EX-99.1 2 exhibit.htm PRESS RELEASE exhibit.htm




For more information, please contact:
William D. Snider
Chief Financial Officer
(720) 956-6598
bsnider@uwbank.com

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNITED WESTERN BANCORP, INC. REPORTS
2008 FOURTH-QUARTER RESULTS
 
·  
Net income for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $2.0 million, or $.29 per diluted share.
·  
Net income for 2008 was $10 million or $1.39 per share.  Absent the third quarter OTTI charge, net income was $12.5 million or $1.74 per share.
·  
Community bank loans grew $64 million in the fourth quarter, $413 million for all of 2008.
·  
Total community bank loans reach $1.12 billion at December 31, 2008.
·  
Net interest margin was 3.88% for the fourth quarter compared to 3.99% for the prior quarter, and 3.73% for the year-ago fourth quarter.
·  
Community bank held for investment nonperforming loans were .45% of the community bank held for investment portfolio, inclusive of government guarantees.
·  
The allowance for held for investment community bank loans grew to 1.47% of the community bank held for investment portfolio, and 330% of nonperforming community bank held for investment loans.
·  
Total deposits and escrow balances increased $137 million in the fourth quarter and $335 million for all of 2008.  Community bank deposits increased $103 million in 2008 to $192 million.
·  
Seventh full service banking office opens in South Denver.
·  
United Western Bank remains well capitalized with Tier – 1 core and total risk based capital of 7.65% and 10.55%, respectively.
 
Denver – February 11, 2009. United Western Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: UWBK) (the “Company”), a Denver-based holding company whose principal subsidiary, United Western Bank® (the “Bank”), is a community bank focused on expansion across Colorado’s Front Range market and selected mountain communities, announced results for its 2008 fourth quarter.
 
Net income for the quarter was $2.0 million, or $.29 per diluted share, compared with $1.5 million, or $.21 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2008. Income for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 was $3.0 million, or $.41 per diluted share. The third quarter of 2008 results include a pre-tax $4.1 million other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) write down on investment securities. Excluding the after-tax effect of the impairment write down on investment securities, net income for the third quarter of 2008 was $4.0 million, or $.57 per diluted share.
 
 

 

 
Net income for 2008 was $10.0 million or $1.39 per diluted share, compared to $10.1 million or $1.40 per diluted share for 2007. Excluding the after-tax effect of the OTTI write down on investment securities, net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 was $12.5 million, or $1.74 per diluted share. See a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial information to the Company’s actual net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 in Appendix I to this release.

Scot T. Wetzel, President and Chief Executive Officer said: “We are pleased with the results that we achieved in the fourth quarter and all of 2008 given the current economic environment.  The 2008 year was historic for the financial industry.  The Federal Government is taking unprecedented measures to prevent the potential collapse of the United States financial system, as evidenced by some of the largest financial institutions in the country that were purchased, merged, or recapitalized.  In addition, the recession has resulted in a continued high loan loss provision, an increase in nonperforming assets, and erosion of net interest margin when compared to earlier periods.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, we are pleased to report earnings of $2.0 million, or $.29 per share, for the fourth quarter and earnings of $10.0 million or $1.39 per share for 2008.  United Western Bank remains well capitalized at the end of the fourth quarter. Our core community banking business plan continues to outperform our expectations, and we remain focused on working diligently and strategically for our customers and shareholders in this unprecedented economic environment.”

William D. Snider, Chief Financial Officer, said: “Our overall asset quality declined moderately in the fourth quarter as a result of the deteriorating economic conditions. Nonperforming community bank loans held for investment were $4.6 million, representing .45% of the community bank held for investment loan portfolio.  In addition there were $6.8 million of nonperforming community bank loans held for sale that were nonperforming.  Total community bank nonperforming loans were 1.02% of the total community bank loan portfolio, which was an increase of $5.2 million in nonperforming community bank loans from the third quarter. During the fourth quarter we added $2.4 million to the allowance for credit losses, based on the $64 million of new community bank loans, and additions for specific allowance and general allowance for loans we identified that exhibited signs of weakness as well as a continued decline in general economic conditions. In addition, we incurred a charge of $1.6 million in the fourth quarter compared to $610,000 for the third quarter to reduce loans held for sale to the lower of cost or fair value.”

“The net interest margin declined 11 basis points in the linked quarter. The net interest margin declined to 3.88% for the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to 3.99% for the third quarter. As compared to the year ago quarter, the net interest margin rose 15 basis points.”


