| NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2013 |
| NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | ' |
| NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | ' |
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| NOTE 1—NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
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| PacWest Bancorp is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Our principal business is to serve as a holding company for our Los Angeles-based wholly owned banking subsidiary, Pacific Western Bank, which we refer to as "Pacific Western" or the "Bank." When we say "we," "our" or the "Company," we mean the Company on a consolidated basis with the Bank. When we refer to "PacWest" or to the holding company, we are referring to the parent company on a stand-alone basis. |
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| We have completed 26 acquisitions from May 2000 through December 31, 2013, including the merger whereby the former Rancho Santa Fe National Bank and First Community Bank of the Desert became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company in a pooling-of-interests transaction completed in May 2000. All other acquisitions have been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, the operating results of the acquired entities have been included in the consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. During the three years ended December 31, 2013, we completed the following four acquisitions: Pacific Western Equipment Finance, or EQF, which closed on January 3, 2012; Celtic Capital Corporation, or Celtic, which closed on April 3, 2012; American Perspective Bank, or APB, which closed on August 1, 2012; and First California Financial Group, or FCAL, which closed on May 31, 2013. See Note 4, Acquisitions, and Note 5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for more information about these acquisitions |
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| Pacific Western is a full-service commercial bank offering a broad range of banking products and services including: accepting demand, money market, and time deposits; originating loans and leases, including commercial, real estate construction, equipment finance leases, SBA guaranteed and consumer loans; and providing other business-oriented products. Our operations are primarily located in Southern California extending from San Diego County to California's Central Coast; we also operate three banking offices in the San Francisco Bay area, a leasing operation based in Utah, and asset-based lending operations based in Arizona as well as San Jose and Santa Monica, California. The Bank focuses on conducting business with small to medium sized businesses in our marketplace and the owners and employees of those businesses. The majority of our loans are secured by the real estate collateral of such businesses. Our asset-based lending function operates in Arizona, California, Texas, Colorado, Minnesota, and the Pacific Northwest. Our equipment leasing function has lease receivables in 45 states. |
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| We generate our revenue primarily from interest received on loans and leases and, to a lesser extent, from interest received on investment securities, and fees received in connection with deposit services, extending credit and other services offered, including foreign exchange services. Our major operating expenses are the interest paid by the Bank on deposits and borrowings, compensation and general operating expenses. The Bank relies on a foundation of locally generated and relationship-based deposits. The Bank has a relatively low cost of funds due to a high percentage of noninterest-bearing and low cost deposits. |
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| Our operations, like those of other financial institutions operating in Southern California, are significantly influenced by economic conditions in Southern California, including local economies, the strength of the real estate market, and the fiscal and regulatory policies of the federal and state government and the regulatory authorities that govern financial institutions. Through our offices located in Northern California, our asset-based lending operations with production and marketing offices located in Arizona, Northern California, Texas, Colorado, Minnesota and the Pacific Northwest, and our equipment leasing operations located in Utah, we are also subject to the economic conditions affecting these markets. No individual or single group of related accounts is considered material in relation to our total assets or deposits of the Bank, or in relation to the overall business of the Company. However, 70% of our total gross non-covered and covered loan portfolio at December 31, 2013 consisted of real estate loans. |
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| A downturn or deterioration in the real estate market could materially and adversely affect our business because a significant portion of our loans is secured by real estate. Our ability to recover on defaulted loans by selling the real estate collateral would then be diminished and we would be more likely to suffer losses on defaulted loans. Substantially all of our real property collateral is located in Southern California. Consequently, the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans and our results of operations and financial condition are dependent upon the general trends in the Southern California economies and, in particular, the residential and commercial real estate markets. |
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| Real estate values could be affected by, among other things, a worsening of economic conditions, an increase in foreclosures, a decline in home sale volumes, an increase in interest rates, earthquakes and other natural disasters particular to California. Further, we may experience an increase in the number of borrowers who become delinquent, file for protection under bankruptcy laws or default on their loans or other obligations to us given a sustained weakness or weakening in business and economic conditions generally or specifically in the principal markets in which we do business. An increase in the number of delinquencies, bankruptcies or defaults could result in a higher level of nonperforming assets, net charge-offs and provision for credit losses. |
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| (a) Basis of Presentation |
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| The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which we may refer to as U.S. GAAP. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. |
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| (b) Use of Estimates |
