UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from          to                           
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-12307
ZIONS BANCORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
UTAH
87-0227400
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
One South Main, 15 th  Floor
Salt Lake City, Utah
84133
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (801) 844-7637
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   ý     No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   ý     No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
ý
Accelerated filer
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
¨
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes   ¨     No   ý
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, without par value, outstanding at April 30, 2015
203,209,100 shares



ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX


 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except shares)

March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
720,858

 
$
841,942

Money market investments:
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits
6,791,762

 
7,178,097

Federal funds sold and security resell agreements
1,519,352

 
1,386,291

Investment securities:
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (approximate fair value $602,355 and $677,196)
590,950

 
647,252

Available-for-sale, at fair value
4,450,502

 
3,844,248

Trading account, at fair value
71,392

 
70,601

 
5,112,844

 
4,562,101

 
 
 
 
Loans held for sale
128,946

 
132,504

 
 
 
 
Loans and leases, net of unearned income and fees
40,180,114

 
40,063,658

Less allowance for loan losses
620,013

 
604,663

Loans, net of allowance
39,560,101

 
39,458,995

 
 
 
 
Other noninterest-bearing investments
870,125

 
865,950

Premises and equipment, net
844,900

 
829,809

Goodwill
1,014,129

 
1,014,129

Core deposit and other intangibles
23,162

 
25,520

Other real estate owned
17,256

 
18,916

Other assets
952,496

 
894,620

 
$
57,555,931

 
$
57,208,874

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing demand
$
20,854,630

 
$
20,529,124

Interest-bearing:
 
 
 
Savings and money market
24,540,927

 
24,583,636

Time
2,344,818

 
2,406,924

Foreign
382,985

 
328,391

 
48,123,360

 
47,848,075

 
 
 
 
Federal funds and other short-term borrowings
203,597

 
244,223

Long-term debt
1,089,321

 
1,092,282

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments
82,287

 
81,076

Other liabilities
603,068

 
573,688

Total liabilities
50,101,633

 
49,839,344

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, without par value, authorized 4,400,000 shares
1,004,032

 
1,004,011

Common stock, without par value; authorized 350,000,000 shares; issued
and outstanding 203,192,991 and 203,014,903 shares
4,728,556

 
4,723,855

Retained earnings
1,836,619

 
1,769,705

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(114,909
)
 
(128,041
)
Total shareholders’ equity
7,454,298

 
7,369,530

 
$
57,555,931

 
$
57,208,874

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents

ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2015
 
2014
Interest income:
 
 
 
Interest and fees on loans
$
415,755

 
$
434,350

Interest on money market investments
5,218

 
5,130

Interest on securities
27,473

 
28,094

Total interest income
448,446

 
467,574

Interest expense:
 
 
 
Interest on deposits
12,104

 
12,779

Interest on short- and long-term borrowings
18,996

 
38,324

Total interest expense
31,100

 
51,103

Net interest income
417,346

 
416,471

Provision for loan losses
(1,494
)
 
(610
)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
418,840

 
417,081

 
 
 
 
Noninterest income:
 
 
 
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
41,194

 
41,199

Other service charges, commissions and fees
47,486

 
44,250

Wealth management income
7,615

 
7,077

Loan sales and servicing income
7,706

 
7,096

Capital markets and foreign exchange
5,501

 
5,043

Dividends and other investment income
9,372

 
7,864

Fair value and nonhedge derivative loss
(1,088
)
 
(8,539
)
Equity securities gains, net
3,353

 
912

Fixed income securities gains (losses), net
(239
)
 
30,914

Impairment losses on investment securities

 
(27
)
Less amounts recognized in other comprehensive income

 

Net impairment losses on investment securities

 
(27
)
Other
922

 
2,524

Total noninterest income
121,822

 
138,313

 
 
 
 
Noninterest expense:
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
243,519

 
233,402

Occupancy, net
29,339

 
28,305

Furniture, equipment and software
29,713

 
27,944

Other real estate expense
374

 
1,607

Credit-related expense
5,939

 
6,947

Provision for unfunded lending commitments
1,211

 
(1,012
)
Professional and legal services
11,483

 
10,995

Advertising
6,975

 
6,398

FDIC premiums
8,119

 
7,922

Amortization of core deposit and other intangibles
2,358

 
2,882

Other
58,431

 
72,673

Total noninterest expense
397,461

 
398,063

Income before income taxes
143,201

 
157,331

Income taxes
51,176

 
56,121

Net income
92,025

 
101,210

Dividends on preferred stock
(16,746
)
 
(25,020
)
Net earnings applicable to common shareholders
$
75,279

 
$
76,190

 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding during the period:
 
 
 
Basic shares
202,603

 
184,440

Diluted shares
202,944

 
185,123

Net earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.37

 
$
0.41

Diluted
0.37

 
0.41

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents

ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Net income for the period
 
$
92,025

 
$
101,210

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains on investment securities
 
486

 
73,907

Reclassification of HTM securities to AFS securities
 
10,938

 

Reclassification to earnings for realized net fixed income securities losses (gains)
 
148

 
(24,840
)
Reclassification to earnings for net credit-related impairment losses on investment securities
 

 
17

Accretion of securities with noncredit-related impairment losses not expected to be sold
 

 
286

Net unrealized losses on other noninterest-bearing investments
 
(364
)
 
(2,841
)
Net unrealized holding gains on derivative instruments
 
2,553

 
320

Reclassification adjustment for increase in interest income recognized in earnings on derivative instruments
 
(629
)
 
(210
)
Other comprehensive income
 
13,132

 
46,639

Comprehensive income
 
$
105,157

 
$
147,849

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5


Table of Contents

ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSO LIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except shares
and per share amounts)
Preferred
stock
 
Common stock
 
Retained earnings
 
Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
 
Total
shareholders’ equity
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
1,004,011

 
203,014,903

 
$
4,723,855

 
$
1,769,705

 
 
$
(128,041
)
 
 
$
7,369,530

Net income for the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
92,025

 
 
 
 
 
92,025

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13,132

 
 
13,132

Subordinated debt converted to preferred stock
21

 
 
 
(6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15

Net activity under employee plans and related tax benefits
 
 
178,088

 
4,707

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,707

Dividends on preferred stock


 
 
 
 
 
(16,746
)
 
 
 
 
 
(16,746
)
Dividends on common stock, $0.04 per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
(8,176
)
 
 
 
 
 
(8,176
)
Change in deferred compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
(189
)
 
 
 
 
 
(189
)
Balance at March 31, 2015
$
1,004,032

 
203,192,991

 
$
4,728,556

 
$
1,836,619

 
 
$
(114,909
)
 
 
$
7,454,298

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
1,003,970

 
184,677,696

 
$
4,179,024

 
$
1,473,670

 
 
$
(192,101
)
 
 
$
6,464,563

Net income for the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
101,210

 
 
 
 
 
101,210

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46,639

 
 
46,639

Net activity under employee plans and related tax benefits
 
 
217,486

 
6,489

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6,489

Dividends on preferred stock


 
 
 
 
 
(25,020
)
 
 
 
 
 
(25,020
)
Dividends on common stock, $0.04 per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7,436
)
 
 
 
 
 
(7,436
)
Change in deferred compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
(229
)
 
 
 
 
 
(229
)
Balance at March 31, 2014
$
1,003,970

 
184,895,182

 
$
4,185,513

 
$
1,542,195

 
 
$
(145,462
)
 
 
$
6,586,216

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6


Table of Contents

ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
2015
 
2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net income for the period
$
92,025

 
$
101,210

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
 
 
 
Net impairment losses on investment securities

 
27

Provision for credit losses
(283
)
 
(1,622
)
Depreciation and amortization
34,169

 
32,404

Fixed income securities losses (gains), net
239

 
(30,914
)
Deferred income tax expense
3,402

 
78,278

Net increase in trading securities
(1,021
)
 
(21,862
)
Net decrease in loans held for sale
3,517

 
44,984

Change in other liabilities
25,566

 
(77,796
)
Change in other assets
(65,248
)
 
3,226

Other, net
(3,549
)
 
2,336

Net cash provided by operating activities
88,817

 
130,271

 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net decrease (increase) in money market investments
253,274

 
(80,851
)
Proceeds from maturities and paydowns of investment securities
held-to-maturity
39,323

 
18,935

Purchases of investment securities held-to-maturity
(22,576
)
 
(35,750
)
Proceeds from sales, maturities, and paydowns of investment securities available-for-sale
228,894

 
847,288

Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale
(784,856
)
 
(452,123
)
Net change in loans and leases
(100,442
)
 
(166,415
)
Net purchases of premises and equipment
(33,533
)
 
(76,916
)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
3,401

 
11,825

Other, net
3,351

 
5,617

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(413,164
)
 
71,610

 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net increase in deposits
275,285

 
170,422

Net change in short-term funds borrowed
(40,626
)
 
(60,511
)
Repayments of long-term debt
(8,185
)
 
(124,755
)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
962

 
2,880

Dividends paid on common and preferred stock
(23,234
)
 
(23,741
)
Other, net
(939
)
 
(303
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
203,263

 
(36,008
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks
(121,084
)
 
165,873

Cash and due from banks at beginning of period
841,942

 
1,173,057

Cash and due from banks at end of period
$
720,858

 
$
1,338,930

 
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
$
22,119

 
$
40,849

Net refunds received for income taxes
(500
)
 
(81
)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7


Table of Contents

ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
March 31, 2015

1.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Zions Bancorporation (“the Parent”) and its majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively “the Company,” “Zions,” “we,” “our,” “us”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. References to GAAP, including standards promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) are made according to sections of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and to Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”), which include consensus issues of the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”). In certain cases, ASUs are issued jointly with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not affect net income.
Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in future periods. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014 is from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company provides a full range of banking and related services through subsidiary banks in 11 Western and Southwestern states as follows: Zions First National Bank (“Zions Bank”), in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming; California Bank & Trust (“CB&T”); Amegy Corporation (“Amegy”) and its subsidiary, Amegy Bank, in Texas; National Bank of Arizona (“NBAZ”); Nevada State Bank (“NSB”); Vectra Bank Colorado (“Vectra”), in Colorado and New Mexico; The Commerce Bank of Washington (“TCBW”); and The Commerce Bank of Oregon (“TCBO”). Effective April 1, 2015, TCBO was merged into TCBW. The Parent and its subsidiary banks also own and operate certain nonbank subsidiaries that engage in financial services.

2.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Standard
 
Description
 
Date of adoption
 
Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Standards not yet adopted by the Company
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASU 2015-05, Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement  (Subtopic 350-40)
 
The standard provides guidance to determine whether an arrangement includes a software license. If it does, the customer accounts for it the same way as for other software licenses. If no software license is included, the customer accounts for it as a service contract. Adoption may be retrospective or prospective. Early adoption is permitted.
 
January 1, 2016
 
We are currently evaluating the impact this new guidance may have on the Company’s financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs  (Subtopic 835-30)
 
The standard requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the associated debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Adoption is retrospective and early adoption is permitted.
 
January 1, 2016
 
We currently include debt issuance costs in other assets. The amount to be reclassified to the debt liability is not material to the Company’s financial statements.

8


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Standard
 
Description
 
Date of adoption
 
Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Standards not yet adopted by the Company (continued)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis  (Topic 810)
 
The new standard changes certain criteria in the variable interest model and the voting model to determine whether certain legal entities are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and whether they should be consolidated. Additional disclosures are required regarding entities not currently considered VIEs, but may become VIEs under the new guidance and may be subject to consolidation. Adoption may be retrospective or modified retrospective with a cumulative effect adjustment. Early adoption is permitted.
 
January 1, 2016
 
We currently do not consolidate any VIEs and do not expect this new guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)
 
The core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The banking industry does not expect significant changes because major sources of revenue are from financial instruments that have been excluded from the scope of the new standard, (including loans, derivatives, debt and equity securities, etc.). However, the new standard affects other fees charged by banks, such as asset management fees, credit card interchange fees, deposit account fees, etc. Adoption may be made on a full retrospective basis with practical expedients, or on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative effect adjustment. Early adoption is not permitted.
 
January 1, 2017 (FASB voted on April 1, 2015 to propose to defer effective date by one year from the above date).
 
While we currently do not expect this standard will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements, we are still in process of conducting our evaluation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Standards adopted by the Company
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASU 2014-14, Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure  (Subtopic 310-40)
 
The standard addresses the classification of certain foreclosed mortgage loans fully or partially guaranteed under government programs. Under certain such programs, qualifying creditors can extend mortgage loans with a guarantee entitling the creditor to recover all or a portion of the unpaid principal balance from the government if the borrower defaults. A separate other receivable is established that is measured based on the amount of the loans expected to be recovered.
 
January 1, 2015
 
Our adoption of this standard had no impact on the accompanying financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASU 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized
Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure (Subtopic 310-40)
 
The standard clarifies that a creditor should be considered to have physical possession of a residential real estate property collateralizing a residential mortgage loan and thus would reclassify the loan to other real estate owned when certain conditions are satisfied. Additional financial statement disclosures will be required.
 
January 1, 2015
 
Our adoption of this standard added a nominal amount of additional disclosure to Note 6.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASU 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing
Projects (Topic 323)
 
The standard revised conditions an entity must meet to elect the effective yield method when accounting for qualified affordable housing project investments. The EITF final consensus changed the method of amortizing a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (“LIHTC”) investment from the effective yield method to a proportional amorti-zation method. Amortization would be proportional to the tax credits and tax benefits received but, under a practical expedient available in certain circumstances, amortization could be proportional to only the tax credits. Reporting entities that invest in LIHTC investments through a limited liability entity could elect the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met.
 
January 1, 2015
 
Our adoption of this standard did not have a significant effect on the accompanying financial statements.


9


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

3.
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Noncash activities are summarized as follows:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Loans and leases transferred to other real estate owned
$
3,568

 
$
6,338

Loans held for sale reclassified as loans and leases
13,138

 
3,789

Amortized cost of HTM securities reclassified as AFS securities
79,276

 


4.
OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Gross and net information for selected financial instruments in the balance sheet is as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2015
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet
 
 
Description
 
Gross amounts recognized
 
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet
 
Net amounts presented in the balance sheet
 
Financial instruments
 
Cash collateral received/pledged
 
Net amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds sold and security resell agreements
 
$
1,519,352

 
$

 
$
1,519,352

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,519,352

Derivatives (included in other assets)
 
83,978

 

 
83,978

 
(5,121
)
 

 
78,857

 
 
$
1,603,330

 
$

 
$
1,603,330

 
$
(5,121
)
 
$

 
$
1,598,209

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds and other short-term borrowings
 
$
203,597

 
$

 
$
203,597

 
$

 
$

 
$
203,597

Derivatives (included in other liabilities)
 
81,123

 

 
81,123

 
(5,121
)
 
(38,833
)
 
37,169

 
 
$
284,720

 
$

 
$
284,720

 
$
(5,121
)
 
$
(38,833
)
 
$
240,766

 
 
December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet
 
 
Description
 
Gross amounts recognized
 
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet
 
Net amounts presented in the balance sheet
 
Financial instruments
 
Cash collateral received/pledged
 
Net amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds sold and security resell agreements
 
$
1,386,291

 
$

 
$
1,386,291

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,386,291

Derivatives (included in other assets)
 
66,420

 

 
66,420

 
(3,755
)
 

 
62,665

 
 
$
1,452,711

 
$

 
$
1,452,711

 
$
(3,755
)
 
$

 
$
1,448,956

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds and other short-term borrowings
 
$
244,223

 
$

 
$
244,223

 
$

 
$

 
$
244,223

Derivatives (included in other liabilities)
 
66,064

 

 
66,064

 
(3,755
)
 
(31,968
)
 
30,341

 
 
$
310,287

 
$

 
$
310,287

 
$
(3,755
)
 
$
(31,968
)
 
$
274,564

Security resell and repurchase agreements are offset, when applicable, in the balance sheet according to master netting agreements. Security repurchase agreements are included with “Federal funds and other short-term borrowings.” Derivative instruments may be offset under their master netting agreements; however, for accounting purposes, we present these items on a gross basis in the Company’s balance sheet. See Note 7 for further information regarding derivative instruments.


10


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

5.
INVESTMENTS  
Investment Securities
Investment securities are summarized below. Note 10 discusses the process to estimate fair value for investment securities.
 
March 31, 2015
(In thousands)

Amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Estimated fair
value
Held-to-maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal securities
$
590,950

 
$
12,208

 
$
803

 
$
602,355

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies and corporations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency securities
631,603

 
1,406

 
7,139

 
625,870

Agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
1,417,843

 
16,441

 
614

 
1,433,670

Small Business Administration loan-backed securities
1,588,562

 
15,677

 
8,558

 
1,595,681

Municipal securities
175,017

 
1,282

 
689

 
175,610

Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities – banks and insurance
611,836

 
99

 
150,418

 
461,517

Other
5,229

 
235

 

 
5,464

 
4,430,090

 
35,140

 
167,418

 
4,297,812

Mutual funds and other
153,235

 
101

 
646

 
152,690

 
4,583,325

 
35,241

 
168,064

 
4,450,502

Total
$
5,174,275

 
$
47,449

 
$
168,867

 
$
5,052,857


 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Recognized in OCI 1
 
 
 
Not recognized in OCI
 
 
(In thousands)  

Amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Carrying
value
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
fair
value
Held-to-maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal securities
$
607,675

 
$

 
$

 
$
607,675

 
$
13,018

 
$
804

 
$
619,889

Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities – banks and insurance
79,276

 

 
39,699

 
39,577

 
18,393

 
663

 
57,307

 
686,951

 

 
39,699

 
647,252

 
31,411

 
1,467

 
677,196

Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies and 
corporations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Agency securities
607,523

 
1,572

 
8,343

 
600,752

 
 
 
 
 
600,752

Agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
935,164

 
12,132

 
2,105

 
945,191

 
 
 
 
 
945,191

Small Business Administration loan-backed securities
1,544,710

 
16,446

 
8,891

 
1,552,265

 
 
 
 
 
1,552,265

Municipal securities
189,059

 
1,143

 
945

 
189,257

 
 
 
 
 
189,257

Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Trust preferred securities – banks and insurance
537,589

 
103

 
121,984

 
415,708

 
 
 
 
 
415,708

Other
5,252

 
207

 
7

 
5,452

 
 
 
 
 
5,452

 
3,819,297

 
31,603

 
142,275

 
3,708,625

 
 
 
 
 
3,708,625

Mutual funds and other
136,591

 
76

 
1,044

 
135,623

 
 
 
 
 
135,623

 
3,955,888

 
31,679

 
143,319

 
3,844,248

 
 
 
 
 
3,844,248

Total
$
4,642,839

 
$
31,679

 
$
183,018

 
$
4,491,500

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,521,444

1  
Other comprehensive income


11


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

During the first quarter of 2015 , we reclassified all of the remaining held-to-maturity (“HTM”) collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) securities, or approximately $79 million at amortized cost, to available-for-sale (“AFS”) securities. The reclassification reduced existing unrealized losses in OCI of $40 million on HTM securities by approximately $18 million pretax. These existing unrealized losses resulted from a previous reclassification of AFS securities to HTM, and from OTTI. We took this action as a result of the most recent Dodd-Frank Act stress test results and the treatment of the CDO securities under the new Basel III capital and risk weighting rules that became effective January 1, 2015. The reclassification provides the Company with greater flexibility in the management of these securities. Current accounting guidance allows for the reclassification of HTM to AFS securities, without calling into question the entity’s intent to hold other debt securities to maturity, when there has been a significant increase in the risk weights of debt securities used for regulatory risk-based capital purposes. No gain or loss was recognized in the statement of income at the time of reclassification.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment debt securities are shown subsequently as of March 31, 2015 by contractual maturity, except for CDOs, Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loan-backed securities, agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities, and certain agency and municipal securities, where expected maturity is used. Actual maturities may differ from contractual or expected maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
Held-to-maturity
 
Available-for-sale
(In thousands)
Amortized
cost
 
Estimated
fair
value
 
Amortized
cost
 
Estimated
fair
value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
$
96,220

 
$
97,409

 
$
639,077

 
$
638,407

Due after one year through five years
188,507

 
191,799

 
1,719,501

 
1,718,550

Due after five years through ten years
158,244

 
164,415

 
1,155,325

 
1,146,764

Due after ten years
147,979

 
148,732

 
916,187

 
794,091

 
$
590,950

 
$
602,355

 
$
4,430,090

 
$
4,297,812


The following is a summary of the amount of gross unrealized losses for investment securities and the estimated fair value by length of time the securities have been in an unrealized loss position:
 
March 31, 2015
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
(In thousands)
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
fair
value
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
fair
value
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
fair
value
Held-to-maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal securities
$
722

 
$
93,203

 
$
81

 
$
3,831

 
$
803

 
$
97,034

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies and corporations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency securities
2,631

 
139,038

 
4,508

 
287,134

 
7,139

 
426,172

Agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
438

 
178,832

 
176

 
12,750

 
614

 
191,582

Small Business Administration loan-backed securities
4,551

 
460,629

 
4,007

 
264,312

 
8,558

 
724,941

Municipal securities
129

 
28,134

 
560

 
2,916

 
689

 
31,050

Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


Trust preferred securities – banks and insurance

 

 
150,418

 
446,038

 
150,418

 
446,038

 
7,749

 
806,633

 
159,669

 
1,013,150

 
167,418

 
1,819,783

Mutual funds and other
646

 
72,296

 

 

 
646

 
72,296

 
8,395

 
878,929

 
159,669

 
1,013,150

 
168,064

 
1,892,079

Total
$
9,117

 
$
972,132

 
$
159,750

 
$
1,016,981

 
$
168,867

 
$
1,989,113



12


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
 fair
 value
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
 fair
 value
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
 fair
 value
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal securities
$
527

 
$
62,762

 
$
277

 
$
14,003

 
$
804

 
$
76,765

 
Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities – banks and insurance
53

 
122

 
40,309

 
57,186

 
40,362

 
57,308

 
 
580

 
62,884

 
40,586

 
71,189

 
41,166

 
134,073

 
Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies and corporations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency securities
4,510

 
295,694

 
3,833

 
101,188

 
8,343

 
396,882

 
Agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
1,914

 
425,114

 
191

 
12,124

 
2,105

 
437,238

 
Small Business Administration loan-backed securities
5,869

 
495,817

 
3,022

 
175,523

 
8,891

 
671,340

 
Municipal securities
258

 
36,551

 
687

 
4,616

 
945

 
41,167

 
Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities – banks and insurance

 

 
121,984

 
405,605

 
121,984

 
405,605

 
Other
7

 
1,607

 

 

 
7

 
1,607

 
 
12,558

 
1,254,783

 
129,717

 
699,056

 
142,275

 
1,953,839

 
Mutual funds and other
1,044

 
71,907

 

 

 
1,044

 
71,907

 
 
13,602

 
1,326,690

 
129,717

 
699,056

 
143,319

 
2,025,746

 
Total
$
14,182

 
$
1,389,574

 
$
170,303

 
$
770,245

 
$
184,485

 
$
2,159,819


At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, 188 and 153 HTM and 433 and 458 AFS investment securities were in an unrealized loss position.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
Ongoing Policy
We conduct a formal review of investment securities on a quarterly basis for the presence of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). We assess whether OTTI is present when the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost basis at the balance sheet date (the vast majority of the investment portfolio are debt securities). Under these circumstances, OTTI is considered to have occurred if (1) we have formed a documented intent to sell identified securities or initiated such sales; (2) it is “more likely than not” we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis.

Noncredit-related OTTI in securities we intend to sell is recognized in earnings as is any credit-related OTTI in securities, regardless of our intent. Noncredit-related OTTI on AFS securities not expected to be sold is recognized in OCI. The amount of noncredit-related OTTI in a security is quantified as the difference in a security’s amortized cost after adjustment for credit impairment, and its lower fair value. Presentation of OTTI is made in the statement of income on a gross basis with an offset for the amount of OTTI recognized in OCI.

CDO Sales and Paydowns
During the first quarter of 2015 , sales, paydowns and payoffs of CDO securities, along with net gains/losses, were not significant. During the first quarter of 2014 , we recorded a total of $993 million par amount of sales and paydowns of CDO securities, resulting in net gains of approximately $31 million . These sales were made in part as a result of the Volcker Rule.

13


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

OTTI Conclusions
Our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K describes in more detail our OTTI evaluation process. The following summarizes the conclusions from our OTTI evaluation by each security type that has significant gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2015 :

OTTI – Asset-Backed Securities
Trust preferred securities – banks and insurance: These CDO securities are interests in variable rate pools of trust preferred securities issued by trusts related to bank holding companies and insurance companies (“collateral issuers”). They are rated by one or more Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSROs”), which are rating agencies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The more junior securities were purchased generally at par, while the senior securities were purchased from Lockhart Funding LLC (“Lockhart”), a previously consolidated qualifying special-purpose entity securities conduit, at their carrying values (generally par) and then adjusted to their lower fair values.

The primary driver of unrealized losses on CDOs with bank only or bank and insurance collateral are market yield requirements for bank and bank and insurance CDO securities. The financial crisis and economic downturn resulted in significant utilization of both the unique five-year deferral option, which each collateral issuer maintains during the life of the CDO, and the payment in kind (“PIK”) feature of junior priority securities. The PIK feature provides that upon the CDO reaching certain levels of collateral default or deferral, certain junior CDO tranches will not receive current interest but will instead have the unpaid interest amount capitalized. The rate of return demanded by the market for trust preferred CDOs remains substantially higher than the contractual interest rates. CDO tranches backed by bank trust preferred securities continue to be characterized by uncertainty surrounding collateral behavior, specifically including but not limited to, prepayments; the future number, size and timing of bank failures; holding company bankruptcies; and allowed deferrals and subsequent resumption of payment or default due to nonpayment of contractual interest.

Our ongoing review of these securities determined that no OTTI should be recorded in the first quarter of 2015 .

OTTI – U.S. Government Agencies and Corporations
Agency securities: These securities were issued by the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (“FAMC”) and the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. These securities are floating rate and were purchased at premiums or discounts. They have maturity dates from 1 to 25 years and have contractual cash flows guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government. Unrealized losses relate to changes in interest rates subsequent to purchase and are not attributable to credit. At March 31, 2015 , we did not have an intent to sell identified securities with unrealized losses or initiate such sales, and we believe it is more likely than not we would not be required to sell such securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis. Therefore, we did not record OTTI for these securities during the first quarter of 2015 .

Small Business Administration Loan-Backed Securities: These securities were generally purchased at premiums with maturities from 5 to 25 years and have principal cash flows guaranteed by the SBA. Unrealized losses relate to changes in interest rates subsequent to purchase and are not attributable to credit. At March 31, 2015 , we did not have an intent to sell identified SBA securities with unrealized losses or initiate such sales, and we believe it is more likely than not we would not be required to sell such securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis. Therefore, we did not record OTTI for these securities during the first quarter of 2015 .


14


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following is a tabular rollforward of the total amount of credit-related OTTI:
(In thousands)

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2014
HTM

AFS

Total

HTM
 
AFS
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance of credit-related OTTI at beginning
of period
$
(9,079
)
 
$
(95,472
)
 
$
(104,551
)
 
$
(9,052
)
 
$
(176,833
)
 
$
(185,885
)
Additional credit-related OTTI on securities previously impaired

 

 

 
(27
)
 

 
(27
)
Reductions for securities sold or paid off during the period

 
1,313

 
1,313

 

 
12,919

 
12,919

Reclassification of securities from HTM to AFS
9,079

 
(9,079
)
 

 

 

 

Balance of credit-related OTTI at end of period
$

 
$
(103,238
)
 
$
(103,238
)
 
$
(9,079
)
 
$
(163,914
)
 
$
(172,993
)

To determine the credit component of OTTI for all security types, we utilize projected cash flows. These cash flows are credit adjusted using, among other things, assumptions for default probability and loss severity. Certain other unobservable inputs such as prepayment rate assumptions are utilized. In addition, certain internal and external models may be utilized. See Note 10 for further discussion. To determine the credit-related portion of OTTI in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we use the security-specific effective interest rate when estimating the present value of cash flows.

The following summarizes gains and losses, including OTTI, that were recognized in the statement of income:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
March 31, 2014
 
(In thousands)
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
 
Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity
$
1

 
$

 
$

 
$
27

 
Available-for-sale
958

 
1,198

 
72,561

 
41,647

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other noninterest-bearing investments
3,595

 
242

 
912

 

 
 
4,554

 
1,440

 
73,473

 
41,674

 
Net gains
 
 
$
3,114

 
 
 
$
31,799

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of income information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net impairment losses on investment securities
 
 
$

 
 
 
$
(27
)
 
Equity securities gains, net
 
 
3,353

 
 
 
912

 
Fixed income securities gains (losses), net
 
 
(239
)
 
 
 
30,914

 
Net gains
 
 
$
3,114

 
 
 
$
31,799


Interest income by security type is as follows:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2014
 
Taxable
 
Nontaxable
 
Total
 
Taxable
 
Nontaxable
 
Total
Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity
$
3,592

 
$
2,862

 
$
6,454

 
$
3,828

 
$
2,836

 
$
6,664

Available-for-sale
19,768

 
653

 
20,421

 
20,424

 
524

 
20,948

Trading
598

 

 
598

 
482

 

 
482

 
$
23,958

 
$
3,515

 
$
27,473

 
$
24,734

 
$
3,360

 
$
28,094


Investment securities with a carrying value of $1.3 billion at March 31, 2015 and $1.4 billion at December 31, 2014 were pledged to secure public and trust deposits, advances, and for other purposes as required by law. Securities are also pledged as collateral for security repurchase agreements.

15


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Private Equity Investments
Effect of Volcker Rule (“VR”)
The VR, as published pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act in December 2013 and amended in January 2014, significantly restricted certain activities by covered bank holding companies, including restrictions on certain types of securities, proprietary trading, and private equity investing. As of December 31, 2014, the only prohibited investments under the VR requiring divestiture by the Company were certain of its private equity investments (“PEIs”). Of the recorded PEIs of $132 million at March 31, 2015 (consisting of Small Business Investment Companies (“SBICs”) and non-SBICs), approximately $33 million were prohibited by the VR.

As discussed in Note 11, we have $35 million of unfunded commitments for PEIs, of which approximately $8 million relate to prohibited PEIs. Until we dispose of the prohibited PEIs, we expect to fund these commitments if and as the capital calls are made, as allowed under the VR.