 
- 2 -

 


Net Interest Income, Yield on Assets, Cost of Liabilities
     
Quarter Ended
 
     
December 31, 2008
   
September 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
     
(Dollars in thousands)
 
  Interest and dividend income $ 28,891     $ 29,151     $ 30,366  
  Interest expense     8,045       8,109       11,998  
  Net interest income before provision for credit losses   $ 20,846     $ 21,042     $ 18,368  
                           
  Yield on assets     5.35
%
    5.51
%
    6.12 %
  Cost of liabilities     1.64
%
    1.73
%
    2.76 %
  Net interest spread     3.71
%
    3.78
%
    3.36 %
  Net interest margin     3.88
%
    3.99
%
    3.73 %

Net interest income before provision for credit losses totaled $20.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, compared with $21.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, and $18.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2007. The decrease in net interest income before provision for credit losses between the fourth quarter and the third quarter of 2008 of $196,000 was principally the result of the declining interest rate environment.  During the fourth quarter of 2008 interest income on community bank loans increased by $143,000 from the $84 million growth in the average community bank loans, while the interest income from the wholesale assets decreased by $201,000 as a result of the decline in the average wholesale assets due to payoffs of $47 million.  Premium amortization on purchased SBA loans and securities declined by $140,000 in the fourth quarter of 2008 to $560,000, as compared to $700,000 for the third quarter of 2008. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the yield on total interest-earning assets decreased 16 basis points to 5.35% versus the third quarter of 2008 when the yield was 5.51%.  The yield on community bank loans declined 43 basis points to 5.76% for the fourth quarter compared with 6.19% for the 2008 third quarter. For the same periods, the yield on wholesale assets increased 15 basis points to 5.14% versus 4.99% due principally to the lower premium amortization on purchased SBA loans and securities.

The Company’s cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased nine basis points to 1.64% for the fourth quarter, compared with 1.73% for the third quarter. This decrease can be primarily attributed to the decline in rates paid on money market accounts.  Partially offsetting this decline was a shift in the mix of liabilities caused by new retail deposit promotions, which resulted in an increase in certificate accounts.

 
- 3 -

 


Comparing the fourth quarter of 2008 to the fourth quarter of 2007, net interest income before provision for credit losses increased $2.5 million as the cost of liabilities declined by $4.0 million, and for the same periods interest income declined by $1.5 million. Although the average interest-earning assets increased by $176 million between the fourth quarters of 2008 and 2007, the yield on interest-earning assets declined to 5.35% for the fourth quarter of 2008 compared with 6.12% for the fourth quarter of 2007. This 77 basis point decline in the yield on interest-earning assets was the result of the decrease in the prime rate and was partially offset by the change in mix of assets. The decline in the prime rate caused the yield on our community bank loans to decline by 234 basis points between the two periods. However, between the fourth quarters of 2008 and 2007, the average balance of community bank loans increased by $419 million and the average balance of lower-yielding wholesale assets declined by $236 million. Also between these periods, there was lower premium amortization of $1.2 million on purchased SBA loans and securities.

The cost of interest-bearing liabilities declined by 112 basis points to 1.64% for the fourth quarter of 2008 versus 2.76% for the same period a year ago. In addition to the factors discussed above, we had a 114 basis point reduction in the cost of borrowed money and junior subordinated debt, due to general market declines in rates.

Provision for Credit Losses
See discussion of Reclassification of Financial Statement Presentation below.
 
Quarter Ended
 
 
December 31, 2008
 
September 30, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net interest income before provision for credit losses
  $ 20,846     $ 21,042     $ 18,368  
Provision for credit losses
    2,373       2,202       1,246  
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
  $ 18,473     $ 18,840     $ 17,122  

In the fourth quarter of 2008, provision for credit losses was $2.4 million compared with $2.2 million for the third quarter of 2008 and $1.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2007. The provision for credit losses in the fourth quarter of 2008 was the result of the $64 million of growth net of repayments in our community bank loan portfolio during the period, an increase in specific impairment of $189,000 associated with a commercial loan that became nonperforming in the fourth quarter, and approximately $1.5 million related to other existing loans that demonstrated signs of weakness for which the loan grade was reduced and a continued decline in the general economic conditions.  Overall at December 31, 2008 our allowance for credit losses as a percent of loans held for investment was approximately 1.30% as compared to .90% at December 31, 2007.

The provision for credit losses for the third quarter of 2008 of $2.2 million was the result of the $121 million of growth net of repayments in our community bank loan portfolio during the period, an increase of specific impairments of $767,000 associated with one nonperforming construction loan and three residential loans, and approximately $600,000 related to current economic conditions and other existing loans that demonstrated signs of weakness for which the loan grade was reduced.

 
- 4 -

 


The provision for credit losses for the fourth quarter of 2007 of $1.2 million was principally the result of the $98 million of net growth in the community bank loan portfolio during the period and an increase reflecting general economic conditions.

Noninterest Income
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
December 31, 2008
   
September 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Custodial, administrative and escrow services
  $ 2,534     $ 2,547     $ 2,254  
Loan administration
    1,081       1,175       1,408  
Gain on sale of loans held for sale
    21       418       92  
Other-than-temporary impairment
          (4,110 )      
Other
    704       1,115       902  
Total noninterest income
  $ 4,340     $ 1,145     $ 4,656  

Noninterest income was $4.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 compared to $1.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, and $4.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2007. Excluding the $4.1 million OTTI charge, noninterest income was $5.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The decrease, excluding the third quarter OTTI charge, between the fourth quarter and third quarter of 2008 was caused by a decrease in gain on sale of SBA originated loans, and a dividend received in the third quarter of 2008 of $540,000 from our approximate 7% ownership in a mutual fund clearing and settlement company, which was included in other noninterest income. Gain on sale of loans was $21,000 for the fourth quarter of 2008 on sales of $2.2 million of principal balance of originated SBA loans versus a gain of $418,000 on sales of $12.2 million of principal balance of originated SBA loans for the third quarter of 2008.