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| Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates subject to change in the near term include, among other items, the allowance for credit losses, the carrying value of intangible assets, the carrying value of the FDIC loss sharing asset, and the realization of deferred tax assets. |
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| As described in Note 4, Acquisitions, below, we completed the acquisition of FCAL on May 31, 2013. The acquired assets and liabilities of FCAL were measured at their estimated fair values. Management made significant estimates and exercised significant judgment in estimating fair values and accounting for the acquired assets and assumed liabilities of FCAL. |
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| (c) Reclassifications |
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| Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation format. Starting with the June 30, 2013 quarter-end, loan tables presented non-purchased credit impaired ("Non-PCI") and purchased credit impaired ("PCI") loan categories in addition to covered and non-covered loan information. Previously the loan tables only presented covered and non-covered loan categories. |
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| (d) Cash and Cash Equivalents |
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| For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash, due from banks, and interest-earning deposits in financial institutions. Interest-earning assets in financial institutions represent cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco ("FRBSF"), the majority of which is immediately available. |
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| (e) Investment Securities |
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| We determine the classification of securities at the time of purchase. If we have the intent and the ability at the time of purchase to hold securities until maturity, they are classified as held-to-maturity. Investment securities held-to-maturity are stated at amortized cost. Securities to be held for indefinite periods of time, but not necessarily to be held-to-maturity or on a long-term basis, are classified as available-for-sale and carried at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes. Securities available-for-sale include securities that management intends to use as part of its asset/liability management strategy and that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayment risk, and other related factors. Securities are individually evaluated for appropriate classification when acquired; consequently, similar types of securities may be classified differently depending on factors existing at the time of purchase. |
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| The carrying values of all securities are adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts over the period to maturity of the related security using the interest method. Realized gains or losses on the sale of securities, if any, are determined using the amortized cost of the specific securities sold. If a decline in the fair value of a security below its amortized cost is judged by management to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to its fair value and the amount of the write-down is recognized through a charge to earnings. |
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| Investments in Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, or FHLB, stock are carried at cost and evaluated regularly for impairment. FHLB stock is expected to be redeemed at an amount not to exceed par and is a required investment based on measurements of the Bank's assets and/or borrowing levels. |
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| (f) Loans and Leases Held for Sale and Servicing Assets |
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| Loans and leases held for sale include loans and leases originated or purchased for resale. Loans and leases originated or purchased for resale include the principal amount outstanding net of unearned income, and are carried at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis. A decline in the aggregate fair value of the loans below their aggregate carrying amount is recognized through a charge to earnings in the period of such decline. Unearned income on these loans and leases is taken into earnings when they are sold. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no loans or leases held for sale. |
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| Gains or losses resulting from sales of loans and leases are recognized at the date of settlement and are based on the difference between the cash received and the carrying value of the related loans or leases less related transaction costs. A transfer of financial assets in which control is surrendered is accounted for as a sale to the extent that consideration other than beneficial interests in the transferred assets is received in the exchange. Assets, liabilities, derivative financial instruments or other retained interests issued or obtained through the sale of financial assets are measured at estimated fair value, if practicable. Lease sales where we keep part of the lease payment stream are accounted for as non-recourse borrowings. |
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| The most common retained interest related to loan sales is a servicing asset. Servicing assets are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated future net servicing income. The amortization of the servicing asset and the servicing income are included in noninterest income in the consolidated statement of earnings. The fair value of the servicing assets is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using market-based discount rates and prepayment speeds. Our servicing asset is evaluated regularly for impairment. We stratify the servicing asset based on the original term to maturity and the year of origination of the underlying loans for purposes of measuring impairment. The risk is that loans prepay faster than anticipated and the fair value of the asset declines. If the fair value of the servicing asset is less than the amortized carrying value, the asset is considered impaired and an impairment charge will be taken against earnings. |
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| At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the servicing asset totaled $807,000 and $1.0 million, respectively, and related to the servicing of approximately $65.0 million and $62.7 million in SBA loans, respectively. The servicing asset is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. All loans sold after December 31, 2008, were sold on a servicing released basis. |
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| (g) Loans and Leases |
