recording of the call will be available until February 9, 2023, by dialing 866-813-9403. The replay access code is 559343.

About West Bancorporation, Inc. (Nasdaq: WTBA)

West Bancorporation, Inc. is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa. Serving customers since 1893, West Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of West Bancorporation, Inc., is a community bank that focuses on lending, deposit services, and trust services for small- to medium-sized businesses and consumers. West Bank has six offices in the Des Moines, Iowa metropolitan area, one office in Coralville, Iowa, and four offices in Minnesota in the cities of Rochester, Owatonna, Mankato and St. Cloud.

Certain statements in this report, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to the Company’s business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “future,” “confident,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “strategy,” “plan,” “opportunity,” “will be,” “will likely result,” “will continue” or similar references, or references to estimates, predictions or future events. Such forward-looking statements are based upon certain underlying assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Because of the possibility that the underlying assumptions are incorrect or do not materialize as expected in the future, actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements.  Risks and uncertainties that may affect future results include: interest rate risk, including the effects of recent rate increases by the Federal Reserve; fluctuations in the values of the securities held in our investment portfolio, including as a result of rising interest rates, which has resulted in unrealized losses in our portfolio; competitive pressures, including from non-bank competitors such as “fintech” companies and digital asset service providers; pricing pressures on loans and deposits; our ability to successfully manage liquidity risk; changes in credit and other risks posed by the Company’s loan portfolio, including declines in commercial or residential real estate values or changes in the allowance for loan losses dictated by new market conditions, accounting standards (including as a result of the implementation of the current expected credit loss (CECL) accounting standard) or regulatory requirements; changes in local, national and international economic conditions, including rising rates of inflation; changes in legal and regulatory requirements, limitations and costs; changes in customers’ acceptance of the Company’s products and services; cyber-attacks; unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving the Company; the monetary, trade and other regulatory policies of the U.S. government; acts of war or terrorism, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, widespread disease or pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or other adverse external events; risks related to climate change and the negative impact it may have on our customers and their businesses; developments and uncertainty related to the future use and availability of some reference rates, such as the expected discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate and the development of other alternative reference rates; changes to U.S. tax laws, regulations and guidance; talent and labor shortages; the new 1% excise tax on stock buybacks by publicly traded companies; and any other risks described in the “Risk Factors” sections of reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements to reflect current or future events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

WEST BANCORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Financial Information (unaudited)
(in thousands)
	As of
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS	December 31, 2022		September 30, 2022		June 30, 2022		March 31, 2022		December 31, 2021
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	24,896	$	58,342	$	26,174	$	21,896	$	17,555
Interest-bearing deposits	1,643		1,049		766		122,359		175,270
Securities available for sale, at fair value	664,115		671,752		731,970		797,912		758,822
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost	19,336		18,350		15,532		10,269		9,965
Loans	2,742,836		2,614,145		2,573,129		2,485,366		2,456,196
Allowance for loan losses	(25,473)		(25,418)		(25,434)		(27,623)		(28,364)
Loans, net	2,717,363		2,588,727		2,547,695		2,457,743		2,427,832
Premises and equipment, net	53,124		44,592		41,807		40,898		34,568
Bank-owned life insurance	44,573		44,318		44,072		43,836		43,609
Other assets	88,168		90,387		66,775		52,156		32,580
Total assets	$	3,613,218	$	3,517,517	$	3,474,791	$	3,547,069	$	3,500,201
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Deposits	$	2,880,408	$	2,822,847	$	2,842,451	$	3,091,252	$	3,016,005
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings	200,000		204,500		133,000		—		2,880
Other borrowings	285,855		255,789		255,751		196,954		196,986
Other liabilities	35,843		35,617		27,400		22,383		24,002
Stockholders’ equity	211,112		198,764		216,189		236,480		260,328
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,613,218	$	3,517,517	$	3,474,791	$	3,547,069	$	3,500,201
	For the quarter ended
AVERAGE BALANCES	December 31, 2022		September 30, 2022		June 30, 2022		March 31, 2022		December 31, 2021
Assets	$	3,511,717	$	3,475,894	$	3,503,686	$	3,544,564	$	3,421,020
Loans	2,649,671		2,579,862		2,537,152		2,449,521		2,379,872
Deposits	2,901,928		2,864,648		3,002,535		3,067,019		2,964,585
Stockholders’ equity	199,947		219,065		222,731		255,130		255,224