During the first quarter of 2015 , we recorded approximately $5 million in sales of PEIs resulting in insignificant amounts of net realized gains. All of these sales related to prohibited PEIs. During 2014 since the final issuance of the VR, we have sold approximately $8.3 million of prohibited PEIs. We anticipate disposing of the remainder of these prohibited PEIs before the required deadline. However, the required deadline has been extended to July 21, 2016 from July 21, 2015 and the Federal Reserve has announced its intention to act in 2015 to grant an additional one-year extension to July 21, 2017. See other discussions in Notes 10 and 11.

6.
LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
Loans and Loans Held for Sale
Loans are summarized as follows according to major portfolio segment and specific loan class:
(In thousands)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
 
 
 
Loans held for sale
$
128,946

 
$
132,504

 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
13,264,092

 
$
13,162,955

Leasing
407,137

 
408,974

Owner occupied
7,309,639

 
7,351,548

Municipal
555,122

 
520,887

Total commercial
21,535,990

 
21,444,364

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
Construction and land development
2,044,641

 
1,986,408

Term
8,088,430

 
8,126,600

Total commercial real estate
10,133,071

 
10,113,008

Consumer:
 
 
 
Home equity credit line
2,314,806

 
2,321,150

1-4 family residential
5,212,963

 
5,200,882

Construction and other consumer real estate
373,335

 
370,542

Bankcard and other revolving plans
406,723

 
401,352

Other
203,226

 
212,360

Total consumer
8,511,053

 
8,506,286

Total loans
$
40,180,114

 
$
40,063,658

Loan balances are presented net of unearned income and fees, which amounted to $142.8 million at March 31, 2015 and $144.7 million at December 31, 2014 .

Owner occupied and commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans include unamortized premiums of approximately $33.7 million at March 31, 2015 and $36.5 million at December 31, 2014 .

16


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Municipal loans generally include loans to municipalities with the debt service being repaid from general funds or pledged revenues of the municipal entity, or to private commercial entities or 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entities utilizing a pass-through municipal entity to achieve favorable tax treatment.
Land development loans included in the construction and land development loan class were $462.7 million at March 31, 2015 and $484.9 million at December 31, 2014 .
Loans with a carrying value of approximately $22.6 billion at March 31, 2015 and $22.5 billion at December 31, 2014 have been pledged at the Federal Reserve and various Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLBs”) as collateral for current and potential borrowings. Note 8 presents the balance of FHLB advances made to the Company against this pledged collateral.
We sold loans with a carrying value of $300.4 million and $337.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, that were classified as loans held for sale. The sold loans were derecognized from the balance sheet. Loans classified as loans held for sale primarily consist of conforming residential mortgages and the guaranteed portion of SBA loans. The principal balance of sold loans for which we retain servicing was approximately $1.2 billion at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 .

Amounts added to loans held for sale during these periods were $309.7 million and $295.5 million , respectively. Income from loans sold, excluding servicing, for these same periods was $4.6 million and $3.5 million .

Since 2009, CB&T and NSB have had loss sharing agreements with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), which provided indemnification for credit losses of acquired loans and foreclosed assets up to specified thresholds. The last of the agreements for commercial loans, which comprised the major portion of the acquired portfolio, expired as of September 30, 2014. The agreements for 1-4 family residential loans will expire in 2019. In previous periods, the FDIC-supported loan balances were presented separately in this footnote and in other disclosures, and included purchased credit-impaired (“PCI”) loans, as subsequently discussed in Purchased Loans. Due to declining balances, for all periods presented herein, the FDIC-supported/PCI loans have been reclassified to their respective loan segments and classes.

Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) consists of the allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) (also referred to as the allowance for loan losses) and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments (“RULC”).

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
The ALLL represents our estimate of probable and estimable losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Losses are charged to the ALLL when recognized. Generally, commercial loans are charged off or charged down when they are determined to be uncollectible in whole or in part, or when 180 days past due unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Consumer loans are either charged off or charged down to net realizable value no later than the month in which they become 180 days past due. Closed-end consumer loans that are not secured by residential real estate are either charged off or charged down to net realizable value no later than the month in which they become 120 days past due. We establish the amount of the ALLL by analyzing the portfolio at least quarterly, and we adjust the provision for loan losses so the ALLL is at an appropriate level at the balance sheet date.

We determine our ALLL as the best estimate within a range of estimated losses. The methodologies we use to estimate the ALLL depend upon the impairment status and portfolio segment of the loan. The methodology for impaired loans is discussed subsequently. For the commercial and CRE segments, we use a comprehensive loan grading system to assign probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) grades to each loan. The credit quality indicators discussed subsequently are based on this grading system. In addition, loan officers utilize their experience and judgment in assigning PD and LGD grades, subject to confirmation of the PD and LGD by either credit risk or credit examination. We create groupings of these grades for each subsidiary bank and loan class

17


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

and calculate historic loss rates using a loss migration analysis that attributes historic realized losses to these loan grade groupings over the period of January 2008 through the most recent full quarter.
For the consumer loan segment, we use roll rate models to forecast probable inherent losses. Roll rate models measure the rate at which consumer loans migrate from one delinquency category to the next worse delinquency category, and eventually to loss. We estimate roll rates for consumer loans using recent delinquency and loss experience by segmenting our consumer loan portfolio into separate pools based on common risk characteristics and separately calculating historical delinquency and loss experience for each pool. These roll rates are then applied to current delinquency levels to estimate probable inherent losses. Roll rates incorporate housing market trends inasmuch as these trends manifest themselves in charge-offs and delinquencies. In addition, our qualitative and environmental factors discussed subsequently incorporate the most recent housing market trends.
The current status and historical changes in qualitative and environmental factors may not be reflected in our quantitative models. Thus, after applying historical loss experience, as described above, we review the quantitatively derived level of ALLL for each segment using qualitative criteria and use those criteria to determine our estimate within the range. We track various risk factors that influence our judgment regarding the level of the ALLL across the portfolio segments. These factors primarily include:
Asset quality trends
Risk management and loan administration practices
Risk identification practices
Effect of changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio
Existence and effect of any portfolio concentrations
National economic and business conditions
Regional and local economic and business conditions
Data availability and applicability
Effects of other external factors
The magnitude of the impact of these factors on our qualitative assessment of the ALLL changes from quarter to quarter according to changes made by management in its assessment of these factors, the extent these factors are already reflected in historic loss rates, and the extent changes in these factors diverge from one to another. We also consider the uncertainty inherent in the estimation process when evaluating the ALLL.

Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments
We also estimate a reserve for potential losses associated with off-balance sheet commitments, including standby letters of credit. We determine the RULC using the same procedures and methodologies that we use for the ALLL. The loss factors used in the RULC are the same as the loss factors used in the ALLL, and the qualitative adjustments used in the RULC are the same as the qualitative adjustments used in the ALLL. We adjust the Company’s unfunded lending commitments that are not unconditionally cancelable to an outstanding amount equivalent using credit conversion factors, and we apply the loss factors to the outstanding equivalents.

18


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Changes in the allowance for credit losses are summarized as follows:

 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(In thousands)
Commercial
 
Commercial
real estate
 
Consumer
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
412,514

 
$
145,009

 
$
47,140

 
$
604,663

Additions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
24,934

 
(26,887
)
 
459

 
(1,494
)
Adjustment for FDIC-supported/PCI loans
(38
)
 

 

 
(38
)
Deductions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross loan and lease charge-offs
(15,951
)
 
(626
)
 
(3,611
)
 
(20,188
)
Recoveries
20,613

 
14,119

 
2,338

 
37,070

Net loan and lease charge-offs
4,662

 
13,493

 
(1,273
)
 
16,882

Balance at end of period
$
442,072

 
$
131,615

 
$
46,326

 
$
620,013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
58,931

 
$
21,517

 
$
628

 
$
81,076

Provision charged (credited) to earnings
3,844

 
(2,580
)
 
(53
)
 
1,211

Balance at end of period
$
62,775

 
$
18,937

 
$
575

 
$
82,287

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total allowance for credit losses at end of period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
$
442,072

 
$
131,615

 
$
46,326

 
$
620,013

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments
62,775

 
18,937

 
575

 
82,287

Total allowance for credit losses
$
504,847

 
$
150,552

 
$
46,901

 
$
702,300


 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In thousands)
Commercial

Commercial
real estate

Consumer

Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
469,213

 
$
216,012

 
$
61,066

 
$
746,291

Additions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
11,260

 
(2,891
)
 
(8,979
)
 
(610
)
Adjustment for FDIC-supported/PCI loans
(781
)
 

 
(36
)
 
(817
)
Deductions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross loan and lease charge-offs
(9,796
)
 
(7,854
)
 
(3,145
)
 
(20,795
)
Recoveries
7,805

 
2,882

 
2,197

 
12,884

Net loan and lease charge-offs
(1,991
)
 
(4,972
)
 
(948
)
 
(7,911
)
Balance at end of period
$
477,701

 
$
208,149

 
$
51,103

 
$
736,953


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
48,345

 
$
37,485

 
$
3,875

 
$
89,705

Provision charged (credited) to earnings
1,525

 
(2,212
)
 
(325
)
 
(1,012
)
Balance at end of period
$
49,870

 
$
35,273

 
$
3,550

 
$
88,693


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total allowance for credit losses at end of period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
$
477,701

 
$
208,149

 
$
51,103

 
$
736,953

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments
49,870

 
35,273

 
3,550

 
88,693

Total allowance for credit losses
$
527,571

 
$
243,422

 
$
54,653

 
$
825,646



19


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The ALLL and outstanding loan balances according to the Company’s impairment method are summarized as follows:
 
March 31, 2015
(In thousands)
Commercial
 
Commercial
real estate
 
Consumer
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
38,382

 
$
5,326

 
$
9,437

 
$
53,145

Collectively evaluated for impairment
402,597

 
126,231

 
36,602

 
565,430

Purchased loans with evidence of credit deterioration
1,093

 
58

 
287

 
1,438

Total
$
442,072

 
$
131,615

 
$
46,326

 
$
620,013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding loan balances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
305,678

 
$
141,470

 
$
88,073

 
$
535,221

Collectively evaluated for impairment
21,156,592

 
9,917,574

 
8,407,837

 
39,482,003

Purchased loans with evidence of credit deterioration
73,720

 
74,027

 
15,143

 
162,890

Total
$
21,535,990

 
$
10,133,071

 
$
8,511,053

 
$
40,180,114

 
 
December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
Commercial
 
Commercial
real estate
 
Consumer
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
28,627

 
$
4,027

 
$
9,059

 
$
41,713

Collectively evaluated for impairment
382,552

 
140,090

 
37,508

 
560,150

Purchased loans with evidence of credit deterioration
1,335

 
892

 
573

 
2,800

Total
$
412,514

 
$
145,009

 
$
47,140

 
$
604,663

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding loan balances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
259,207

 
$
167,435

 
$
95,267

 
$
521,909

Collectively evaluated for impairment
21,105,217

 
9,861,862

 
8,395,371

 
39,362,450

Purchased loans with evidence of credit deterioration
79,940

 
83,711

 
15,648

 
179,299

Total
$
21,444,364

 
$
10,113,008

 
$
8,506,286

 
$
40,063,658

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans
Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when payment in full of principal and interest is not expected, or the loan is 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest, unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. Factors we consider in determining whether a loan is placed on nonaccrual include delinquency status, collateral value, borrower or guarantor financial statement information, bankruptcy status, and other information which would indicate that the full and timely collection of interest and principal is uncertain.
A nonaccrual loan may be returned to accrual status when all delinquent interest and principal become current in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement; the loan, if secured, is well secured; the borrower has paid according to the contractual terms for a minimum of six months; and analysis of the borrower indicates a reasonable assurance of the ability and willingness to maintain payments. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied as a reduction to the principal outstanding.
Closed-end loans with payments scheduled monthly are reported as past due when the borrower is in arrears for two or more monthly payments. Similarly, open-end credit such as charge-card plans and other revolving credit plans are reported as past due when the minimum payment has not been made for two or more billing cycles. Other multi-payment obligations (i.e., quarterly, semiannual, etc.), single payment, and demand notes are reported as past due when either principal or interest is due and unpaid for a period of 30 days or more.

20


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Nonaccrual loans are summarized as follows:
(In thousands)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
163,499

 
$
105,591

Leasing
247

 
295

Owner occupied
97,609

 
87,243

Municipal
1,027

 
1,056

Total commercial
262,382

 
194,185

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
Construction and land development
22,101

 
23,880

Term
37,517

 
25,107

Total commercial real estate
59,618

 
48,987

Consumer:
 
 
 
Home equity credit line
10,337

 
11,430

1-4 family residential
48,078

 
49,861

Construction and other consumer real estate
1,301

 
1,735

Bankcard and other revolving plans
318

 
196

Other
32

 
254

Total consumer loans
60,066

 
63,476

Total
$
382,066

 
$
306,648

Past due loans (accruing and nonaccruing) are summarized as follows:
 
March 31, 2015
(In thousands)
Current
 
30-89 days
past due
 
90+ days
past due
 
Total
past due
 
Total
loans
 
Accruing
loans
90+ days
past due
 
Nonaccrual
loans
that are
current 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
13,182,403

 
$
42,881

 
$
38,808

 
$
81,689

 
$
13,264,092

 
$
2,969

 
$
109,978

Leasing
406,902

 
208

 
27

 
235

 
407,137

 

 
197

Owner occupied
7,222,254

 
44,380

 
43,005

 
87,385

 
7,309,639

 
2,247

 
40,515

Municipal
553,002

 
2,120

 

 
2,120

 
555,122

 

 
1,027

Total commercial
21,364,561

 
89,589

 
81,840

 
171,429

 
21,535,990

 
5,216

 
151,717

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
2,027,240

 
4,114

 
13,287

 
17,401

 
2,044,641

 
2,590

 
11,338

Term
8,038,106

 
17,208

 
33,116

 
50,324

 
8,088,430

 
21,910

 
23,398

Total commercial real estate
10,065,346

 
21,322

 
46,403

 
67,725

 
10,133,071

 
24,500

 
34,736

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity credit line
2,302,583

 
4,522

 
7,701

 
12,223

 
2,314,806

 

 
1,103

1-4 family residential
5,181,356

 
12,780

 
18,827

 
31,607

 
5,212,963

 
268

 
22,781

Construction and other consumer real estate
361,483

 
10,682

 
1,170

 
11,852

 
373,335

 
556

 
664

Bankcard and other revolving plans
402,775

 
2,859

 
1,089

 
3,948

 
406,723

 
951

 
98

Other
202,276

 
889

 
61

 
950

 
203,226

 
61

 
27

Total consumer loans
8,450,473

 
31,732

 
28,848

 
60,580

 
8,511,053

 
1,836

 
24,673

Total
$
39,880,380

 
$
142,643

 
$
157,091

 
$
299,734

 
$
40,180,114

 
$
31,552

 
$
211,126



21


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
Current
 
30-89 days
past due
 
90+ days
past due
 
Total
past due
 
Total
loans
 
Accruing
loans
90+ days
past due
 
Nonaccrual
loans
that are
current 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
13,092,731

 
$
28,295

 
$
41,929

 
$
70,224

 
$
13,162,955

 
$
4,677

 
$
64,385

Leasing
408,724

 
225

 
25

 
250

 
408,974

 

 
270

Owner occupied
7,275,842

 
29,182

 
46,524

 
75,706

 
7,351,548

 
3,334

 
39,649

Municipal
520,887

 

 

 

 
520,887

 

 
1,056

Total commercial
21,298,184

 
57,702

 
88,478

 
146,180

 
21,444,364

 
8,011

 
105,360

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
1,972,206

 
2,711

 
11,491

 
14,202

 
1,986,408

 
92

 
12,481

Term
8,082,940

 
14,415

 
29,245

 
43,660

 
8,126,600

 
19,700

 
13,787

Total commercial real estate
10,055,146

 
17,126

 
40,736

 
57,862

 
10,113,008

 
19,792

 
26,268

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity credit line
2,309,967

 
4,503

 
6,680

 
11,183

 
2,321,150

 
1

 
1,779

1-4 family residential
5,163,610

 
12,416

 
24,856

 
37,272

 
5,200,882

 
318

 
20,599

Construction and other consumer real estate
359,723

 
9,675

 
1,144

 
10,819

 
370,542

 
160

 
608

Bankcard and other revolving plans
397,882

 
2,425

 
1,045

 
3,470

 
401,352

 
946

 
80

Other
211,560

 
644

 
156

 
800

 
212,360

 

 
84

Total consumer loans
8,442,742

 
29,663

 
33,881

 
63,544

 
8,506,286

 
1,425

 
23,150

Total
$
39,796,072

 
$
104,491

 
$
163,095

 
$
267,586

 
$
40,063,658

 
$
29,228

 
$
154,778

1  
Represents nonaccrual loans that are not past due more than 30 days; however, full payment of principal and interest is still not expected.

Credit Quality Indicators
In addition to the past due and nonaccrual criteria, we also analyze loans using loan risk grading systems, which vary based on the size and type of credit risk exposure. The internal risk grades assigned to loans follow our definitions of Pass, Special Mention, Substandard, and Doubtful, which are consistent with published definitions of regulatory risk classifications.

Definitions of Pass, Special Mention, Substandard, and Doubtful are summarized as follows:
Pass – A Pass asset is higher quality and does not fit any of the other categories described below. The likelihood of loss is considered remote.
Special Mention A Special Mention asset has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the bank’s credit position at some future date.
Substandard – A Substandard asset is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified have well-defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the bank may sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful – A Doubtful asset has all the weaknesses inherent in a Substandard asset with the added characteristics that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable.

We generally assign internal risk grades to commercial and CRE loans with commitments equal to or greater than $750,000 based on financial and statistical models, individual credit analysis, and loan officer judgment. For these larger loans, we assign one of multiple grades within the Pass classification or one of the following four grades: Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss. Loss indicates that the outstanding balance has been charged off.

22


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

We confirm our internal risk grades quarterly, or as soon as we identify information that affects the credit risk of the loan.

For consumer loans or certain small commercial loans with commitments equal to or less than $750,000 , we generally assign internal risk grades similar to those described previously based on automated rules that depend on refreshed credit scores, payment performance, and other risk indicators. These are generally assigned either a Pass or Substandard grade and are reviewed as we identify information that might warrant a grade change.

Outstanding loan balances (accruing and nonaccruing) categorized by these credit quality indicators are summarized as follows:
 
March 31, 2015
(In thousands)
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Sub-
standard
 
Doubtful
 
Total
loans
 
Total
allowance
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
12,342,163

 
$
325,604

 
$
587,272

 
$
9,053

 
$
13,264,092

 
 
Leasing
388,843

 
11,656

 
6,638

 

 
407,137

 
 
Owner occupied
6,851,794

 
111,853

 
345,992

 

 
7,309,639

 
 
Municipal
552,874

 
1,221

 
1,027

 

 
555,122

 
 
Total commercial
20,135,674

 
450,334

 
940,929

 
9,053

 
21,535,990

 
$
442,072

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
1,994,072

 
8,515

 
42,054

 

 
2,044,641

 
 
Term
7,827,313

 
68,890

 
187,799

 
4,428

 
8,088,430

 
 
Total commercial real estate
9,821,385

 
77,405

 
229,853

 
4,428

 
10,133,071

 
131,615

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity credit line
2,298,505

 

 
16,301

 

 
2,314,806

 
 
1-4 family residential
5,149,513

 

 
63,450

 

 
5,212,963

 
 
Construction and other consumer real estate
370,817

 

 
2,518

 

 
373,335

 
 
Bankcard and other revolving plans
404,826

 

 
1,897

 

 
406,723

 
 
Other
202,909

 

 
317

 

 
203,226

 
 
Total consumer loans
8,426,570

 

 
84,483

 

 
8,511,053

 
46,326

Total
$
38,383,629

 
$
527,739

 
$
1,255,265

 
$
13,481

 
$
40,180,114

 
$
620,013

 
December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Sub-
standard
 
Doubtful
 
Total
loans
 
Total
allowance
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
12,515,846

 
$
209,215

 
$
426,002

 
$
11,892

 
$
13,162,955

 
 
Leasing
399,032

 
4,868

 
5,074

 

 
408,974

 
 
Owner occupied
6,844,310

 
168,423

 
338,815

 

 
7,351,548

 
 
Municipal
518,513

 
1,318

 
1,056

 

 
520,887

 
 
Total commercial
20,277,701

 
383,824

 
770,947

 
11,892

 
21,444,364

 
$
412,514

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
1,925,685

 
8,464

 
52,259

 

 
1,986,408

 
 
Term
7,802,571

 
96,347

 
223,324

 
4,358

 
8,126,600

 
 
Total commercial real estate
9,728,256

 
104,811

 
275,583

 
4,358

 
10,113,008

 
145,009

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity credit line
2,304,352

 

 
16,798

 

 
2,321,150

 
 
1-4 family residential
5,138,660

 

 
62,222

 

 
5,200,882

 
 
Construction and other consumer real estate
367,932

 

 
2,610

 

 
370,542

 
 
Bankcard and other revolving plans
399,446

 

 
1,906

 

 
401,352

 
 
Other
211,811

 

 
549

 

 
212,360

 
 
Total consumer loans
8,422,201

 

 
84,085

 

 
8,506,286

 
47,140

Total
$
38,428,158

 
$
488,635

 
$
1,130,615

 
$
16,250

 
$
40,063,658

 
$
604,663


23


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Impaired Loans
Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments. For our non-purchased credit-impaired loans, if a nonaccrual loan has a balance greater than $1 million , or if a loan is a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”), including TDRs that subsequently default, or if the loan is no longer reported as a TDR, we individually evaluate the loan for impairment and estimate a specific reserve for the loan for all portfolio segments under applicable accounting guidance. Smaller nonaccrual loans are pooled for ALLL estimation purposes. PCI loans are included in impaired loans and are accounted for under separate accounting guidance. See subsequent discussion under Purchased Loans.

When a loan is impaired, we estimate a specific reserve for the loan based on the projected present value of the loan’s future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the observable market price of the loan, or the fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral. The process of estimating future cash flows also incorporates the same determining factors discussed previously under nonaccrual loans. When we base the impairment amount on the fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral, we generally charge off the portion of the balance that is impaired, such that these loans do not have a specific reserve in the ALLL. Payments received on impaired loans that are accruing are recognized in interest income, according to the contractual loan agreement. Payments received on impaired loans that are on nonaccrual are not recognized in interest income, but are applied as a reduction to the principal outstanding. The amount of interest income recognized on a cash basis during the time the loans were impaired within the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was not significant.

Information on impaired loans individually evaluated is summarized as follows, including the average recorded investment and interest income recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 :

 
March 31, 2015
(In thousands)

Unpaid
principal
balance
 
Recorded investment
 
Total
recorded
investment
 
Related
allowance
with no
allowance
 
with
allowance
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
223,938

 
$
34,260

 
$
147,353

 
$
181,613

 
$
30,899

Owner occupied
202,999

 
102,672

 
73,403

 
176,075

 
7,341

Municipal
1,505

 
1,027

 

 
1,027

 

Total commercial
428,442

 
137,959

 
220,756

 
358,715

 
38,240

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
55,316

 
12,565

 
25,897

 
38,462

 
1,293

Term
180,822

 
116,700

 
30,231

 
146,931

 
3,550

Total commercial real estate
236,138

 
129,265

 
56,128

 
185,393

 
4,843

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity credit line
29,149

 
14,491

 
11,288

 
25,779

 
189

1-4 family residential
80,023

 
30,356

 
36,681

 
67,037

 
8,885

Construction and other consumer real estate
3,498

 
1,310

 
1,246

 
2,556

 
187

Bankcard and other revolving plans

 

 

 

 

Other
5,825

 

 
4,674

 
4,674

 
95

Total consumer loans
118,495

 
46,157

 
53,889

 
100,046

 
9,356

Total
$
783,075

 
$
313,381

 
$
330,773

 
$
644,154

 
$
52,439



24


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
December 31, 2014
(In thousands)

Unpaid
principal
balance
 
Recorded investment
 
Total
recorded
investment
 
Related
allowance
with no
allowance
 
with
allowance
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
185,520

 
$
43,257

 
$
103,565

 
$
146,822

 
$
22,852

Owner occupied
198,231

 
83,179

 
86,382

 
169,561

 
6,087

Municipal
1,535

 
1,056

 

 
1,056

 

Total commercial
385,286

 
127,492

 
189,947

 
317,439

 
28,939

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
60,993

 
16,500

 
26,977

 
43,477

 
1,773

Term
203,788

 
96,351

 
63,740

 
160,091

 
2,345

Total commercial real estate
264,781

 
112,851

 
90,717

 
203,568

 
4,118

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity credit line
30,209

 
14,798

 
11,883

 
26,681

 
437

1-4 family residential
86,575

 
37,096

 
35,831

 
72,927

 
8,494

Construction and other consumer real estate
3,902

 
1,449

 
1,410

 
2,859

 
233

Bankcard and other revolving plans

 

 

 

 

Other
6,580

 

 
5,254

 
5,254

 
133

Total consumer loans
127,266

 
53,343

 
54,378

 
107,721

 
9,297

Total
$
777,333

 
$
293,686

 
$
335,042

 
$
628,728

 
$
42,354


 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2014
(In thousands)

Average
recorded
investment
 
Interest
income
recognized
 
Average
recorded
investment
 
Interest
income
recognized
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
160,013

 
$
1,451

 
$
188,191

 
$
2,591

Owner occupied
177,568

 
4,092

 
237,902

 
4,758

Municipal
1,033

 

 

 

Total commercial
338,614

 
5,543

 
426,093

 
7,349

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
38,736

 
569

 
66,772

 
3,538

Term
143,496

 
5,008

 
293,802

 
14,183

Total commercial real estate
182,232

 
5,577

 
360,574

 
17,721

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity credit line
25,386

 
413

 
25,224

 
402

1-4 family residential
66,711

 
510

 
83,241

 
540

Construction and other consumer real estate
2,560

 
42

 
3,490

 
38

Bankcard and other revolving plans
2

 
100

 
10

 
1

Other
4,748

 
285

 
8,595

 
494

Total consumer loans
99,407

 
1,350

 
120,560


1,475

Total
$
620,253

 
$
12,470

 
$
907,227

 
$
26,545


25


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Modified and Restructured Loans
Loans may be modified in the normal course of business for competitive reasons or to strengthen the Company’s position. Loan modifications and restructurings may also occur when the borrower experiences financial difficulty and needs temporary or permanent relief from the original contractual terms of the loan. These modifications are structured on a loan-by-loan basis and, depending on the circumstances, may include extended payment terms, a modified interest rate, forgiveness of principal, or other concessions. Loans that have been modified to accommodate a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulties, and for which the Company has granted a concession that it would not otherwise consider, are considered TDRs.

We consider many factors in determining whether to agree to a loan modification involving concessions, and seek a solution that will both minimize potential loss to the Company and attempt to help the borrower. We evaluate borrowers’ current and forecasted future cash flows, their ability and willingness to make current contractual or proposed modified payments, the value of the underlying collateral (if applicable), the possibility of obtaining additional security or guarantees, and the potential costs related to a repossession or foreclosure and the subsequent sale of the collateral.

TDRs are classified as either accrual or nonaccrual loans. A loan on nonaccrual and restructured as a TDR will remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower has proven the ability to perform under the modified structure for a minimum of six months, and there is evidence that such payments can and are likely to continue as agreed. Performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, are included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan being returned to accrual at the time of restructuring or after a shorter performance period. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is uncertain, the loan remains classified as a nonaccrual loan. A TDR loan that specifies an interest rate that at the time of the restructuring is greater than or equal to the rate the bank is willing to accept for a new loan with comparable risk may not be reported as a TDR or an impaired loan in the calendar years subsequent to the restructuring if it is in compliance with its modified terms.

Selected information on TDRs that includes the recorded investment on an accruing and nonaccruing basis by loan class and modification type is summarized in the following schedules:

26


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
 
March 31, 2015
 
Recorded investment resulting from the following modification types:
 
 
(In thousands)

Interest
rate below
market
 
Maturity
or term
extension
 
Principal
forgiveness
 
Payment
deferral
 
Other 1
 
Multiple
modification
types 2
 
Total
Accruing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
2,509

 
$
3,462

 
$
17

 
$
464

 
$
151

 
$
21,929

 
$
28,532

Owner occupied
19,744

 
1,092

 
952

 
1,241

 
10,845

 
17,167

 
51,041

Total commercial
22,253

 
4,554

 
969

 
1,705

 
10,996

 
39,096

 
79,573

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development

 

 

 

 
510

 
13,712

 
14,222

Term
7,238

 
1,019

 
176

 
973

 
2,289

 
32,729

 
44,424

Total commercial real estate
7,238

 
1,019

 
176

 
973

 
2,799

 
46,441

 
58,646

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity credit line
741

 
84

 
10,968

 

 
164

 
1,623

 
13,580

1-4 family residential
2,402

 
366

 
7,073

 
442

 
1,381

 
33,676

 
45,340

Construction and other consumer real estate
284

 
416

 

 

 

 
1,226

 
1,926

Total consumer loans
3,427

 
866


18,041


442


1,545


36,525

 
60,846

Total accruing
32,918

 
6,439

 
19,186

 
3,120

 
15,340

 
122,062

 
199,065

Nonaccruing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
322

 
515

 

 
3,310

 
6,951

 
25,035

 
36,133

Owner occupied
2,328

 
1,163

 

 
833

 
2,525

 
11,027

 
17,876

Municipal

 
1,027

 

 

 

 

 
1,027

Total commercial
2,650

 
2,705

 

 
4,143

 
9,476

 
36,062

 
55,036

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
10,901

 
66

 

 
93

 
3,249

 
7,667

 
21,976

Term
2,780

 

 
865

 
2,170

 

 
9,901

 
15,716

Total commercial real estate
13,681

 
66

 
865

 
2,263

 
3,249

 
17,568

 
37,692

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity credit line

 

 
713

 
203

 

 
150

 
1,066

1-4 family residential
207

 
227

 
2,245

 
185

 
3,601

 
9,699

 
16,164

Construction and other consumer real estate

 
243

 

 
76

 

 
87

 
406

Total consumer loans
207

 
470

 
2,958

 
464

 
3,601

 
9,936

 
17,636

Total nonaccruing
16,538

 
3,241

 
3,823

 
6,870

 
16,326

 
63,566

 
110,364

Total
$
49,456

 
$
9,680

 
$
23,009

 
$
9,990

 
$
31,666

 
$
185,628

 
$
309,429

 

27


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
December 31, 2014
 
Recorded investment resulting from the following modification types:
 
 
(In thousands)

Interest
rate below
market
 
Maturity
or term
extension
 
Principal
forgiveness
 
Payment
deferral
 
Other 1
 
Multiple
modification
types 2
 
Total
Accruing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
2,611

 
$
6,509

 
$
18

 
$
3,203

 
$
3,855

 
$
34,585

 
$
50,781

Owner occupied
19,981

 
1,124

 
960

 
1,251

 
10,960

 
17,505

 
51,781

Total commercial
22,592

 
7,633

 
978

 
4,454

 
14,815

 
52,090

 
102,562

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development

 

 

 

 
521

 
19,854

 
20,375

Term
7,328

 
9,027

 
179

 
3,153

 
2,546

 
39,007

 
61,240

Total commercial real estate
7,328

 
9,027

 
179

 
3,153

 
3,067

 
58,861

 
81,615

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity credit line
742

 
70

 
11,320

 

 
166

 
1,281

 
13,579

1-4 family residential
2,425

 
552

 
6,828

 
446

 
753

 
34,719

 
45,723

Construction and other consumer real estate
290

 
422

 
42

 
90

 

 
1,227

 
2,071

Total consumer loans
3,457

 
1,044

 
18,190

 
536

 
919

 
37,227

 
61,373

Total accruing
33,377

 
17,704

 
19,347

 
8,143

 
18,801

 
148,178

 
245,550

Nonaccruing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
442

 
576

 

 
611

 
5,199

 
20,410

 
27,238

Owner occupied
2,714

 
1,219

 

 
883

 
2,852

 
12,040

 
19,708

Municipal

 
1,056

 

 

 

 

 
1,056

Total commercial
3,156

 
2,851

 

 
1,494

 
8,051

 
32,450

 
48,002

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
11,080

 
68

 

 
93

 
3,300

 
6,427

 
20,968

Term
2,851

 

 

 

 
277

 
4,607

 
7,735

Total commercial real estate
13,931

 
68

 

 
93

 
3,577

 
11,034

 
28,703

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity credit line

 

 
420

 
203

 

 
399

 
1,022

1-4 family residential
3,378

 
1,029

 
1,951

 
191

 
3,527

 
9,413

 
19,489

Construction and other consumer real estate

 
463

 

 

 

 
100

 
563

Total consumer loans
3,378

 
1,492

 
2,371

 
394

 
3,527

 
9,912

 
21,074

Total nonaccruing
20,465

 
4,411

 
2,371

 
1,981

 
15,155

 
53,396

 
97,779

Total
$
53,842

 
$
22,115

 
$
21,718

 
$
10,124

 
$
33,956

 
$
201,574

 
$
343,329

1  
Includes TDRs that resulted from other modification types including, but not limited to, a legal judgment awarded on different terms, a bankruptcy plan confirmed on different terms, a settlement that includes the delivery of collateral in exchange for debt reduction, etc.
2  
Includes TDRs that resulted from a combination of any of the previous modification types.
Unfunded lending commitments on TDRs amounted to approximately $7.5 million at March 31, 2015 and $6.1 million at December 31, 2014 .