Noninterest income for the quarter ended December 31, 2007, included gains from the sale of $2.7 million of principal balance of SBA originated loans, from which we realized a gain of $92,000.


 
- 5 -

 

Noninterest Expense
See discussion of Reclassification of Financial Statement Presentation below.
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
December 31, 2008
   
September 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Compensation and employee benefits
  $ 7,297     $ 8,298     $ 7,161  
Subaccounting fees
    3,849       4,365       5,192  
Lower of cost or fair value adjustments
    1,618       610       (176 )
Occupancy and equipment
    1,011       898       776  
Other
    6,430       5,127       4,598  
Total noninterest expense
  $ 20,205     $ 19,298     $ 17,551  

Noninterest expense was $20.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, versus $19.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, and $17.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2007. Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2008 increased $907,000, or 4.7%, from the third quarter due principally to a $1.0 million increase in expense associated with lower of cost or fair value adjustments.  During the fourth quarter the market for loans held for sale continued to weaken in general.  In addition, credit factors impacted two larger multifamily loans in this portfolio.  Compensation and employee benefits decreased $1.0 million to $7.3 million in the fourth quarter compared with $8.3 million for the third quarter.  The decrease was due to a reduction of the accrual for bonus payments based on our results for the year.  Lower subaccounting fees resulted in a decline of noninterest expense of $516,000 between the fourth and third quarter of 2008 and a decline of $1.3 million between the fourth quarters of 2008 and 2007.  The decline was principally due to the decline in market interest rates upon which such fees are based.  Other expenses increased $1.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 versus the third quarter of 2008.  Of this amount $312,000 was related to an increase in accounting and auditing fees related to our decision to change independent auditors in the fourth quarter, approximately $250,000 was due to increased costs for loan collection and ongoing routine legal matters.

Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2008 increased $2.7 million as compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. Increases in lower of cost or fair value adjustments and other expenses offset the decline in subaccounting fees.  The increase in the lower of cost or fair value adjustments was due to the factors that are impacting asset valuations nationally.  Other expense increased due to the factors discussed above.

Income Taxes.  For the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the Company’s effective tax rate was 22.1%.  The Company’s effective rate is below enacted tax rates due to the utilization of New Markets Tax Credits.  The Company’s tax rate was (117%) for the third quarter of 2008 and 29.4% for the fourth quarter of 2007.  The tax rate for the fourth quarters of 2007 and 2008 was impacted by the level of pre tax income and the utilization of New Markets Tax Credits.  The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2008 was impacted by those same two factors and was further impacted by the OTTI charge, which resulted in a $1.6 million reduction in income tax expense. In addition, the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2008 was impacted by previously uncertain tax positions that were resolved with the lapsing of the statute of limitations of the associated tax returns. As a result, of this and various other factors, income tax expense was reduced by $694,000 in the third quarter of 2008.

 
- 6 -

 


Balance Sheet. The Company’s assets were $2.26 billion at December 31, 2008, compared with $2.10 billion at December 31, 2007. Assets grew $163 million in 2008, as total community bank loans increased, as shown below.

Loan Portfolio
The table below is inclusive of loans held for investment and loans held for sale:

     
December 31, 2008
   
September 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
     
(Dollars in thousands)
 
  Community bank loans:                  
 
Commercial real estate
  $ 481,053     $ 460,416     $ 286,737  
 
Construction and development
    400,113       364,859       272,736  
 
Commercial and industrial
    133,930       130,615       88,175  
 
Multifamily
    48,253       49,679       47,888  
 
SBA originated, guaranteed portions
    5,370       4,261       5,602  
 
Consumer
    49,400       44,445       3,825  
    Total community bank loans     1,118,119       1,054,275       704,963  
                           
  Wholesale loans:                        
 
Residential
    335,791       350,348       441,734  
 
SBA purchased loans - guaranteed
    87,194       92,225       116,084  
  Total wholesale loans     422,985       442,573       557,818  
 
   Total loans
  $ 1,541,104     $ 1,496,848     $ 1,262,781  
                           

At December 31, 2008, community bank loans were $1.12 billion, a $413 million increase from $705 million at December 31, 2007. For those same periods, wholesale loans declined $135 million to $423 million as the result of repayments and $18 million of residential loans that were securitized with FNMA.

In the Company’s community bank loan portfolio there are commercial real estate and construction and development (C&D) loans, as well as multifamily loans and consumer loans all of which loans are collateralized by real estate.  In 2008, commercial real estate loans grew $194 million to approximately $481 million. This portion of the portfolio includes a wide variety of loan types that are geographically disbursed. The commercial real estate loan portfolio collateral is located approximately 39% in the Denver metropolitan area, 27% in other areas of Colorado, and 34% is located outside Colorado. Approximately 35% of the portfolio is comprised of owner occupied projects.