WEST BANCORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Financial Information (unaudited)
(in thousands)
	As of
ANALYSIS OF LOAN PORTFOLIO	December 31, 2022		September 30, 2022		June 30, 2022		March 31, 2022		December 31, 2021
Loan mix:
Commercial	$	519,196	$	526,336	$	475,704	$	466,874	$	492,815
Real estate:
Construction, land and land development	363,015		341,549		390,137		388,424		359,258
1-4 family residential first mortgages	75,211		69,991		69,829		65,978		66,216
Home equity	10,322		10,271		8,564		9,213		8,422
Commercial	1,771,940		1,661,907		1,627,150		1,555,001		1,530,218
Consumer and other	7,291		7,884		5,912		4,068		3,797
	2,746,975		2,617,938		2,577,296		2,489,558		2,460,726
Net unamortized fees and costs	(4,139)		(3,793)		(4,167)		(4,192)		(4,530)
Total loans	$	2,742,836	$	2,614,145	$	2,573,129	$	2,485,366	$	2,456,196
Less allowance for loan losses	(25,473)		(25,418)		(25,434)		(27,623)		(28,364)
Net loans	$	2,717,363	$	2,588,727	$	2,547,695	$	2,457,743	$	2,427,832
ANALYSIS OF DEPOSITS
Deposit mix:
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	693,563	$	712,722	$	690,335	$	710,697	$	720,136
Interest-bearing demand	536,226		469,257		472,919		554,235		548,242
Savings and money market	1,237,954		1,252,694		1,360,020		1,632,690		1,550,636
Time	412,665		388,174		319,177		193,630		196,991
Total deposits	$	2,880,408	$	2,822,847	$	2,842,451	$	3,091,252	$	3,016,005
ANALYSIS OF BORROWINGS
Borrowings mix:
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings	$	200,000	$	204,500	$	133,000	$	—	$	2,880
Subordinated notes, net	79,369		79,303		79,265		20,468		20,465
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	155,000		125,000		125,000		125,000		125,000
Long-term debt	51,486		51,486		51,486		51,486		51,521
Total borrowings	$	485,855	$	460,289	$	388,751	$	196,954	$	199,866
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Common stock	3,000		3,000		3,000		3,000		3,000
Additional paid-in capital	32,021		31,152		30,283		29,421		30,183
Retained earnings	267,562		262,776		255,334		246,827		237,782
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(91,471)		(98,164)		(72,428)		(42,768)		(10,637)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	$	211,112	$	198,764	$	216,189	$	236,480	$	260,328

WEST BANCORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Financial Information (unaudited)
(in thousands)
	For the Quarter Ended
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME	December 31, 2022		September 30, 2022		June 30, 2022		March 31, 2022		December 31, 2021
Interest income:
Loans, including fees	$	30,859	$	28,102	$	24,848	$	23,286	$	24,179
Securities:
Taxable	3,398		3,147		3,090		2,889		2,590
Tax-exempt	887		890		892		858		829
Interest-bearing deposits	24		30		67		82		66
Total interest income	35,168		32,169		28,897		27,115		27,664
Interest expense:
Deposits	11,043		6,289		3,146		2,151		2,055
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings	952		655		157		—		1
Subordinated notes	1,119		1,106		394		248		254
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	755		649		635		630		656
Long-term debt	630		466		326		258		96
Total interest expense	14,499		9,165		4,658		3,287		3,062
Net interest income	20,669		23,004		24,239		23,828		24,602
Provision for loan losses	—		—		(1,750)		(750)		—
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	20,669		23,004		25,989		24,578		24,602
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts	476		553		585		580		603
Debit card usage fees	492		498		507		472		505
Trust services	678		780		622		629		633
Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance	255		246		236		227		233
Loan swap fees	—		835		—		—		24
Other income	364		364		328		481		350
Total noninterest income	2,265		3,276		2,278		2,389		2,348
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits	6,552		6,578		6,410		6,298		5,928
Occupancy	1,270		1,315		1,242		1,086		1,532
Data processing	673		644		656		624		630
FDIC insurance	243		127		289		337		460
Professional fees	205		250		202		217		183
Director fees	215		209		222		168		184
Other expenses	2,507		2,335		2,245		1,932		2,954
Total noninterest expense	11,665		11,458		11,266		10,662		11,871
Income before income taxes	11,269		14,822		17,001		16,305		15,079
Income taxes	2,323		3,220		4,334		3,121		3,169
Net income	$	8,946	$	11,602	$	12,667	$	13,184	$	11,910
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.54	$	0.70	$	0.76	$	0.80	$	0.72
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.53	$	0.69	$	0.75	$	0.78	$	0.71