28


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The total recorded investment of all TDRs in which interest rates were modified below market was $198.6 million at March 31, 2015 and $219.3 million at December 31, 2014 . These loans are included in the previous schedule in the columns for interest rate below market and multiple modification types.
The net financial impact on interest income due to interest rate modifications below market for accruing TDRs is summarized in the following schedule:
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands)
2015
 
2014
Commercial:
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
(57
)
 
$
18

Owner occupied
(112
)
 
(142
)
Total commercial
(169
)
 
(124
)
Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
Construction and land development
(37
)
 
(56
)
Term
(109
)
 
(148
)
Total commercial real estate
(146
)
 
(204
)
Consumer:
 
 
 
Home equity credit line
(1
)
 
(2
)
1-4 family residential
(271
)
 
(300
)
Construction and other consumer real estate
(7
)
 
(9
)
Total consumer loans
(279
)
 
(311
)
Total decrease to interest income 1
$
(594
)
 
$
(639
)
1 Calculated based on the difference between the modified rate and the premodified rate applied to the recorded investment.
On an ongoing basis, we monitor the performance of all TDRs according to their restructured terms. Subsequent payment default is defined in terms of delinquency, when principal or interest payments are past due 90 days or more for commercial loans, or 60 days or more for consumer loans.
The recorded investment of accruing and nonaccruing TDRs that had a payment default during the period listed below (and are still in default at period end) and are within 12 months or less of being modified as TDRs is as follows:

29


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2014
(In thousands)
Accruing
 
Nonaccruing
 
Total
 
Accruing
 
Nonaccruing
 
Total
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$

 
$
44

 
$
44

 
$

 
$

 
$

Owner occupied

 
986

 
986

 

 

 

Total commercial

 
1,030

 
1,030

 

 

 

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development

 
1,284

 
1,284

 

 

 

Term

 

 

 

 
84

 
84

Total commercial real estate

 
1,284

 
1,284

 

 
84

 
84

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity credit line

 

 

 

 
217

 
217

1-4 family residential
110

 

 
110

 

 

 

Construction and other consumer real estate

 

 

 

 
26

 
26

Total consumer loans
110

 

 
110

 

 
243

 
243

Total
$
110

 
$
2,314

 
$
2,424

 
$

 
$
327

 
$
327

Note: Total loans modified as TDRs during the 12 months previous to March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $74.5 million and $142.4 million , respectively.

As of March 31, 2015 , the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the Company was approximately $4.8 million , and the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure was approximately $10.5 million .

Concentrations of Credit Risk
Credit risk is the possibility of loss from the failure of a borrower, guarantor, or another obligor to fully perform under the terms of a credit-related contract. Credit risks (whether on- or off-balance sheet) may occur when individual borrowers, groups of borrowers, or counterparties have similar economic characteristics, including industries, geographies, collateral types, sponsors, etc., and are similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions. Credit risk also includes the loss that would be recognized subsequent to the reporting date if counterparties failed to perform as contracted. See Note 7 for a discussion of counterparty risk associated with the Company’s derivative transactions.

We perform an ongoing analysis of our loan portfolio to evaluate whether there is any significant exposure to any concentrations of credit risk. Based on this analysis, we believe that the loan portfolio is generally well diversified; however, there are certain significant concentrations in CRE and energy-related lending. Further, we cannot guarantee that we have fully understood or mitigated all risk concentrations or correlated risks. We have adopted and adhere to concentration limits on various types of CRE lending, particularly construction and land development lending, leveraged and enterprise value lending, municipal lending, and energy-related lending. All of these limits are continually monitored and revised as necessary.

Purchased Loans
Background and Accounting
We purchase loans in the ordinary course of business and account for them and the related interest income based on their performing status at the time of acquisition. PCI loans have evidence of credit deterioration at the time of acquisition and it is probable that not all contractual payments will be collected. Interest income for PCI loans is accounted for on an expected cash flow basis. Certain other loans acquired by the Company that are not credit-impaired include loans with revolving privileges and are excluded from the PCI tabular disclosures following. Interest income for these loans is accounted for on a contractual cash flow basis. Upon acquisition, in accordance

30


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

with applicable accounting guidance, the acquired loans were recorded at their fair value without a corresponding ALLL. Certain acquired loans with similar characteristics such as risk exposure, type, size, etc., are grouped and accounted for in loan pools.

Outstanding Balances and Accretable Yield
The outstanding balances of all required payments and the related carrying amounts for PCI loans are as follows:
(In thousands)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
96,157

 
$
104,942

Commercial real estate
105,234

 
118,217

Consumer
17,129

 
17,910

Outstanding balance
$
218,520

 
$
241,069

 
 
 
 
Carrying amount
$
162,890

 
$
179,299

Less ALLL
1,438

 
2,800

Carrying amount, net
$
161,452

 
$
176,499

At the time of acquisition of PCI loans, we determine the loan’s contractually required payments in excess of all cash flows expected to be collected as an amount that should not be accreted (nonaccretable difference). With respect to the cash flows expected to be collected, the portion representing the excess of the loan’s expected cash flows over our initial investment (accretable yield) is accreted into interest income on a level yield basis over the remaining expected life of the loan or pool of loans. The effects of estimated prepayments are considered in estimating the expected cash flows.

Certain PCI loans are not accounted for as previously described because the estimation of cash flows to be collected involves a high degree of uncertainty. Under these circumstances, the accounting guidance provides that interest income is recognized on a cash basis similar to the cost recovery methodology for nonaccrual loans. The net carrying amounts in the preceding schedule also include the amounts for these loans, which were not significant at March 31, 2015 and were $5.3 million at December 31, 2014 .
Changes in the accretable yield for PCI loans were as follows: 
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
45,055

 
$
77,528

Accretion
(9,583
)
 
(22,307
)
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference
13,281

 
8,920

Disposals and other
2,178

 
1,624

Balance at end of period
$
50,931

 
$
65,765

Note: Amounts have been adjusted based on refinements to the original estimates of the accretable yield.
The primary drivers of reclassification to accretable yield from nonaccretable difference and increases in disposals and other resulted primarily from (1) changes in estimated cash flows, (2) unexpected payments on nonaccrual loans, and (3) recoveries on zero balance loans pools. See subsequent discussion under changes in cash flow estimates.

ALLL Determination
For all acquired loans, the ALLL is only established for credit deterioration subsequent to the date of acquisition and represents our estimate of the inherent losses in excess of the book value of acquired loans. The ALLL for acquired loans is included in the overall ALLL in the balance sheet.

31


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


During the three months ended March 31, 2015 , and 2014 , we adjusted the ALLL for acquired loans by recording a negative provision for loan losses of $(0.8) million and $(2.7) million , respectively. The provision is net of the ALLL reversals discussed subsequently.

Changes in the provision for loan losses and related ALLL are driven in large part by the same factors that affect the changes in reclassification from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield, as discussed under changes in cash flow estimates.

Changes in Cash Flow Estimates
Over the life of the loan or loan pool, we continue to estimate cash flows expected to be collected. We evaluate quarterly at the balance sheet date whether the estimated present values of these loans using the effective interest rates have decreased below their carrying values. If so, we record a provision for loan losses.

For increases in carrying values that resulted from better-than-expected cash flows, we use such increases first to reverse any existing ALLL. During the three months ended March 31, total reversals to the ALLL, including the impact of increases in estimated cash flows, were $1.4 million in 2015 and $2.9 million in 2014 , respectively. When there is no current ALLL, we increase the amount of accretable yield on a prospective basis over the remaining life of the loan and recognize this increase in interest income. Changes that increase cash flows have been due primarily to (1) the enhanced economic status of borrowers compared to original evaluations, (2) improvements in the Southern California market where the majority of these loans were originated, and (3) efforts by our credit officers and loan workout professionals to resolve problem loans.

For the three months ended March 31, the impact of increased cash flow estimates recognized in the statement of income for acquired loans with no ALLL was approximately $7.4 million in 2015 and $18.5 million in 2014 , respectively, of additional interest income.

7.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Objectives
Our objectives in using derivatives are to add stability to interest income or expense, to modify the duration of specific assets or liabilities as we consider advisable, to manage exposure to interest rate movements or other identified risks, and/or to directly offset derivatives sold to our customers. To accomplish these objectives, we use interest rate swaps as part of our cash flow hedging strategy. These derivatives are used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with designated commercial loans.

Interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts in exchange for variable rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying principal amount. Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges, including basis swap agreements, are not speculative and are used to economically manage our exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks, but do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements.

Accounting
We record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Note 10 discusses the process to estimate fair value for derivatives. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to variability in expected cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives used to manage the exposure to risk are considered credit derivatives. When put in place after purchase of the asset(s) to be protected, these derivatives generally may not be designated as accounting hedges.

For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in earnings together with changes in the fair value of the related hedged item. The net amount, if any, representing hedge ineffectiveness, is reflected in earnings. In previous years, we used fair value hedges to manage interest rate exposure to certain long-term debt. These hedges have been terminated and their remaining balances are being amortized into earnings, as discussed subsequently.

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in OCI and recognized in earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges is recognized directly in earnings.

No derivatives have been designated for hedges of investments in foreign operations.

We assess the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in fair value or cash flows on the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in fair value or cash flows on the designated hedged item or transaction. For derivatives not designated as accounting hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.

The remaining balances of any derivative instruments terminated prior to maturity, including amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) for swap hedges, are accreted or amortized to interest income or expense over the period to their previously stated maturity dates.

Amounts in AOCI are reclassified to interest income as interest is earned on variable rate loans and as amounts for terminated hedges are accreted or amortized to earnings. For the 12 months following March 31, 2015 , we estimate that an additional $3.4 million will be reclassified.

Collateral and Credit Risk

32


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Exposure to credit risk arises from the possibility of nonperformance by counterparties. Financial institutions which are well capitalized and well established are the counterparties for those derivatives entered into for asset liability management and to offset derivatives sold to our customers. The Company reduces its counterparty exposure for derivative contracts by centrally clearing all eligible derivatives.

For those derivatives that are not centrally cleared, the counterparties are typically financial institutions or customers of the Company. For those that are financial institutions, we manage our credit exposure through the use of a Credit Support Annex (“CSA”) to International Swaps and Derivative Association (“ISDA”) master agreements. Eligible collateral types are documented by the CSA and are controlled under the Company’s general credit policies and are typically monitored on a daily basis. A valuation haircut policy reflects the fact that collateral may fall in value between the date the collateral is called and the date of liquidation or enforcement. In practice, all of the Company’s collateral held as credit risk mitigation under a CSA is cash.

We offer interest rate swaps to our customers to assist them in managing their exposure to changing interest rates. Upon issuance, all of these customer swaps are immediately “hedged” by offsetting derivative contracts, such that the Company minimizes its interest rate risk exposure resulting from such transactions. Most of these customers do not have the capability for centralized clearing. Therefore we manage the credit risk through loan underwriting which includes a credit risk exposure formula for the swap, the same collateral and guarantee protection applicable to the loan and credit approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures. Fee income from customer swaps is included in other service charges, commissions and fees. No significant losses on derivative instruments have occurred as a result of counterparty nonperformance. Nevertheless, the related credit risk is considered and measured when and where appropriate. See Note 6 for further discussion of our underwriting, collateral requirements, and other procedures used to address credit risk.

Our derivative contracts require us to pledge collateral for derivatives that are in a net liability position at a given balance sheet date. Certain of these derivative contracts contain credit-risk-related contingent features that include the requirement to maintain a minimum debt credit rating. We may be required to pledge additional collateral if a credit-risk-related feature were triggered, such as a downgrade of our credit rating. However, in past situations, not all counterparties have demanded that additional collateral be pledged when provided for under their contracts. At March 31, 2015 , the fair value of our derivative liabilities was $81.1 million , for which we were required to pledge cash collateral of approximately $65.8 million in the normal course of business. If our credit rating were downgraded one notch by either Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s at March 31, 2015 , the additional amount of collateral we could be required to pledge is approximately $1.8 million . As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, all newly eligible derivatives entered into are cleared through a central clearinghouse. Derivatives that are centrally cleared do not have credit-risk-related features that require additional collateral if our credit rating were downgraded.

Derivative Amounts
Selected information with respect to notional amounts and recorded gross fair values at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , and the related gain (loss) of derivative instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is summarized as follows:

33


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Notional
amount
 
Fair value
 
Notional
amount
 
Fair value
(In thousands)
Other
assets
 
Other
liabilities
 
Other
assets
 
Other
liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
300,000

 
$
4,623

 
$

 
$
275,000

 
$
1,508

 
$
123

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
300,000

 
4,623

 

 
275,000

 
1,508

 
123

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps for customers 2
3,048,760

 
58,982

 
62,452

 
2,770,052

 
48,287

 
50,669

Foreign exchange
355,708

 
20,373

 
18,671

 
443,721

 
16,625

 
15,272

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
3,404,468

 
79,355

 
81,123

 
3,213,773

 
64,912

 
65,941

Total derivatives
$
3,704,468

 
$
83,978

 
$
81,123

 
$
3,488,773

 
$
66,420

 
$
66,064

 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Amount of derivative gain (loss) recognized/reclassified
(In thousands)
 
OCI
 
Reclassified
from AOCI
to interest
income
3
 
Noninterest
income
(expense)
 
Offset to
interest
expense
 
OCI
 
Reclassified
from AOCI
to interest
income 3
 
Noninterest
income
(expense)
 
Offset to
interest
expense
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges 1 :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
4,253

 
$
1,016

 
$

 
 
 
$
538

 
$
351

 
$

 
 

4,253

 
1,016

 

 
 
 
538

 
351

 

 
 
Liability derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Terminated swaps on long-term debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
468

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
718

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
4,253

 
1,016

 

 
468

 
538

 
351

 

 
718

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6

 
 
Interest rate swaps for customers 2
 
 
 
 
517

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(549
)
 
 
Futures contracts
 
 
 
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Foreign exchange
 
 
 
 
2,735

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,711

 
 
Total return swap
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7,427
)
 
 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
3,253

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6,259
)
 
 
Total derivatives
$
4,253

 
$
1,016

 
$
3,253

 
$
468

 
$
538

 
$
351

 
$
(6,259
)
 
$
718


Note: These schedules are not intended to present at any given time the Company’s long/short position with respect to its derivative contracts.
1  
Amounts recognized in OCI and reclassified from AOCI represent the effective portion of the derivative gain.
2  
Amounts include both the customer swaps and the offsetting derivative contracts.
3  
Amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 of $1.0 million and $0.4 million , respectively, are the amounts of reclassification to earnings from AOCI presented in Note 8.

At March 31, the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities were reduced by net credit valuation adjustments of $3.3 million and $0.1 million in 2015 , and $1.6 million and $1.2 million in 2014 , respectively. These adjustments are required to reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk.

8.
DEBT AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

34


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Long-term debt is summarized as follows:
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Junior subordinated debentures related to trust preferred securities
 
$
168,043

 
$
168,043

Convertible subordinated notes
 
138,002

 
132,838

Subordinated notes
 
335,341

 
335,798

Senior notes
 
424,901

 
432,385

FHLB advances
 
22,009

 
22,156

Capital lease obligations and other
 
1,025

 
1,062

Total
 
$
1,089,321

 
$
1,092,282

The preceding carrying values represent the par value of the debt adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount or other basis adjustments, including the value of associated hedges.


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ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Maturities of long-term debt in 2015 include the following:
 
 
Coupon
rate
 
Carrying value
 
 
(Amounts in thousands)
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Convertible subordinated note
 
6.00%
 
$
73,397

 
September 15, 2015
Subordinated note
 
6.00%
 
32,706

 
September 15, 2015
Convertible subordinated note
 
5.50%
 
64,606

 
November 16, 2015
Subordinated note
 
5.50%
 
52,744

 
November 16, 2015
 
 
 
 
$
223,453

 
 
In addition, at March 31, 2015 , we have optional early redemptions totaling $30.3 million for long-term senior notes as follows: $19.2 million on May 30, 2015 and $11.1 million on June 30, 2016 . We have given notice that we will redeem in full the $19.2 million of senior notes. During the first quarter of 2015 , we redeemed $8 million of senior notes.
Basel III Capital Framework
Effective January 1, 2015, we adopted the new Basel III capital framework that was issued by the Federal Reserve for U.S. banking organizations. We adopted the new capital rules on a 2015 phase-in basis and will adopt the fully phased-in requirements effective January 1, 2019. As of March 31, 2015, we made the “opt-out” election with respect to the regulatory capital treatment of AOCI under the Basel III framework.
Among other things, the new rules revise capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, and they modify specified quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities, and capital. The impact of these new rules will require the Company to maintain capital in excess of current “well-capitalized” regulatory standards.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Changes in AOCI by component are as follows:
(In thousands)

 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives and other
 
Pension and post-retirement
 
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
 
$
(91,921
)
 
 
 
$
2,226

 
 
$
(38,346
)
 
$
(128,041
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax
 
 
11,424

 
 
 
2,189

 
 

 
13,613

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax
 
 
148

 
 
 
(629
)
 
 

 
(481
)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
11,572

 
 
 
1,560

 
 

 
13,132

Balance at March 31, 2015
 
 
$
(80,349
)
 
 
 
$
3,786

 
 
$
(38,346
)
 
$
(114,909
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense included in other comprehensive income
 
 
$
6,957

 
 
 
$
1,088

 
 
$

 
$
8,045

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
 
 
$
(168,805
)
 
 
 
$
1,556

 
 
$
(24,852
)
 
$
(192,101
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax
 
 
73,907

 
 
 
(2,521
)
 
 

 
71,386

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax
 
 
(24,537
)
 
 
 
(210
)
 
 

 
(24,747
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
49,370

 
 
 
(2,731
)
 
 

 
46,639

Balance at March 31, 2014
 
 
$
(119,435
)
 
 
 
$
(1,175
)
 
 
$
(24,852
)
 
$
(145,462
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense (benefit) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
$
40,396

 
 
 
$
(1,683
)
 
 
$

 
$
38,713


36


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


 
 
Amounts reclassified
from AOCI 1
Statement of income (SI) Balance sheet
(BS)
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
Details about AOCI components
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Affected line item
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains (losses) on investment securities
 
$
(239
)
 
$
30,914

 
SI
 
Fixed income securities gains (losses), net
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
(91
)
 
6,074

 
 
 
 
 
 
(148
)
 
24,840

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses on investment
securities
 

 
(27
)
 
SI
 
Net impairment losses on investment securities
Income tax benefit
 

 
(10
)
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
(17
)
 
 
 
 
Accretion of securities with noncredit-related impairment losses not expected to be sold
 

 
(482
)
 
BS
 
Investment securities, held-to-maturity
Deferred income taxes
 

 
196

 
BS
 
Other assets
 
 
$
(148
)
 
$
24,537

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains on derivative instruments
 
$
1,016

 
$
351

 
SI
 
Interest and fees on loans
Income tax expense
 
387

 
141

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
629

 
$
210

 
 
 
 
1 Negative reclassification amounts indicate decreases to earnings in the statement of income and increases to balance sheet assets. The opposite applies to positive reclassification amounts.

9.
INCOME TAXES
The income tax expense rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was lower than the blended statutory rate of 38.25% primarily because of the nontaxability of certain income items.
Net deferred tax assets were approximately $213 million at March 31, 2015 and $224 million at December 31, 2014 . We evaluate net deferred tax assets on a regular basis to determine whether an additional valuation allowance is required. Based on this evaluation, and considering the weight of the positive evidence compared to the negative evidence, we have concluded that an additional valuation allowance is not required as of March 31, 2015 .

10.
FAIR VALUE
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. To measure fair value, a hierarchy has been established that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. This hierarchy uses three levels of inputs to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities as follows:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access;
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than Level 1 including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in less active markets, observable inputs other than quoted prices that are used in the valuation of an asset or liability, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means; and
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity for financial instruments whose value is determined by pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

37


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is classified is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measure in its entirety. Market activity is presumed to be orderly in the absence of evidence of forced or disorderly sales, although such sales may still be indicative of fair value. Applicable accounting guidance precludes the use of blockage factors or liquidity adjustments due to the quantity of securities held by an entity.

We use fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities on a recurring basis when fair value is the primary measure for accounting. Fair value is used on a nonrecurring basis to measure certain assets when adjusting carrying values, such as the application of lower of cost or fair value accounting, including recognition of impairment on assets. Fair value is also used when providing required disclosures for certain financial instruments.

Fair Value Policies and Procedures
We have various policies, processes and controls in place to ensure that fair values are reasonably developed, reviewed and approved for use. These include a Securities Valuation Committee (“SVC”) comprised of executive management appointed by the Board of Directors. The SVC reviews and approves on a quarterly basis the key components of fair value estimation, including critical valuation assumptions for Level 3 modeling. Attribution analyses are completed when significant changes occur between quarters. The SVC also requires quarterly back testing of certain significant assumptions. A Model Risk Management Group conducts model validations, including internal models, and sets policies and procedures for revalidation, including the timing of revalidation.

Third Party Service Providers
We use a third party pricing service to provide pricing for approximately 90% of our AFS Level 2 securities, and an internal model to estimate fair value for approximately 98% of our AFS Level 3 securities. Fair values for the remaining AFS Level 2 and Level 3 securities generally use standard form discounted cash flow modeling with certain inputs corroborated by market data.

For Level 2 securities, the third party pricing service provides documentation on an ongoing basis that presents market corroborative data, including detail pricing information and market reference data. The documentation includes benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data, including information from the vendor trading platform. We review, test and validate this information as appropriate. Absent observable trade data, we do not adjust prices from our third party sources.

For Level 3 securities, we review and evaluate on a quarterly basis the relevant modeling assumptions. These include PDs, LGD rates, over-collateralization levels, and rating transition probability matrices from ratings agencies. In addition, we also compare the results and valuation with our information about market trends and trading data. This includes information regarding trading prices, implied discounts, outlier information, valuation assumptions, etc.

The following describes the hierarchy designations, valuation methodologies, and key inputs to measure fair value on a recurring basis for designated financial instruments:
Available-for-Sale and Trading
U.S. Treasury, Agencies and Corporations
U.S. Treasury securities are measured under Level 1 using quoted market prices. U.S. agencies and corporations are measured under Level 2 generally using the previously discussed third party pricing service.

Municipal Securities
Municipal securities are measured under Level 2 using the third party pricing service, or under Level 3 using a discounted cash flow approach. Valuation inputs include Baa municipal curves, as well as FHLB and London

38


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) swap curves. Additional valuation inputs include internal credit scoring, and security- and client-type groupings.

Asset-Backed Securities: Trust Preferred Collateralized Debt Obligations
The majority of the CDO portfolio is measured under Level 3 primarily with the internal model using an income-based cash flow modeling approach incorporating several methodologies. The Company inputs its own key valuation assumptions:
Trust preferred – banks and insurance: We primarily use an internal model for our bank and insurance CDO securities. Our “ratio-based approach” utilizes a statistical regression of regulatory ratios we have identified as predictive of future bank failures and bank holding company defaults to create a credit-specific PD for each bank issuer. The approach generally references trailing quarter regulatory data, financial ratios and macroeconomic factors.
The PDs used depend on whether the collateral is performing or deferring. Deferring PDs increase, all else being equal, as the deferral ages and approaches the end of its allowable five-year deferral period. The internal model includes the expectation that deferrals that do not default will pay their contractually required back interest and return to a current status at the end of five years. Estimates of loss for the individual pieces of underlying collateral are aggregated to arrive at a pool-level loss rate for each CDO. These loss assumptions are applied to the CDO’s structure to generate cash flow projections for each tranche of the CDO.
We utilize a present value technique to identify both the OTTI present in the CDO tranches and to estimate fair value. To estimate fair value, we discount the credit-adjusted cash flows of each CDO tranche at a tranche-specific discount rate derived from trading data and a measure of the credit risk in the CDO tranche. Because these securities are not traded on exchanges and trading prices are not posted on the TRACE ® system (Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine ® ), we seek information from market participants to obtain trade price information.
Trading data is generally limited and may include trades of tranches within our same CDO. We use this limited trade data along with our modeled expected credit-adjusted cash flows to determine a relationship between the market required yield and the downside variability of the returns of each CDO security. The downside variability for this purpose is a measure of the downside variability of cash flows from the mean estimate of cash flow.
In addition to the trust preferred CDOs, we hold two single-name bank trust preferred securities, which were both transferred to Level 2 from Level 3 during the first quarter of 2014.
Mutual funds and other
Mutual funds and other securities are measured under Level 1 or Level 2. For Level 1, quoted market prices are used which may include net asset values or their equivalents. Level 2 valuations generally use quoted prices for similar securities.
Trading account
Securities in the trading account are measured under Level 1 using quoted market prices. If not available, quoted prices under Level 2 for similar securities are used.
Bank-Owned Life Insurance
Bank-owned life insurance is measured under Level 2 according to cash surrender values (“CSVs”) of the insurance policies that are provided by a third party service. Nearly all policies are general account policies with CSVs based on the Company’s claims on the assets of the insurance companies. The insurances companies’ investments include predominantly fixed income securities consisting of investment-grade corporate bonds and various types of mortgage instruments. Average duration ranges from five to eight years. Management regularly reviews investment performance, including concentrations of investments and regulatory restrictions.

39


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Private Equity Investments
Private equity investments are measured under Level 3. The Equity Investments Committee, consisting of executives familiar with the investments, reviews periodic financial information, including audited financial statements when available. Certain analytics may be employed that include current and projected financial performance, recent financing activities, economic and market conditions, market comparables, market liquidity, sales restrictions, and other factors. The amount of unfunded commitments to invest is disclosed in Note 11. Certain restrictions apply for the redemption of these investments and certain investments are prohibited by the Volcker Rule. See discussions in Notes 5 and 11.
Agriculture Loan Servicing
This asset results from our servicing of agriculture loans approved and funded by FAMC. We provide this servicing under an agreement with Farmer Mac for loans they own. The asset’s fair value represents our projection of the present value of future cash flows measured under Level 3 using discounted cash flow methodologies.
Interest-Only Strips
Interest-only strips are created as a by-product of the securitization process. When the guaranteed portions of SBA 7(a) loans are pooled, interest-only strips may be created in the pooling process. The asset’s fair value represents our projection of the present value of future cash flows measured under Level 3 using discounted cash flow methodologies.
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets and Obligations
Invested assets in the deferred compensation plan consist of shares of registered investment companies. These mutual funds are valued under Level 1 at quoted market prices, which represents the NAV of shares held by the plan at the end of the period.
Derivatives
Derivatives are measured according to their classification as either exchange-traded or over-the-counter (“OTC”). Exchange-traded derivatives consist of forward currency exchange contracts measured under Level 1 because they are traded in active markets. OTC derivatives, including those for customers, consist of interest rate swaps and options. These derivatives are measured under Level 2 using third party services. Observable market inputs include yield curves (the LIBOR swap curve and relevant overnight index swap curves), foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, option volatilities, counterparty credit risk, and other related data. Credit valuation adjustments are required to reflect nonperformance risk for both the Company and the respective counterparty. These adjustments are determined generally by applying a credit spread to the total expected exposure of the derivative.
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
Securities sold, not yet purchased, included in “Federal funds and other short-term borrowings” on the balance sheet, are measured under Level 1 using quoted market prices. If not available, quoted prices under Level 2 for similar securities are used.

