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): October 24, 2014


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))







Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On October 24, 2014, West Bancorporation, Inc. issued a press release announcing its earnings results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014 and declaration of an increased quarterly dividend. The press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1.


Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
Exhibit 99.1: Press Release of West Bancorporation, Inc. dated October 24, 2014.


Certain statements in this report, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this press release. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “future,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “strategy,” “plan,” “opportunity,” “will be,” “will likely result,” “will continue,” or similar references, or references to estimates, predictions or future events.  Such forward-looking statements are based upon certain underlying assumptions, risks and uncertainties.  Because of the possibility that the underlying assumptions are incorrect or do not materialize as expected in the future, actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements.  Risks and uncertainties that may affect future results include: interest rate risk; competitive pressures; pricing pressures on loans and deposits; changes in credit and other risks posed by the Company's loan and investment portfolios, including declines in commercial or residential real estate values or changes in the allowance for loan losses dictated by new market conditions or regulatory requirements; actions of bank and non-bank competitors; changes in local and national economic conditions; changes in regulatory requirements, limitations and costs; changes in customers' acceptance of the Company's products and services; 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.









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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 24, 2014
By:
/s/ Douglas R. Gulling
 
 
Name: Douglas R. Gulling
 
 
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer







Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.
Description
99.1
Press Release of West Bancorporation, Inc. dated October 24, 2014.









Exhibit 99.1


Press Release
 
October 24, 2014
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Doug Gulling, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (515) 222-2309
 
WEST BANCORPORATION, INC. QUARTERLY EARNINGS PER SHARE UP 18 PERCENT, QUARTERLY DIVIDEND INCREASED BY 17 PERCENT

West Des Moines, IA - West Bancorporation, Inc. (NASDAQ: WTBA), parent company of West Bank, is pleased to report that third quarter 2014 net income was $5.06 million, or $0.32 per diluted common share. This compares to net income for the third quarter of 2013 of $4.36 million, or $0.27 per diluted common share. Based on our continued strong earnings performance, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.14 per common share, which is a 17 percent increase over the previous quarterly dividend of $0.12 per common share. The dividend is payable on November 19, 2014, to shareholders of record on November 5, 2014.

“We are pleased with our third quarter performance,” commented Dave Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer of West Bancorporation, Inc. “All of our performance metrics continued to improve and remained in the top quartile of our industry. This was evidenced again by our continued inclusion as one of 35 bank holding companies named a 'Sm-All Star' by the investment banking firm Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P. A total of 443 bank holding companies were considered. This is the third year in a row we have been included in this group of America’s best banks. We are one of only two companies to be on this list of top-performing banks for three years in a row.”

Revenue (defined as net interest income plus noninterest income), not including investment securities gains, for the third quarter of 2014 was 7 percent higher than the third quarter of 2013. Fees from trust services were 36 percent higher than the same quarter last year. Gains and fees from the sale of residential mortgages were 116 percent higher this quarter than the third quarter last year. Conversely, expenses for the third quarter of 2014 declined 12 percent from the same quarter last year, primarily because of lower costs associated with other real estate owned.

Consistent with past performance, all three of our markets continue to produce positive results. “We continue to be very pleased with our growth in the Rochester, Minnesota area, with outstanding loans of $39.29 million as of September 30, 2014, up 22 percent from the second quarter, and our deposits are up 15 percent over the same period,” said Mike Zinser, Market President for Rochester. “Since we opened our Rochester office in 2013, our growth has been driven by business banking relationships, which are being added at an increasing pace.  Our residential mortgage volume is also growing as Rochester customers see the value in working with a local, experienced mortgage banking team,” added Mr. Zinser.
Eastern Iowa Market President, Lynn Rowat, states, “We are expanding our customer base while keeping a close eye on credit quality. We appreciate the loyalty and relationships we continue to develop with our customers as we share the benefits of working together.”

Brad Winterbottom, West Bank President said, “Business activity continues to be strong in Central Iowa as we expand relationships with current customers. Diligent efforts by our bankers are providing opportunities to present West Bank to prospects.”

For the first nine months of 2014, net income was $14.20 million, or $0.89 per diluted common share, up from $12.61 million, or $0.75 per diluted common share for the first nine months of 2013.

The Company filed its quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission this morning. Please refer to that document for a more in-depth discussion of our results. The Form 10-Q document is available on the Investor Relations section of West Bank's website at www.westbankstrong.com.






The Company will discuss its third quarter 2014 results during a conference call scheduled for this afternoon, Friday, October 24, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The telephone number for the conference call is 888-317-6016. A recording of the call will be available until November 6, 2014, at 877-344-7529, pass code: 10038842.

About West Bancorporation, Inc. (NASDAQ: WTBA)
West Bancorporation, Inc. is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa. Serving Iowans 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 consumers and small- to medium-sized businesses. West Bank has eight full-service offices in the Des Moines metropolitan area, two full-service offices in Iowa City, one full-service office in Coralville and an office in Rochester, Minnesota.