At December 31, 2008, the C&D portfolio represents 35.8% of the community bank loan portfolio compared to 38.7% at December 31, 2007. Within the C&D portfolio, construction loans totaled $277 million and land development loans were $123 million at December 31, 2008, compared to $162 million and $111 million, respectively, at December 31, 2007. At December 31, 2008 the construction loan portfolio consists of 41% single family, 36% commercial projects, and 23% multifamily.

Asset Quality
See the section Reclassification of Financial Statement Presentation below.  The following table sets forth our nonperforming assets as of the dates indicated:

 
- 7 -

 



   
December 31, 2008
   
September 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Residential
  $ 3,238     $ 2,425     $ 1,649  
SBA purchased loans - guaranteed
    791       728       893  
Total wholesale
    4,029       3,153       2,542  
                         
Commercial real estate
    1,311       885       1,152  
Construction and development
    2,900       4,713        
Commercial and industrial
    283       146        
SBA originated, guaranteed portions
    124       88       557  
Total community bank
    4,618       5,832       1,709  
Total nonperforming loans held for investment
    8,647       8,985       4,251  
REO
    4,417       2,693       3,109  
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 13,064     $ 11,678     $ 7,360  

 
Total nonperforming assets increased $1.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 as compared to the third quarter of 2008. Residential nonperforming loans increased $813,000, and represent 2.58% of the residential loan held for investment portfolio. Nonperforming construction and development loans held for investment declined by $1.8 million in the fourth quarter principally as a result of the transfer to REO of a $1.8 million asset.  Nonperforming loans held for investment represent 0.69% of that portfolio.
 
In previous financial reports and earnings releases we had presented both nonperforming loans held for investment and loans held for sale in the table above, because we presented an allowance for credit losses for all such loans.  Now and prospectively, the table above includes nonperforming loans held for investment, and real estate owned.  The table above excludes nonperforming loans held for sale, for which the Company has established a lower of cost or fair value adjustment.  To provide comparability to previous reporting periods, the table below shows the nonperforming loans that are held for sale that were previously reported as nonperforming loans and are now included in the fair value adjustment for loans held for sale:
 
   
December 31, 2008
   
September 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Residential
  $ 6,493     $ 5,786     $ 6,224  
Total wholesale
    6,493       5,786       6,224  
                         
Multifamily
    6,759       337        
Total community bank
    6,759       337        
Total nonperforming loans held for sale
    13,252       6,123       6,224  

 
In total, nonperforming loans inclusive of loans held for sale and loans held for investment are 1.42% of total loans.  Total nonperforming assets inclusive of loans held for sale represent 1.17% of total assets.
 
Net charge-offs for the fourth quarter of 2008 were $69,000 compared to $305,000 for the third quarter of 2008. Residential charge offs for those same periods were $(72,000), or minus 8 basis points annualized, compared to $291,000, or 31 basis points annualized. Community bank loan charge-offs were $141,000, or one basis point annualized in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $14,000, or one basis point annualized in the third quarter of 2008. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of community bank loans was 1.36% and 1.03% at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 

 
- 8 -

 


 

 
At December 31, 2008, the Company’s held to maturity mortgage-backed investment security portfolio had an amortized cost of $446 million. The Company’s available for sale mortgage-backed investment security portfolio had a fair value of $59 million. At December 31, 2008, the fair value of the available for sale securities was $22.3 million less than the cost, net of tax. This loss is an unrealized loss recognized in other comprehensive income.

At December 31, 2008, we have determined the fair value of securities using the guidance of FAS 157, as revised.  We initially obtain prices for securities from two nationally recognized pricing services.  If the prices vary significantly and based on other performance factors, we select securities for additional analysis that includes review of forecasted cash flow information.  We utilized two separate firms to provide management with analyses that we evaluate to determine fair value of such securities and temporary vs. other-than-temporary impairments.  Aside from the two held to maturity securities that were deemed other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2008, the portfolio remains substantially investment grade, and we believe the decline in fair value of the remaining portfolio is due to temporary conditions in the marketplace.

Deposits. At December 31, 2008, deposits, including custodial escrow balances, increased $335 million to $1.75 billion, as compared with $1.42 billion at December 31, 2007. Community bank deposits increased $103 million in 2008 to $192 million at December 31, 2008, versus $89 million at December 31, 2007. During the fourth quarter of 2008, retail deposits increased $10 million as a result of successful marketing efforts to increase money market accounts and time deposits.

Capital. At December 31, 2008, the Company’s equity leverage ratio was 4.51% compared with 5.41% at December 31, 2007. The decline in the leverage ratio was principally caused by the unrealized loss on available for sale investment securities and growth in total assets, which was caused by both an increase in the volume of community bank loans and a slowing of the rate of repayment of wholesale assets. The Bank’s tier-1 core capital, total risk-based and tier-1 risk-based capital ratios are approximately 7.65%, 10.55% and 9.68%, respectively, as of December 31, 2008, all of which are in excess of regulatory requirements of 5%, 10% and 6%, respectively.
 