40


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Quantitative Disclosure of Fair Value Measurements
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value by class on a recurring basis are summarized as follows:
(In thousands)
March 31, 2015
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury, agencies and corporations
$

 
$
3,655,221

 
$

 
$
3,655,221

Municipal securities
 
 
173,145

 
2,465

 
175,610

Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred – banks and insurance
 
 
23,179

 
438,338

 
461,517

Other
 
 
638

 
4,826

 
5,464

Mutual funds and other
124,443

 
28,247

 
 
 
152,690

 
124,443

 
3,880,430

 
445,629

 
4,450,502

Trading account
 
 
71,392

 
 
 
71,392

Other noninterest-bearing investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank-owned life insurance
 
 
478,926

 
 
 
478,926

Private equity
 
 


 
107,448

 
107,448

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agriculture loan servicing and interest-only strips

 


 
12,001

 
12,001

Deferred compensation plan assets
91,368

 


 


 
91,368

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate related and other
 
 
5,408

 
 
 
5,408

Interest rate swaps for customers
 
 
58,982

 
 
 
58,982

Foreign currency exchange contracts
20,373

 
 
 
 
 
20,373

 
20,373

 
64,390

 

 
84,763

 
$
236,184

 
$
4,495,138

 
$
565,078

 
$
5,296,400

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold, not yet purchased
$
6,749

 
$

 
$

 
$
6,749

Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan obligations
91,368

 

 

 
91,368

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate related and other
 
 
176

 
 
 
176

Interest rate swaps for customers
 
 
62,452

 
 
 
62,452

Foreign currency exchange contracts
18,671

 
 
 
 
 
18,671

 
18,671

 
62,628

 

 
81,299

 
$
116,788

 
$
62,628

 
$

 
$
179,416


41


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(In thousands)
December 31, 2014
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury, agencies and corporations
$

 
$
3,098,208

 
$

 
$
3,098,208

Municipal securities
 
 
185,093

 
4,164

 
189,257

Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred – banks and insurance
 
 
22,701

 
393,007

 
415,708

Auction rate
 
 
 
 
4,761

 
4,761

Other
 
 
666

 
25

 
691

Mutual funds and other
105,348

 
30,275

 
 
 
135,623

 
105,348

 
3,336,943

 
401,957

 
3,844,248

Trading account
 
 
70,601

 
 
 
70,601

Other noninterest-bearing investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank-owned life insurance
 
 
476,290

 
 
 
476,290

Private equity
 
 


 
99,865

 
99,865

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agriculture loan servicing and interest-only strips

 


 
12,227

 
12,227

Deferred compensation plan assets
88,878

 


 


 
88,878

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate related and other
 
 
1,508

 
 
 
1,508

Interest rate swaps for customers
 
 
48,287

 
 
 
48,287

Foreign currency exchange contracts
16,625

 
 
 
 
 
16,625

 
16,625

 
49,795

 

 
66,420

 
$
210,851

 
$
3,933,629

 
$
514,049

 
$
4,658,529

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold, not yet purchased
$
24,230

 
$

 
$

 
$
24,230

Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan obligations
88,878

 

 

 
88,878

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate related and other
 
 
297

 
 
 
297

Interest rate swaps for customers
 
 
50,669

 
 
 
50,669

Foreign currency exchange contracts
15,272

 
 
 
 
 
15,272

 
15,272

 
50,966

 

 
66,238

Other
 
 
 
 
13

 
13

 
$
128,380

 
$
50,966

 
$
13

 
$
179,359


The fair value of the Level 3 bank and insurance CDO portfolio would generally be adversely affected by significant increases in the constant default rate (“CDR”) for performing collateral, the loss percentage expected from deferring collateral, and the discount rate used. The fair value of the portfolio would generally be positively affected by increases in interest rates and prepayment rates. For a specific tranche within a CDO, the directionality of the fair value change for a given assumption change may differ depending on the seniority level of the tranche. For example, faster prepayment may increase the fair value of a senior most tranche of a CDO while decreasing the fair value of a more junior tranche.


42


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Reconciliation of Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
The following reconciles the beginning and ending balances of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value by class on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs:
 
Level 3 Instruments
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(In thousands)
Municipal
securities

Trust 
preferred – banks and insurance

Trust
preferred
 – REIT

Other

Private
equity
investments

Ag loan svcg and int-only strips

Derivatives
and other
liabilities

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
4,164

 
$
393,007

 
$

 
$
4,786

 
$
99,865

 
$
12,227

 
$
(13
)
Net gains (losses) included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accretion of purchase discount on securities available-for-sale
2

 
257

 


 


 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends and other investment income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,074

 
 
 
 
Equity securities losses, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,253

 
 
 
 
Fixed income securities gains (losses), net
31

 
(323
)
 

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
Other noninterest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4

 
 
Other noninterest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13

Other comprehensive income (loss)
127

 
(6,949
)
 


 
42

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of HTM securities reclassified as AFS
 
 
57,308

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,052

 
171

 
 
Sales

 
(2,613
)
 

 

 
(1,517
)
 
 
 
 
Redemptions and paydowns
(1,859
)
 
(2,349
)
 
 
 
(2
)
 
(279
)
 
(401
)
 

Balance at March 31, 2015
$
2,465

 
$
438,338

 
$

 
$
4,826

 
$
107,448

 
$
12,001

 
$


 
Level 3 Instruments
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In thousands)
Municipal
securities

Trust 
preferred – banks and insurance

Trust
preferred – REIT

Auction
rate

Other
asset-backed

Private
equity
investments

Ag loan svcg and int-only strips

Derivatives
and other
liabilities

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
10,662

 
$
1,238,820

 
$
22,996

 
$
6,599

 
$
25,800

 
$
82,410

 
$
8,852

 
$
(4,303
)
Net gains (losses) included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accretion of purchase discount on securities available-for-sale
10

 
720

 

 
1

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends and other investment income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,695
)
 
 
 
 
Fair value and nonhedge derivative loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
(7,427
)
Fixed income securities gains, net
16

 
18,582

 
1,399

 


 
10,917

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other noninterest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
481

 
 
Other noninterest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(274
)
 
94,462

 


 
(40
)
 
(15
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,356

 
2,077

 
 
Sales
 
 
(546,388
)
 
(24,395
)
 
 
 
(36,669
)
 
(824
)
 
 
 
 
Redemptions and paydowns
(230
)
 
(46,786
)
 
 
 


 
(3
)
 
(195
)
 
(203
)
 
6,090

Transfers to Level 2
 
 
(69,193
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2014
$
10,184

 
$
690,217

 
$

 
$
6,560

 
$
30

 
$
81,052

 
$
11,207

 
$
(5,632
)

43


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The preceding reconciling amounts using Level 3 inputs include the following realized amounts in the statement of income:
 
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends and other investment income
$

 
$
34

 
Fixed income securities gains (losses), net
(292
)
 
30,914


Except as previously discussed, no other transfers of assets or liabilities occurred among Levels 1, 2 or 3 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 . Transfers are considered to have occurred as of the end of the reporting period.

Following is a summary of quantitative information relating to the principal valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 instruments measured on a recurring and nonrecurring basis:

 
Level 3 Instruments
 
Quantitative information at March 31, 2015
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Fair value
 
Principal valuation techniques
 
Significant unobservable inputs
 
Range of inputs
(% annually)
Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred – predominantly banks
$
438,338

 
Discounted cash flow
Market comparables
 
Constant prepayment rate
 
until maturity – 2.0%
 
 
 
 
 
Constant default rate
 
yr 1 – 0.3% to 0.5%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
yrs 2-5 – 0.5% to 0.7%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
yrs 6 to maturity – 0.6% to 0.7%
 
 
 
 
 
Loss given default
 
100%
 
 
 
 
 
Loss given deferral
 
11.9% to 100%
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
(spread over forward LIBOR)
 
3.7% to 5.4%

 
Level 3 Instruments
 
Quantitative information at December 31, 2014
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Fair value
 
Principal valuation techniques
 
Significant unobservable inputs
 
Range of inputs
(% annually)
Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred – predominantly banks
$
393,007

 
Discounted cash flow
Market comparables
 
Constant prepayment rate
 
until maturity – 2.0%
 
 
 
 
 
Constant default rate
 
yr 1 – 0.3% to 0.8%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
yrs 2-5 – 0.5% to 0.9%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
yrs 6 to maturity – 0.6% to 0.7%
 
 
 
 
 
Loss given default
 
100%
 
 
 
 
 
Loss given deferral
 
14.5% to 100%
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
(spread over forward LIBOR)
 
3.4% to 5.6%


44


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
Included in the balance sheet amounts are the following amounts of assets that had fair value changes during the year-to-date period measured on a nonrecurring basis.
(In thousands)
Fair value at March 31, 2015
 
Fair value at December 31, 2014
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity investments, carried at cost
$

 
$

 
$
1,997

 
$
1,997

 
$

 
$

 
$
23,454

 
$
23,454

Impaired loans

 
9,793

 

 
9,793

 

 
20,494

 

 
20,494

Other real estate owned

 
2,886

 

 
2,886

 

 
8,034

 

 
8,034

 
$

 
$
12,679

 
$
1,997

 
$
14,676

 
$

 
$
28,528

 
$
23,454

 
$
51,982


The previous fair values may not be current as of the dates indicated, but rather as of the date the fair value change occurred, such as a charge for impairment. Accordingly, carrying values may not equal current fair value.
 
Gains (losses) from fair value changes
(In thousands)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
2015
 
2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
HTM securities adjusted for OTTI
$

 
$
(27
)
Private equity investments, carried at cost
(1,153
)
 

Impaired loans
(4,487
)
 
(2,177
)
Other real estate owned
(1,008
)
 
(2,234
)
 
$
(6,648
)
 
$
(4,438
)

During the three months ended March 31, we recognized net gains of $0.7 million in 2015 and $1.0 million in 2014 from the sale of other real estate owned (“OREO”) properties that had a carrying value at the time of sale of approximately $4.1 million and $10.0 million , respectively. Previous to their sale in these periods, we recognized impairment on these properties of an insignificant amount in 2015 and $0.2 million in 2014 .

HTM securities adjusted for OTTI were measured at fair value using the same methodology for trust preferred CDO securities.

Private equity investments carried at cost were measured at fair value for impairment purposes according to the methodology previously discussed for these investments. Amounts of private equity investments carried at cost were $33.3 million at March 31, 2015 and $39.1 million at December 31, 2014 . Amounts of other noninterest-bearing investments carried at cost were $250.5 million at March 31, 2015 and $250.7 million at December 31, 2014 , which were comprised of Federal Reserve, Federal Home Loan Bank, and Farmer Mac stock.

Impaired (or nonperforming) loans that are collateral-dependent were measured at fair value based on the fair value of the collateral. OREO was measured initially at fair value based on property appraisals at the time of transfer and subsequently at the lower of cost or fair value.

Measurement of fair value for collateral-dependent loans and OREO was based on third party appraisals that utilize one or more valuation techniques (income, market and/or cost approaches). Any adjustments to calculated fair value were made based on recently completed and validated third party appraisals, third party appraisal services, automated valuation services, or our informed judgment. Evaluations were made to determine that the appraisal process met the relevant concepts and requirements of applicable accounting guidance.


45


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Automated valuation services may be used primarily for residential properties when values from any of the previous methods were not available within 90 days of the balance sheet date. These services use models based on market, economic, and demographic values. The use of these models has only occurred in a very few instances and the related property valuations have not been significant to consider disclosure under Level 3 rather than Level 2.

Impaired loans not collateral-dependent were measured at fair valued based on the present value of future cash flows discounted at the expected coupon rates over the lives of the loans. Because the loans were not discounted at market interest rates, the valuations do not represent fair value and have been excluded from the nonrecurring fair value balance in the preceding schedules.

Fair Value of Certain Financial Instruments
Following is a summary of the carrying values and estimated fair values of certain financial instruments:
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
Carrying
value
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Level
 
Carrying
value
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Level
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HTM investment securities
$
590,950

 
$
602,355

 
3
 
$
647,252

 
$
677,196

 
3
Loans and leases (including loans held for sale), net of allowance
39,689,047

 
39,573,365

 
3
 
39,591,499

 
39,426,498

 
3
Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits
2,344,818

 
2,349,454

 
2
 
2,406,924

 
2,408,550

 
2
Foreign deposits
382,985

 
382,873

 
2
 
328,391

 
328,447

 
2
Long-term debt (less fair value hedges)
1,088,285

 
1,149,869

 
2
 
1,090,778

 
1,159,287

 
2

This summary excludes financial assets and liabilities for which carrying value approximates fair value. For financial assets, these include cash and due from banks and money market investments. For financial liabilities, these include demand, savings and money market deposits, and federal funds purchased and security repurchase agreements. The estimated fair value of demand, savings and money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. Carrying value is used because the accounts have no stated maturity and the customer has the ability to withdraw funds immediately. Also excluded from the summary are financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, as previously described.

HTM investment securities primarily consist of municipal securities and, through December 31, 2014 , bank and insurance trust preferred CDOs. They were measured at fair value according to the methodologies previously discussed for these investment types.

Loans are measured at fair value according to their status as nonimpaired or impaired. For nonimpaired loans, fair value is estimated by discounting future cash flows using the LIBOR yield curve adjusted by a factor which reflects the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan. These future cash flows are then reduced by the estimated “life-of-the-loan” aggregate credit losses in the loan portfolio. These adjustments for lifetime future credit losses are derived from the methods used to estimate the ALLL for our loan portfolio and are adjusted quarterly as necessary to reflect the most recent loss experience. Impaired loans are already considered to be held at fair value, except those whose fair value is determined by discounting cash flows, as discussed previously. See Impaired Loans in Note 6 for details on the impairment measurement method for impaired loans. Loans, other than those held for sale, are not normally purchased and sold by the Company, and there are no active trading markets for most of this portfolio.

Time and foreign deposits, and any other short-term borrowings, are measured at fair value by discounting future cash flows using the LIBOR yield curve to the given maturity dates.


46


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Long-term debt is measured at fair value based on actual market trades (i.e., an asset value) when available, or discounting cash flows to maturity using the LIBOR yield curve adjusted for credit spreads.

These fair value disclosures represent our best estimates based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments. Fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, future expected loss experience, risk characteristics of the various instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment, and cannot be determined with precision. Changes in these methodologies and assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

11.
COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Commitments and Guarantees
Contractual amounts of off-balance sheet financial instruments used to meet the financing needs of our customers are as follows:
(In thousands)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
 
 
 
Net unfunded commitments to extend credit 1
$
16,528,689

 
$
16,658,757

Standby letters of credit:
 
 
 
Financial
753,853

 
745,895

Performance
191,753

 
183,482

Commercial letters of credit
68,807

 
32,144

Total unfunded lending commitments
$
17,543,102

 
$
17,620,278

1  
Net of participations

The Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K contains further information about these commitments and guarantees including their terms and collateral requirements. At March 31, 2015 , the Company had recorded approximately $15.0 million as a liability for the guarantees associated with the standby letters of credit, which consisted of $12.0 million attributable to the RULC and $3.0 million of deferred commitment fees.

At March 31, 2015 , the Parent has guaranteed $15.0 million of debt of affiliated trusts issuing trust preferred securities.

At March 31, 2015 , we had unfunded commitments for private equity investments of approximately $35 million . These obligations have no stated maturity. Certain PEIs related to these commitments are prohibited by the Volcker Rule. See related discussions about these investments in Notes 5 and 10.

Legal Matters
We are subject to litigation in court and arbitral proceedings, as well as proceedings, investigations, examinations and other actions brought or considered by governmental and self-regulatory agencies. Litigation may relate to lending, deposit and other customer relationships, vendor and contractual issues, employee matters, intellectual property matters, personal injuries and torts, regulatory and legal compliance, and other matters. While most matters relate to individual claims, we are also subject to putative class action claims and similar broader claims. Proceedings, investigations, examinations and other actions brought or considered by governmental and self-regulatory agencies may relate to our banking, investment advisory, trust, securities, and other products and services; our customers’ involvement in money laundering, fraud, securities violations and other illicit activities or our policies and practices relating to such customer activities; and our compliance with the broad range of banking, securities and other laws and regulations applicable to us. At any given time, we may be in the process of responding to subpoenas, requests for documents, data and testimony relating to such matters and engaging in discussions to resolve the matters.

As of March 31, 2015 , we were subject to the following material litigation and governmental inquiries:

a class action case, Reyes v. Zions First National Bank, et. al., which was brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This case relates to our banking relationships with customers that allegedly engaged in wrongful telemarketing practices. The plaintiff is seeking a trebled monetary award under the federal RICO Act. In the third quarter of 2013, the District Court denied the plaintiff’s motion for class certification in the Reyes case. The plaintiff appealed the District Court decision to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. The Third Circuit had not ruled on the appeals as of May 2015.

47


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

a governmental inquiry into possible money laundering activities of a customer of one of our subsidiary banks and the anti-money laundering practices of that bank (conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York). We are unclear about the status of this inquiry.
a governmental inquiry into the practices of our subsidiary, Zions Bank; our former subsidiary, NetDeposit, LLC; and possibly other of our affiliates relating primarily to payment processing for allegedly fraudulent telemarketers and other customer types (conducted by the Department of Justice). This inquiry has been directed towards the banking industry generally, including numerous banks unrelated to us, and had led to a number of enforcement actions. We are unclear about the status of the inquiry as it relates to us.

At least quarterly, we review outstanding and new legal matters, utilizing then available information. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, if we determine that a loss from a matter is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we establish an accrual for the loss. In the absence of such a determination, no accrual is made. Once established, accruals are adjusted to reflect developments relating to the matters.

In our review, we also assess whether we can determine the range of reasonably possible losses for significant matters in which we are unable to determine that the likelihood of a loss is remote. Because of the difficulty of predicting the outcome of legal matters, discussed subsequently, we are able to meaningfully estimate such a range only for a limited number of matters. Based on information available as of March 31, 2015 , we estimated the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses for those matters to be from $0 million to roughly $50 million in excess of amounts accrued. The matters underlying the estimated range will change from time to time, and actual results may vary significantly from this estimate. Those matters for which an estimate is not possible are not included within this estimated range and, therefore, this estimated range does not represent our maximum loss exposure.

Based on our current knowledge, we believe that our current estimated liability for litigation and other legal actions and claims, reflected in our accruals and determined in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, is adequate and that liabilities in excess of the amounts currently accrued, if any, arising from litigation and other legal actions and claims for which an estimate as previously described is possible, will not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. However, in light of the significant uncertainties involved in these matters, and the very large or indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material to our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows for any given reporting period.

Any estimate or determination relating to the future resolution of litigation, arbitration, governmental or self-regulatory examinations, investigations or actions or similar matters is inherently uncertain and involves significant judgment. This is particularly true in the early stages of a legal matter, when legal issues and facts have not been well articulated, reviewed, analyzed, and vetted through discovery, preparation for trial or hearings, substantive and productive mediation or settlement discussions, or other actions. It is also particularly true with respect to class action and similar claims involving multiple defendants, matters with complex procedural requirements or substantive issues or novel legal theories, and examinations, investigations and other actions conducted or brought by governmental and self-regulatory agencies, in which the normal adjudicative process is not applicable. Accordingly, we usually are unable to determine whether a favorable or unfavorable outcome is remote, reasonably likely, or probable, or to estimate the amount or range of a probable or reasonably likely loss, until relatively late in the course of a legal matter, sometimes not until a number of years have elapsed. Accordingly, our judgments and estimates relating to claims will change from time to time in light of developments and actual outcomes will differ from our estimates. These differences may be material.

12.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The following discloses the net periodic benefit cost (credit) and its components for the Company’s pension and postretirement plans:

48



ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
 
Pension benefits
 
Supplemental
retirement
benefits
 
Postretirement
benefits
(In thousands)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$


$

 
$

 
$

 
$
8

 
$
8

Interest cost
 
1,783


1,880

 
101


113

 
10

 
12

Expected return on plan assets
 
(3,090
)

(3,326
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service cost
 
 
 
 
 



13

 


 


Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss
 
1,574


797

 
31


5

 
(13
)
 
(18
)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
 
$
267

 
$
(649
)
 
$
132

 
$
131

 
$
5

 
$
2


As disclosed in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company has frozen its participation and benefit accruals for the pension plan and its contributions for individual benefit payments in the postretirement benefit plan.

13.
OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION
We manage our operations and prepare management reports and other information with a primary focus on geographical area. As of March 31, 2015 , we operate eight community/regional banks in distinct geographical areas. Performance assessment and resource allocation are based upon this geographical structure. Zions Bank operates 100 branches in Utah, 25 branches in Idaho, and one branch in Wyoming. CB&T operates 94 branches in California. Amegy operates 80 branches in Texas. NBAZ operates 66 branches in Arizona. NSB operates 50 branches in Nevada. Vectra operates 36 branches in Colorado and one branch in New Mexico. TCBW operates one branch in the state of Washington. TCBO operates one branch in Oregon. Effective April 1, 2015, TCBO was merged into TCBW.

The operating segment identified as “Other” includes the Parent, Zions Management Services Company (“ZMSC”), certain nonbank financial service subsidiaries, TCBO, and eliminations of transactions between segments. The Parent’s operations are significant to the Other segment. Net interest income is substantially affected by the Parent’s interest on long-term debt. ZMSC provides internal technology and operational services to affiliated operating businesses of the Company. ZMSC charges most of its costs to the affiliates on an approximate break-even basis.

The accounting policies of the individual operating segments are the same as those of the Company. Transactions between operating segments are primarily conducted at fair value, resulting in profits that are eliminated for reporting consolidated results of operations. Operating segments pay for centrally provided services based upon estimated or actual usage of those services.


49


ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following schedule presents selected operating segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 :
(In millions)
Zions Bank
 
Amegy
 
CB&T
 
NBAZ
 
NSB
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
141.1

 
$
142.5

 
$
96.7

 
$
94.7

 
$
95.7

 
$
109.2

 
$
39.0

 
$
40.3

 
$
28.0

 
$
27.9

Provision for loan losses
(4.6
)
 
(8.7
)
 
11.1

 
16.9

 
(4.1
)
 
(2.1
)
 
0.7

 
(3.0
)
 
(8.7
)
 
(2.6
)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
145.7

 
151.2

 
85.6


77.8

 
99.8

 
111.3

 
38.3

 
43.3

 
36.7

 
30.5

Noninterest income
46.8

 
44.0

 
34.0

 
32.0

 
16.7

 
5.8

 
8.5

 
8.3

 
9.0

 
4.9

Noninterest expense
127.4

 
121.5

 
94.0

 
87.0

 
74.4

 
85.3

 
36.9

 
37.3

 
32.1

 
32.1

Income (loss) before income taxes
65.1

 
73.7

 
25.6

 
22.8

 
42.1

 
31.8

 
9.9

 
14.3

 
13.6

 
3.3

Income taxes (benefit)
23.4

 
26.8

 
8.5

 
7.3

 
16.4

 
12.1

 
3.4

 
5.2

 
4.6

 
1.0

Net income (loss)
41.7

 
46.9

 
17.1

 
15.5

 
25.7

 
19.7

 
6.5

 
9.1

 
9.0

 
2.3

Net income (loss) applicable to noncontrolling interests
0.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) applicable to controlling interest
$
41.2

 
$
46.9

 
$
17.1

 
$
15.5

 
$
25.7

 
$
19.7

 
$
6.5

 
$
9.1

 
$
9.0

 
$
2.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET DATA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
18,573

 
$
18,275

 
$
13,964

 
$
13,467

 
$
11,368

 
$
10,889

 
$
4,825

 
$
4,612

 
$
4,164

 
$
3,991

Cash and due from banks
297

 
339

 
183

 
322

 
90

 
166

 
49

 
72

 
71

 
88

Money market investments
2,968

 
3,546

 
2,046

 
2,503

 
1,659

 
1,129

 
396

 
289

 
734

 
700

Total securities
2,468

 
1,596

 
285

 
242

 
337

 
327

 
412

 
365

 
840

 
781

Total loans
12,180

 
12,247

 
10,276

 
9,362

 
8,502

 
8,538

 
3,764

 
3,696

 
2,384

 
2,306

Total deposits
16,160

 
15,980

 
11,478

 
11,099

 
9,701

 
9,273

 
4,178

 
3,952

 
3,755

 
3,598

Shareholder's equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred equity
280

 
280

 
226

 
153

 
162

 
162

 
85

 
120

 
50

 
50

Common equity
1,633

 
1,538

 
1,940

 
1,849

 
1,394

 
1,350

 
485

 
422

 
332

 
318

Noncontrolling interests
11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholder's equity
1,924

 
1,818

 
2,166

 
2,002

 
1,556

 
1,512

 
570

 
542

 
382

 
368

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vectra
 
TCBW
 
Other
 
Consolidated
Company
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
25.7

 
$
25.3

 
$
6.7

 
$
7.0

 
$
(15.5
)
 
$
(30.4
)
 
$
417.4

 
$
416.5

 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
3.8

 
(1.8
)
 
0.1

 
0.7

 
0.2

 

 
(1.5
)
 
(0.6
)
 
 
 
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
21.9

 
27.1

 
6.6

 
6.3

 
(15.7
)
 
(30.4
)
 
418.9

 
417.1

 
 
 
 
Noninterest income
5.0

 
3.8

 
0.9

 
(1.0
)
 
0.9

 
40.5

 
121.8

 
138.3

 
 
 
 
Noninterest expense
23.9

 
25.3

 
6.9

 
4.5

 
1.9

 
5.1

 
397.5

 
398.1

 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
3.0

 
5.6

 
0.6

 
0.8

 
(16.7
)
 
5.0

 
143.2

 
157.3

 
 
 
 
Income taxes (benefit)
0.7

 
1.8

 
0.2

 
0.3

 
(6.0
)
 
1.6

 
51.2

 
56.1

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
2.3

 
3.8

 
0.4

 
0.5

 
(10.7
)
 
3.4

 
92.0

 
101.2

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) applicable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 
(0.5
)
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) applicable to controlling interest
$
2.3

 
$
3.8

 
$
0.4

 
$
0.5

 
$
(10.2
)
 
$
3.4

 
$
92.0

 
$
101.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET DATA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
2,977

 
$
2,569

 
$
896

 
$
873

 
$
51

 
$
758

 
$
56,818

 
$
55,434

 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
29

 
47

 
29

 
21

 
(4
)
 
(17
)
 
744

 
1,038

 
 
 
 
Money market investments
339

 
14

 
119

 
118

 
(248
)
 
(159
)
 
8,013

 
8,140

 
 
 
 
Total securities
191

 
164

 
71

 
90

 
179

 
552

 
4,783

 
4,117

 
 
 
 
Total loans
2,358

 
2,280

 
661

 
631

 
54

 
65

 
40,179

 
39,125

 
 
 
 
Total deposits
2,568

 
2,168

 
766

 
742

 
(1,122
)
 
(1,032
)
 
47,484

 
45,780

 
 
 
 
Shareholder's equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred equity
25

 
70

 
3

 
3

 
173

 
166

 
1,004

 
1,004

 
 
 
 
Common equity
317

 
247

 
90

 
88

 
214

 
(217
)
 
6,405

 
5,595

 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 
(11
)
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
Total shareholder's equity
342

 
317

 
93

 
91

 
376

 
(51
)
 
7,409

 
6,599

 
 
 
 

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ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are based on other than historical data are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and include, among others:
statements with respect to the beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, guidelines, expectations, anticipations, and future financial condition, results of operations and performance of Zions Bancorporation (“the Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively “the Company,” “Zions,” “we,” “our,” “us”); and
statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “projects,” or similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from those presented, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, those presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to:
the Company’s ability to successfully execute its business plans, manage its risks, and achieve its objectives;
changes in local, national and international political and economic conditions, including without limitation the political and economic effects of the recent economic crisis, delay of recovery from that crisis, economic and fiscal imbalances in the United States and other countries, potential or actual downgrades in ratings of sovereign debt issued by the United States and other countries, and other major developments, including wars, military actions, and terrorist attacks;
changes in financial and commodity market prices and conditions, either internationally, nationally or locally in areas in which the Company conducts its operations, including without limitation reduced rates of business formation and growth, commercial and residential real estate development and real estate prices, and energy-related commodity prices;
changes in markets for equity, fixed-income, commercial paper and other securities, including availability, market liquidity levels, and pricing;
changes in interest rates, the quality and composition of the loan and securities portfolios, demand for loan products, deposit flows and competition;
acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses;
increases in the levels of losses, customer bankruptcies, bank failures, claims, and assessments;
changes in fiscal, monetary, regulatory, trade and tax policies and laws, and regulatory assessments and fees, including policies of the U.S. Department of Treasury, the OCC, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board System, and the FDIC, the SEC, and the CFPB; 
the impact of executive compensation rules under the Dodd-Frank Act and banking regulations which may impact the ability of the Company and other American financial institutions to retain and recruit executives and other personnel necessary for their businesses and competitiveness;
the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act and of new international standards known as Basel III, and rules and regulations thereunder, on our required regulatory capital and liquidity levels, governmental assessments on us, the scope of business activities in which we may engage, the manner in which we engage in such activities, the fees we may charge for certain products and services, and other matters affected by the Dodd-Frank Act and these international standards;
continuing consolidation in the financial services industry;
new legal claims against the Company, including litigation, arbitration and proceedings brought by governmental or self-regulatory agencies, or changes in existing legal matters;
success in gaining regulatory approvals, when required;

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changes in consumer spending and savings habits;
increased competitive challenges and expanding product and pricing pressures among financial institutions;
inflation and deflation;
technological changes and the Company’s implementation of new technologies;
the Company’s ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable information technology systems;
legislation or regulatory changes which adversely affect the Company’s operations or business;
the Company’s ability to comply with applicable laws and regulations;
changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or regulatory agencies; and
costs of deposit insurance and changes with respect to FDIC insurance coverage levels.
Except to the extent required by law, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any factors or to publicly announce the result of revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments.
GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS
ACL
Allowance for Credit Losses
FAMC
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, or “Farmer Mac”
AFS
Available-for-Sale
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
ALCO
Asset/Liability Committee
FDIC
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
ALLL
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
FHLB
Federal Home Loan Bank
Amegy
Amegy Corporation
FRB
Federal Reserve Board
AOCI
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
ASC
Accounting Standards Codification
HECL
Home Equity Credit Line
ASU
Accounting Standards Update
HQLA
High Quality Liquid Assets
ATM
Automated Teller Machine
HTM
Held-to-Maturity
BOLI
Bank-Owned Life Insurance
IA
Indemnification Asset
bps
basis points
IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards
CB&T
California Bank & Trust
ISDA
International Swap and Derivative Association
CCAR
Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review
LCR
Liquidity Coverage Ratio
CDO
Collateralized Debt Obligation
LGD
Loss Given Default
CDR
Constant Default Rate
LIBOR
London Interbank Offered Rate
CET1
Common Equity Tier 1 (Basel III)
LIHTC
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
CFPB
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Lockhart
Lockhart Funding LLC
CLTV
Combined Loan-to-Value Ratio
MD&A
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
COSO
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission
MVE
Market Value of Equity
CRE
Commercial Real Estate
NBAZ
National Bank of Arizona
CSA
Credit Support Annex
NRSRO
Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization
CSV
Cash Surrender Value
NSFR
Net Stable Funding Ratio
DBRS
Dominion Bond Rating Service
NSB
Nevada State Bank
DFAST
Dodd-Frank Act Stress Test
OCC
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Dodd-Frank Act
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
OCI
Other Comprehensive Income
DTA
Deferred Tax Asset
OREO
Other Real Estate Owned
EITF
Emerging Issues Task Force
OTC
Over-the-Counter
EVE
Economic Value of Equity
OTTI
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

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ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Parent
Zions Bancorporation
SVC
Securitization Valuation Committee
PCI
Purchase Credit Impaired
T1C
Tier 1 Common (Basel I)
PD
Probability of Default
TCBO
The Commerce Bank of Oregon
PEI
Private Equity Investments
TCBW
The Commerce Bank of Washington
PIK
Payment in Kind
TDR
Troubled Debt Restructuring
REIT
Real Estate Investment Trust
TRACE ®
Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine®
ROC
Risk Oversight Committee
Vectra
Vectra Bank Colorado
RULC
Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments
VIE
Variable Interest Entity
SBA
Small Business Administration
VR
Volcker Rule
SBIC
Small Business Investment Company
Zions Bank
Zions First National Bank
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
ZFMU
Zions Municipal Funding
SNC
Shared National Credit
ZMSC
Zions Management Services Company

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES
The Company has made no significant changes in its critical accounting policies and significant estimates from those disclosed in its 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company reported net earnings applicable to common shareholders of $75.3 million, or $0.37 per diluted common share for the first quarter of 2015, compared to $76.2 million, or $0.41 per diluted common share for the same prior year period. The following notable changes had a negative impact on net earnings applicable to common shareholders:

$31.2 million decrease in fixed income securities gains, net;
$19.1 million decrease in total interest income; and
$10.1 million increase in salaries and employee benefits.