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| Originated loans. Loans are originated by the Company with the intent to hold them for investment and are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income. Unearned income includes deferred unamortized nonrefundable loan fees and direct loan origination costs. Net deferred fees or costs are recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual life of the loans using the effective interest method or taken into income when the related loans are paid off or sold. The amortization of loan fees or costs is discontinued when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis in accordance with the terms of the respective loan and includes prepayment penalties. |
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| Purchased loans. Purchased loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned discounts or unamortized premiums. All loans acquired in our acquisitions are initially measured and recorded at their fair value on the acquisition date. A component of the initial fair value measurement is an estimate of the credit losses over the life of the purchased loans. Purchased loans are also evaluated for impairment as of the acquisition date and are accounted for as "acquired non-impaired" or "purchased credit impaired" loans. |
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| Acquired non-impaired loans. Acquired non-impaired loans are those loans for which there was no evidence of credit deterioration at their acquisition date and it was probable that we would be able to collect all contractually required payments. Acquired non-impaired loans, together with originated loans, are referred to as non-purchased credit impaired ("Non-PCI") loans. Purchase discount or premium on acquired non-impaired loans is recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual life of such loans using the effective interest method or taken into income when the related loans are paid off or sold. |
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| Purchased credit impaired loans. Purchased credit impaired ("PCI") loans are accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30, "Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality." A purchased loan is deemed to be credit impaired when there is evidence of credit deterioration since its origination and it is probable at the acquisition date that we would be unable to collect all contractually required payments. We apply PCI loan accounting when (i) we acquire loans deemed to be impaired, and (ii) as a general policy election for non-impaired loans that we acquire in a distressed bank acquisition. |
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| For PCI loans, at the time of acquisition we (i) calculated the contractual amount and timing of undiscounted principal and interest payments (the "undiscounted contractual cash flows") and (ii) estimated the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal and interest payments (the "undiscounted expected cash flows"). The difference between the undiscounted contractual cash flows and the undiscounted expected cash flows is the nonaccretable difference. The nonaccretable difference represents an estimate of the loss exposure of principal and interest related to the PCI loan portfolios; such amount is subject to change over time based on the performance of such loans. The carrying value of PCI loans is reduced by payments received, both principal and interest, and increased by the portion of the accretable yield recognized as interest income. |
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| The excess of expected cash flows at acquisition over the initial fair value of acquired impaired loans is referred to as the "accretable yield" and is recorded as interest income over the estimated life of the loans using the effective yield method if the timing and amount of the future cash flows is reasonably estimable. If the timing of cash flows is uncertain, any cash payments will be recognized when received. |
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| As part of the fair value process and the subsequent accounting, the Company aggregates PCI loans into pools having common credit risk characteristics such as type and risk rating. Increases in expected cash flows over those previously estimated increase the accretable yield and are recognized as interest income prospectively. Decreases in the amount and changes in the timing of expected cash flows compared to those previously estimated decrease the accretable yield and usually result in a provision for loan losses and the establishment of an allowance for loan losses. As the accretable yield increases or decreases from changes in cash flow expectations, the offset is a decrease or increase to the nonaccretable difference. The accretable yield is measured at each financial reporting date based on information then currently available and represents the difference between the remaining undiscounted expected cash flows and the current carrying value of the loans. |
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| PCI loans that are contractually past due are still considered to be accruing and performing as long as there is an expectation that the estimated cash flows will be received. If the timing and amount of cash flows is not reasonably estimable, the loans may be classified as nonaccrual with interest income recognized on either a cash basis or as a reduction of the principal amount outstanding. |
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| Covered loans. We refer to loans that are covered by loss sharing agreements with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") as covered loans. Our covered loans include loans that we acquired in the Los Padres and Affinity acquisitions, and through the FCAL acquisition, loans for which we assumed the loss sharing agreements between First California Bank ("FCB") and the FDIC related to FCB's acquisitions of Western Commercial Bank ("Western Commercial") and San Luis Trust Bank ("San Luis"). We will be reimbursed for a substantial portion of any future losses on such loans under the terms of the FDIC loss sharing agreements. The FDIC loss sharing asset related to covered loans is reported separately in the balance sheet. See "—FDIC Loss Sharing Asset." |
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| When we refer to non-covered loans, we are referring to loans not covered by our loss sharing agreements with the FDIC. |
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| We apply acquired impaired loan accounting to the majority of the covered loans as such covered loans were deemed to be impaired on the acquisition date. We apply acquired non-impaired loan accounting to covered revolving credit agreements, mainly home equity loans and commercial asset-based lines of credit, where the borrower had revolving privileges. |