WEST BANCORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Financial Information (unaudited)
(in thousands)
	For the Year Ended
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME	December 31, 2022		December 31, 2021
Interest income:
Loans, including fees	$	107,095	$	95,585
Securities:
Taxable	12,524		8,542
Tax-exempt	3,527		2,861
Interest-bearing deposits	203		292
Total interest income	123,349		107,280
Interest expense:
Deposits	22,629		7,948
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings	1,764		5
Subordinated notes	2,867		1,008
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	2,669		2,944
Long-term debt	1,680		316
Total interest expense	31,609		12,221
Net interest income	91,740		95,059
Provision for loan losses	(2,500)		(1,500)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	94,240		96,559
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts	2,194		2,352
Debit card usage fees	1,969		1,948
Trust services	2,709		2,671
Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance	964		923
Loan swap fees	835		66
Realized securities gains, net	—		51
Other income	1,537		1,718
Total noninterest income	10,208		9,729
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits	25,838		23,226
Occupancy	4,913		5,162
Data processing	2,597		2,465
FDIC insurance	996		1,818
Professional fees	874		946
Director fees	814		765
Other expenses	9,019		8,998
Total noninterest expense	45,051		43,380
Income before income taxes	59,397		62,908
Income taxes	12,998		13,301
Net income	$	46,399	$	49,607
Basic earnings per common share	$	2.79	$	3.00
Diluted earnings per common share	$	2.76	$	2.95

WEST BANCORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Financial Information (unaudited)
	As of and for the Quarter Ended															For the Year Ended
COMMON SHARE DATA	December 31, 2022			September 30, 2022			June 30, 2022			March 31, 2022			December 31, 2021			December 31, 2022			December 31, 2021
Earnings per common share (basic)	$	0.54		$	0.70		$	0.76		$	0.80		$	0.72		$	2.79		$	3.00
Earnings per common share (diluted)	0.53			0.69			0.75			0.78			0.71			2.76			2.95
Dividends per common share	0.25			0.25			0.25			0.25			0.24			1.00			0.94
Book value per common share(1)	12.69			11.94			12.99			14.22			15.73
Closing stock price	25.55			20.81			24.34			27.21			31.07
Market price/book value(2)	201.34		%	174.29		%	187.37		%	191.35		%	197.52		%
Price earnings ratio(3)	11.93			7.49			7.98			8.39			10.88
Annualized dividend yield(4)	3.91		%	4.81		%	4.11		%	3.68		%	3.89		%
REGULATORY CAPITAL RATIOS
Consolidated:
Total risk-based capital ratio	12.08		%	12.34		%	12.53		%	10.72		%	10.89		%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio	9.55			9.72			9.81			9.81			9.92
Tier 1 leverage capital ratio	8.81			8.85			8.59			8.39			8.49
Common equity tier 1 ratio	8.96			9.11			9.17			9.16			9.24
West Bank:
Total risk-based capital ratio	13.08		%	13.38		%	13.62		%	11.88		%	12.10		%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio	12.33			12.60			12.81			10.98			11.13
Tier 1 leverage capital ratio	11.37			11.47			11.22			9.39			9.53
Common equity tier 1 ratio	12.33			12.60			12.81			10.98			11.13
KEY PERFORMANCE RATIOS AND OTHER METRICS
Return on average assets(5)	1.01		%	1.32		%	1.45		%	1.51		%	1.38		%	1.32		%	1.52		%
Return on average equity(6)	17.75			21.01			22.81			20.96			18.51			20.71			20.33
Net interest margin(7)(13)	2.49			2.78			2.93			2.85			3.00			2.76			3.05
Yield on interest-earning assets(8)	4.21			3.87			3.49			3.24			3.36			3.70			3.44
Cost of interest-bearing liabilities	2.24			1.45			0.73			0.52			0.50			1.24			0.53
Efficiency ratio(9)(13)	50.42			43.16			41.96			40.14			43.32			43.70			40.91
Non-performing assets to total assets(10)	0.01			0.01			0.01			0.25			0.26
ALLL ratio(11)	0.93			0.97			0.99			1.11			1.15
Loans/total assets	75.91			74.32			74.05			70.07			70.17
Loans/total deposits	95.22			92.61			90.53			80.40			81.44
Tangible common equity ratio(12)	5.84			5.65			6.22			6.67			7.44