In light of the national financial crisis and the enactment of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, U.S. government agencies are taking various actions in an attempt to enhance financial stability. These include the U.S. Treasury Department's Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program, which offers to all U.S. banking organizations the opportunity to issue and sell preferred stock, along with warrants to purchase common stock, to the U.S. Treasury on what appear to be relatively attractive terms as compared to alternative capital sources available in the market. Although the Bank’s capital ratios remain well above the minimum levels required for well capitalized status, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized management to apply for participation in the Capital Purchase Program. We estimate that between $16 million and $48 million may be available under the program.
 

 
- 9 -

 


 

Reclassification of Financial Statement Presentation
At December 31, 2008 we have reclassified our prior financial statement presentation for loans held for sale.  In previous financial reports in order to be more transparent as it relates to our disclosure of loans held for sale we had separated the lower of cost or fair value adjustment between credit loss exposure and market-interest rate exposure.  We will now present the lower of cost or fair value adjustment as one line item in noninterest expense.  This reclassification had no impact on total assets, equity, income or net income for any period presented.  However, the impact reduces previously reported provision for credit loss expense, reduces the allowance for credit losses, with an offsetting increase to the provision for lower of cost or fair value adjustments.

Conference Call
Any investor or interested individual can listen to the teleconference, which is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM MST (11:00 AM EST) on Thursday, February 12, 2009. To participate in the teleconference, please call toll-free 800-240-7305 (or 303-262-2143 for international callers) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start time. You may also listen to the teleconference live on the Company’s website, www.uwbancorp.com, and accessing the Investor Relations tab, or by accessing http://www.talkpoint.com/viewer/starthere.asp?Pres=125014.

For those unable to attend, an archive of the conference call will be hosted on these websites.

About United Western Bancorp, Inc.
Denver-based United Western Bancorp, Inc. is focused on developing its community-based banking network through its subsidiary, United Western Bank, by strategically positioning branches across Colorado’s Front Range market and certain mountain communities. This area spans the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains – from Pueblo to Fort Collins, and from metropolitan Denver to the Roaring Fork Valley. United Western Bank plans to grow its network to an estimated ten to 12 community bank locations over the next three to five years. In addition to community-based banking, United Western Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries offer deposit services to institutional customers and custodial, administrative, and escrow services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Sterling Trust Company. For more information, please visit our web site at www.uwbancorp.com.


 
- 10 -

 

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our future results, interest rates, loan and deposit growth, operations, development and growth of our community bank network and our business strategy. Forward-looking statements sometimes include terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “predicts,” “believes,” “plans,” “estimates,” “potential,” “projects,” “intends,” “should” or “continue” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. However, a statement may still be forward looking even if it does not contain one of these terms. As you consider forward-looking statements, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: the successful implementation of our community banking strategies and growth plans; the timing of regulatory approvals or consents for new branches or other contemplated actions; the availability of suitable and desirable locations for additional branches; the continuing strength of our existing business, which may be affected by various factors, including but not limited to interest rate fluctuations, level of delinquencies, defaults and prepayments, general economic conditions, and conditions specifically related to the financial and credit markets, competition, legal and regulatory developments, and future additional risks and uncertainties currently unknown to us. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements is contained in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and in the Company’s other periodic reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
 
Any forward-looking statements made by the Company speak only as of the date on which the statements are made and are based on information known to us at that time. We do not intend to update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this press release after the date on which they are made to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.


FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW

 
- 11 -

 


UNITED WESTERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Assets
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 22,332     $ 21,650  
Interest-earning deposits
    548       3,156  
Federal funds sold
          16,000  
  Total cash and cash equivalents
    22,880       40,806  
Investment securities – available for sale, at estimated fair value
    59,573       87,676  
Investment securities – held to maturity, at amortized cost
    498,464       574,105  
Loans held for sale – at lower of cost or fair value
    291,620       369,071  
Loans held for investment
    1,249,484       893,710  
Allowance for credit losses
    (16,183 )     (8,000 )
    Loans held for investment, net
    1,233,301       885,710  
FHLBank stock, at cost
    29,046       39,913  
Mortgage servicing rights, net
    9,496       11,971  
Accrued interest receivable
    8,973       10,551  
Other receivables
    15,123       14,120  
Premises and equipment, net
    25,960       16,949  
Bank owned life insurance
    25,233       24,279  
Other assets, net
    11,243       11,737  
Deferred income taxes
    23,324       6,113  
Foreclosed real estate
    4,417       3,109  
Total assets
  $ 2,258,653     $ 2,096,110  
                 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
               
Liabilities:
               