The impact of these items was partially offset by the following positive items:

$20.0 million decrease in total interest expense;
$14.2 million decrease in other noninterest expense;
$8.3 million decrease in dividends on preferred stock;
$7.4 million decrease in fair value and nonhedge derivative loss; and
$4.9 million decrease in income taxes.

Net Interest Income, Margin and Interest Rate Spreads
Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities; net interest income is the largest portion of the Company’s revenue. For the first quarters of 2015 and 2014, taxable-equivalent net interest income was $421.6 million and $420.3 million, respectively, and $434.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. The tax rate used for calculating all taxable-equivalent adjustments was 35% for all periods presented.

Net interest margin in 2015 vs. 2014
The net interest margin was 3.22% and 3.31% for the first quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and 3.25% for the fourth quarter of 2014. The decreased net interest margin for the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same prior year period resulted primarily from lower yields on loans held for investment. Interest on AFS securities remained relatively flat although yields on AFS securities were down by 42 bps. This was because the Company’s average AFS securities balance increased by $609 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same prior year period. The impact of these items was partially offset by a decreased average balance for long-term debt.

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Even though the Company’s average loan portfolio was $1.1 billion higher during the first quarter of 2015, compared to the first quarter of 2014, the average interest rate earned on those assets was 4.21%, which is 30 bps lower than the comparable prior year period. This decline in interest income was primarily caused by (1) reduced interest income on loans acquired with FDIC assistance in 2009, as those acquired portfolios were successfully managed down, (2) adjustable rate loans originated in the past resetting to lower rates due to the current repricing index being lower than the rate when the loans were originated, (3) loans originated at lower rates than the weighted average rate of the existing portfolio, and (4) the narrowing of credit and interest rate spreads. The primary reasons for the narrowing of credit and interest rate spreads are a combination of competitive pricing pressures and improved customer credit, which are the result of a more stable economic environment than a few years ago; a portion of the narrowing of the spreads may be attributed to the improved fundamental condition of the Company’s borrowers, such as stronger earnings and improved leverage ratios.

The average HTM securities portfolio was $633 million during the first quarter of 2015, compared to $587 million during the same prior year period. This is because during all of 2014 the amount of HTM purchases was higher than the amount of maturities and paydowns. Also, during the first quarter of 2015, the Company reclassified all of its remaining HTM CDO securities, or approximately $79 million at amortized cost, to AFS securities. However, this reclassification occurred towards the end of the first quarter of 2015, and therefore did not have a significant impact on the weighted average HTM securities balance. The average interest rate earned on HTM municipal securities for the first quarter of 2015 was 5.12%, or 53 bps lower than the same prior year period, due to lower rates for new HTM securities versus those that paid down or matured.

The average balance of AFS securities for the first quarter of 2015 increased by $609 million, or 17.5%, while the average yield was 42 bps lower compared to the same prior year period. The decline in the average yield and the changes in the average balance are a result of changes in the composition of the AFS portfolio and the yields of the securities sold and purchased. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company sold $581 million amortized cost of the Company’s CDO securities. This was followed by additional sales of $332 million amortized cost in subsequent quarters. In the first quarter of 2015, to improve yields and increase holdings of high quality liquid assets (“HQLA”) securities, the Company continued its purchases of agency pass-through securities, as subsequently discussed, by purchasing $666 million amortized cost of these securities which have lower yields than the CDO securities that the Company sold.

Average noninterest-bearing demand deposits provided the Company with low cost funding and comprised 43.3% of average total deposits for the first quarter of 2015, compared to 40.5% for first quarter of 2014. Average interest-bearing deposit balances were down 1.0% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same prior year period, and the rate paid declined by 1 bps to 18 bps.

The average balance of long-term debt was $1.1 billion lower for the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same prior year period. The reduced balance was a result of tender offers, early calls, and redemptions at maturity, including $835 million during the third quarter of 2014. The average interest rate paid on long-term debt for the first quarter of 2015 increased by 10 bps compared to the same prior year period. Refer to the “Liquidity Risk Management” section beginning on page 80 for more information.

During the first quarter of 2015, most of the Company’s cash in excess of that needed to fund earning assets was invested in money market assets, primarily deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank. Average money market investments were 15.1% of total interest-earning assets, compared to 15.8% in the same prior year period. The reduction is the result of the Company continuing to incrementally deploy its excess cash into higher yielding, short-to-medium duration securities that qualify as HQLA under new LCR and liquidity stress testing regulations.

See “Interest Rate and Market Risk Management” on page 76 for further discussion of how we manage the portfolios of interest-earning assets, interest-bearing liabilities, and the associated risk.


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The spread on average interest-bearing funds was 3.01% for both the first quarters of 2015 and 2014. The rate on interest-earning assets in the first quarter of 2015 was 25 bps lower than that in the same prior year period, but the cost on interest-bearing liabilities also declined by 25 bps during the same comparable periods.

We expect the mix of interest-earning assets to change over the next several quarters due to further decreases in the FDIC-supported/PCI loan portfolio, and slight-to-moderate loan growth in the commercial and industrial portfolios, accompanied by somewhat less growth in commercial real estate loans. In addition, as discussed below, we are incrementally investing in short-to-medium duration agency pass-through securities that qualify as HQLA; over time we expect these investments to reduce the proportion of earning assets in cash and money market investments, and increase the proportion of AFS securities. Average yields on the loan portfolio are likely to continue to experience modest downward pressure due to competitive pricing, lower benchmark indices (such as LIBOR), and growth in lower-yielding residential mortgages; however, we expect this pressure to be somewhat less than in the prior two years. We believe that some of the downward pressure on the net interest margin will be mitigated by lower interest expense on reduced levels of long-term debt due to maturities that will occur in the third and fourth quarters of 2015. We also believe we can offset some of the pressure on the net interest margin through loan growth.

The Company expects to remain “asset-sensitive” (which refers to net interest income increasing as a result of a rising interest rate environment) with regard to interest rate risk. In response to new liquidity and liquidity stress-testing regulations, which elevate, relative to historic levels, the proportion of HQLA that the Company will be required to hold on its balance sheet, the Company decided in the second half of 2014 to begin deploying cash into short-to-medium duration agency pass-through securities. In the first quarter of 2015, to improve yields on interest-bearing assets, the Company purchased HQLA securities of $666 million at amortized cost and is continuing these purchases. Over time these purchases are expected to somewhat reduce our asset sensitivity compared to previous periods. Our estimates of the Company’s actual interest rate risk position are highly dependent upon a number of assumptions regarding the repricing behavior of various deposit and loan types in response to changes in both short-term and long-term interest rates, balance sheet composition, and other modeling assumptions, as well as the actions of competitors and customers in response to those changes. In addition, our modeled projections for noninterest-bearing demand deposits, a substantial portion of our deposit balances, are particularly reliant on assumptions for which there is little historical experience due to the prolonged period of very low interest rates. Further detail on interest rate risk is discussed in “Interest Rate Risk” on page 76.

The following schedule summarizes the average balances, the amount of interest earned or incurred, and the applicable yields for interest-earning assets and the costs of interest-bearing liabilities that generate taxable-equivalent net interest income.


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CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS, YIELDS AND RATES
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2014
(In thousands)
 
Average
balance
 
Amount of
interest 1
 
Average
rate
 
Average
balance
 
Amount of
interest 1
 
Average
rate
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market investments
 
$
8,013,355

 
$
5,218

 
0.26
%
 
$
8,139,812

 
$
5,130

 
0.26
%
Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity
 
632,927

 
7,995

 
5.12
%
 
587,473

 
8,191

 
5.65
%
Available-for-sale
 
4,080,004

 
20,773

 
2.06
%
 
3,470,983

 
21,230

 
2.48
%
Trading account
 
69,910

 
598

 
3.47
%
 
58,543

 
482

 
3.34
%
Total securities
 
4,782,841

 
29,366

 
2.49
%
 
4,116,999

 
29,903

 
2.95
%
Loans held for sale
 
105,279

 
914

 
3.52
%
 
157,170

 
1,400

 
3.61
%
Loans and leases 2
 
40,179,007

 
417,183

 
4.21
%
 
39,124,550

 
434,975

 
4.51
%
Total interest-earning assets
 
53,080,482

 
452,681

 
3.46
%
 
51,538,531

 
471,408

 
3.71
%
Cash and due from banks
 
743,618

 
 
 
 
 
1,038,217

 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
(609,233
)
 
 
 
 
 
(745,671
)
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
1,014,129

 
 
 
 
 
1,014,129

 
 
 
 
Core deposit and other intangibles
 
24,355

 
 
 
 
 
35,072

 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
2,564,199

 
 
 
 
 
2,553,302

 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
56,817,550

 
 
 
 
 
$
55,433,580

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings and money market
 
$
24,214,265

 
9,445

 
0.16
%
 
$
22,908,201

 
8,852

 
0.16
%
Time
 
2,372,492

 
2,538

 
0.43
%
 
2,560,283

 
3,083

 
0.49
%
Foreign
 
351,873

 
121

 
0.14
%
 
1,751,910

 
844

 
0.20
%
Total interest-bearing deposits
26,938,630

 
12,104

 
0.18
%
 
27,220,394


12,779

 
0.19
%
Borrowed funds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds and other short-term borrowings
 
219,747

 
78

 
0.14
%
 
249,043

 
67

 
0.11
%
Long-term debt
 
1,091,706

 
18,918

 
7.03
%
 
2,237,457

 
38,257

 
6.93
%
Total borrowed funds
 
1,311,453

 
18,996

 
5.87
%
 
2,486,500

 
38,324

 
6.25
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
28,250,083

 
31,100

 
0.45
%
 
29,706,894

 
51,103

 
0.70
%
Noninterest-bearing deposits
 
20,545,395

 
 
 
 
 
18,559,675

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
612,752

 
 
 
 
 
567,678

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
 
49,408,230

 
 
 
 
 
48,834,247

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred equity
 
1,004,015

 
 
 
 
 
1,003,970

 
 
 
 
Common equity
 
6,405,305

 
 
 
 
 
5,595,363

 
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity
 
7,409,320

 
 
 
 
 
6,599,333

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
56,817,550

 
 
 
 
 
$
55,433,580

 
 
 
 
Spread on average interest-bearing funds
 
 
 
 
3.01
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.01
%
Taxable-equivalent net interest income and net yield on interest-earning assets
 
 
$
421,581

 
3.22
%
 
 
 
$
420,305

 
3.31
%
1 Taxable-equivalent rates used where applicable.
2 Net of unearned income and fees, net of related costs. Loans include nonaccrual and restructured loans.

Provisions for Credit Losses
The provision for loan losses is the amount of expense that, in our judgment, is required to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an adequate level based upon the inherent risks in the loan portfolio. The provision for unfunded lending commitments is used to maintain the reserve for unfunded lending commitments at an adequate level based upon the inherent risks associated with such commitments. In determining adequate levels of the allowance and reserve, we perform periodic evaluations of the Company’s various loan portfolios, the levels of actual charge-offs, credit trends, and external factors. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and “Credit Risk

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Management” on page 65 for more information on how we determine the appropriate level for the ALLL and the RULC.

During the past few years, the Company has experienced a significant improvement in credit quality metrics; however, recently the Company has experienced deterioration in various credit quality metrics primarily related to energy-related loans at Amegy Bank. Overall credit quality metrics for the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same prior year period remained relatively stable. Gross loan and lease charge-offs were relatively unchanged at $20 million in the first quarter of 2015, compared to $21 million in the same prior year period. However, the Company had gross recoveries of $37 million in the first quarter of 2015, compared to $13 million in the same prior year period. The majority of the gross recoveries were at Amegy Bank in their non-energy-related loan portfolio.

Nonperforming lending-related assets increased to $399 million at March 31, 2015 from $326 million at December 31, 2014. The ratio of nonperforming lending-related assets to loans and leases and other real estate owned increased to 0.99% at March 31, 2015 from 0.81% at December 31, 2014. Classified loans increased to $1.3 billion at March 31, 2015 from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2014. Approximately 83% of classified loans at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were current as to principal and interest payments. Classified loans are loans with well-defined credit weaknesses that are risk graded Substandard or Doubtful.

The deterioration of the credit quality metrics in the energy portfolio caused the Company’s total allowance for loan losses to increase in the first quarter of 2015. However, due to the net recovery of $17 million, the provision for loan losses for the first quarter of 2015 was $(1.5) million compared to $(0.6) million for the same prior year period. The recent deterioration in credit quality metrics in the energy portfolio has been generally offset by improvements in credit quality in the remainder of the loan and lease portfolio. The Company continues to exercise caution with regard to the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, given the state of the economy and the sensitivity of its energy loan portfolio to oil and gas prices. We currently expect modestly positive provisions for the year.

During the first quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a $1.2 million provision for unfunded lending commitments compared to $(1.0) million in the first quarter of 2014. The provision in the first quarter of 2015 was primarily driven by downgrades in the Company’s energy portfolio. From quarter to quarter, the expense related to the reserve for unfunded lending commitments may be subject to sizable fluctuations due to changes in the timing and volume of loan commitments, originations, funding, and changes in credit quality.
A significant contributor to net earnings in 2014 was the negative provision for loan and lease losses. This is primarily attributable to continued reduction in both the quantity of problem loans and the loss severity of such problem loans. We currently expect the Company’s credit quality metrics to continue to deteriorate if oil prices remain at the lower end of the recent trading range, causing additional stress to credit quality and resulting in net additions to the allowance. This could result in a significant change in profitability.

Noninterest Income
Noninterest income represents revenues the Company earns for products and services that have no associated interest rate or yield. For the first quarter of 2015, noninterest income was $121.8 million compared to $138.3 million for the same prior year period. The $16.5 million decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in fixed income securities gains, partially offset by an increase in other service charges, commissions and fees and fair value and nonhedge derivative income (loss). The following are major components of noninterest income line items impacting the first quarter change.

Other service charges, commissions and fees, which are comprised of ATM fees, insurance commissions, bankcard merchant fees, debit and credit card interchange fees, cash management fees, lending commitment fees, syndication and servicing fees, and other miscellaneous fees, increased by $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same prior year period. The increase was primarily due to increased interchange fees from commercial credit cards.

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Fair value and nonhedge derivative income (loss) represents the fair value gains and losses from nonhedge credit derivatives as well as the fees on a total return swap. Fair value and nonhedge derivative income (loss) improved by $7.5 million from a loss of $8.5 million in the first quarter of 2014 to a loss of $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2015. The improvement was primarily due to fees paid on the total return swap in the first quarter of 2014. The total return swap was terminated in the second quarter of 2014 and therefore, there were no fees in the first quarter of 2015.
Fixed income securities gains were a net loss of $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2015, compared to gains of $30.9 million in the first quarter of 2014. The net gain recorded in the first quarter of 2014 was primarily due to sales of CDOs whose amortized cost was written down to fair value at December 31, 2013. The CDOs sold in the first quarter of 2014 had a carrying value of $577 million and were sold for $607 million. The Company had a small amount of CDO sales, $3.3 million, in the first quarter of 2015.

Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense remained relatively flat and decreased by $0.6 million, or 0.2%, to $397.5 million in the first quarter of 2015, compared to the same prior year period. The decline in noninterest expense was primarily caused by a decline in other noninterest expense. The decline was partially offset by increases in salaries and employee benefits and the provision for unfunded lending commitments. The following are major components of noninterest expense line items impacting the first quarter change.
Salaries and employee benefits increased by $10.1 million, or 4.3%, during the first quarter of 2015, compared to the same prior year period. Most of the increase in salaries and employee benefits can be attributed to higher base salaries even though the number of full-time equivalent employees declined by 127 in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014. The overall headcount of the Company was 10,355 full-time equivalent employees as of March 31, 2015, compared to 10,482 at March 31, 2014. Staff reductions, primarily at several affiliate banks, were partially offset by increased headcount in specific areas, including the Company’s major systems projects, compliance and build-out of it enterprise risk management and stress testing functions.
Other noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2015 was $58.4 million, compared to $72.7 million for the same prior year period. The decrease is mostly the result of decreased write-downs of the FDIC indemnification asset. The balance of FDIC-supported/PCI loans has declined significantly since the first quarter of 2014, primarily due to paydowns and payoffs. The Company does not expect significant write-downs of the FDIC indemnification asset in 2015.

Income Taxes
The Company’s income tax expense for the first quarter of 2015 was $51.2 million compared to $56.1 million for the same period in 2014. The effective income tax rates, including the effects of noncontrolling interests, for both the first three months of 2015 and 2014 were 35.7%. The tax expense rates for both the first quarter of 2015 and 2014 benefited primarily from the nontaxability of certain income items.
The Company had a net deferred tax asset (“DTA”) balance of $213 million at March 31, 2015, compared to $224 million at December 31, 2014. The decrease in the DTA resulted primarily from the payout of accrued compensation and the reduction of unrealized losses in OCI related to the reclassification of CDO securities from HTM to AFS in the first quarter of 2015. Decreases in deferred tax liabilities related to premises and equipment and the deferred gain on the Company’s 2009 debt exchange partially offset some of the overall decrease in DTA.

Dividends on Preferred Stock
The Company’s dividends on preferred stock decreased in the first quarter of 2015 by $8.3 million from the same prior year period. The first quarter of 2014 included an $8.3 million dividend accrual due to the phase-in of semiannual dividends on a newly issued series of preferred stock.

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BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS
Interest-Earning Assets
Interest-earning assets are those assets that have interest rates or yields associated with them. One of our goals is to maintain a high level of interest-earning assets relative to total assets while keeping nonearning assets at a minimum. Interest-earning assets consist of money market investments, securities, loans, and leases.

The schedule referred to in our discussion of net interest income includes the average balances of the Company’s interest earning assets, the amount of revenue generated by them, and their respective yields. Another goal is to maintain a higher-yielding mix of interest-earning assets, such as loans, relative to lower-yielding assets, such as money market investments or securities, while maintaining adequate levels of highly liquid assets. The current period of slow economic growth accompanied by the moderate loan demand experienced in recent quarters has made it difficult to achieve these goals. In 2014, the Company began to incrementally deploy some of its excess cash into short-to-medium duration pass-through agency securities that qualify as HQLA under new LCR and liquidity stress testing regulations. As a result of this and to improve yields, in the first quarter of 2015, the Company purchased $666 million at amortized cost of HQLA securities and is continuing these purchases because these securities currently have a higher yield than money market investments.

Average interest-earning assets were $53.1 billion for the first quarter of 2015, compared to $51.5 billion for the first quarter of 2014. Average interest-earning assets as a percentage of total average assets for the first three months of 2015 was 93.4%, compared to 93.0% in the corresponding prior year period.

Average loans and leases, were $40.2 billion and $39.1 billion for the first quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Average loans and leases as a percentage of total average assets for the first three months of 2015 was 70.7% compared to 70.6% in the corresponding prior year period.

Average money market investments, consisting of interest-bearing deposits, federal funds sold, and security resell agreements, decreased by 1.6% to $8.0 billion for the first quarter of 2015, compared to $8.1 billion for the first quarter of 2014. Average securities increased by 16.2% since the first quarter of 2014. Average total deposits increased by 3.7% that resulted primarily from an increase in noninterest-bearing deposits and savings and money market deposits, while average loans and leases increased by 2.7% for the first quarter of 2015 compared to that of 2014. The increase in securities growth was due to an increase in the purchase of agency pass-through securities in efforts to deploy cash incrementally into HQLA securities and reduce the asset sensitivity of the Company. Loan growth increased slightly in the first quarter of 2015 as a result of increases in the commercial and industrial and CRE portfolios. However, due to the Company’s concentration limits, growth for the CRE portfolio was constrained. Additionally, loan growth was muted due to recent events in the energy sector that include paydowns resulting from refinancing that were driven in part by stronger capital markets activities within the energy sector, i.e., issuance of additional public and private equity debt.

Investment Securities Portfolio
We invest in securities to generate revenues for the Company; portions of the portfolio are also available as a source of liquidity. Refer to the “Liquidity Risk Management” section on page 80 for additional information on management of liquidity and funding and compliance with Basel III and LCR requirements. The following schedule presents a profile of the Company’s investment securities portfolio. The amortized cost amounts represent the Company’s original cost of the investments, adjusted for related accumulated amortization or accretion of any yield adjustments, and for impairment losses, including credit-related impairment. The estimated fair value measurement levels and methodology are discussed in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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INVESTMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(In millions)
 
 
Amortized
cost
 
Carrying
value
 
Estimated
fair
value
 
Amortized
cost
 
Carrying
value
 
Estimated
fair
value
Held-to-maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal securities
 
$
591

 
$
591

 
$
602

 
$
608

 
$
608

 
$
620

Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities – banks and insurance

 

 

 
79

 
39

 
57

 
 
591

 
591

 
602

 
687

 
647

 
677

Available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies and corporations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency securities
 
632

 
626

 
626

 
607

 
601

 
601

Agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
1,418

 
1,434

 
1,434

 
935

 
945

 
945

Small Business Administration loan-backed securities
1,588

 
1,596

 
1,596

 
1,544

 
1,552

 
1,552

Municipal securities
 
175

 
176

 
176

 
189

 
189

 
189

Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities – banks and insurance
612

 
461

 
461

 
538

 
415

 
415

Other
 
5

 
5

 
5

 
6

 
6

 
6

 
 
4,430

 
4,298

 
4,298

 
3,819

 
3,708

 
3,708

Mutual funds and other
 
153

 
153

 
153

 
137

 
136

 
136

 
 
4,583

 
4,451

 
4,451

 
3,956

 
3,844

 
3,844

Total
 
$
5,174

 
$
5,042

 
$
5,053

 
$
4,643

 
$
4,491

 
$
4,521


The amortized cost of investment securities at March 31, 2015 increased by 11.4% from the balances at December 31, 2014, primarily due to an increase in the purchases of short-to-medium duration agency pass-through securities that were generally funded through reduction of interest-bearing deposits. There were additional increases in other agency securities, Small Business Administration loan-backed securities, and mutual funds and other, offset by a slight decline in amortized cost of the CDO and municipal securities.

During the first quarter of 2015, we reclassified all of the remaining HTM CDO securities, or approximately $79 million at amortized cost, to AFS securities. We took this action as a result of the most recent Dodd-Frank Act stress test results and the treatment of the CDO securities under the new Basel III capital and risk weighting rules that became effective January 1, 2015. The reclassification provided the Company with greater flexibility in the management of these securities. Current accounting guidance allows for the reclassification of HTM to AFS securities, without calling into question the entity’s intent to hold other debt securities to maturity, when there has been a significant increase in the risk weights of debt securities used for regulatory risk-based capital purposes. No gain or loss was recognized in the statement of income at the time of reclassification.

As of March 31, 2015, 2.8% of the $4.5 billion fair value of the AFS securities portfolio was valued at Level 1, 87.2% was valued at Level 2, and 10.0% was valued at Level 3 under the GAAP fair value accounting hierarchy. At December 31, 2014, 2.7% of the $3.8 billion fair value of AFS securities portfolio was valued at Level 1, 86.8% was valued at Level 2, and 10.5% was valued at Level 3. See Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of fair value accounting.

The amortized cost of AFS investment securities valued at Level 3 was $595 million at March 31, 2015 and the fair value of these securities was $446 million. The securities valued at Level 3 were comprised of primarily bank and insurance trust preferred CDOs and municipal securities. For these Level 3 securities, net pretax unrealized losses recognized in OCI at March 31, 2015 were $149 million. As of March 31, 2015, we believe we would receive, if

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held to their maturity, at least the amortized cost amounts of the Level 3 AFS securities. This expectation applies to both those securities for which OTTI has been recognized and those for which no OTTI has been recognized.

Applicable accounting guidance precludes the use of “blockage factors” or liquidity adjustments due to the quantity of securities held by the Company in the determination of estimated fair value. All of the Company’s CDO securities are valued under Level 3. The Company’s ability to sell in a short period of time a substantial portion of its CDO securities at the indicated estimated fair values is highly dependent upon then-current market conditions. The market for such securities, which showed substantial improvement during 2014 and has remained stable in 2015, remains difficult to predict. The Company may execute additional CDO sales in future quarters which may result in net losses. Please refer to Notes 5 and 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

The remaining CDO portfolio is primarily comprised of original AAA rated securities. All securities are current with regard to interest payments. Approximately one-third of the portfolio, by amortized cost, is the most senior class of debt of the CDO and hence is entitled to and is receiving principal paydowns. The Company has not identified any credit impairment on the remaining CDO securities since the quarter ending March 31, 2013. The Company continues to observe ratings upgrades and attributes the ratings upgrades by one or more NRSROs during 2014 and continuing into 2015 to improvements in over-collateralization ratios and deleveraging combined with certain less severe rating agency assumptions and methodologies.

CDO Bank Collateral Deferral Experience
The Company’s loss and recovery experience on defaults as of March 31, 2015 (and our Level 3 modeling assumption) is essentially a 100% loss on defaulted bank collateral in CDOs, although we have, to date, received several, generally small, recoveries on a few defaults. Securities sales during 2014 resulted in the Company reducing its exposure to some unresolved deferring banks. At March 31, 2015, the Company had exposure to 34 deferring issuers of which 23 were in their initial five-year deferral period. We continue to expect that future losses on these deferrals may result from actions other than bank failures, primarily holding company bankruptcies and debt restructurings.

A significant number of previous deferrals have resumed interest payments; 166 issuing banks have either come current and resumed interest payments on their trust preferred securities or have announced they intend to do so at the next payment date. Banks may come current on their trust preferred securities for one or more quarters and then re-defer. Such re-deferral has occurred in 11 of the 34 banks that are currently deferring. Further information on the Company’s valuation process is detailed in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CDO Internal Model Assumption Changes in 2015
The Company had no assumption changes for the first quarter of 2015. The Company reduced discount rates and prepayment assumptions on CDO securities during 2014. Neither assumption change was material to either fair value estimates or credit impairment considerations during 2014. The Company incorporates modeling assumptions and trade information into the process used to estimate fair value. Trade information for both 2014 and the first quarter of 2015 included sales of CDO securities by the Company and by third parties.

During the first quarter of 2015, the market level discount rates applicable to bank CDOs rose slightly and fair values declined very slightly. During 2014, the market level discount rates applicable to bank CDOs declined substantially and fair values rose.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment – Investments in Debt Securities
We review investments in debt securities each quarter for the presence of OTTI. The identification of OTTI occurs when the valuation of securities under an internal income-based cash flow model or a third party valuation service produces a loss-adjusted expected cash flow. The amount of the credit component of OTTI is calculated by

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discounting this loss-adjusted cash flow at the security-specific effective interest rate and comparing that value to the Company’s amortized cost of the security.

We review the relevant facts and circumstances each quarter to assess our intentions regarding any potential sales of securities, as well as the likelihood that we would be required to sell prior to recovery of amortized cost for AFS securities and prior to maturity for HTM securities. At March 31, 2015, for each AFS security whose fair value was below amortized cost, we have not determined an intent to sell the security, and that it was not more likely than not we would be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. For each HTM security whose fair value was below amortized cost, we have determined that it was not more likely than not we would be required to sell the security before maturity.

During the first quarter of 2015, no credit-related impairment was identified. We evaluate the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost of each security and identify if any of the difference is due to credit. The credit component of the difference is recognized by writing down the amortized cost of each security found to have OTTI.

Exposure to State and Local Governments
The Company provides multiple products and services to state and local governments (referred together as “municipalities”), including deposit services, loans, and investment banking services, and the Company invests in securities issued by the municipalities.
The following schedule summarizes the Company’s exposure to state and local municipalities.
MUNICIPALITIES
 
(In millions)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans and leases
 
$
555

 
 
 
$
521

 
Held-to-maturity – municipal securities
 
591

 
 
 
608

 
Available-for-sale – municipal securities
 
176

 
 
 
189

 
Available-for-sale – auction rate securities
 
5

 
 
 
5

 
Trading account – municipal securities
 
55

 
 
 
53

 
Unfunded lending commitments
 
62

 
 
 
58

 
Total direct exposure to municipalities
 
$
1,444

 
 
 
$
1,434

 

At March 31, 2015, $1.0 million of loans to one municipality were on nonaccrual. A significant amount of the municipal loan and lease portfolio is secured by real estate and equipment, and approximately 90% of the outstanding credits were originated by Zions Bank, CB&T, Amegy, and Vectra. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about the credit quality of these municipal loans.
All municipal securities are reviewed quarterly for OTTI; see Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. HTM securities consist of unrated bonds issued by small local government entities and are purchased through private placements, often in situations in which one of the Company’s subsidiaries has acted as a financial advisor to the municipality. Prior to purchase, the issuers of municipal securities are evaluated by the Company for their creditworthiness, and some of the securities are guaranteed by third parties. As of March 31, 2015, the AFS municipal securities were issued by issuers with investment-grade ratings from one or more major credit rating agencies and were rated investment-grade as of March 31, 2015. The Company also underwrites municipal bonds and sells most of them to third party investors.
Foreign Exposure and Operations
The Company has de minimis credit exposure to foreign sovereign risks and does not believe its total foreign credit exposure is material. The Company does not have significant foreign exposure for its derivative counterparties. Foreign loans to non-sovereign entities consist primarily of commercial and industrial loans and totaled $161 million at March 31, 2015 and $144 million at December 31, 2014.