(1) Includes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

(2) Closing stock price divided by book value per common share.

(3) Closing stock price divided by annualized earnings per common share (basic).

(4) Annualized dividend divided by period end closing stock price.

(5) Annualized net income divided by average assets.

(6) Annualized net income divided by average stockholders’ equity.

(7) Annualized tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

(8) Annualized tax-equivalent interest income on interest-earning assets divided by average interest-earning assets.

(9) Noninterest expense (excluding other real estate owned expense and write-down of premises) divided by noninterest income (excluding net securities gains/losses and gains/losses on disposition of premises and equipment) plus tax-equivalent net interest income.

(10) Total nonperforming assets divided by total assets.

(11) Allowance for loan losses divided by total loans.    

(12) Common equity less intangible assets (none held) divided by tangible assets.

(13) A non-GAAP measure.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This report contains references to financial measures that are not defined in GAAP. Such non-GAAP financial measures include the Company’s presentation of net interest income and net interest margin on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis and the presentation of the efficiency ratio on an adjusted and FTE basis, excluding certain income and expenses. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors to analyze and evaluate the Company’s financial performance. These measures are considered standard measures of comparison within the banking industry. Additionally, management believes providing measures on a FTE basis enhances the comparability of income arising from taxable and nontaxable sources. Limitations associated with non-GAAP financial measures include the risks that persons might disagree as to the appropriateness of items included in these measures and that different companies might calculate these measures differently. These non-GAAP disclosures should not be considered an alternative to the Company’s GAAP results. The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of net interest income and net interest margin on a fully taxable equivalent basis and efficiency ratio on an adjusted and FTE basis.

(in thousands)	As of and for the Quarter Ended															For the Year Ended
	December 31, 2022			September 30, 2022			June 30, 2022			March 31, 2022			December 31, 2021			December 31, 2022			December 31, 2021
Reconciliation of net interest income and net interest margin on a FTE basis to GAAP:
Net interest income (GAAP)	$	20,669		$	23,004		$	24,239		$	23,828		$	24,602		$	91,740		$	95,059
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)	197			270			326			329			397			1,122			1,202
Net interest income on a FTE basis (non-GAAP)	20,866			23,274			24,565			24,157			24,999			92,862			96,261
Average interest-earning assets	3,328,941			3,322,522			3,362,313			3,432,114			3,309,625			3,361,091			3,152,138
Net interest margin on a FTE basis (non-GAAP)	2.49		%	2.78		%	2.93		%	2.85		%	3.00		%	2.76		%	3.05		%
Reconciliation of efficiency ratio on an adjusted and FTE basis to GAAP:
Net interest income on a FTE basis (non-GAAP)	$	20,866		$	23,274		$	24,565		$	24,157		$	24,999		$	92,862		$	96,261
Noninterest income	2,265			3,276			2,278			2,389			2,348			10,208			9,729
Adjustment for realized securities gains, net	—			—			—			—			—			—			(51)
Adjustment for losses on disposal of premises and equipment, net	2			—			9			18			55			29			84
Adjusted income	23,133			26,550			26,852			26,564			27,402			103,099			106,023
Noninterest expense	11,665			11,458			11,266			10,662			11,871			45,051			43,380
Efficiency ratio on an adjusted and FTE basis (non-GAAP) (2)	50.42		%	43.16		%	41.96		%	40.14		%	43.32		%	43.70		%	40.91		%