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| Leases. Leases are recorded as direct financing (capital) leases for accounting purposes. Lease receivables are recorded on the balance sheet but the leased property is not, although we generally retain legal title to the leased property until the end of each lease. Leases are stated at the net amount of minimum lease payments receivable, plus any unguaranteed residual value, less the amount of unearned income and net acquisition discount at the reporting date. Direct lease origination costs are amortized over the weighted average life of the lease portfolio. Leases acquired in an acquisition are initially measured and recorded at their fair value on the acquisition date. Purchase discount or premium on acquired leases is recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual life of the leases using the effective interest method or taken into income when the related leases are paid off. |
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| Leases in process. We offer "progress funding" which works similarly to a bridge loan by financing an item to be leased during the construction or build phase. Lessees pay interest on the amount advanced to fund a project at an interest rate implicit in the master lease agreement; such income is deferred until the project funding is complete. The amount of funding advanced during the progress funding period is recorded in other assets. At the end of the progress funding period, we either (i) enter into a lease agreement with the lessee and the deferred income is accreted to interest income using an effective yield method over the life of the lease, or (ii) sell the lease to a third party lender and recognize the deferred income as part of any gain or loss on such sale. |
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| Delinquent or past due loans and leases. Loans and leases are considered delinquent when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more; delinquent loans may remain on accrual status between 30 days and 89 days past due. |
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| Nonaccrual loans and leases. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when principal or interest payments are past due 90 days or when, in the opinion of management, there is a reasonable doubt as to collectability in the normal course of business. When loans are placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Income on nonaccrual loans is subsequently recognized only to the extent that cash is received and the loan's principal balance is deemed collectable. Loans are restored to accrual status when the loans become both well-secured and are in the process of collection. Leases are designated as nonaccrual leases when the recognition of interest has been discontinued. The recognition of interest on leases is discontinued when a lessee's payments are past due 90 days or when, in the opinion of management, there is a reasonable doubt as to collectability. Interest on nonaccrual leases is subsequently recognized only to the extent that cash is received and the lease balance is deemed collectable. Leases are restored to accrual status when the leases become both well secured and are in the process of collection. |
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| Impaired loans and leases. A loan or lease is considered impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan or lease agreement. Impaired loans and leases include loans and leases on nonaccrual status and performing restructured loans. Income from impaired loans is recognized on an accrual basis unless the loan is on nonaccrual status. Income from loans on nonaccrual status is recognized to the extent cash is received and when the loan's principal balance is deemed collectable. We measure impairment of a loan by using the estimated fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell, including senior obligations such as delinquent property taxes, if the loan is collateral-dependent and the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate if the loan is not collateral-dependent. The impairment amount on a collateral-dependent loan is charged-off to the allowance and the impairment amount on a loan that is not collateral-dependent is set up as a specific reserve. We measure impairment of a lease based upon the present value of the scheduled lease and residual cash flows, discounted at the lease's effective interest rate. |
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| Troubled debt restructurings. A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring when we grant a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties. These concessions may include a reduction of the interest rate, principal or accrued interest, extension of the maturity date or other actions intended to minimize potential losses. All loan modifications are evaluated on an individual basis to determine whether such modifications meet the criteria to be classified as a troubled debt restructuring under ASC Subtopic 310-40, "Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors." Loans restructured at a rate equal to or greater than that of a new loan with comparable risk at the time the loan is modified may be excluded from restructured loan disclosures in years subsequent to the restructuring if the loans are in compliance with their modified terms. |
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| A loan that has been placed on nonaccrual status that is subsequently restructured will usually remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower is able to demonstrate repayment performance in compliance with the restructured terms for a sustained period, typically for six months. A restructured loan may return to accrual status sooner based on other significant events or mitigating circumstances. A loan that has not been placed on nonaccrual status may be restructured and such loan may remain on accrual status after such restructuring. In these circumstances, the borrower has made payments before and after the restructuring. Generally, this restructuring involves a reduction in the loan interest rate and/or a change to interest-only payments for a period of time. The restructured loan is considered impaired despite the accrual status and a specific reserve is calculated based on the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate. |
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| (h) Allowances for Credit Losses |
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| Allowance for credit losses on Non-PCI loans and leases. The allowance for credit losses on Non-PCI loans and leases is the combination of the allowance for loan and lease losses and the reserve for unfunded loan commitments. The allowance for loan and lease losses is reported as a reduction of outstanding loan and lease balances and the reserve for unfunded loan commitments is included within other liabilities. Generally, as loans are funded, the amount of the commitment reserve applicable to such funded loans is transferred from the reserve for unfunded loan commitments to the allowance for loan and lease losses based on our allowance methodology. The following discussion is for Non-PCI loans and leases and the allowance for credit losses thereon. Refer to "Allowance for Credit Losses on PCI Loans" for the policy on PCI loans. |