Deposits
  $ 1,724,672     $ 1,385,481  
Custodial escrow balances
    29,697       34,172  
FHLBank borrowings
    226,721       406,129  
Borrowed money
    119,265       97,428  
Junior subordinated debentures owed to unconsolidated
  subsidiary trusts
    30,442       30,442  
Income tax payable
    364       222  
Other liabilities
    25,543       28,815  
Total liabilities
    2,156,704       1,982,689  
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Common stock
    1       1  
Additional paid-in capital
    23,856       23,724  
Retained earnings
    100,348       92,364  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (22,256 )     (2,668 )
Total shareholders’ equity
    101,949       113,421  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,258,653     $ 2,096,110  
                 

 
- 12 -






UNITED WESTERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except share information)

   
Quarter Ended
   
Twelve months Ended
 
   
Dec. 31,
   
Dec. 31,
   
Sept. 30,
   
Dec. 31,
   
Dec. 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2008
   
2007
 
Interest and dividend income:
                             
  Community bank loans
  $ 15,582     $ 13,418     $ 15,439     $ 58,033     $ 44,889  
  Wholesale residential loans
    4,884       6,431       5,004       20,503       27,882  
  Other loans
    593       764       576       2,834       6,779  
  Investment securities
    7,681       9,013       7,779       32,169       38,847  
  Deposits and dividends
    151       740       353       1,478       3,162  
Total interest and dividend income
    28,891       30,366       29,151       115,017       121,559  
                                         
Interest expense:
                                       
  Deposits
    3,576       4,985       2,921       12,662       27,142  
  FHLBank borrowings
    2,668       5,119       3,645       13,769       17,086  
  Other borrowed money
    1,801       1,894       1,543       6,601       8,489  
Total interest expense
    8,045       11,998       8,109       33,032       52,717  
                                         
Net interest income before provision  for credit
  Losses
    20,846       18,368       21,042       81,985       68,842  
Provision for credit losses
    2,373       1,246       2,202       8,599       2,312  
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
    18,473       17,122       18,840       73,386       66,530  
                                         
Noninterest income:
                                       
  Custodial, administrative and escrow services
    2,534       2,254       2,547       10,221       8,435  
  Loan administration
    1,081       1,408       1,175       4,914       6,311  
  Gain on sale of loans held for sale
    21       92       418       764       2,124  
  Gain on sale of available for sale investment
    Securities
                            98  
  Write-down on other-than-temporary impairment
    of securities
                (4,110 )     (4,110 )      
  Other
    704       902       1,115       3,072       4,015  
Total noninterest income
    4,340       4,656       1,145       14,861       20,983  
                                         
Noninterest expense:
                                       
  Compensation and employee benefits
    7,297       7,161       8,298       30,929       27,148  
  Subaccounting fees
    3,849       5,192       4,365       17,914       22,851  
  Amortization of mortgage servicing rights
    762       687       491       2,635       3,489  
  Lower of cost or fair value adjustments
    1,618       (176 )     610       2,793       722  
  Occupancy and equipment
    1,011       776       898       3,436       2,946  
  Postage and communication
    377       326       375       1,464       1,237  
  Professional fees
    1,454       712       968       3,786       2,584  
  Mortgage servicing rights subservicing fees
    402       445       389       1,690       1,931  
  Redemption of junior subordinated debentures
                            1,487  
  Other general and administrative
    3,435       2,428       2,904       11,112       9,669  
Total noninterest expense
    20,205       17,551       19,298       75,759       74,064  
                                         
Income before income taxes
    2,608       4,227       687       12,488       13,449  
  Income tax (benefit) provision
    576       1,244       (805 )     2,536       3,308  
Net income
  $ 2,032     $ 2,983     $ 1,492     $ 9,952     $ 10,141  
                                         
Net income per share – basic
  $ 0.29     $ 0.41     $ 0.21     $ 1.39     $ 1.40  
Net income per share – assuming dilution
    0.29       0.41       0.21       1.39       1.40  
                                         




 
- 13 -

 


UNITED WESTERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

   
Twelve months Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Average
 Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Rate
 
Assets
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Community bank loans:
                                   
Commercial real estate loans
  $ 312,299     $ 20,082       6.43 %   $ 172,716     $ 12,750       7.38 %
Construction and development loans
    321,410       19,080       5.94       157,796       14,394       9.12  
Originated SBA loans
    113,430       8,340       7.35       96,848       9,136       9.43  
Multifamily loans
    48,906       2,927       5.98       55,464       3,615       6.52  
Commercial loans
    112,239       7,122       6.35       54,765       4,707       8.59  
Consumer and other loans
    13,154       482       3.66       4,419       287       6.49  
       Total community bank loans
    921,438       58,033       6.30       542,008       44,889       8.28  
Wholesale assets:
                                               
Residential loans
    385,908       20,503       5.31       517,720       27,882       5.39  
Purchased SBA loans and securities
    157,928       5,109       3.24       213,311       10,393       4.87  
Mortgage-backed securities
    560,039       29,894       5.34       663,379       35,233       5.31  
       Total wholesale assets
    1,103,875       55,506       5.03       1,394,410       73,508       5.27  
Interest-earning deposits
    18,454       345       1.84       20,382       1,012       4.90  
FHLBank stock
    34,298       1,133       3.30       39,297       2,150       5.47  
Total interest-earning assets
    2,078,065     $ 115,017       5.54 %     1,996,097     $ 121,559       6.09 %
                                                 