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The Company’s foreign operations are comprised of Amegy operating a branch in Grand Cayman, Grand Cayman Islands, B.W.I. In April 2014, Zions Bank closed its branch in the Grand Cayman Islands. Amegy’s foreign branch only accepts deposits from qualified domestic customers. While deposits in this branch are not subject to FRB reserve requirements, there are no federal or state income tax benefits to the Company or any customers as a result of these operations. Foreign deposits were $383 million at March 31, 2015 and $328 million at December 31, 2014.

Loan Portfolio
For the first quarters of 2015 and 2014, average loans and leases accounted for 70.7% and 70.6%, respectively, of total average assets. As displayed in the following schedule, commercial and industrial loans were the largest category and constituted 33.0% of the Company’s loan portfolio at March 31, 2015. Construction and land development loans were 5.1% at March 31, 2015 and 5.0% at December 31, 2014.

LOAN PORTFOLIO
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Amounts in millions)
Amount
 
% of
total loans
 
Amount
 
% of
total loans
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
13,264

 
33.0
%
 
$
13,163

 
32.9
%
Leasing
407

 
1.0

 
409

 
1.0

Owner occupied
7,310

 
18.2

 
7,351

 
18.3

Municipal
555

 
1.4

 
521

 
1.3

Total commercial
21,536

 
53.6

 
21,444

 
53.5

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
2,045

 
5.1

 
1,986

 
5.0

Term
8,088

 
20.1

 
8,127

 
20.3

Total commercial real estate
10,133

 
25.2

 
10,113

 
25.3

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity credit line
2,315

 
5.8

 
2,321

 
5.8

1-4 family residential
5,213

 
13.0

 
5,201

 
13.0

Construction and other consumer real estate
373

 
0.9

 
371

 
0.9

Bankcard and other revolving plans
407

 
1.0

 
401

 
1.0

Other
203

 
0.5

 
213

 
0.5

Total consumer
8,511

 
21.2

 
8,507

 
21.2

Total net loans
$
40,180

 
100.0
%
 
$
40,064

 
100.0
%

As of March 31, 2015, loans and leases were $40.2 billion, reflecting a 0.3% increase from December 31, 2014. The increase is primarily attributable to new loan originations, as well as a decrease in paydowns and charge-offs of existing loans.
Most of the loan portfolio growth during the first three months of 2015 occurred in commercial and industrial, commercial construction and land development, municipal, and 1-4 family residential loans. The impact of these increases was partially offset by declines in commercial owner occupied, and commercial real estate term loans. The loan portfolio increased primarily at Amegy, NBAZ, and Vectra, while balances declined at NSB and Zions Bank.
Commercial owner occupied loans declined due to the runoff and attrition of the National Real Estate portfolio at Zions Bank, which is expected to continue in 2015. The National Real Estate business is a wholesale business that depends upon loan referrals from other community banking institutions. Due to generally soft loan demand nationally, many community banking institutions are retaining, rather than selling, their loan production.
We expect overall loan and lease growth to increase at a moderate pace in 2015. We also expect to continue to limit construction and land development loan commitment growth for the foreseeable future as part of management’s actions to improve the risk profile of the Company’s loans and to reduce portfolio concentration risk.


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Since 2009, CB&T and NSB have had loss sharing agreements with the FDIC that provided indemnification for credit losses of acquired loans and foreclosed assets up to specified thresholds. The last of the agreements for commercial loans, which comprised the major portion of the acquired portfolio, expired as of September 30, 2014. The agreements for 1-4 family residential loans will expire in 2019. In previous periods, the FDIC-supported loan balances were presented separately in schedules within MD&A and in other disclosures, and included PCI loans, as discussed in Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Due to declining balances, for all years presented herein, the FDIC-supported/PCI loans have been reclassified to their respective loan segments and classes.

Other Noninterest-Bearing Investments
The following schedule sets forth the Company’s other noninterest-bearing investments.
OTHER NONINTEREST-BEARING INVESTMENTS
(In millions)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank-owned life insurance
 
$
479

 
 
 
$
476

 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
 
103

 
 
 
104

 
Federal Reserve stock
 
121

 
 
 
121

 
Farmer Mac stock
 
26

 
 
 
26

 
SBIC investments
 
95

 
 
 
86

 
Non-SBIC investment funds
 
37

 
 
 
44

 
Others
 
9

 
 
 
9

 
 
 
$
870

 
 
 
$
866

 

Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment increased $15 million, or 1.8%, during the first three months of 2015 due to capitalized costs associated with development of a new corporate facility for the Company’s Amegy Bank subsidiary in Texas,
and additionally from the capitalization of eligible costs related to the development of the Company’s new lending,
deposit and reporting systems.

Deposits
Deposits, both interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing, are a primary source of funding for the Company. Average total deposits for the first quarter of 2015 increased by 3.7%, compared to the first quarter of 2014, with average interest-bearing deposits decreasing by 1.0% and average noninterest-bearing deposits increasing by 10.7%. The increase in noninterest-bearing deposits was largely driven by increased deposits from retail and business customers. The average interest rate paid for interest-bearing deposits was 1 bp lower during the first quarter of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014.

Core deposits at March 31, 2015, which exclude time deposits larger than $100,000 and brokered deposits, increased by 1%, or $306 million, from December 31, 2014. The increase was mainly due to an increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits, and a slight increase in foreign deposits, offset by a decrease in interest-bearing domestic savings, money market, and time deposits.

Demand and savings and money market deposits remained relatively unchanged at 94.3% of total deposits both at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

During the first quarter and throughout 2014, the Company maintained a low level of brokered deposits with the primary purpose of keeping that funding source available in case of a future need. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, total deposits included $118 million and $108 million, respectively, of brokered deposits.
See “Liquidity Risk Management” on page 80 for additional information on funding and borrowed funds.

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RISK ELEMENTS
Since risk is inherent in substantially all of the Company’s operations, management of risk is an integral part of its operations and is also a key determinant of its overall performance. The Board of Directors has appointed a Risk Oversight Committee (“ROC”) that consists of appointed Board members who oversee the Company’s risk management processes. Management applies various strategies to reduce the risks to which the Company’s operations are exposed, including credit, interest rate and market, liquidity, and operational risks.

Credit Risk Management
Credit risk is the possibility of loss from the failure of a borrower, guarantor, or another obligor to fully perform under the terms of a credit-related contract. Credit risk arises primarily from the Company’s lending activities, as well as from off-balance sheet credit instruments.

Centralized oversight of credit risk is provided through credit policies, credit administration, and credit examination functions at the Parent. We separate the lending function from the credit administration function, which strengthens control over, and the independent evaluation of, credit activities. Formal loan policies and procedures provide the Company with a framework for consistent underwriting and a basis for sound credit decisions at the local affiliate bank level. In addition, the Company has a well-defined set of standards for evaluating its loan portfolio and management utilizes a comprehensive loan grading system to determine the risk potential in the portfolio. Furthermore, an independent internal credit examination department periodically conducts examinations of the Company’s lending departments. These examinations are designed to review credit quality, adequacy of documentation, appropriate loan grading administration and compliance with lending policies. Reports thereon are submitted to management and to the ROC. New, expanded, or modified products and services, as well as new lines of business, are approved by the corporate New Product Review Committee.

Both the credit policy and the credit examination functions are managed centrally. Each subsidiary bank can be more conservative in its operations under the corporate credit policy; however, formal corporate approval must be obtained if a bank wishes to invoke a more liberal policy. Historically, there have been only a limited number of such approvals. This entire process has been designed to place an emphasis on strong underwriting standards and early detection of potential problem credits so that action plans can be developed and implemented on a timely basis to mitigate any potential losses.

The Company’s credit risk management strategy includes diversification of its loan portfolio. The Company attempts to avoid the risk of an undue concentration of credits in a particular collateral type or with an individual customer or counterparty. Generally, the Company is well diversified in its loan portfolio; however, due to the nature of the Company’s geographical footprint, there are certain significant concentrations primarily in CRE and energy-related lending. The Company has adopted and adheres to concentration limits on various types of CRE lending, particularly construction and land development lending, leveraged lending, municipal lending, and energy-related lending. All of these limits are continually monitored and revised as necessary. During 2014, the Company determined to further reduce construction and land development loan commitments. This was done largely as a result of the modeled losses by the Company and management’s beliefs about the likely severity of losses modeled by the Federal Reserve in its stress testing, under the severely adverse economic scenarios, as required under the Dodd-Frank Act. The majority of the Company’s business activity is with customers located within the geographical footprint of its subsidiary banks.

The credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio remained strong during the first three months of 2015. Nonperforming lending-related assets at March 31, 2015 increased by 22.7% and decreased by 9.4% from December 31, 2014, and March 31, 2014, respectively. Gross charge-offs for the first quarter of 2015 declined to $20.2 million from $35.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Net charge-offs decreased to $(16.9) million from $17.2 million for the same periods.


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Government Agency Guaranteed Loans
The Company participates in various guaranteed lending programs sponsored by U.S. government agencies, such as the Small Business Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Housing Authority, Veterans’ Administration, Export-Import Bank of the U.S., and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As of March 31, 2015, the guaranteed portion of these loans was approximately $420 million. Most of these loans were guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.
The following schedule presents the composition of government agency guaranteed loans.
GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES
(Amounts in millions)
March 31,
2015
 
Percent
guaranteed
 
December 31,
2014
 
Percent
guaranteed
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
515

 
 
 
76
%
 
 
 
$
539

 
 
 
76
%
 
Commercial real estate
 
17

 
 
 
77

 
 
 
19

 
 
 
77

 
Consumer
 
17

 
 
 
87

 
 
 
17

 
 
 
86

 
Total loans
 
$
549

 
 
 
76

 
 
 
$
575

 
 
 
76

 

Commercial Lending
The following schedule provides selected information regarding lending concentrations to certain industries in our commercial lending portfolio.
COMMERCIAL LENDING BY INDUSTRY GROUP
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Amounts in millions)
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate, rental and leasing
$
2,359

 
11.0
%
 
$
2,418

 
11.4
%
Manufacturing
2,359

 
11.0

 
2,305

 
10.7

Mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction
2,265

 
10.5

 
2,277

 
10.6

Retail trade
1,942

 
9.0

 
1,924

 
9.0

Wholesale trade
1,735

 
8.0

 
1,638

 
7.6

Transportation and warehousing
1,329

 
6.2

 
1,294

 
6.0

Healthcare and social assistance
1,325

 
6.2

 
1,347

 
6.3

Finance and insurance
1,165

 
5.4

 
1,168

 
5.5

Construction
1,036

 
4.8

 
1,027

 
4.8

Accommodation and food services
964

 
4.5

 
911

 
4.2

Professional, scientific and technical services
898

 
4.2

 
884

 
4.1

Other 1
4,159

 
19.2

 
4,251

 
19.8

Total
$
21,536

 
100.0
%
 
$
21,444

 
100.0
%
1  
No other industry group exceeds 4%.

Energy-Related Exposure
Various industries represented in the previous schedule, including mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction; manufacturing; and transportation and warehousing; contain certain loans categorized by the Company as energy-related. At March 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $5.8 billion of total energy-related credit exposure and $3.2 billion of primarily oil and gas energy-related loan balances. The distribution of energy-related loans by customer market segment is shown in the following schedule.


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ENERGY-RELATED EXPOSURE 1  
(Amounts in millions)
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Loans and leases
 
 
 
 
Oil and gas-related
 
$
3,157

 
$
3,073

Alternative energy
 
232

 
225

Total loans and leases
 
3,389

 
3,298

Unfunded lending commitments
 
2,451

 
2,731

Total credit exposure
 
$
5,840

 
$
6,029

 
 
 
 
 
Private equity investments
 
$
20

 
$
21

 
 
 
 
 
Distribution of oil and gas-related balances
 
 
 
 
Upstream – exploration and production
 
34
%
 
34
%
Midstream – marketing and transportation
 
21

 
19

Downstream – refining
 
4

 
4

Other non-services
 
2

 
2

Oilfield services
 
30

 
31

Energy service manufacturing
 
9

 
10

Total loans and leases
 
100
%
 
100
%
1  
Because many borrowers operate in multiple businesses, judgment has been applied in characterizing a borrower as energy-related, including a particular segment of energy-related activity, e.g., upstream or downstream. The December 31, 2014 numbers in the preceding schedule have been adjusted to remove certain credits which, upon review, were determined not to be energy-related.
The Company’s overall balance of oil and gas-related loans increased 2.7% to $3.2 billion. Exploration and production balances increased approximately 2.6%, while energy services loan balances declined approximately 3.9% from the prior quarter. Unfunded energy-related lending commitments declined by $280 million, or 10% during the quarter; a majority of this reduction occurred in non-reserve-based commitments.

As of March 31, 2015, $65 million, or 2.1%, of the $3.2 billion outstanding oil and gas energy-related loan balances were nonaccruing, compared to $17 million, or 0.5%, at December 31, 2014. Approximately 93% of the March 31, 2015 energy-related nonaccruing loans were current as to principal and interest payments. Classified energy-related credits increased to $295 million at March 31, 2015 from $134 million at December 31, 2014.

The Company’s historical energy lending performance has been strong despite significant volatility in both oil and natural gas prices. Losses following the 2008-2009 period of oil and gas price declines and volatility were modest. Energy-related classified loans increased significantly during this last economic downturn, nonperforming loans increased much more modestly, and annual losses were relatively minor (approximately 1% in the peak year of 2010). The Company’s cumulative energy-related net charge-offs over the last five years have been lower than the cumulative net loss rate of general commercial and industrial lending during that same time period.

Upstream
Upstream exploration and production loans comprised approximately 34% of the Company’s energy-related exposure as of March 31, 2015. Many upstream borrowers have relatively balanced production between oil and gas.

The Company uses disciplined underwriting practices to mitigate the risk associated with its upstream lending activities. Upstream loans are made to reserve-based borrowers where more than 90% of those loans are collateralized by the value of the borrower’s oil and gas reserves. The Company’s oil and gas price deck, the pricing applied to a borrower’s reserves for underwriting purposes, has generally been below the NYMEX strip, i.e., the average of the daily settlement prices of the next 12 months’ futures contracts. Through the use of independent

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Company and third party engineers and conservative underwriting, the Company applies multiple discounts. These discounts often range from 10-40% of the value of the collateral in determining the borrowing base (commitment), and help protect credit quality against significant commodity price declines. Further, reserve-based commitments are subject to a borrowing base redetermination based on then-current energy prices, typically every six months. Generally, the Company has, at its option, the right to conduct additional redeterminations during the year. Borrowing bases for clients are usually set at 60-70% of available collateral after an adjustment for the discounts described above.

In the fourth quarter of 2014, we were quick to initiate the process of reviewing our energy-related loans and reaching out to all of our energy-related borrowers. As of March 31, 2015, we have completed the borrowing base redetermination of about one-fifth of our upstream portfolio. On a weighted average basis for this segment of the portfolio, the borrowing base declined by about 12%, although a few borrowers experienced an increase in the borrowing base, due to factors such as the development of additional reserves. As a result of our review, several credits were downgraded. We expect that as the borrowing base redetermination process is completed in the near future, we are likely to experience further downgrades.

Upstream borrowers generally do not draw the maximum available funding on their lines, which provides the borrower additional liquidity and flexibility. The line utilization rate for upstream borrowers was approximately 64% at March 31, 2015. This unused commitment gives us the ability in some cases to reduce the borrowing base commitment through the redetermination process without creating a borrowing base deficiency (where outstanding debt exceeds the new borrowing base). Nevertheless, our loan agreements generally require the borrowers to maintain a certain amount of equity. Therefore, if the loan to collateral value exceeds an acceptable limit, we work with the borrowers to reinstate an acceptable collateral-value threshold.

An additional metric that the Company considers in its underwriting is a borrower’s oil and gas price hedging practices. A significant portion of the Company’s reserve-based borrowers are hedged. Of the upstream borrower’s risk-based estimated oil production projected in 2015, approximately 50% is hedged based on weighted average commitments and the latest data provided by the borrowers.

Midstream
Midstream marketing and transportation loans comprised approximately 21% of the Company’s energy-related exposure as of March 31, 2015. Loans in this segment are made to companies that gather, transport, treat and blend oil and natural gas, or that provide services to similar companies. The assets owned by these borrowers, which make this activity possible, are field-level gathering systems (small diameter pipe), pipelines (medium/large diameter pipe), tanks, trucks, rail cars, various water-based vessels and natural gas treatment plants. Our midstream loans are secured by these assets, unless the borrower is rated investment-grade. A significant portion of our midstream borrowers’ revenues are derived from fee-based contracts, giving them limited exposure to commodity price risk. Since lower oil and gas prices slow the drilling and development of new oil and natural gas, but do not normally result in significant numbers of producing wells being shut in, volumes of oil and gas flowing through midstream systems usually remain relatively stable throughout oil and natural gas price cycles. During the 2008-2009 period of oil and gas price volatility, classified loans in the midstream segment peaked at a lower level than the upstream and energy services segments.

Energy Services
Energy service loans, which include oilfield services and energy service manufacturing comprised approximately 39% of the Company’s energy-related exposure as of March 31, 2015. Energy service loans include borrowers that have a concentration of revenues to the energy industry. However, many of these borrowers provide a broad range of products and services to the energy industry, and are not subject to the same volatility as new drilling activities. Many of these borrowers are diversified geographically and service both oil and gas-related drilling and production.


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For energy service loans, underwriting criteria requires lower leverage to compensate for the cyclical nature of the industry. During the Company’s underwriting process, we use sensitivity analysis to consider revenue and cash flow impacts resulting from oil and gas price cycles. Generally, we underwrite energy service loans to withstand a 20-50% decline in cash flows, with higher discounts for those borrowers subject to greater cyclicality.

Risk Management of the Energy-Related Portfolio
The Company applies concentration limits and disciplined underwriting to its entire energy-related portfolio in order to limit its risk exposure. Concentration limits on energy-related lending, coupled with adherence to the Company’s underwriting standards, served to constrain loan growth during the past several quarters. As an indicator of the diversity of our energy-related portfolio’s size, the average amount of our commitments is approximately $8 million, with approximately 60% of the commitments less than $30 million. The portfolio contains only senior loans – no junior or second lien positions; additionally, the Company cautiously approaches making first lien loans to borrowers that employ excessive leverage through the use of junior lien loans or unsecured layers of debt. More than 90% of the total energy-related portfolio is secured by reserves, equipment, real estate, and other collateral, or a combination of collateral types. Lending arrangements that are not secured are generally to investment-grade borrowers.

The Company participates as a lender in loans and commitments designated as Shared National Credits (“SNCs”), which are generally larger and more diversified borrowers that have better access to capital markets. SNCs are loans or loan commitments of at least $20 million that are shared by three or more federally supervised institutions. The percentage of SNCs is approximately 80% in the upstream portfolio, 77% in the midstream portfolio, and 51% in the energy services portfolio. Our bankers have direct access and contact with the management of these SNC borrowers, and as such, are active participants. In many cases, the Company provides ancillary banking services to these borrowers, further evidencing this direct relationship.

As a secondary source of support, many of our energy-related borrowers have access to capital markets and private equity sources. Private sponsors tend to be large funds, often with assets under management of more than $1 billion, managed by individuals with a great deal of energy expertise and experience and who have successfully managed energy investments through previous energy price cycles. The investors in the funds are believed to be primarily institutional investors, such as large pensions, foundations, trusts and high net worth family offices.

During the first quarter of 2015, a number of the Company’s energy-related lending customers took significant steps to mitigate risk, including pay-downs resulting from refinancing that was driven in part by stronger capital markets activities within the energy sector (including issuance of additional public and private equity and debt).

Due to continued weakness in oil and gas prices, the Company took steps this quarter to review a number of energy-related credits prior to the regularly scheduled borrowing base redetermination. This action resulted in some credits being regraded. These steps were consistent with the Company’s effort to mitigate credit risks. The pattern of a significant increase in graded or classified energy loans as well as the increase in nonaccrual energy loans is generally consistent with prior cycles.

Adjustments made by energy industry participants appear to be occurring more rapidly in this cycle, including for example, reducing drilling activity and raising additional capital. However, additional increases in energy-related classified loans and decreases in unfunded commitments are likely to occur during the second quarter of 2015 as the Company completes its semiannual borrowing base redetermination process. The Company considers these and other factors when establishing the level of the allowance for credit losses. During the six-month period beginning September 30, 2014, as energy prices declined significantly, Amegy Bank increased its allowance for credit losses by $55 million.



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Commercial Real Estate Loans
Selected information indicative of credit quality regarding our CRE loan portfolio is presented in the following schedule.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO BY LOAN TYPE AND COLLATERAL LOCATION
(Amounts in millions)
 
Collateral Location
 
 
 
 
Loan type
 
As of
date
 
Arizona
 
California
 
Colorado
 
Nevada
 
Texas
 
Utah/
Idaho
 
Wash-ington
 
Other 1
 
Total
 
% of 
total
CRE
Commercial term
Balance outstanding
 
3/31/2015
 
$
1,136

 
$
2,755

 
$
413

 
$
542

 
$
1,303

 
$
1,055

 
$
273

 
$
611

 
$
8,088

 
79.8
%
% of loan type
 
 
 
14.0
%
 
34.1
%
 
5.1
%
 
6.7
%
 
16.1
%
 
13.0
%
 
3.4
%
 
7.6
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
Delinquency rates 2 :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30-89 days
 
3/31/2015
 
0.1
%
 
0.2
%
 
%
 
0.5
%
 
0.4
%
 
0.1
%
 
0.2
%
 
0.3
%
 
0.2
%
 
 
 
 
12/31/2014
 
%
 
0.1
%
 
%
 
0.4
%
 
%
 
0.6
%
 
0.3
%
 
0.2
%
 
0.2
%
 
 
≥ 90 days
 
3/31/2015
 
0.1
%
 
0.4
%
 
%
 
0.9
%
 
0.2
%
 
0.7
%
 
0.5
%
 
0.6
%
 
0.4
%
 
 
 
 
12/31/2014
 
0.1
%
 
0.6
%
 
%
 
0.6
%
 
0.1
%
 
0.3
%
 
0.3
%
 
1.0
%
 
0.4
%
 
 
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
 
3/31/2015
 
$

 
$
12

 
$

 
$
5

 
$

 
$
3

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
22

 
 
 
 
12/31/2014
 

 
12

 

 
4

 

 
3

 
1

 

 
20

 
 
Nonaccrual loans
 
3/31/2015
 
$
7

 
$
5

 
$
1

 
$
3

 
$
6

 
$
5

 
$

 
$
11

 
$
38

 
 
 
 
12/31/2014
 
2

 
8

 
1

 
1

 
2

 
1

 

 
10

 
25

 
 
Residential construction and land development
Balance outstanding
 
3/31/2015
 
$
54

 
$
316

 
$
48

 
$
7

 
$
248

 
$
98

 
$
18

 
$
16

 
$
805

 
7.9
%
% of loan type
 
 
 
6.7
%
 
39.3
%
 
6.0
%
 
0.9
%
 
30.8
%
 
12.2
%
 
2.2
%
 
1.9
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
Delinquency rates 2 :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30-89 days
 
3/31/2015
 
%
 
0.4
%
 
%
 
%
 
0.1
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
0.2
%
 
 
 
 
12/31/2014
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
 
≥ 90 days
 
3/31/2015
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
2.3
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
0.7
%
 
 
 
 
12/31/2014
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
2.6
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
0.8
%
 
 
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
 
3/31/2015
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
12/31/2014
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Nonaccrual loans
 
3/31/2015
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
6

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
6

 
 
 
 
12/31/2014
 

 

 

 

 
7

 

 

 

 
7

 
 
Commercial construction and land development
Balance outstanding
 
3/31/2015
 
$
75

 
$
289

 
$
87

 
$
70

 
$
388

 
$
257

 
$
24

 
$
50

 
$
1,240

 
12.3
%
% of loan type
 
 
 
6.1
%
 
23.3
%
 
7.0
%
 
5.6
%
 
31.3
%
 
20.7
%
 
2.0
%
 
4.0
%
 
100
%
 
 
Delinquency rates 2 :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30-89 days
 
3/31/2015
 
2.5
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
0.1
%
 
0.1
%
 
%
 
%
 
0.2
%
 
 
 
 
12/31/2014
 
%
 
0.5
%
 
0.1
%
 
%
 
0.2
%
 
0.1
%
 
%
 
%
 
0.2
%
 
 
≥ 90 days
 
3/31/2015
 
%
 
1.2
%
 
%
 
%
 
0.9
%
 
0.2
%
 
%
 
%
 
0.6
%
 
 
 
 
12/31/2014
 
%
 
0.9
%
 
%
 
%
 
0.9
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
0.5
%
 
 
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
 
3/31/2015
 
$

 
$
2

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1

 
$

 
$

 
$
3

 
 
 
 
12/31/2014
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Nonaccrual loans
 
3/31/2015
 
$

 
$
2

 
$

 
$

 
$
3

 
$
11

 
$

 
$

 
$
16

 
 
 
 
12/31/2014
 

 
2

 

 

 
4

 
11

 

 

 
17

 
 
Total construction and land development
 
3/31/2015
 
$
129


$
605


$
135


$
77


$
636


$
355


$
42


$
66

 
$
2,045

 
 
Total commercial real estate
 
3/31/2015
 
$
1,265


$
3,360


$
548


$
619


$
1,939


$
1,410


$
315


$
677

 
$
10,133

 
100.0
%
1 No other geography exceeds $77 million for all three loan types.
2 Delinquency rates include nonaccrual loans.


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Approximately 23% of the CRE term loans consist of mini-perm loans as of March 31, 2015. For such loans, construction has been completed and the project has stabilized to a level that supports the granting of a mini-perm loan in accordance with our underwriting standards. Mini-perm loans generally have initial maturities of three to seven years. The remaining 77% of CRE loans are term loans with initial maturities generally of 5 to 20 years. The stabilization criteria for a project to qualify for a term loan differ by product type and include criteria related to the cash flow generated by the project, loan-to-value ratio, and occupancy rates.

Approximately $200 million, or 16%, of the commercial construction and land development portfolio at March 31, 2015 consists of acquisition and development loans. Most of these acquisition and development loans are secured by specific retail, apartment, office, or other projects. Underwriting on commercial properties is primarily based on the economic viability of the project with heavy consideration given to the creditworthiness and experience of the sponsor. We generally require that the owner’s equity be injected prior to bank advances. Remargining requirements (required equity infusions upon a decline in value of the collateral) are often included in the loan agreement along with guarantees of the sponsor. Recognizing that debt is paid via cash flow, the projected cash flows of the project are critical in the underwriting because these determine the ultimate value of the property and its ability to service debt. Therefore, in most projects (with the exception of multifamily projects) we look for substantial pre-leasing in our underwriting and we generally require a minimum projected stabilized debt service coverage ratio of 1.20 or higher, depending on the project asset class.

Within the residential construction and development sector, many of the requirements previously mentioned, such as creditworthiness and experience of the developer, up-front injection of the developer’s equity, principal curtailment requirements, and the viability of the project are also important in underwriting a residential development loan. Significant consideration is given to the likely market acceptance of the product, location, strength of the developer, and the ability of the developer to stay within budget. Progress inspections by qualified independent inspectors are routinely performed before disbursements are made.

Real estate appraisals are ordered and validated independent of the loan officer and the borrower, generally by each bank’s internal appraisal review function, which is staffed by licensed appraisers. In some cases, reports from automated valuation services are used. Appraisals are ordered from outside appraisers at the inception, renewal or, for CRE loans, upon the occurrence of any event causing a downgrade to an adverse grade (i.e., “criticized” or “classified”). We increase the frequency of obtaining updated appraisals for adversely graded credits when declining market conditions exist.

Advance rates (i.e., loan commitments) will vary based on the viability of the project and the creditworthiness of the sponsor, but our guidelines generally limit advances to 50% for raw land, 65% for land development, 65% for finished commercial lots, 75% for finished residential lots, 80% for pre-sold homes, 75% for models and homes not under contract, and 75% for commercial properties. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Loan agreements require regular financial information on the project and the sponsor in addition to lease schedules, rent rolls and, on construction projects, independent progress inspection reports. The receipt of this financial information is monitored and calculations are made to determine adherence to the covenants set forth in the loan agreement. Additionally, loan-by-loan reviews of pass grade loans for all commercial and residential construction and land development loans are performed semiannually at Amegy, CB&T, NBAZ, NSB, Vectra and Zions Bank, while TCBO and TCBW perform such reviews annually.

CRE loans are sometimes modified to increase the likelihood of collecting the maximum possible amount of the Company’s investment in the loan. In general, the existence of a guarantee that improves the likelihood of repayment is taken into consideration when analyzing a loan for impairment. If the support of the guarantor is quantifiable and documented, it is included in the potential cash flows and liquidity available for debt repayment and our impairment methodology takes into consideration this repayment source.


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Additionally, when we modify or extend a loan, we give consideration to whether the borrower is in financial difficulty, and whether we have granted a concession. In determining if an interest rate concession has been granted, we consider whether the interest rate on the modified loan is equivalent to current market rates for new debt with similar risk characteristics. If the rate in the modification is less than current market rates, it may indicate that a concession was granted and impairment exists. However, if additional collateral is obtained or if a strong guarantor exists who is believed to be able and willing to support the loan on an extended basis, we also consider the nature and amount of the additional collateral and guarantees in the ultimate determination of whether a concession has been granted.

In general, we obtain and consider updated financial information for the guarantor as part of our determination to extend a loan. The quality and frequency of financial reporting collected and analyzed varies depending on the contractual requirements for reporting, the size of the transaction, and the strength of the guarantor.

Complete underwriting of the guarantor includes, but is not limited to, an analysis of the guarantor’s current financial statements, leverage, liquidity, global cash flow, global debt service coverage, contingent liabilities, etc. The assessment also includes a qualitative analysis of the guarantor’s willingness to perform in the event of a problem and demonstrated history of performing in similar situations. Additional analysis may include personal financial statements, tax returns, liquidity (brokerage) confirmations and other reports, as appropriate.

A qualitative assessment is performed on a case-by-case basis to evaluate the guarantor’s experience, performance track record, reputation, performance of other related projects with which we are familiar, and willingness to work with us. We also utilize market information sources, rating and scoring services in our assessment. This qualitative analysis coupled with a documented quantitative ability to support the loan may result in a higher-quality internal loan grade, which may reduce the level of allowance the Company estimates. Previous documentation of the guarantor’s financial ability to support the loan is discounted if there is any indication of a lack of willingness by the guarantor to support the loan.