(1)    Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 21 percent, adjusted to reflect the effect of the nondeductible interest expense associated with owning tax-exempt securities and loans. Management believes the presentation of this non-GAAP measure provides supplemental useful information for proper understanding of the financial results, as it enhances the comparability of income arising from taxable and nontaxable sources.

(2)     The efficiency ratio expresses noninterest expense as a percent of fully taxable equivalent net interest income and noninterest income, excluding specific noninterest income and expenses. Management believes the presentation of this non-GAAP measure provides supplemental useful information for proper understanding of the Company's financial performance. It is a standard measure of comparison within the banking industry. A lower ratio is more desirable.

EX-99.2

1 Fourth Quarter 2022 Earnings Highlights January 26, 2023

2 Certain statements in this presentation, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to the Company’s business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this presentation. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “future,” “confident,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “strategy,” “plan,” “opportunity,” “will be,” “will likely result,” “will continue” or similar references, or references to estimates, predictions or future events. Such forward-looking statements are based upon certain underlying assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Because of the possibility that the underlying assumptions are incorrect or do not materialize as expected in the future, actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that may affect future results include: interest rate risk, including the effects of recent rate increases by the Federal Reserve; fluctuations in the values of the securities held in our investment portfolio, including as a result of rising interest rates, which has resulted in unrealized losses in our portfolio; competitive pressures, including from non-bank competitors such as “fintech” companies and digital asset service providers; pricing pressures on loans and deposits; our ability to successfully manage liquidity risk; changes in credit and other risks posed by the Company’s loan portfolio, including declines in commercial or residential real estate values or changes in the allowance for loan losses dictated by new market conditions, accounting standards (including as a result of the implementation of the current expected credit loss (CECL) accounting standard) or regulatory requirements; changes in local, national and international economic conditions, including rising rates of inflation; changes in legal and regulatory requirements, limitations and costs; changes in customers’ acceptance of the Company’s products and services; cyber-attacks; unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving the Company; the monetary, trade and other regulatory policies of the U.S. government; acts of war or terrorism, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, widespread disease or pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or other adverse external events; risks related to climate change and the negative impact it may have on our customers and their business; developments and uncertainty related to the future use and availability of some reference rates, such as the expected discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate and the development of other alternative reference rates; changes to U.S. tax laws, regulations and guidance; talent and labor shortages; the new 1% excise tax on stock buybacks by publicly traded companies; and any other risks described in the “Risk Factors” sections of reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements to reflect current or future events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Except as otherwise indicated, this presentation speaks as of the date hereof. The delivery of this presentation shall not, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of West Bancorporation, Inc. after the date hereof. Certain of the information contained herein may be derived from information provided by industry sources. We believe that such information is accurate and that the sources from which it has been obtained are reliable. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, however, and we have not independently verified such information. This presentation contains references to financial measures that are not defined in GAAP. Such non-GAAP financial measures include the Company’s presentation of net interest income and net interest margin on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis and the presentation of the efficiency ratio on an adjusted and FTE basis, excluding certain income and expenses. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors to analyze and evaluate the Company’s financial performance. These measures are considered standard measures of comparison within the banking industry. Additionally, management believes providing measures on a FTE basis enhances the comparability of income arising from taxable and nontaxable sources. Limitations associated with non-GAAP financial measures include the risks that persons might disagree as to the appropriateness of items included in these measures and that different companies might calculate these measures differently. These non-GAAP disclosures should not be considered an alternative to the Company’s GAAP results. This presentation includes reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to comparable GAAP financial measures. Disclaimers