Certain statements in this press release, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this press release. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “future,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “strategy,” “plan,” “opportunity,” “will be,” “will likely result,” “will continue,” or similar references, or references to estimates, predictions or future events. Such forward-looking statements are based upon certain underlying assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Because of the possibility that the underlying assumptions are incorrect or do not materialize as expected in the future, actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that may affect future results include: interest rate risk; competitive pressures; pricing pressures on loans and deposits; changes in credit and other risks posed by the Company's loan and investment portfolios, including declines in commercial or residential real estate values or changes in the allowance for loan losses dictated by new market conditions or regulatory requirements; actions of bank and non-bank competitors; changes in local and national economic conditions; changes in regulatory requirements, limitations and costs; changes in customers' acceptance of the Company's products and services; 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)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2013
Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
34,480

 
$
62,592

Short-term investments
 
204

 
29,400

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
 
287,913

 
359,556

Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost
 
51,364

 

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
 
13,964

 
11,629

Loans held for sale
 
343

 
421

Loans
 
1,083,077

 
959,016

Allowance for loan losses
 
(13,345
)
 
(14,741
)
Loans, net
 
1,069,732

 
944,275

Bank-owned life insurance
 
31,910

 
26,222

Other real estate owned
 
4,495

 
6,276

Other assets
 
28,396

 
30,742

Total assets
 
$
1,522,801

 
$
1,471,113

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing
 
$
347,279

 
$
347,957

Interest-bearing:
 
 
 
 
Demand
 
217,141

 
164,993

Savings
 
495,613

 
495,550

Time of $100,000 or more
 
88,441

 
87,604

Other time
 
56,788

 
69,688

Total deposits
 
1,205,262

 
1,165,792

Short-term borrowings
 
43,870

 
44,458

Long-term borrowings
 
130,621

 
132,384

Other liabilities
 
7,323

 
7,322

Stockholders' equity
 
135,725

 
121,157

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
1,522,801

 
$
1,471,113








Financial Information (continued) (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
INCOME
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
 
$
11,934

 
$
11,382

 
$
34,936

 
$
33,617

Investment securities
 
1,912

 
2,042

 
5,888

 
5,561

Other
 
14

 
20

 
43

 
99

Total interest income
 
13,860

 
13,444

 
40,867

 
39,277

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
592

 
854

 
1,851

 
2,591

Short-term borrowings
 
5

 
23

 
23

 
76

Long-term borrowings
 
974

 
941

 
2,780

 
2,627

Total interest expense
 
1,571

 
1,818

 
4,654

 
5,294

Net interest income
 
12,289

 
11,626

 
36,213

 
33,983

Provision for loan losses
 
100

 
(1,000
)
 
250

 
(850
)
Net interest income after provision for loan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
losses
 
12,189

 
12,626

 
35,963

 
34,833

Noninterest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
 
713

 
747

 
2,106

 
2,190

Debit card usage fees
 
443

 
527

 
1,306

 
1,351

Trust services
 
363

 
266

 
1,013

 
743

Gains and fees on sales of residential mortgages
 
457

 
212

 
1,059

 
949

Increase in cash value of bank-owned life
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
insurance
 
198

 
162

 
534

 
492

Realized investment securities gains, net
 
210

 

 
716

 

Other income
 
246

 
216

 
767

 
643

Total noninterest income
 
2,630

 
2,130

 
7,501

 
6,368

Noninterest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
 
3,961

 
4,007

 
12,059

 
11,962

Occupancy
 
1,072

 
984

 
3,107

 
2,917

Data processing
 
546

 
532

 
1,626

 
1,515

FDIC insurance expense
 
190

 
182

 
561

 
547

Other real estate owned expense
 
3

 
1,137

 
398

 
1,138

Other expenses
 
1,622

 
1,571

 
5,009

 
4,995

Total noninterest expense
 
7,394

 
8,413

 
22,760

 
23,074

Income before income taxes
 
7,425

 
6,343

 
20,704

 
18,127

Income taxes
 
2,362

 
1,980

 
6,502

 
5,518

Net income
 
$
5,063

 
$
4,363

 
$
14,202

 
$
12,609







Financial Information (continued) (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PER COMMON SHARE
 
MARKET INFORMATION (1)
 
 
Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Dividends
 
High
 
Low
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3rd Quarter
 
$0.32
 
$0.32
 
$0.12
 
$15.68
 
$14.01
2nd Quarter
 
0.30
 
0.30
 
0.12
 
16.45
 
13.53
1st Quarter
 
0.28
 
0.27
 
0.11
 
15.98
 
13.64
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4th Quarter
 
$0.27
 
$0.27
 
$0.11
 
$16.64
 
$13.34
3rd Quarter
 
0.27

 
0.27

 
0.11

 
14.50

 
11.74

2nd Quarter
 
0.25

 
0.25

 
0.10

 
12.27

 
10.10

1st Quarter
 
0.23

 
0.23

 
0.10

 
11.72

 
10.46

(1) The prices shown are the high and low sale prices for the Company's common stock, which trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, under the symbol WTBA. The market quotations, reported by Nasdaq, do not include retail markup, markdown or commissions.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
SELECTED FINANCIAL MEASURES
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Return on average assets
 
1.32
%
 
1.19
%
 
1.27
%
 
1.17
%
Return on average equity
 
15.00
%
 
14.41
%
 
14.61
%
 
13.02
%
Net interest margin
 
3.56
%
 
3.49
%
 
3.58
%
 
3.45
%
Efficiency ratio*
 
48.39
%
 
51.14
%
 
50.16
%
 
52.70
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
Texas ratio*
 
 
 
 
 
6.21
%
 
12.46
%
Allowance for loan losses ratio
 
 
 
 
 
1.23
%
 
1.54
%
Tangible common equity ratio
 
 
 
 
 
8.91
%
 
8.24
%
* A lower ratio is more desirable.

Definitions of ratios:
Return on average assets - annualized net income divided by average assets.
Return on average equity - annualized net income divided by average stockholders' equity.
Net interest margin - annualized tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
Efficiency ratio - noninterest expense (excluding other real estate owned expense) divided by noninterest income (excluding net securities gains) plus tax-equivalent net interest income.
Texas ratio - total nonperforming assets divided by tangible common equity plus the allowance for loan losses.
Allowance for loan losses ratio - allowance for loan losses divided by total loans.
Tangible common equity ratio - common equity less intangible assets divided by tangible assets.





West Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WTBA)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more West Bancorporation Charts.
West Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WTBA)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more West Bancorporation Charts.