Noninterest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash
    19,239                       18,720                  
Allowance for credit losses
    (13,500 )                     (9,238 )                
Premises and equipment
    21,662                       11,321                  
Other assets
    87,333                       82,585                  
Total noninterest-earning assets
    114,734                       103,388                  
Total assets
  $ 2,192,799                     $ 2,099,485                  
                                                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Passbook accounts
  $ 256     $ 2       0.76 %   $ 165     $ 2       1.26 %
Money market and NOW accounts
    1,238,869       10,376       0.84       1,198,094       25,759       2.15  
Certificates of deposit
    59,718       2,284       3.82       32,369       1,381       4.27  
FHLBank borrowings
    383,543       13,769       3.53       351,231       17,086       4.80  
   Repurchase agreements
    78,934       2,975       3.71       72,354       3,494       4.83  
Borrowed money and junior subordinated
     Debentures
    53,702       3,626       6.64       59,742       4,995       8.25  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    1,815,022       33,032       1.80 %     1,713,955       52,717       3.06 %
                                                 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits (including custodial
     escrow balances)
    246,064                       249,356                  
Other liabilities
    21,831                       22,327                  
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities
    267,895                       271,683                  
Shareholders’ equity
    109,882                       113,847                  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,192,799                     $ 2,099,485                  
       
Net interest income before provision for credit
    Losses
          $ 81,985                     $ 68,842          
Interest rate spread
                    3.74 %                     3.03 %
Net interest margin
                    3.96 %                     3.46 %
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average
    interest-bearing liabilities
                    114.49 %                     116.46 %

 
- 14 -

 


UNITED WESTERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
December 31, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Rate
 
Assets
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Community bank loans:
                                   
Commercial real estate loans
  $ 382,772     $ 5,792       6.02 %   $ 195,972     $ 3,588       7.26 %
Construction and development loans
    369,382       5,031       5.42       232,509       5,145       8.78  
Originated SBA loans
    132,227       2,260       6.80       94,325       2,174       9.14  
Multifamily loans
    45,209       524       4.64       51,846       830       6.40  
Commercial loans
    124,634       1,872       5.98       77,991       1,614       8.21  
Consumer and other loans
    21,861       103       1.87       4,685       67       5.67  
       Total community bank loans
    1,076,085       15,582       5.76       657,328       13,418       8.10  
Wholesale assets:
                                               
Residential loans
    365,728       4,884       5.34       456,930       6,431       5.63  
Purchased SBA loans and securities
    144,024       1,132       3.13       192,112       1,605       3.31  
Mortgage-backed securities
    514,990       7,142       5.55       612,106       8,172       5.34  
       Total wholesale assets
    1,024,742       13,158       5.14       1,261,148       16,208       5.14  
Interest-earning deposits
    24,120       37       0.60       19,980       226       4.43  
FHLBank stock
    28,934       114       1.57       39,404       514       5.18  
Total interest-earning assets
    2,153,881     $ 28,891       5.35 %     1,977,860     $ 30,366       6.12 %
                                                 
Noninterest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash
    20,259                       15,227                  
Allowance for credit losses
    (17,145 )                     (9,560 )                
Premises and equipment
    24,860                       13,336                  
Other assets
    95,211                       81,999                  
Total noninterest-earning assets
    123,185                       101,002                  
Total assets
  $ 2,277,066                     $ 2,078,862                  
                                                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Passbook accounts
  $ 265     $ 1       0.79 %   $ 154     $ -       1.22 %
Money market and NOW accounts
    1,379,978       2,299       0.66       1,116,971       4,657       1.65  
Certificates of deposit
    136,512       1,276       3.72       29,819       328       4.36  
FHLBank borrowings
    275,160       2,668       3.79       433,380       5,119       4.62  
   Repurchase agreements
    80,641       851       4.13       76,819       916       4.67  
Borrowed money and junior subordinated
     Debentures
    59,051       950       6.30       51,442       978       7.44  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    1,931,607       8,045       1.64 %     1,708,585       11,998       2.76 %
                                                 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits (including custodial
     escrow balances)
    219,844                       230,814                  
Other liabilities
    22,120                       23,496                  
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities
    241,964                       254,310                  
Shareholders’ equity
    103,495                       115,967                  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,277,066                     $ 2,078,862                  
       
Net interest income before provision for credit
    Losses
          $ 20,846                     $ 18,368          
Interest rate spread
                    3.71 %                     3.36 %
Net interest margin
                    3.88 %                     3.73 %
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average
    interest-bearing liabilities
                    111.51 %                     115.76 %





- 15 -




UNITED WESTERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
OPERATING RATIOS AND OTHER SELECTED DATA
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except share information)