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| The allowance for loan and lease losses is maintained at a level deemed appropriate by management to adequately provide for known and inherent risks in the loan and lease portfolio and other extensions of credit at the balance sheet date. The allowance is based upon a continuing review of the portfolio, past loan and lease loss experience, current economic conditions that may affect the borrowers' ability to pay, and the underlying collateral value of the loans and leases. Loans and leases that are deemed to be uncollectable are charged off and deducted from the allowance. The provision for loan and lease losses and recoveries on loans and leases previously charged off are added to the allowance. |
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| The methodology we use to estimate the amount of our allowance for credit losses is based on both objective and subjective criteria. While some criteria are formula driven, other criteria are subjective inputs included to capture environmental and general economic risk elements which may trigger losses in the loan and lease portfolios, and to account for the varying levels of credit quality in the loan and lease portfolios of the entities we have acquired that have not yet been captured in our objective loss factors. |
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| Specifically, our allowance methodology contains three key elements: (i) amounts based on specific evaluations of impaired loans and leases; (ii) amounts of estimated losses on several pools of loans categorized by risk rating and loan and lease type; and (iii) amounts for environmental and general economic factors that indicate probable losses incurred but not captured through the other elements of our allowance process. In addition, for loans and leases measured at fair value on the acquisition date and deemed to be non-impaired, our allowance methodology captures deterioration in credit quality and other inherent risks of such acquired assets experienced after the purchase date. |
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| Impaired loans and leases are identified at each reporting date based on certain criteria and the majority of which are individually reviewed for impairment. Non-PCI nonaccrual loans and leases with an unpaid principal balance over $250,000 and all performing restructured loans are reviewed individually for the amount of impairment. Non-PCI nonaccrual loans and leases with an unpaid principal balance of $250,000 or less are evaluated for impairment collectively. A loan or lease is considered impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the agreement. We measure impairment of a loan based upon the fair value of the loan's collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent or the present value of cash flows, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, if the loan is not collateral-dependent. The impairment amount on a collateral-dependent loan is charged-off to the allowance, and the impairment amount on a loan that is not collateral-dependent is set up as a specific reserve within the allowance. We measure impairment of a lease based upon the present value of the scheduled lease and residual cash flows, discounted at the lease's effective interest rate. Increased charge-offs or additions to specific reserves generally result in increased provisions for credit losses. |
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| Our loan and lease portfolio, excluding impaired loans and leases that are evaluated individually, is categorized into several pools for purposes of determining allowance amounts by pool. The pools we currently evaluate are: commercial real estate construction, residential real estate construction, SBA real estate, hospitality real estate, real estate other, commercial collateralized, commercial unsecured, SBA commercial, consumer, asset-based and leasing. Within these pools, we then evaluate loans and leases not adversely classified, which we refer to as "pass" credits, separately from adversely classified loans and leases. The adversely classified loans and leases are further grouped into three credit risk rating categories: "special mention," "substandard," and "doubtful," which we define as follows: |
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| Special Mention: Loans and leases classified as "special mention" have a potential weakness that requires management's attention. If not addressed, these potential weaknesses may result in further deterioration in the borrower's ability to repay the loan or lease. |
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| Substandard: Loans and leases classified as "substandard" have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the collection of the debt. They are characterized by the possibility that we will sustain some loss if the weaknesses are not corrected. |
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| Doubtful: Loans and leases classified as "doubtful" have all the weaknesses of those classified as "substandard," with the additional trait that the weaknesses make collection or repayment in full highly questionable and improbable. |
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| In addition, we may refer to the loans and leases classified as "substandard" and "doubtful" together as "classified" loans and leases. For further information on classified loans and leases, see Note 7, Loans and Leases, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." |
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| The allowance amounts for "pass" rated loans and leases and those loans and leases adversely classified, which are not reviewed individually, are determined using historical loss rates developed through migration analysis. The migration analysis is updated quarterly based on historic losses and movement of loans between ratings. As a result of this migration analysis and its quarterly updating, decreases we experience in both charge-offs and adverse classifications generally result in lower loss factors. |
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| Finally, in order to ensure our allowance methodology is incorporating recent trends and economic conditions, we apply environmental and general economic factors to our allowance methodology including: credit concentrations; delinquency trends; economic and business conditions; the quality of lending management and staff; lending policies and procedures; loss and recovery trends; nature and volume of the portfolio; nonaccrual and problem loan trends; usage trends of unfunded commitments; and other adjustments for items not covered by other factors. |