In the event of default, we evaluate the pursuit of any and all appropriate potential sources of repayment, which may come from multiple sources, including the guarantee. A number of factors are considered when deciding whether or not to pursue a guarantor, including, but not limited to, the value and liquidity of other sources of repayment (collateral), the financial strength and liquidity of the guarantor, possible statutory limitations (e.g., single action rule on real estate) and the overall cost of pursuing a guarantee compared to the ultimate amount we may be able to recover. In other instances, the guarantor may voluntarily support a loan without any formal pursuit of remedies.

Consumer Loans
The Company has mainly been an originator of first and second mortgages, generally considered to be of prime quality. Historically, the Company’s practice has been to sell “conforming” fixed-rate loans to third parties, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, for which it makes representations and warranties that the loans meet certain underwriting and collateral documentation standards. It has also been the Company’s practice historically to hold variable rate loans in its portfolio. We actively monitor loan “put-backs” (required repurchases of loans previously sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac due to inadequate documentation or other reasons). Loan put-backs have been minimal over a multiple-year period. We estimate that the Company does not have any material risk as a result of either its foreclosure practices or loan put-backs and has not established any reserves related to these items.

The Company is engaged in home equity credit line (“HECL”) lending. At March 31, 2015, the Company’s HECL portfolio totaled $2.3 billion. Approximately $1.2 billion of the portfolio is secured by first deeds of trust, while the remaining $1.1 billion is secured by junior liens.

As of March 31, 2015, loans representing approximately 4% of the outstanding balance in the HECL portfolio were estimated to have combined loan-to-value ratios (“CLTV”) above 100%. An estimated CLTV ratio is the ratio of our

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loan plus any prior lien amounts divided by the estimated current collateral value. At origination, underwriting standards for the HECL portfolio generally include a maximum 80% CLTV with high credit scores at origination.

More than 95% of the Company’s HECL portfolio is still in the draw period, and approximately 34% is scheduled to begin amortizing within the next five years. The Company regularly analyzes the risk of borrower default in the event of a loan becoming fully amortizing and the risk of higher interest rates. The analysis indicates that the risk of loss from this factor is minimal in the current economic environment. The annualized credit losses for the HECL portfolio were -1 bps and 3 bps for the first three months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the credit quality of this portfolio.

Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming lending-related assets as a percentage of loans and leases and OREO increased slightly to 0.99% at March 31, 2015, compared to 0.81% at December 31, 2014.

Total nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2015 increased by $75 million from December 31, 2014. The increase is primarily due to increases in energy-related loans at Amegy Bank, the vast majority of which are current with payments, while other commercial and industrial loans, commercial owner occupied loans, and commercial real estate term loans also experienced modest increases. Aside from Amegy Bank, the largest total increases in nonaccrual loans occurred at Zions Bank, NBAZ, and Vectra.

The balance of nonaccrual loans can decrease due to paydowns, charge-offs, and the return of loans to accrual status under certain conditions. If a nonaccrual loan is refinanced or restructured, the new note is immediately placed on nonaccrual. If a restructured loan performs under the new terms for at least a period of six months, the loan can be considered for return to accrual status. See “Restructured Loans” following for more information. Company policy does not allow for the conversion of nonaccrual construction and land development loans to commercial real estate term loans. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

The following schedule sets forth the Company’s nonperforming lending-related assets:

NONPERFORMING LENDING-RELATED ASSETS
(Amounts in millions)
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans 1
 
$
382

 
$
307

Other real estate owned
 
17

 
19

Total nonperforming lending-related assets
 
$
399

 
$
326

 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of nonperforming lending-related assets to net loans and leases 1  and other real estate owned
 
0.99
%
 
0.81
%
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
 
$
32

 
$
29

Ratio of accruing loans past due 90 days or more to loans and leases 1
 
0.08
%
 
0.07
%
Nonaccrual loans and accruing loans past due 90 days or more
 
$
414

 
$
336

Ratio of nonaccrual loans and accruing loans past due 90 days or more
to loans and leases 1
 
1.03
%
 
0.84
%
Accruing loans past due 30 - 89 days
 
$
97

 
$
86

Nonaccrual loans current as to principal and interest payments
 
55.2
%
 
50.4
%
1 Includes loans held for sale.

Restructured Loans
TDRs are loans that have been modified to accommodate a borrower that is experiencing financial difficulties, and for which the Company has granted a concession that it would not otherwise consider. TDRs declined 10% during

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the first three months of 2015, mainly due to payments and payoffs. Commercial loans may be modified to provide the borrower more time to complete the project, to achieve a higher lease-up percentage, to sell the property, or for other reasons. Consumer loan TDRs represent loan modifications in which a concession has been granted to the borrower who is unable to refinance the loan with another lender, or who is experiencing economic hardship. Such consumer loan TDRs may include first-lien residential mortgage loans and home equity loans.
For certain TDRs, we split the loan into two new notes – an “A” note and a “B” note. The A note is structured to comply with our current lending standards at current market rates, and is tailored to suit the customer’s ability to make timely principal and interest payments. The B note includes the granting of the concession to the borrower and varies by situation. We may defer principal and interest payments on the B note until the A note has been paid in full. At the time of restructuring, the A note is identified and classified as a TDR. The B note is charged off, but the obligation is not forgiven to the borrower, and any payments collected on the B notes are accounted for as recoveries. The outstanding carrying value of loans restructured using the A/B note strategy was approximately $86 million at March 31, 2015 and $112 million at December 31, 2014.
If the restructured loan performs for at least six months according to the modified terms, and an analysis of the customer’s financial condition indicates that the Company is reasonably assured of repayment of the modified principal and interest, the loan may be returned to accrual status. The borrower’s payment performance prior to and following the restructuring is taken into account to determine whether or not a loan should be returned to accrual status.

ACCRUING AND NONACCRUING TROUBLED DEBT RESTRUCTURED LOANS
 
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructured loans – accruing
 
 
$
199

 
 
 
$
245

 
Restructured loans – nonaccruing
 
 
110

 
 
 
98

 
Total
 
 
$
309

 
 
 
$
343

 

In the periods following the calendar year in which a loan was restructured, a loan may no longer be reported as a TDR if it is on accrual, is in compliance with its modified terms, and yields a market rate (as determined and documented at the time of the modification or restructure). Company policy requires that the removal of TDR status be approved at the same management level that approved the upgrading of a loan’s classification. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding TDRs.

TROUBLED DEBT RESTRUCTURED LOANS ROLLFORWARD
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
343

 
$
481

New identified TDRs and principal increases
13

 
14

Payments and payoffs
(46
)
 
(33
)
Charge-offs
(1
)
 
(1
)
No longer reported as TDRs

 
(11
)
Sales and other

 
(1
)
Balance at end of period
$
309

 
$
449


Allowance and Reserve for Credit Losses
In analyzing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, we utilize a comprehensive loan grading system to determine the risk potential in the portfolio and also consider the results of independent internal credit reviews. To determine the adequacy of the allowance, the Company’s loan and lease portfolio is broken into segments based on loan type.

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The following schedule shows the changes in the allowance for loan losses and a summary of loan loss experience:

SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE
(Amounts in millions)

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
Twelve Months
Ended
December 31,
2014
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans and leases outstanding (net of unearned income)
$
40,180

 
$
40,064

 
$
39,198

Average loans and leases outstanding (net of unearned income)
$
40,179

 
$
39,523

 
$
39,125

Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
605

 
$
746

 
$
746

Provision charged against earnings
(2
)
 
(98
)
 
(1
)
Adjustment for FDIC-supported/PCI loans

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
(16
)
 
(77
)
 
(10
)
Commercial real estate
(1
)
 
(15
)
 
(8
)
Consumer
(3
)
 
(14
)
 
(3
)
Total
(20
)
 
(106
)
 
(21
)
Recoveries:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
21

 
41

 
8

Commercial real estate
14

 
12

 
3

Consumer
2

 
11

 
2

Total
37

 
64

 
13

Net loan and lease charge-offs
17

 
(42
)
 
(8
)
Balance at end of period
$
620

 
$
605

 
$
736

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of annualized net charge-offs to average loans and leases
(0.17
)%
 
0.11
%
 
0.08
%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to net loans and leases, at period end
1.54
 %
 
1.51
%
 
1.88
%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans, at period end
162.28
 %
 
197.18
%
 
183.47
%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans and accruing loans past due 90 days or more, at period end
149.90
 %
 
180.03
%
 
167.54
%

The total ALLL increased during the first three months of 2015 by $15 million due to the slight deterioration in various credit metrics primarily related to the energy-related loans at Amegy Bank; other credit metric trends not related to energy lending were generally stable. During the six-month period beginning September 30, 2014, as energy prices have declined significantly, Amegy Bank has increased its ACL by $55 million. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in the allowance elsewhere, due to favorable changes in credit quality outside of the energy industry.
The reserve for unfunded lending commitments represents a reserve for potential losses associated with off-balance sheet commitments and standby letters of credit. The reserve is separately shown in the Company’s balance sheet and any related increases or decreases in the reserve are shown separately in the statement of income. The reserve increased by $1.2 million compared to December 31, 2014, and decreased by $6.4 million from March 31, 2014.
See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the allowance for credit losses and credit trends experienced in each portfolio segment.


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Interest Rate and Market Risk Management
Interest rate and market risk are managed centrally. The Company’s Board of Directors is responsible for approving the overall policies relating to the management of the financial risk of the Company, including interest rate and market risk management. In addition, the Board establishes and periodically revises policy limits and reviews limit exceptions reported by management. The Board has established the Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) consisting of members of management, to which it has delegated the responsibility of managing interest rate and market risk for the Company.

Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is one of the most significant risks to which the Company is regularly exposed. In general, our goal in managing interest rate risk is to have net interest income increase in a rising interest rate environment. We refer to this goal as being “asset-sensitive.” This approach is based on our belief that in a rising interest rate environment, the market cost of equity, or implied rate at which future earnings are discounted, would also tend to rise.

Due to the low level of rates and the natural lower bound of zero for market indices, there is limited sensitivity to falling rates at the current time, and we have tended to operate near interest rate risk “triggers” and appetites noted in the following schedule. However, if interest rates remain at their current historically low levels, given the Company’s asset sensitivity, we would expect the Company’s net interest margin to be under continuing modest pressure assuming a balance sheet that is static in size. In order to mitigate this pressure and to increase holdings in HQLA securities, in 2014, we began deploying cash into short-to-medium duration agency pass-through securities. In the first quarter of 2015, we purchased HQLA securities of $666 million at amortized cost and are continuing these purchases. Over time these purchases are expected to somewhat reduce our asset sensitivity compared to previous periods.

Interest Rate Risk Measurement
We monitor interest rate risk through the use of two complementary measurement methods: net interest income simulation and Economic Value of Equity at Risk (“EVE”). In the net interest income simulation method, we analyze the expected change in net interest income in response to changes in interest rates. In the EVE method, we measure the expected changes in the fair value of equity in response to changes in interest rates.

Net interest income simulation is an estimate of the total net interest income that would be recognized under different rate environments. Net interest income is measured under several parallel and nonparallel interest rate environments and deposit repricing assumptions, taking into account an estimate of the possible exercise of embedded options within the portfolio (e.g., a borrower’s ability to refinance a loan under a lower rate environment). The Company’s policy contains a trigger for a 10% decline in rate sensitive income as well as a risk capacity of a 13% decline if rates were to immediately rise or fall in parallel by 200 bps. This trigger and risk capacity apply to both the fast and the slow deposit assumptions.

EVE is calculated as the fair value of all assets and derivative instruments minus the fair value of liabilities. We measure changes in the dollar amount of EVE for parallel shifts in interest rates. Due to embedded optionality and asymmetric rate risk, changes in EVE can be useful in quantifying risks not apparent for small rate changes. Examples of such risks may include out-of-the-money interest rate caps (or limits) on loans, which have little effect under small rate movements but may become important if large rate changes were to occur, or substantial prepayment deceleration for low rate mortgages in a higher rate environment. The Company’s policy is to limit declines in EVE to 4% per 100 bps movement in interest rates in either direction. The following schedule presents the formal EVE limits adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors. Changes or exceptions to the EVE limits are subject to notification and approval by the Risk Oversight Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.


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ECONOMIC VALUE OF EQUITY DECLINE LIMITS
Parallel change in interest rates
 
Trigger decline in EVE
 
Risk capacity decline in EVE
 
 
 
 
 
+/- 100 bps
 
3
%
 
4
%
 +/- 200 bps
 
6
%
 
8
%
+/- 300 bps
 
9
%
 
12
%

New Interest Rate Risk Model and Comparisons
As discussed in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, in the first quarter of 2015, we adopted a new model to estimate the impact to net interest income and to EVE from changes in interest rates. We made the change because the new model is believed to better reflect customer behavior, particularly with regard to dynamic prepayment speeds (i.e., incrementally slower prepayment speeds on mortgages with incrementally higher interest rate changes) and deposit characteristics (i.e., faster deposit product migration to interest-bearing accounts for larger deposit balances). We ran both models in parallel for several months and members of ALCO scrutinized the results. Additionally, rigorous statistical validation of the new model was conducted prior to its adoption. The results of both the old model and the new model are shown below for comparison purposes.

Regardless of the model used, estimating the impact on net interest income and EVE requires that we assess a number of variables and make various assumptions in managing the Company’s exposure to changes in interest rates. The assessments address deposit withdrawals and deposit product migration (e.g., customers moving money from checking accounts to certificates of deposit), competitive pricing (e.g., existing loans and deposits are assumed to roll into new loans and deposits at similar spreads relative to benchmark interest rates), loan and security prepayments, and the effects of other similar embedded options. As a result of uncertainty about the maturity and repricing characteristics of both deposits and loans, we estimate ranges of possible net interest income and EVE results under a variety of assumptions and scenarios. The modeled results are highly sensitive to the assumptions used for deposits that do not have specific maturities, such as checking, savings and money market accounts, and also to prepayment assumptions used for loans with prepayment options. We use historical regression analysis as a guide to setting such assumptions; however, due to the current low interest rate environment, which has little historical precedent, estimated deposit durations may not reflect actual future results. Additionally, competition for funding in the marketplace has and may again result in changes of deposit pricing on interest-bearing accounts that is greater or less than changes in benchmark interest rates such as LIBOR or the federal funds rate.

Under most rising interest rate environments, we would expect some customers to move balances in demand deposits to interest-bearing accounts such as money market, savings, or CDs. The models are particularly sensitive to the assumption about the rate of such migration. In order to capture the sensitivity of our models to this risk, we estimate a range of possible outcomes for interest sensitivity under “fast” and “slow” movements of client funds out of noninterest-bearing deposits and into interest-bearing sources of funds.

In addition, we assume certain correlation rates, often referred to as a “deposit beta,” of interest-bearing deposits, wherein the rates paid to customers change at a different pace when compared to changes in benchmark interest rates. Generally, certificates of deposit are assumed to have a high correlation rate, while interest-on-checking accounts are assumed to have a lower correlation rate. Actual results may differ materially due to factors including competitive pricing, money supply, credit worthiness of the Company, and so forth; however, the Company uses its historical experience as well as industry data to inform its assumptions.


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The aforementioned migration and correlation assumptions result in deposit durations presented in the following schedule:
 
 
As of March 31, 2015
 
 
Fast
 
Slow
Product
 
Effective duration (unchanged)
 
Effective duration (+200 bps)
 
Effective duration (unchanged)
 
Effective duration (+200 bps)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
 
2.2
%
 
1.3
%
 
2.7
%
 
1.9
%
Money market
 
1.4
%
 
1.2
%
 
1.8
%
 
1.6
%
Savings and interest on checking
 
2.7
%
 
1.9
%
 
3.2
%
 
2.7
%

As of the dates indicated and incorporating the assumptions previously described, the following schedule shows the Company’s estimated percentage change in net interest income, based on a static balance sheet size, in the first year after the interest rate change if interest rates were to sustain immediate parallel changes ranging from -100 bps to +300 bps.

INCOME SIMULATION – CHANGE IN NET INTEREST INCOME
 
 
As of March 31, 2015
 
 
Parallel shift in rates (in basis points) 1
Repricing scenario
 
-100
 
0
 
+100
 
+200
 
+300
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fast
 
(2.0
)%
 
%
 
8.0
%
 
14.4
%
 
18.9
%
Slow
 
(2.4
)%
 
%
 
10.8
%
 
20.8
%
 
29.6
%
1 Assumes rates cannot go below zero in the negative rate shift.

For comparative purposes, we applied the new model to the December 31, 2014 balances; these results are presented in the following schedule.
 
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
 
Parallel shift in rates (in basis points) 1
Repricing scenario
 
-100
 
0
 
+100
 
+200
 
+300
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fast
 
(2.6
)%
 
%
 
7.8
%
 
14.1
%
 
18.7
%
Slow
 
(3.0
)%
 
%
 
10.7
%
 
20.7
%
 
29.6
%
1 Assumes rates cannot go below zero in the negative rate shift.

As of the dates indicated and incorporating the assumptions previously described, the following schedule shows the Company’s estimated percentage change in EVE under parallel interest rate changes ranging from -100 bps to +300 bps.

CHANGES IN ECONOMIC VALUE OF EQUITY
 
 
As of March 31, 2015
Repricing scenario
 
-100 bps
 
0 bps
 
+100 bps
 
+200 bps
 
+300 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fast
 
0.4
 %
 
%
 
2.8
%
 
3.8
%
 
3.1
%
Slow
 
(0.9
)%
 
%
 
5.4
%
 
9.5
%
 
12.2
%

For comparative purposes, we applied the new model to the December 31, 2014 balances; these results are presented in the following schedule.

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As of December 31, 2014
Repricing scenario
 
-100 bps
 
0 bps
 
+100 bps
 
+200 bps
 
+300 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fast
 
(0.8
)%
 
%
 
2.4
%
 
3.1
%
 
2.2
%
Slow
 
(2.4
)%
 
%
 
5.1
%
 
9.0
%
 
11.4
%

Market Risk – Fixed Income
The Company engages in the underwriting and trading of municipal securities. This trading activity exposes the Company to a risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the prices of these fixed income securities.

At March 31, 2015, the Company had a relatively small amount, $71 million, of trading assets that remained relatively unchanged from the previous quarter and $7 million of securities sold, not yet purchased, compared with $24 million, at December 31, 2014.

The Company is exposed to market risk through changes in fair value. The Company is also exposed to market risk for interest rate swaps used to hedge interest rate risk. Changes in the fair value of AFS securities and in interest rate swaps that qualify as cash flow hedges are included in AOCI for each financial reporting period. During the first quarter of 2015, the after-tax change in AOCI attributable to AFS and HTM securities was an increase of $12 million compared to a $49 million increase in the same prior year period. The primary reason for the $12 million increase in the first quarter of 2015 is the result of the Company reclassifying all of the remaining CDO securities, or approximately $79 million at amortized cost, to AFS securities. The reclassification reduced existing unrealized losses in OCI of $40 million on HTM securities by approximately $18 million pretax. These existing unrealized losses resulted from a previous reclassification of AFS securities to HTM, and from OTTI. We took this action as a result of the most recent Dodd-Frank Act stress test results and the treatment of the CDO securities under the new Basel III capital and risk weighting rules that became effective January 1, 2015. The reclassification provides the Company with greater flexibility in the management of these securities. Current accounting guidance allows for the reclassification of HTM to AFS securities, without calling into question the entity’s intent to hold other debt securities to maturity, when there has been a significant increase in the risk weights of debt securities used for regulatory risk-based capital purposes. No gain or loss was recognized in the statement of income at the time of reclassification. If any of the AFS or HTM securities become other-than-temporarily impaired, the credit impairment is charged to operations. See “Investment Securities Portfolio” on page 59 for additional information on OTTI.

Market Risk – Equity Investments
Through its equity investment activities, the Company owns equity securities that are publicly traded. In addition, the Company owns equity securities in companies and governmental entities, e.g., Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Banks, that are not publicly traded. The accounting for equity investments may use the cost, fair value, equity, or full consolidation methods of accounting, depending upon the Company’s ownership position and degree of involvement in influencing the investees’ affairs. Regardless of the accounting method, the value of the Company’s investment is subject to fluctuation. Since the fair value of these securities may fall below the Company’s investment costs, the Company is exposed to the possibility of loss. Equity investments in private and public companies are approved, monitored and evaluated by the Company’s Equity Investment Committee.
The Company holds investments in pre-public companies through various predominantly SBIC venture capital funds. The Company’s equity exposure to these investments was approximately $95 million at March 31, 2015 and$86 million at December 31, 2014.
Additionally, Amegy has an alternative investments portfolio. These investments are primarily directed towards equity buyout and mezzanine funds with a key strategy of deriving ancillary commercial banking business from the portfolio companies. Early stage venture capital funds were generally not a part of the strategy because the underlying companies were typically not creditworthy. The carrying value of Amegy s equity investments was $32 million at March 31, 2015 and $38 million at December 31, 2014.

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These private equity investments are subject to the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Volcker Rule of the Dodd-Frank Act, as published on December 10, 2013, prohibits banks and bank holding companies from holding private equity investments beyond July 21, 2016, as currently extended, except for SBIC funds. The Federal Reserve has announced its intention to act in 2015 to grant an additional one-year extension to July 21, 2017. As of March 31, 2015, such prohibited private equity investments, except for SBIC funds, amounted to $33 million, with an additional $8 million of unfunded commitments (see Notes 5 and 11 for more information). The Company currently does not believe that this divestiture requirement will ultimately have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

The Company s earnings from these investments, and the potential volatility of these earnings, are expected to decline over the next several years and will ultimately cease.

Liquidity Risk Management
Liquidity risk is the possibility that the Company’s cash flows may not be adequate to fund its ongoing operations and meet its commitments in a timely and cost-effective manner. Since liquidity risk is closely linked to both credit risk and market risk, many of the previously discussed risk control mechanisms also apply to the monitoring and management of liquidity risk. We manage the Company’s liquidity to provide adequate funds to meet its anticipated financial and contractual obligations, including withdrawals by depositors, debt and capital service requirements, and lease obligations, as well as to fund customers’ needs for credit. The management of liquidity and funding is performed centrally for the Parent and jointly by the Parent and bank management for its subsidiary banks.

Consolidated cash, interest-bearing deposits held as investments, and security resell agreements at the Parent and its subsidiaries decreased to $8.9 billion at March 31, 2015 from $9.2 billion at December 31, 2014. The $0.3 billion decrease during the first three months of 2015 resulted primarily from (1) an increase in investment securities, (2) net loan originations, and (3) a net repayment of long- and short-term debt. These decreases were partially offset by (1) an increase in deposits and (2) net cash provided by operating activities.

During the first three months of 2015, the Company’s investment securities increased by $551 million. This increase resulted primarily due to an increase in the purchases of short-to-medium duration agency pass-through securities that were generally funded through reduction of interest-bearing deposits held for investment. We expect to continue to deploy cash and short-term investments into HQLA in the next several quarters.
Liquidity Regulation
In September 2014, U.S. banking regulators issued a final rule that implements a quantitative liquidity requirement in the U.S. generally consistent with the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (“LCR”) minimum liquidity measure established under the Basel III liquidity framework. Under this rule, the Company is subject to a modified LCR standard, which requires a financial institution to hold an adequate amount of unencumbered HQLA that can be converted into cash easily and immediately in private markets to meet its liquidity needs for a short-term liquidity stress scenario. Although this rule is not applicable to the Company and other banks of its size until January 2016, the Company has calculated that it is in compliance with the requirement to maintain a modified LCR of at least 100%.

The Company is required to and is conducting monthly liquidity stress tests as of January 2015. These tests incorporate scenarios designed by the Company subject to review by the Federal Reserve.

The Basel III liquidity framework includes a second minimum liquidity measure, the Net Stable Funding Ratio (“NSFR”), which requires a financial institution to maintain a stable funding profile in relation to the characteristics of its on- and off-balance sheet activities. On October 31, 2014, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued its final standards for this ratio, entitled Basel III: The Net Stable Funding Ratio. Based upon this Basel III publication, we believe the Company would meet the minimum NSFR if such requirement were currently effective.

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However, the Federal Reserve has not yet proposed regulations to implement these Basel Committee standards. The Company is monitoring these developments.
Parent Company Liquidity
The Parent’s cash requirements consist primarily of debt service, investments in and advances to subsidiaries, operating expenses, income taxes, and dividends to preferred and common shareholders. The Parent’s cash needs are usually met through dividends from its subsidiaries, interest and investment income, subsidiaries’ proportionate share of current income taxes, and long-term debt and equity issuances.
Cash and interest-bearing deposits held as investments at the Parent were $1.0 billion at March 31, 2015, essentially unchanged from the December 31, 2014 balance. Dividends received from subsidiary banks on common and preferred stock offset debt and interest payments.

At March 31, 2015, the Parent’s long-term debt maturities during the remainder of 2015 consist of $223 million carrying value of subordinated/convertible subordinated notes due as follows: 6.0% $106 million on September 15, 2015 and 5.5% $117 million on November 16, 2015. In addition, the Parent has given notice that it will redeem in full $19 million of senior notes on May 30, 2015 under an early redemption provision. See Note 8 for additional detail about the Company’s debt maturities.

During the first three months of 2015, the Parent received dividends on common stock and return of common equity totaling $44 million and dividends on preferred stock totaling $10 million from its subsidiary banks. During the first three months of 2014, the Parent received $50 million from its subsidiaries for dividends on common stock and return of common equity and $8 million from dividends on preferred stock. The dividends that our subsidiary banks can pay to the Parent are restricted by current and historical earning levels, retained earnings, and risk-based and other regulatory capital requirements and limitations. During the first three months of 2015, all of the Company’s subsidiary banks recorded a profit, except TCBO, which operated at approximately break-even. We expect that this profitability will be sustained, thus permitting continued payments of dividends by the subsidiaries to the Parent during the remainder of 2015.
General financial market and economic conditions impact the Company’s access to, and cost of, external financing. Access to funding markets for the Parent and subsidiary banks is also directly affected by the credit ratings received from various rating agencies. The ratings not only influence the costs associated with the borrowings, but can also influence the sources of the borrowings. The debt ratings and outlooks issued by the various rating agencies for the Company did not change during the first three months of 2015. Standard & Poor’s, Fitch, Dominion Bond Rating Service (“DBRS”), and Kroll all rate the Company’s senior debt at an investment-grade level, while Moody’s rates the Company’s senior debt as Ba1 (one notch below investment-grade). In addition, all of the previously mentioned rating agencies, except Kroll, rate the Company’s subordinated debt as noninvestment-grade.

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The following schedule presents the Parent’s balance sheets as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, and March 31, 2014.
PARENT ONLY CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
2,020

 
$
2,023

 
$
1,223,423

Interest-bearing deposits
1,025,878

 
1,007,916

 
89

Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity, at adjusted cost (approximate fair value of
$0, $34,691 and $33,704)

 
17,292

 
17,336

Available-for-sale, at fair value
162,745

 
130,964

 
338,053

Other noninterest-bearing investments
26,892

 
29,091

 
30,161

Investments in subsidiaries:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial banks and bank holding company
7,049,186

 
6,995,000

 
6,771,460

Other operating companies
25,197

 
22,948

 
30,456

Nonoperating – ZMFU II, Inc. 1
44,989

 
44,792

 
44,459

Receivables from subsidiaries:
 
 
 
 
 
Other operating companies
23,060

 
15,060

 
10,000

Other assets
93,075

 
106,224

 
216,296

 
$
8,453,042

 
$
8,371,310

 
$
8,681,733

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
$
84,785

 
$
85,275

 
$
187,348

Subordinated debt to affiliated trusts
15,464

 
15,464

 
15,464

Long-term debt:
 
 
 
 
 
Due to affiliates
250

 
20

 
266

Due to others
898,245

 
901,021

 
1,892,439

Total liabilities
998,744

 
1,001,780

 
2,095,517

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock
1,004,032

 
1,004,011

 
1,003,970

Common stock
4,728,556

 
4,723,855

 
4,185,513

Retained earnings
1,836,619

 
1,769,705

 
1,542,195

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(114,909
)
 
(128,041
)
 
(145,462
)
Total shareholders’ equity
7,454,298

 
7,369,530

 
6,586,216

 
$
8,453,042

 
$
8,371,310

 
$
8,681,733

1 ZMFU II, Inc. is a wholly-owned nonoperating subsidiary whose sole purpose is to hold a portfolio of municipal bonds, loans and leases.
The Parent’s cash payments for interest, reflected in operating expenses, decreased to $9 million during the first three months of 2015 from $26 million during the first three months of 2014 due to continued maturity and repayment of debt. Additionally, the Parent paid approximately $23 million and $24 million of total dividends on preferred stock and common stock during the first three months of 2015 and 2014, respectively.
At March 31, 2015, maturities of the Parent’s long-term senior and subordinated debt ranged from September 2015 to September 2028.

Subsidiary Bank Liquidity
The subsidiary banks’ primary source of funding is their core deposits, consisting of demand, savings and money market deposits, time deposits under $100,000, and foreign deposits. At both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, these core deposits, excluding brokered deposits, in aggregate, constituted 97.3% of consolidated deposits, compared with 97.2% at March 31, 2014. On a consolidated basis, the Company’s loan to total deposit ratio was 83.5% at March 31, 2015, compared to 83.7% at December 31, 2014 and 84.2% at March 31, 2014.


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Total deposits increased by $275 million to $48.1 billion at March 31, 2015, compared to $47.8 billion at December 31, 2014, primarily due to an $326 million increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits and a $54 million increase in foreign time deposits. These increases were partially offset by a $105 million decrease in savings and money market and time deposits.

The FHLB system and Federal Reserve Banks have been and are a source of back-up liquidity, and from time to time, have been a significant source of funding for each of the Company’s subsidiary banks. Zions Bank and TCBW are members of the FHLB of Seattle. CB&T, NSB, and NBAZ are members of the FHLB of San Francisco. Vectra is a member of the FHLB of Topeka and Amegy Bank is a member of the FHLB of Dallas. The FHLB allows member banks to borrow against their eligible loans to satisfy liquidity and funding requirements. The subsidiary banks are required to invest in FHLB and Federal Reserve stock to maintain their borrowing capacity.