3 4Q 2022 Financial Highlights (1) Presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis; see Appendix for “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” $26.26 NASDAQ: WTBA December 30, 2022* Closing Price: $25.55 4Q 2022 Price Range: 0.50 to $25.62 Cash Dividend Declared On January 25, 2023: $0.25 (payable on February 22, 2023) Annualized Dividend Yield: 3.91% * Last trading day of the year. Efficiency Ratio 1 50.42% ROA 1.01% NPAs/Assets 0.01% ROE 17.75% NIM 1 2.49% Diluted EPS $0.53 Net Income $8.9 million

4 • West Bancorporation, Inc. (the “Company”) is a publicly-traded financial holding company (NASDAQ: WTBA) established in 1984 whose sole subsidiary is West Bank, founded in 1893. • West Bank is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa and has 11 branches and commercial banking offices serving the greater Des Moines, Iowa area; eastern Iowa, which includes Iowa City and Coralville; and Southern Minnesota, which includes Rochester, Owatonna, Mankato, and St. Cloud, Minnesota. • Reliable, dividend paying community bank focused on commercial banking with $3.6 billion in assets. Our mission is to build strong relationships, build strong communities, and build upon our strong reputation to ensure our clients receive exceptional care, our communities receive outstanding support, and the loyalty of our employees and stockholders is rewarded. Mission Company Profile and Mission • First and foremost a community bank, West Bank has built a strong reputation for being responsive to local needs. West Bank employees place a high priority on community involvement, lending their time and talents to a long list of civic and community projects. • One of the Company’s key competitive advantages is its client-centric approach to delivering strategic financial solutions to businesses, driven by the establishment of deep customer relationships and extensive experience in its markets. • West Bank strives to be the best at all things that are most important to someone running their own business.

5 Experienced Executive Leadership David D. Nelson Director/Chief Executive Officer/President Joined West Bank in 2010 Years in Banking: 39 Prior to joining the Company Mr. Nelson was the President of Southeast Minnesota Business Banking and President of Wells Fargo Bank Rochester in Rochester, Minnesota. Harlee N. Olafson Chief Risk Officer/Executive Vice President Joined West Bank in 2010 Years in Banking: 44 Prior to joining the Company Mr. Olafson was the President of Southwest Minnesota Business Banking and President of Wells Fargo Bank Mankato in Mankato, Minnesota. Bradley P. Peters Executive Vice President West Bank Minnesota Group President Joined West Bank in 2019 Years in Banking: 37 Prior to joining the Company Mr. Peters was the Executive Vice President of Bremer Bank in Minnesota where he was responsible for new market expansion. Jane M. Funk Chief Financial Officer Executive Vice President/Treasurer Joined West Bank in 2014 Years in Banking & Public Accounting: 32 Ms. Funk has extensive experience in the community banking industry and public accounting. Brad L. Winterbottom Executive Vice President West Bank President Joined West Bank in 1992 Years in Banking: 42 Mr. Winterbottom has extensive experience in commercial lending and loan portfolio administration and knowledge of the Iowa business community. Todd A. Mather West Bank Chief Credit Officer Joined West Bank in 2019 Years in Banking: 26 Prior to joining West Bank, Mr. Mather spent 8 years at Bremer Bank in Minnesota as a Senior Credit Director and Group Senior Credit Manager.

6 Conservative Organic Growth with Successful Lift-Out Strategies 2010 2013 2016 2018 2019 2020 2022 2022 Began construction on new corporate headquarters in West Des Moines, Iowa. After being in the same leased space for fifty years, the new building is an opportunity to consolidate our corporate operations under one roof, and provide space for future growth and enhanced business development opportunities. Opened a newly constructed bank office building in St. Cloud, Minnesota and began construction on a bank office building in Mankato, Minnesota. Crossed $3 billion in total assets. Expanded into St. Cloud, Mankato and Owatonna, Minnesota with the same lift out strategy used in Rochester, Minnesota. Crossed $2 billion in total assets. Constructed a bank office building in Rochester, Minnesota. Entered the Rochester, Minnesota market by hiring experienced bankers who had existing strong relationships with local business owners and creating an advisory community board made up of local business owners and leaders. David Nelson joins West Bank as CEO.