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| Management believes that the allowance for loan and lease losses is adequate and appropriate for the known and inherent risks in our Non-PCI loan and lease portfolio. In making its evaluation, management considers certain quantitative and qualitative factors including the Company's historical loss experience; the volume and type of lending conducted by the Company; the results of our credit review process; the levels of classified and criticized loans and leases; the levels of impaired loans and leases, including nonperforming loans and leases and performing restructured loans; regulatory policies; general economic conditions; underlying collateral values; and other factors regarding collectability and impairment. To the extent we experience, for example, increased levels of documentation deficiencies, adverse changes in collateral values, or negative changes in economic and business conditions that adversely affect our borrowers, our classified loans and leases may increase. Higher levels of classified loans and leases generally result in higher allowances for loan and lease losses. |
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| We recognize that the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses is sensitive to the assigned credit risk ratings and inherent loss rates at any given point in time. Therefore, we perform sensitivity analyses to provide insight regarding the impact that adverse changes in credit risk ratings may have on our allowance for loan and lease losses. The sensitivity analyses have inherent limitations and are based on various assumptions as of a point in time and, accordingly, it is not necessarily representative of the impact loan risk rating changes may have on the allowance for loan and lease losses. |
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| Management also believes that the reserve for unfunded loan commitments is appropriate. In making this determination, we use the same methodology for the reserve for unfunded loan commitments as we do for the allowance for loan and lease losses and consider the same quantitative and qualitative factors, as well as an estimate of the probability of advances of the commitments correlated to their credit risk rating. |
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| Our federal and state banking regulators, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company's allowance for credit losses. Our regulators may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments related to information available to them at the time of their examinations. |
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| Allowance for credit losses on PCI loans. The PCI loans are subject to our internal and external credit review. If deterioration in the expected cash flows results in a reserve requirement, a provision for credit losses is charged to earnings. For PCI loans, the allowance for loan losses is measured at the end of each financial reporting period based on expected cash flows. Decreases or (increases) in the amount and changes in the timing of expected cash flows on the PCI loans as of the financial reporting date compared to those previously estimated are usually recognized by recording a provision or a (negative provision) for credit losses on such loans. |
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| (i) FDIC Loss Sharing Asset |
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| The FDIC loss sharing asset relates to assets covered by the loss sharing agreements between the Bank and the FDIC arising from the acquisitions of Affinity Bank and Los Padres Bank and, through the FCAL acquisition, the assumption of the loss sharing agreements between First California Bank and the FDIC arising from FCB's acquisition of Western Commercial and San Luis. The FDIC loss sharing asset related to Western Commercial and San Luis was measured at its fair value as of May 31, 2013 in conjunction with the FCAL acquisition. The FDIC loss sharing asset related to Los Padres and Affinity was measured at its estimated fair value at their respective acquisition dates. |
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| An increase in the expected amount of losses on the covered assets will increase the FDIC loss sharing asset; such increase is recognized through a credit to FDIC loss sharing income. Recoveries on previous losses paid to us by the FDIC reduce the FDIC loss sharing asset by a charge to FDIC loss sharing income. In addition, decreases in the expected amount of losses on covered assets will decrease the amount of funds expected to be collected from the FDIC and will therefore reduce the FDIC loss sharing asset through higher prospective amortization expense. The FDIC loss sharing asset is being amortized to its estimated value over the lesser of the term of the loss sharing agreements or the remaining contractual life of the assets covered by the loss sharing agreements. |
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| Both the Western Commercial and San Luis loss sharing agreements contain true-up provisions, under which we will owe the FDIC amounts at the end of the loss sharing agreements based on the performance of the covered assets. The true-up liability is included in other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. |
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| Under the terms of the Affinity loss sharing agreement, the FDIC will (a) absorb 80% of losses and receive 80% of loss recoveries on the first $234 million of losses on covered assets and (b) absorb 95% of losses and receive 95% of loss recoveries on losses exceeding $234 million. The Affinity loss sharing provisions expire in the third quarters of 2014 and 2019 for non-single family covered assets and single family covered assets, respectively, while the related loss recovery provisions expire in the third quarters of 2017 and 2019, respectively. |
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| Under the terms of the Los Padres loss sharing agreement, the FDIC will absorb 80% of losses and receive 80% of loss recoveries on the covered assets. The Los Padres loss sharing provisions expire in the third quarters of 2015 and 2020 for non-single family and single family covered assets, respectively, while the related loss recovery provisions expire in the third quarters of 2018 and 2020, respectively. |
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| Under the terms of the Western Commercial loss sharing agreement, the FDIC will absorb 80% of losses and receive 80% of loss recoveries on the covered assets; all of which were deemed to be non-single family. The Western Commercial loss sharing provision expires in the fourth quarter of 2015, while the related loss recovery provision expires in the fourth quarter of 2018. |