   
Quarter Ended
   
Twelve months Ended
 
   
Dec. 31,
   
Dec. 31,
   
Sept. 30,
   
Dec. 31,
   
Dec. 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2008
   
2007
 
                               
Weighted average shares – basic
    7,122,798       7,232,375       7,119,398       7,164,250       7,247,636  
Weighted average shares – assuming dilution
    7,122,798       7,241,071       7,119,578       7,164,598       7,266,887  
Number of shares outstanding at end of  period
    7,253,391       7,264,224       7,224,111       7,253,391       7,264,224  
                                         
Operating Ratios & Other Selected Data (1)
                                       
  Return of average equity
    7.85 %     10.29 %     5.62 %     9.06
%
    8.91 %
  Operating efficiency ratios (3)
    73.77 %     73.56 %     83.12 %     74.66
%
    78.41 %
  Book value per share (end of period)
  $ 14.06     $ 15.61     $ 13.90     $ 14.06      $ 15.61  
  Yield on assets
    5.35 %     6.12 %     5.51 %     5.54
%
    6.09 %
  Cost of liabilities
    1.64 %     2.76 %     1.73 %     1.80
%
    3.06 %
  Net interest margin (2)
    3.88 %     3.73 %     3.99 %     3.96
%
    3.46 %
                                         
Asset Quality Information (1)
                                       
Community bank allowance for credit Losses
  $ 15,232     $ 7,231     $ 13,021     $ 15,232     $ 7,231  
Allowance to community bank loans(4)
    1.36 %     1.03 %     1.24 %     1.36
%
    1.03 %
Residential allowance for credit losses
  $ 909     $ 713     $ 886     $ 919     $ 713  
Allowance to residential loans(4)
    0.72 %     0.44 %     0.67 %     0.72
%
    0.44 %
Allowance for credit losses
  $ 16,183     $ 8,000     $ 13,952     $ 16,183     $ 8,000  
Allowance for credit losses to total loans(4)
    1.30 %     0.90 %     1.16 %     1.30
%
    0.90 %
Community bank net charge offs (recoveries)
  $ 141     $ 30     $ 14     $ 223     $ 109  
Residential net charge offs (recoveries)
    (72 )     227       291       540       666  
Commercial nonaccrual loans(4)
    4,494       2,602       6,169       4,494       2,602  
Residential nonaccrual loans(4)
    3,238       1,649       2,425       3,238       1,649  
Commercial guaranteed nonaccrual loans(4)
    915       1,450       816       915       1,450  
Nonaccrual loans held for investment
    8,647       4,251       8,985       8,647       4,251  
Nonaccrual loans held for sale
    13,252       6,224       6,123       13,252       6,224  
Real estate owned
    4,417       3,109       2,693       4,417       3,109  
Total nonaccrual assets and REO
    26,316       13,584       17,801       26,316       13,584  
Total residential loans allowance to nonaccrual residential loans
    28.07 %     43.24 %     36.54 %     28.07       43.24 %
Ratio of allowance for credit losses to total nonaccrual loans(4)
    187.15 %     188.19 %     155.28 %     187.15
%
    188.19 %
Total nonaccrual residential loans to total residential loans(4)
    2.58 %     1.01 %     1.83 %     2.58
%
    1.01 %
Total nonaccrual commercial loans to total commercial loans(4)
    0.69 %     0.48 %     0.75 %     0.69
%
    0.48 %
Total nonaccrual assets and REO to total assets
    1.17 %     0.65 %     0.79 %     1.17
%
    0.65 %
 
(1) Calculations are based on average daily balances where available and monthly averages otherwise, as applicable.
(2) Net interest margin has been calculated by dividing net interest income before credit losses by average interest earning assets.
(3) The operating efficiency ratios have been calculated by dividing noninterest expense, excluding amortization of mortgage servicing rights, by operating income.  Operating income is equal to net interest income before provision for credit losses plus noninterest income.
(4) Excludes loans held for sale.

 
 
- 16 -

Appendix I

 
UNITED WESTERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP EARNINGS DISCLOSURE
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except share information)


   
Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
 
                       
         
Non-GAAP
           
   
GAAP
   
disclosure
       
Adjusted
 
Pre tax income
  $ 687                  
Other-than-temporary impairment on securities
          $ (4,110 )  (1 )      
Pre tax income (loss) revised
    687       (4,110 )       $ 4,797  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (805 )     (1,565 )  (2 )     760  
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,492     $ (2,545 )       $ 4,037  
                             
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.21     $ (0.36 )       $ 0.57  

 
 

 
   
Twelve months Ended December 31, 2008
 
                       
         
Non-GAAP
           
   
GAAP
   
Disclosure
       
Adjusted
 
                     
Pre tax income
  $ 12,488                  
Other-than-temporary impairment on securities
          $ (4,110 )  (1 )      
Pre tax income (loss) revised
    12,488       (4,110 )       $ 16,598  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    2,536       (1,565 )  (2 )     4,101  
Net income (loss)
  $ 9,952     $ (2,545 )       $ 12,497  
                             
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 1.39     $ (0.36 )       $ 1.74  
                             
                             
(1) Represents charge for other-than-temporary impairment.
                     
(2) Represents income tax expense at marginal tax rate of 38%.
                     

 
- 17 -