7 Company Highlights – Commitment to Excellence West Bancorporation is one of the strongest performing companies in U.S. community banking, well- versed in providing commercial banking services including loans and lines of credit and all types of deposit services, to small and medium-sized businesses in its Iowa and Minnesota markets. Established business model with a 130 year presence in the Des Moines metropolitan area Industry Recognition Proven credit culture with a history of strong asset quality results • Raymond James ranked West Bancorporation, Inc. as the #12 Community Bank in America for 2021 among publicly traded banks with assets between $500 million and $10 billion. West Bancorporation, Inc. has now been an annual member of the Raymond James Community Bankers Cup during 8 of the last 9 years. • S&P Global ranked West Bancorporation, Inc. as the #13 top performing large community bank in America in 2021 among banks with assets between $3 billion and $10 billion. • Six consecutive quarter-ends with no loans greater than 30 days past due. There have been no loans greater than 90 days past due at any quarter end since 2014, with the exception of Q1 2021. • Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans as of December 31, 2022 was 0.02%. Prior to 2022, we have been in a net recovery position since 2017. • Nonperforming assets at December 31, 2022 totaled $322 thousand, or 0.01% of total assets. • West Des Moines’ oldest business of any type. • Long track record of growth and stability coupled with attractive financial returns and dividend yield. • Conservative operating philosophy and expense management.

8 Company Highlights – Commitment to Excellence West Bank is a commercially-focused financial institution operating in high quality markets in Iowa and Minnesota led by a deep and experienced management team with skills developed internally and with other large regional banking institutions. Risk Management & Credit Culture Philanthropy Community Service Strategy • 30 high quality commercial bankers with an average of 21 years of commercial banking experience. • We live where we lend. We are a local lender to local customers. • We have a centralized committee structure that is agile and responsive to customer needs and an organizational structure that provides deep support of credit and administrative functions. • Business model highlighted by focus on risk management and consistent execution. • Superior talent with business expertise in building relationships. • Disciplined organic growth strategy with a track record of successful lift out strategies. • In 2022, our employees volunteered over 7,000 hours of community service. • In 2022, the West Bancorporation Foundation and West Bank provided over $700,000 in total philanthropic contributions to more than 225 organizations. • Risk management culture with robust processes and experienced credit personnel.

9 Loans & Deposits $2,965 $3,067 $3,003 $2,865 $2,902 $2,842 $2,880 4Q21 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 3Q22 4Q22 Deposits ($ in million) • Interest-bearing deposits increased $76.7 million. • Brokered deposits increased $14.6 million. • Higher deposit costs were driven by the Federal Reserve’s rate increases, changes in deposit mix, and rate competition in local markets. Period EndAverage Balances Deposit Rate % $2,380 $2,450 $2,537 $2,580 $2,650 $2,614 $2,743 4Q21 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 3Q22 4Q22 Loans ($ in millions) Period End Loan Yield % Average Balances 4.07% 3.88% 3.95% 4.34% 4.63% Loans increased $129 million, or 19.7% annualized, in Q4 2022 Loan yields increased 29 bps in Q4 2022 Deposits increased $57.6 million, or 8.2% annualized, in Q4 2022 Deposit costs increased 83 bps in Q4 2022 • Rising market interest rates resulted in increasing rates on variable rate loans and higher interest rates on renewed and originated loans. • CRE loans increased $110.0 million. • C&D loans increased $21.5 million. • Commercial loans decreased $7.1 million. 0.36% 0.37% 0.55% 1.16% 1.99%

10 Credit Quality $(266) $(9) $439 $16 $(56) 4Q21 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 $9.1 $8.9 $0.4 $0.4 $0.4 4Q21 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 $8.9 $8.8 $0.3 $0.3 $0.3 4Q21 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 $28.4 $27.6 $25.4 $25.4 $25.5 4Q21 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 ALLL/Loans % Nonaccrual Loans ($ in millions) Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) ($ in thousands) Substandard Loans ($ in millions) Allowance for Loan Losses ($ in millions) 1.15% 1.11% 0.99% 0.97% 0.93%