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| Under the terms of the San Luis loss sharing agreement, the FDIC will absorb 80% of losses and receive 80% of loss recoveries on the covered assets. The San Luis loss sharing provisions expire in the first quarters of 2016 and 2021 for non-single family and single family covered assets, respectively, while the related loss recovery provisions expire in the first quarters of 2019 and 2021, respectively. |
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| (j) Land, Premises and Equipment |
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| Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Land is not depreciated. Depreciation and amortization is charged to noninterest expense using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives of furniture, fixtures and equipment range from 3 to 10 years and for buildings up to 35 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over their estimated useful lives, or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter. |
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| (k) Other Real Estate Owned |
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| Non-covered OREO. Other real estate owned, or OREO, is initially recorded at the estimated fair value of the property, based on current independent appraisals obtained at the time of acquisition, less estimated costs to sell, including senior obligations such as delinquent property taxes. The excess of the recorded loan balance over the estimated fair value of the property at the time of acquisition less estimated costs to sell is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent write-downs are charged to noninterest expense and recognized through an OREO valuation allowance. Subsequent increases in the fair value of the asset less selling costs reduce the OREO valuation allowance, but not below zero, and are credited to noninterest expense. Gains and losses on the sale of foreclosed properties and operating expenses of such assets are also included in noninterest expense. |
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| Covered OREO. Covered OREO was initially recorded at its estimated fair value on the acquisition date based on independent appraisals less estimated selling costs. Any subsequent write-downs due to declines in fair value are charged to noninterest expense with a partial offset to FDIC loss sharing income for the loss reimbursement under the FDIC loss sharing agreement. Any recoveries of previous write-downs are credited to noninterest expense with a corresponding charge to FDIC loss sharing income, net for the portion of the recovery that is due to the FDIC. |
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| (l) Income Taxes |
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| Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Any interest or penalties assessed by the taxing authorities is classified in the financial statements as income tax expense. Deferred tax assets are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. |
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| On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates its deferred tax assets to assess whether they are expected to be realized in the future. This determination is based on currently available facts and circumstances, including our current and projected future tax position, the historical level of our taxable income, and estimates of our future taxable income. In most cases, the realization of deferred tax assets is based on our future profitability. To the extent our deferred tax assets are no longer considered more likely than not to be realized, we could be required to record a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets by charging earnings. |
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| (m) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets |
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| Goodwill arises from the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets and other identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill and other intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives generated from purchase business combinations are not subject to amortization and are instead tested for impairment no less than annually. Impairment exists when the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. And impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to that excess and would be included in noninterest expense in the financial statements. |
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| Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over such useful lives to their estimated residual values. Core deposit intangible assets, which we refer to as CDI, and customer relationship intangible assets, which we refer to as CRI, are recognized apart from goodwill at the time of acquisition based on market valuations prepared by independent third parties. In preparing such valuations, the third parties consider variables such as deposit servicing costs, attrition rates, and market discount rates. CDI assets are amortized to expense over their useful lives, which we have estimated to range from 7 to 10 years. CRI assets are amortized to expense over their useful lives, which we have estimated to range from 4 to 5 years. Both CDI and CRI are reviewed for impairment quarterly or earlier if events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. If the recoverable amount of either CDI or CRI is determined to be less than its carrying value, we would then measure the amount of impairment based on an estimate of the intangible asset's fair value at that time. If the fair value is below the carrying value, the intangible asset is reduced to such fair value and the impairment is recognized as noninterest expense in the financial statements. |
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| (n) Stock-Based Compensation |
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| Compensation expense related to awards of restricted stock is based on the fair value of the underlying stock on the award date and is recognized over the vesting period using the straight-line method. The vesting of performance-based restricted stock awards and recognition of related compensation expense may occur over a shorter vesting period if financial performance targets are achieved earlier than anticipated. Amortization of unvested performance-based restricted stock is suspended when it becomes less than probable that the performance targets will be met. Amortization of unvested performance-based restricted stock is discontinued and previous amortization amounts are credited to earnings when it becomes improbable that performance targets will be met. When and if it becomes probable in the future that the performance target will be met a catch up adjustment is made and amortization resumes. |
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| Unvested restricted stock participates with common stock in any dividends declared and paid. Dividends paid on unvested restricted stock awards expected to vest and the related tax benefits are included as a net reduction to stockholders' equity. Dividends paid on unvested restricted stock not expected to vest are charged to compensation expense. |
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| (o) Business Segments |
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| The Company's reportable segments consist of "Banking," "Asset Financing," and "Other." The Other segment consists of the PacWest Bancorp holding company and other elimination and reconciliation entries. |
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| The Bank's Asset Financing segment includes the operations of the divisions and subsidiaries that provide asset-based commercial loans and equipment leases. The asset-based lending products are offered primarily through three business units: (1) First Community Financial ("FCF"), a division of the Bank, based in Phoenix, Arizona; (2) BFI Business Finance ("BFI"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank, based in San Jose, California; and (3) Celtic, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank based in Santa Monica, California. The Bank's leasing products are offered through EQF, a division of the Bank based in Midvale, Utah. |
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| Transactions between segments consist primarily of borrowed funds. Intersegment interest expense is allocated to the Asset Financing segment based upon the Bank's total cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The provision for credit losses is allocated based on actual charge-offs for the period as well as assigning a minimum reserve requirement to the Asset Financing segment. Noninterest income and noninterest expense directly attributable to a segment are assigned to it. |
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| (p) Comprehensive Income |
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| Comprehensive income consists of net earnings and net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net and is presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. |
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| (q) Earnings Per Share |
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| In accordance with ASC Topic 260, "Earnings Per Share," all outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities and are included in the two-class method of determining basic and diluted earnings per share. All of our unvested restricted stock participates with our common stockholders in dividends. Accordingly, earnings allocated to unvested restricted stock are deducted from net earnings to determine that amount of earnings available to common stockholders. In the two-class method, the amount of our earnings available to common stockholders is divided by the weighted average shares outstanding, excluding any unvested restricted stock, for both the basic and diluted earnings per share. |
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| (r) Business Combinations |
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| Business combinations completed after January 1, 2009, are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, "Business Combinations." Under the acquisition method, the acquiring entity in a business combination recognizes 100 percent of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, regardless of the percentage owned, at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets and other identifiable intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. To the extent the fair value of net assets acquired, including other identifiable assets, exceeds the purchase price, a bargain purchase gain is recognized. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed from contingencies must also be recognized at fair value, if the fair value can be determined during the measurement period. Results of operations of an acquired business are included in the statement of earnings from the date of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs, including conversion and restructuring charges, are expensed as incurred. |
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| (s) Recently Issued Accounting Standards |
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| In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-11, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." Under ASU 2013-11, an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. However, to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position, or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for us on January 1, 2014 and is to be applied prospectively, although early adoption and retrospective adoption are permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have any material effect on our financial statements. |
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| In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, "Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects." ASU 2014-01 allows investors in low-income housing tax credit ("LIHTC") entities that meet certain conditions to present the net tax benefits (net of the amortization of the cost of the investment) within income tax expense. The cost of the investments that meets the conditions will be amortized in proportion to (and over the same period as) the total expected tax benefits, including tax credits and other tax benefits, as they are realized on the tax return. ASU 2014-01 is effective for us on January 1, 2015 and is to be applied retrospectively if investors elect the proportional amortization method. However, if investors have LIHTC investments accounted for under the effective yield method at adoption, they may continue to apply that method for those existing investments. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard permits expenses currently reported in noninterest expense to be reported in income tax expense. While the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on our financial statements, total noninterest expense and income tax expense will change. |
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| In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, "Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure." ASU 2014-04 clarifies when a creditor should reclassify mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate from loans receivable to other real estate owned. ASU 2014-04 defines when an in-substance repossession or foreclosure has occurred and when a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate collateralizing a mortgage loan. ASU 2014-04 is effective for us on January 1, 2015 and can be applied either prospectively or using a modified retrospective transition method, and early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact this standard may have on our financial statements. |
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