11 Net Interest Income $24.6 $23.8 $24.2 $23.0 $20.7 4Q21 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 Net Interest Income ($ in millions) Net interest income decreased $1.2 million in Q3 2022 • Loan interest income increased $3.0 million. • Deposit interest expense increased $4.8 million. • Borrowed funds interest expense increased $0.6 million. Net interest margin declined • Average balance of borrowed funds increased $8.8 million and the cost of borrowed funds increased 55 bps. • Average balance of interest bearing deposits increased $48.6 million and the cost of deposits increased 83 bps. • The changes in deposit and funding mix and rising rates had a negative impact on net interest margin that exceeded the benefits of higher loan yields. Net Interest Margin % (1) 3.00% 2.85% 2.93% 2.78% 2.49% Net interest income decreased $2.3 million in 4 2022 et i terest ar i ecli e 29 bps in Q4 2022 (1) Presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis; see Appendix for “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

12 Noninterest Expense ($ in thousands) Noninterest Income & Expense $11,871 $10,662 $11,266 $11,458 $11,665 4Q21 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 Efficiency Ratio% (1) 43.32% 40.14% 41.96% 43.16% 50.42% • Loan swap fees totaled $835 thousand in Q3 2022, compared to none in Q4 2022. $2,348 $2,389 $2,278 $3,276 $2,265 4Q21 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 Noninterest Income ($ in thousands) Noninterest income decreased $1.0 million in Q4 2022 Efficiency ratio (1) increased 726 bps in Q4 2022 (1) Presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis; see Appendix for “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” A lower ratio is more desirable. • Tax-equivalent net interest income decreased by $2.4 million, driven by higher cost of deposits and other borrowed funds. • Noninterest expense increased by $207 thousand.

13 Regulatory Capital Ratios 10.9% 10.7% 12.5% 12.3% 12.1%12.1% 11.9% 13.6% 13.4% 13.1% 4Q21 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 Tier 1 Capital Ratio Tier 1 Leverage RatioCommon Equity Tier 1 Ratio = Company = West Bank 9.9% 9.8% 9.8% 9.7% 9.6% 11.1% 11.0% 12.8% 12.6% 12.3% 4Q21 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 Total Risk Based Capital Ratio 9.2% 9.2% 9.2% 9.1% 9.0% 11.1% 11.0% 12.8% 12.6% 12.3% 4Q21 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 8.5% 8.4% 8.6% 8.9% 8.8% 9.5% 9.4% 11.2% 11.5% 11.4% 4Q21 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 10% 6.5% 8% 5% Note: Lines depict well capitalized levels.

14Appendix Appendix Non-GAAP Financial Measures (1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 21 percent, adjusted to reflect the effect of the nondeductible interest expense associated with owning tax-exempt securities and loans. Management believes the presentation of this non-GAAP measure provides supplemental useful information for proper understanding of the financial results, as it enhances the comparability of income arising from taxable and nontaxable sources. (2) The efficiency ratio expresses noninterest expense as a percent of fully taxable equivalent net interest income and noninterest income, excluding specific noninterest income and expenses. Management believes the presentation of this non-GAAP measure provides supplemental useful information for proper understanding of the Company's financial performance. It is a standard measure of comparison within the banking industry. A lower ratio is more desirable.

15 Third Quarter 2022 Earnings Highlights October 27, 2022 West Bancorporation, Inc. Board of Directors Front: L to R: Lisa Elming, Steven Schuler, Rosemary Parson, Therese Vaughan, Douglas Gulling and George Milligan. Back L to R: Steven Gaer, Sean McMurray, James Noyce (Chair), David Nelson, Michael Gerdin, Patrick Donovan and Philip Jason Worth Appendix

XML

Cover	Jan. 26, 2023
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	8-K
Document Period End Date	Jan. 26, 2023
Entity Registrant Name	WEST BANCORPORATION, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	IA
Entity File Number	0-49677
Entity Tax Identification Number	42-1230603
Entity Address, Address Line One	1601 22nd Street
Entity Address, City or Town	West Des Moines
Entity Address, State or Province	IA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	50266
City Area Code	515-
Local Phone Number	222-2300
Written Communications	false
Soliciting Material	false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer	false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, no par value
Trading Symbol	WTBA
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001166928
Amendment Flag	false