At March 31, 2015, the amount available for additional FHLB and Federal Reserve borrowings was approximately $16.5 billion. Loans with a carrying value of approximately $22.6 billion at March 31, 2015 and $22.5 billion at December 31, 2014, have been pledged at the Federal Reserve and various FHLBs as collateral for current and potential borrowings. The Company had approximately $22 million of long-term borrowings outstanding with the FHLB at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The Company had no short-term FHLB or Federal Reserve borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2015, which was unchanged from December 31, 2014. At March 31, 2015, the subsidiary banks’ total investment in FHLB and Federal Reserve stock was $103 million and $121 million, respectively. The Company’s investments in FHLB and Federal Reserve stock did not fluctuate more the $1 million during the first three months of 2015.
The Company’s investment activities can provide or use cash, depending on the asset liability management posture taken. During the first three months of 2015, HTM & AFS investment securities’ activities resulted in a net increase in investment securities and a net $539 million decrease in cash compared with a net $378 million increase in cash for the first three months of 2014.
Maturing balances in our subsidiary banks’ loan portfolios also provide additional flexibility in managing cash flows. Lending and purchase activity for the first three months of 2015 resulted in a net cash outflow of $100 million compared to a net cash outflow of $166 million for the first three months of 2014.
A more comprehensive discussion of our liquidity management is contained in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Operational Risk Management
Operational risk is the risk to current or anticipated earnings or capital arising from inadequate or failed internal processes or systems, human errors or misconduct, or adverse external events. In its ongoing efforts to identify and manage operational risk, the Company has an Enterprise Risk Management department whose responsibility is to help employees, management and the Board to assess, understand, measure, monitor and manage risk in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite Framework. We have documented both controls and the Control Self Assessment related to financial reporting under the 2013 framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991.

To manage and minimize its operational risk, the Company has in place transactional documentation requirements; systems and procedures to monitor transactions and positions; systems and procedures to detect and mitigate attempts to commit fraud, penetrate the Company’s systems or telecommunications, access customer data, and/or deny normal access to those systems to the Company’s legitimate customers; regulatory compliance reviews; and periodic reviews by the Company’s Internal Audit and Credit Examination departments. Reconciliation procedures have been established to ensure that data processing systems consistently and accurately capture critical data. Further, we undertake significant efforts to maintain contingency and business continuity plans for operational support in the event of natural or other disasters. We also mitigate operational risk through the purchase of insurance, including errors and omissions and professional liability insurance.

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The Company is continually improving its oversight of operational risk, including enhancement of risk identification, risk and control self-assessments, and antifraud measures, which are reported on a regular basis to two management committees. The Operational Risk Committee reports to the Enterprise Risk Management Committee, which reports to the Risk Oversight Committee of the Board of Directors. Late in 2013, the Company further improved operational risk management by creating and staffing the position of Director of Corporate Operational Risk in order to consolidate and enhance its risk oversight functions.

The number and sophistication of attempts to disrupt or penetrate the Company’s critical systems, sometimes referred to as hacking, cyberfraud, cyberattacks, cyberterrorism, or other similar names, also continue to grow. On a daily basis, the Company, its customers, and other financial institutions are subject to a large number of such attempts. The Company has established systems and procedures to monitor, thwart or mitigate damage from such attempts. However, in some instances we, or our customers, have been victimized by cyberfraud (related losses to the Company have not been material), or some of our customers have been temporarily unable to routinely access our online systems as a result of, for example, distributed denial of service attacks. The Company continues to review this area of its operations to help ensure that it manages this risk in an effective manner.

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
We believe that a strong capital position is vital to continued profitability and to promoting depositor and investor confidence.

Total shareholders’ equity increased by $0.1 billion to $7.5 billion at March 31, 2015 from $7.4 billion at December 31, 2014. The increase in total shareholders’ equity is primarily due to net income of $92 million, partially offset by $24.9 million of dividends recorded on preferred and common stock.

The Company has maintained its quarterly dividend on common stock at $0.04 per share since the second quarter of 2013. The Company paid $8.2 million in dividends on common stock during the first three months of 2015, compared to $7.4 million during the first three months of 2014. During its April 2015 meeting, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per common share payable on May 28, 2015 to shareholders of record on May 21, 2015.

The Company recorded dividends on preferred stock of $16.7 million and $25.0 million for the first three months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Dividends on preferred stock recorded in the first three months of 2015 and 2014 included accruals of $1.7 million and $8.7 million, respectively. The Company’s 2015 capital plan, to which the Federal Reserve did not object, includes the reduction of up to $300 million in preferred stock. See discussion under “Capital Plan and Stress Tests” on page 86.

Banking organizations are required by capital regulations to maintain adequate levels of capital as measured by several regulatory capital ratios. The following schedule shows the Company’s capital and performance ratios as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, and March 31, 2014.

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CAPITAL RATIOS
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible common equity ratio
9.58
%
 
9.48
%
 
8.24
%
Tangible equity ratio
11.35
%
 
11.27
%
 
10.06
%
Average equity to average assets (three months ended)
13.04
%
 
13.21
%
 
11.90
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basel III risk-based capital ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity tier 1 capital 1
11.95%
 
11.82%
 
 
Tier 1 leverage
11.75%
 
11.59%
 
 
Tier 1 risk-based
14.16%
 
14.03%
 
 
Total risk-based
16.22%
 
16.08%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basel I risk-based capital ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 common
 
 
11.92
%
 
10.56
%
Tier 1 leverage
 
 
11.82
%
 
10.71
%
Tier 1 risk-based
 
 
14.47
%
 
13.19
%
Total risk-based
 
 
16.27
%
 
15.11
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average common equity (three months ended)
4.77
%
 
4.06
%
 
5.52
%
Tangible return on average tangible common equity
(three months ended)
5.80
%
 
4.95
%
 
6.96
%
 
1  
Basel III capital ratios became effective January 1, 2015 and are based upon a 2015 phase-in. December 31, 2014 ratios are pro forma.

At March 31, 2015, Basel III regulatory Tier 1 risk-based capital and total risk-based capital was $6.6 billion and $7.5 billion, respectively. Basel I regulatory Tier 1 risk-based capital and total risk-based capital at December 31, 2014 was $6.6 billion and $7.4 billion, respectively.

A more comprehensive discussion of our capital management is contained in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Basel III
The Basel III capital rules, which effectively replaced the Basel I rules, became effective for the Company on January 1, 2015 (subject to phase-in periods for certain of their components). In 2013, the FRB, FDIC, and OCC published final rules (the “Basel III Capital Rules”) establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations. The rules implement the Basel Committee’s December 2010 framework, commonly referred to as Basel III, for strengthening international capital standards as well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Basel III capital rules substantially revised the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and depository institutions, including the Company, compared to the Basel I U.S. risk-based capital rules.
Under prior Basel I capital standards, the effects of AOCI items included in capital were excluded for purposes of determining regulatory capital and capital ratios. Under the Basel III Capital Rules, “non-advanced approaches banking organizations,” including the Company and its subsidiary banks, may make a one-time permanent election as of January 1, 2015 to continue to exclude these items. The Company has made the decision to “opt out.”

The Company met all capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules based upon a 2015 phase-in as of March 31, 2015, and believes that it would meet all capital adequacy requirements on a fully phased-in basis if such requirements were currently effective.

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A detailed discussion of Basel III requirements, including implications for the Company, are contained on page 8 of the “Supervision and Regulation” section under Part 1, Item 1 on the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Capital Plan and Stress Tests
As a bank holding company with assets greater than $50 billion, the Company is required by the Dodd-Frank Act to participate in annual stress tests known as the Dodd-Frank Act Stress Test (“DFAST”) and Federal Reserve’s Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (“CCAR”). The Company timely submitted its 2015 capital plan and stress test results to the FRB on January 5, 2015. In its capital plan, the Company was required to forecast under a variety of economic scenarios for nine quarters ending the fourth quarter of 2016, its estimated regulatory capital ratios, including its Tier 1 common ratio, under Basel I rules, its estimated regulatory capital ratios, including its Common Equity Tier 1 ratio, under Basel III rules, and its GAAP tangible common equity ratio. Under the implementing regulations for CCAR, a bank holding company may generally only raise and redeem capital, pay dividends and repurchase stock and take similar capital-related actions only under a capital plan as to which the FRB has not objected.

On March 11, 2015, the Company announced that the Federal Reserve notified the Company that it did not object to the capital actions outlined in its 2015 capital plan. The plan included (1) the increase of the quarterly common dividend to $0.06 per share beginning in the second quarter of 2015; (2) the continued payment of preferred dividends at the current rates; and (3) up to $300 million in total reduction of preferred equity. The Company has not yet determined the method, timing or particular issues of preferred stock that it might seek to reduce. The ultimate determination of these matters will depend on a number of factors, including market conditions and the receptivity of preferred investors to the terms of any preferred stock redemption offers, as well as the effect of other steps the Company may explore as it seeks to manage its capital in light of the most recent round of stress tests, any of which could result in a reduction or delay of the preferred equity reductions. The Company expects to manage any reduction of preferred equity such that total Tier 1 capital does not decline materially during the period covered by its CCAR 2015 capital plan.

GAAP to NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

1. Basel I Tier 1 common capital

The Basel I capital rules were replaced by the new Basel III capital rules that became effective for the Company on January 1, 2015 (subject to phase-in periods for certain of their components). The Basel III capital rules include the Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital ratio, which is the core capital component of the Basel III rules and a key ratio considered by regulators, investors, and analysts. The calculation of CET1, as defined under Basel III rules, is considered an acceptable ratio by GAAP for financial institutions and, accordingly, does not require reconciliation to GAAP.

There is a difference in the calculation of the CET1 capital ratio under Basel III rules and the calculation of Tier 1 common capital (“T1C”) under Basel I rules. We present the calculation of key regulatory capital ratios, including T1C common capital, using the governing definition at the end of each quarter, taking into account applicable phase-in rules.

While the Company was subject to Basel I capital rules prior to 2015, the Federal Reserve and other banking regulators assessed a bank’s capital adequacy based on Tier 1 capital, the calculation of which was codified in federal banking regulations. However, Basel I rules did not include a definition for T1C capital, and thus it was considered non-GAAP and required reconciliation to GAAP. The following schedule provides a reconciliation for prior periods of total shareholders’ equity (GAAP) to Tier 1 capital (regulatory at the subject dates) and to T1C capital (non-GAAP) using Basel I U.S. regulatory treatment.

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BASEL I TIER 1 COMMON CAPITAL (NON-GAAP)
(Amounts in millions)
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2014
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity (GAAP)
$
7,370

 
$
6,586

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
128

 
145

Nonqualifying goodwill and intangibles
(1,040
)
 
(1,048
)
Other regulatory adjustments
(1
)
 
(6
)
Qualifying trust preferred securities
163

 
163

Tier 1 capital (regulatory)
6,620

 
5,840

Qualifying trust preferred securities
(163
)
 
(163
)
Preferred stock
(1,004
)
 
(1,004
)
Tier 1 common capital (non-GAAP)
$
5,453

 
$
4,673

 
 
 
 
Risk-weighted assets (regulatory)
$
45,738

 
$
44,267

Tier 1 common capital to risk-weighted assets (non-GAAP)
11.92
%
 
10.56
%

2. Tangible return on average tangible common equity
This Form 10-Q presents “tangible return on average tangible common equity” which excludes, net of tax, the amortization of core deposit and other intangibles from net earnings applicable to common shareholders, and average goodwill and core deposit and other intangibles from average common equity.

The following schedule provides a reconciliation of net earnings applicable to common shareholders (GAAP) to net earnings applicable to common shareholders, excluding net of tax, the effects of amortization of core deposit and other intangibles (non-GAAP), and average common equity (GAAP) to average tangible common equity (non-GAAP).

TANGIBLE RETURN ON AVERAGE TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY (NON-GAAP)
 
Three Months Ended
(Amounts in thousands)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings applicable to common shareholders (GAAP)
$
75,279

 
$
66,761

 
$
76,190

Adjustments, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of core deposit and other intangibles
1,496

 
1,676

 
1,827

Net earnings applicable to common shareholders, excluding the effects of the adjustments, net of tax (non-GAAP) (a)
$
76,775

 
$
68,437


$
78,017

 
 
 
 
 
 
Average common equity (GAAP)
$
6,405,305

 
$
6,521,187

 
$
5,595,363

Average goodwill
(1,014,129
)
 
(1,014,129
)
 
(1,014,129
)
Average core deposit and other intangibles
(24,355
)
 
(26,848
)
 
(35,072
)
Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) (b)
$
5,366,821

 
$
5,480,210

 
$
4,546,162

 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of days in quarter (c)
90

 
92

 
90

Number of days in year (d)
365

 
365

 
365

 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible return on average tangible common equity
(non-GAAP) (a/b/c*d)
5.80
%
 
4.95
%
 
6.96
%
3. Total shareholders’ equity to tangible equity and tangible common equity
This Form 10-Q presents “tangible equity” and “tangible common equity” which excludes goodwill and core deposit and other intangibles for both measures and preferred stock for tangible common equity.

The following schedule provides a reconciliation of total shareholders’ equity (GAAP) to both tangible equity (non-GAAP) and tangible common equity (non-GAAP).

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TANGIBLE EQUITY (NON-GAAP) AND TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY (NON-GAAP)
(Amounts in millions)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity (GAAP)
$
7,454

 
$
7,370

 
$
6,586

Goodwill
(1,014
)
 
(1,014
)
 
(1,014
)
Core deposit and other intangibles
(23
)
 
(26
)
 
(34
)
Tangible equity (non-GAAP) (a)
6,417

 
6,330

 
5,538

Preferred stock
(1,004
)
 
(1,004
)
 
(1,004
)
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) (b)
$
5,413

 
$
5,326

 
$
4,534

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets (GAAP)
$
57,556

 
$
57,209

 
$
56,081

Goodwill
(1,014
)
 
(1,014
)
 
(1,014
)
Core deposit and other intangibles
(23
)
 
(26
)
 
(34
)
Tangible assets (non-GAAP) (c)
$
56,519

 
$
56,169

 
$
55,033

 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible equity ratio (a/c)
11.35
%
 
11.27
%
 
10.06
%
Tangible common equity ratio (b/c)
9.58
%
 
9.48
%
 
8.24
%
For items 2 and 3, the identified adjustments to reconcile from the applicable GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP financial measures are included where applicable in financial results or in the balance sheet presented in accordance with GAAP. We consider these adjustments to be relevant to ongoing operating results and financial position.
We believe that excluding the amounts associated with these adjustments to present the non-GAAP financial measures provides a meaningful base for period-to-period and company-to-company comparisons, which will assist regulators, investors, and analysts in analyzing the operating results or financial position of the Company and in predicting future performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are used by management to assess the performance of the Company’s business or its financial position for evaluating bank reporting segment performance, for presentations of the Company’s performance to investors, and for other reasons as may be requested by investors and analysts. We further believe that presenting these non-GAAP financial measures will permit investors and analysts to assess the performance of the Company on the same basis as that applied by management.
Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied, and are not audited. Although these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by stakeholders to evaluate a company, they have limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of results reported under GAAP.

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest rate and market risks are among the most significant risks regularly undertaken by the Company, and they are closely monitored as previously discussed. A discussion regarding the Company’s management of interest rate and market risk is included in the section entitled “Interest Rate and Market Risk Management” in this Form 10-Q.

ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2015 . Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2015 . There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter of 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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ZIONS BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The information contained in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
The Company believes there have been no material changes in the risk factors included in Zions Bancorporation’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following schedule summarizes the Company’s share repurchases for the first quarter of 2015:

SHARE REPURCHASES
Period
 
Total number
of shares
repurchased  1
 
Average
price paid
per share
 
Total number of shares
purchased as part of
publicly announced
plans or programs
 
Approximate dollar
value of shares that
may yet be purchased
under the plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January
 
 
52,294

 
 
$
25.33

 
 

 
 
 
$

 
February
 
 
2,549

 
 
26.24

 
 

 
 
 

 
March
 
 
370

 
 
27.98

 
 

 
 
 

 
First quarter
 
 
55,213

 
 
25.39

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
1  
Represents common shares acquired from employees in connection with the Company’s stock compensation plan. Shares were acquired from employees to pay for their payroll taxes upon the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units, and the exercise of stock options, under provisions of an employee share-based compensation plan.

ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
a) Exhibits

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
3.1
 
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Zions Bancorporation dated July 8, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Form 8-K/A filed on July 18, 2014.
*
 
 
 
 
3.2
 
Restated Bylaws of Zions Bancorporation dated February 27, 2015 (filed herewith).
 
 
 
 
 
10.1
 
Zions Bancorporation 2015-2017 Value Sharing Plan (filed herewith).
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification by Chief Executive Officer required by Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (filed herewith).
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification by Chief Financial Officer required by Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (filed herewith).
 


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Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
32
 
Certification by Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Sections 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (furnished herewith).
 
 
 
 
 
101
 
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (filed herewith).
 
* Incorporated by reference


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 thereunto duly authorized.

    
 
ZIONS BANCORPORATION
 
/s/ Harris H. Simmons
Harris H. Simmons, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
 
/s/ Doyle L. Arnold
Doyle L. Arnold, Vice Chairman and
Chief Financial Officer
Date: May 7, 2015

90

EXHIBIT 3.2











RESTATED
BYLAWS

OF

ZIONS BANCORPORATION
A Utah Corporation

February 27, 2015






INDEX TO RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

ZIONS BANCORPORATION

   Page

ARTICLE I - Offices

Section 1.01    Business Offices     1
Section 1.02    Principal Office     1
Section 1.03    Registered Office     1

ARTICLE II - Shareholders

Section 2.01    Annual Meeting     1
Section 2.02    Special Meetings     2
Section 2.03    Place of Meetings     2
Section 2.04    Notice of Meetings     2
Section 2.05    Fixing of Record Date     3
Section 2.06    Shareholder List for Meetings     4
Section 2.07    Shareholder Quorum and Voting Requirements     4
Section 2.08    Increasing Quorum or Voting Requirements     5
Section 2.09    Proxies     5
Section 2.10    Voting of Shares     6
Section 2.11    Corporation’s Acceptance of Votes     6
Section 2.12    Meetings by Telecommunication     7
Section 2.13    Voting Trusts and Agreements     8
Section 2.14    Voting for Directors     8
Section 2.15    Maintenance of Records and Shareholder Inspection Rights     8
Section 2.16    Financial Statements and Share Information     9
Section 2.17    Dissenters’ Rights    10
Section 2.18    Shares Held by Nominees    10
Section 2.19    Advance Notice of Shareholder Nominees for Director
and Other Shareholder Proposals    10

ARTICLE III - Board of Directors

Section 3.01    General Powers    12
Section 3.02    Number, Tenure and Qualifications    12

Section 3.03    Resignation    13


1



Section 3.04    Removal    13
Section 3.05    Vacancies    13
Section 3.06    Regular Meetings    14
Section 3.07    Special Meetings    14
Section 3.08    Place of Meetings – Meetings by Telephone    14
Section 3.09    Notice of Meetings    14
Section 3.10    Waiver of Notice    14
Section 3.11    Quorum and Manner of Acting    15
Section 3.12    Action Without a Meeting    16
Section 3.13    Altering Quorum or Voting Requirements    16
Section 3.14    Compensation        16
Section 3.15    Committees    16
Section 3.16    Standards of Conduct    17
Section 3.17    Limitation of Liability    17
Section 3.18    Liability for Unlawful Distributions    18
Section 3.19    Conflicting Interest Transactions    18

ARTICLE IV - Executive Committee

Section 4.01
Appointment    19
Section 4.02
Authority    19
Section 4.03
Tenure and Qualifications    19
Section 4.04
Meetings    19
Section 4.05
Quorum and Manner of Acting    19
Section 4.06
Action Without a Meeting    19
Section 4.07
Vacancies    20
Section 4.08
Resignations and Removal    20
Section 4.09
Procedure    20

ARTICLE V - Officers

Section 5.01    Number and Qualifications    20
Section 5.02    Appointment and Term of Office    20
Section 5.03    Removal and Resignation of Officers    21
Section 5.04    Authority and Duties    21
Section 5.05    Surety Bonds    22
Section 5.06    Compensation    22

ARTICLE VI - Indemnification

Section 6.01    Indemnification    22

Section 6.02    Reliance Upon Corporate Records    23
Section 6.03    Indemnification of Officers, Employees, Fiduciaries, and Agents    23


2



Section 6.04    Insurance    24
Section 6.05    Scope of Indemnification    24
Section 6.06    Other Rights and Remedies    24
Section 6.07    Severability    24

ARTICLE VII - Stock

Section 7.01    Issuance of Shares    25
Section 7.02    Certificates for Shares; Shares Without Certificates    25
Section 7.03    Restrictions on Transfer of Shares Permitted    26
Section 7.04    Acquisition of Shares by the Corporation    27

ARTICLE VIII - Amendments to Bylaws

Section 8.01    Authority to Amend    27

ARTICLE IX - Miscellaneous

Section 9.01    Corporate Seal    27
Section 9.02    Fiscal Year    28
Section 9.03
Execution of Instruments    28



3



RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

ZIONS BANCORPORATION


ARTICLE I
Offices

Section 1.01     Business Offices . The Corporation may have such offices, either within or outside Utah, as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or as the business of the Corporation may from time to time require.

Section 1.02     Principal Office . The principal office of the Corporation shall be located at any place either within or outside Utah as may be designated in the most recent document on file with the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations and Commercial Code (the “Division” ) providing information regarding the principal office of the Corporation. The Corporation shall maintain at its principal office a copy of such corporate records as may be required by Section 16-10a-1601 of the Utah Revised Business Corporation Act (the “Act” ) and Section 2.16 of these Bylaws.

Section 1.03     Registered Office . The registered office of the Corporation required by Section 16-10a-501 of the Act to be maintained in Utah shall be the registered office as originally so designated in the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation or subsequently designated as the Corporation’s registered office in the most recent document on file with the Division providing such information. The Corporation shall maintain a registered agent at the registered office, as required by Section 16-10a-501 of the Act. The registered office and registered agent may be changed from time to time as provided in Sections 16-10a-502 and 16-10a-503 of the Act.

ARTICLE II
Shareholders


Section 2.01     Annual Meeting . The annual meeting of the shareholders shall be held each year on a date and at a time designated by the Board of Directors. However, if the day fixed for the annual meeting is a legal holiday in Utah, then the meeting shall be held at the same time and place on the next succeeding business day. At the meeting, directors shall be elected and any other proper business may be transacted. If the election of directors shall not be held on the day designated herein for any annual meeting of the shareholders, or at any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors shall cause the election to be held at a meeting of the shareholders as soon thereafter as may be convenient. Failure to hold an annual meeting as required by these Bylaws shall not affect


1



the validity of any corporate action or work a forfeiture or dissolution of the Corporation. (Section 16-10a-701 of the Act.)

Section 2.02     Special Meetings . Special meetings of the shareholders may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, by such officers or persons as may be authorized by the Bylaws to call a special meeting, or by the holders of shares representing at least fifty-one percent (51%) of all the votes entitled to be cast on any issue proposed to be considered at the meeting, all in accordance with Section 16-10a-702 of the Act.

Section 2.03     Place of Meetings . Each annual or special meeting of the shareholders shall be held at such place, either within or outside Utah, as may be designated by the Board of Directors. In the absence of any such designation, meetings shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation. (Sections 16-10a-701 and 702 of the Act.)

Section 2.04     Notice of Meetings .

(a)     Required Notice. The Corporation shall give notice to shareholders of the date, time, and place of each annual and special meeting of the shareholders no fewer than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the meeting date, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 16-10a-103 and 16-10a-705 of the Act. Unless otherwise required by law or the Articles of Incorporation, the Corporation is required to give the notice only to shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting. The notice requirement will be excused under certain circumstances with respect to shareholders whose whereabouts are unknown, as provided in Section 16-10a-705(5) of the Act.

If the proposed corporate action creates dissenters’ rights, the notice must be sent to all shareholders of the Corporation as of the applicable record date, whether or not they are entitled to vote at the meeting. (Section 16-10a-1320(1) of the Act.)

(b)     Contents of Notice. The notice of each special meeting must include a description of the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called (see Section 16-10a-702(4) of the Act). Except as provided in this Section 2.04(b), or as otherwise required by the Act, other applicable law, or the Articles of Incorporation, notice of an annual meeting need not include a description of the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.


If a purpose of any shareholder meeting is to consider: (1) a proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (Section 16-10a-1003(4) of the Act); (2) a plan of merger or share exchange (Section 16-10a-1103(4) of the Act); (3) the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all, or substantially all, of the Corporation’s property (Section 16-10a-1202(5) of the Act); (4) the dissolution of the Corporation (Section 16-10a-1402(4) of the Act); or (5) the removal of a director (Section 16-10a-808(4) of the Act), the notice must so state and be accompanied by a copy or summary of the transaction documents, as set forth in the above-referenced sections of the Act.



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If the proposed corporate action creates dissenters’ rights, the notice must state that shareholders are, or may be, entitled to assert dissenters’ rights, and must be accompanied by a copy of Part 13 of the Act (see Section 16-10a-1320(1) of the Act).

(c)     Adjourned Meeting. If any annual or special meeting of shareholders is adjourned to a different date, time or place, then, subject to the requirements of the following sentence, notice need not be given of the new date, time and place if the new date, time and place are announced at the meeting before adjournment. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the adjournment a new record date for the adjourned meeting is or must be fixed under Section 16-10a-707 of the Act and Section 2.05 of these Bylaws, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given pursuant to the requirements of paragraph 2.04(a) of these Bylaws to shareholders of record entitled to vote at the meeting, as provided in Section 16-10a-705(4)(b) of the Act.

(d)     Waiver of Notice . A shareholder may waive notice of any meeting (or any other notice required by the Act, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws) by a writing signed by the shareholder entitled to the notice, which is delivered to the Corporation (either before or after the date and time stated in the notice as the date and time when any action will occur), for inclusion in the minutes or filing with the Corporation records. A shareholder’s attendance at a meeting: (1) waives objection to lack of notice or defective notice of the meeting, unless the shareholder at the beginning of the meeting objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting because of lack of notice or defective notice; and (2) waives objection to consideration of a particular matter at the meeting that is not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice, unless the shareholder objects to considering the matter when it is presented. (Section 16-10a-706 of the Act.)

Section 2.05     Fixing of Record Date . For the purpose of determining shareholders of any voting group entitled to: (i) notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or any adjournment thereof; (ii) take action without a meeting; (iii) demand a special meeting; (iv) receive payment of any distribution or share dividend; or (v) take any other action, the Board of Directors may fix in advance a date as the record date (as defined in Section 16-10a-102(28) of the Act) for one or more voting groups. As provided in Section 16-10a-707(3) of the Act, a record date fixed pursuant to such section may not be more than 70 days prior to the date on which the particular action requiring such determination of shareholders is to be taken. If no record date is otherwise fixed by the board as provided herein, then the record date for the purposes set forth below shall be the close of business on the dates indicated:

(a)    With respect to a determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at an annual or special meeting of shareholders, the day before the first notice is delivered to shareholders (see Section 16-10a-707(2) of the Act);


(b)    With respect to a determination of shareholders entitled to demand a special meeting of shareholders pursuant to Section 16-10a-702(1)(b) of the Act, the later of (i) the earliest date of any of the demands pursuant to which the meeting is called, and (ii) the date that is sixty days prior


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to the date the first of the written demands pursuant to which the meeting is called is received by the Corporation (see Section 16-10a-702(2) of the Act);

(c)    With respect to a determination of shareholders entitled to a share dividend, the date the board authorizes the share dividend (see Section 16-10a-623(3) of the Act); and

(d)    With respect to a determination of shareholders entitled to a distribution (other than one involving a purchase or reacquisition of shares for which no record date is necessary), the date the Board of Directors authorizes the distribution (see Section 16-10a-640(2) of the Act).

A determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders is effective for any adjournment of the meeting unless the Board of Directors fixes a new record date, which it must do if the meeting is adjourned to a date more than 120 days after the date fixed for the original meeting (see Section 16-10a-707(4) of the Act).

Section 2.06     Shareholder List for Meetings . The officer or agent having charge of the stock transfer books for shares of the Corporation shall prepare a list of the names of all shareholders entitled to be given notice of, and to vote at, each meeting of shareholders, in compliance with the requirements of Section 16-10a-720 of the Act. The list must be arranged by voting group and within each voting group by class or series of shares. The list must be in alphabetical order within each class or series of shares and must show the address of, and the number of shares held by, each shareholder. The shareholder list must be available for inspection by any shareholder, beginning on the earlier of (i) ten days before the meeting for which the list was prepared, or (ii) two business days after notice of the meeting is given, and continuing through the meeting and any adjournments thereof. The list must be available at the Corporation’s principal office or at a place identified in the meeting notice in the city where the meeting is to be held. A shareholder or a shareholder’s agent or attorney is entitled, on written demand to the Corporation and subject to the provisions of Sections 16-10a-720, 602 and 1603 of the Act, to inspect and copy the list during regular business hours during the period it is available for inspection. The list is to be available at the meeting for which it was prepared, and any shareholder or any shareholder’s agent or attorney is entitled to inspect the list at any time during the meeting for any purpose germane to the meeting. The shareholder list is to be maintained in written form or in another form capable of conversion into written form within a reasonable time (see Section 16-10a-1601(4) of the Act).

Section 2.07     Shareholder Quorum and Voting Requirements . If the Articles of Incorporation or the Act provides for voting by a single voting group on a matter, action on that matter is taken when voted upon by that voting group.


Shares entitled to vote as a separate voting group may take action on a matter at a meeting only if a quorum of such shares exists with respect to that matter. Unless the Articles of Incorporation, a bylaw adopted pursuant to Section 2.08 hereof, or the Act provide otherwise, a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter by the voting group constitutes a quorum of that group for action on that matter.


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If the Articles of Incorporation or the Act provides for voting by two or more voting groups on a matter, action on that matter is taken only when voted upon by each of those voting groups counted separately. One voting group may vote on a matter even though another voting group entitled to vote on the matter has not voted.

Once a share is represented for any purpose at a meeting, including the purpose of determining that a quorum exists, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting and for any adjournment of the meeting, unless a new record date is or must be set for the adjourned meeting.

If a quorum exists, action on a matter (other than the election of directors) by a voting group is approved if the votes cast within the voting group favoring the action exceed the votes cast within the voting group opposing the action, unless the Articles of Incorporation, a bylaw adopted pursuant to Section 2.08 hereof, or the Act requires a greater number of affirmative votes. (See Sections 16-10a-725 and 726 of the Act.) Those matters as to which the Act provides for a special voting requirement, typically requiring the vote of a majority of all votes entitled to be cast, or a majority of all voting shares within each voting group which is entitled to vote separately, include certain amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, mergers, sales of substantially all corporate assets, and dissolution of the Corporation.

Section 2.08     Increasing Quorum or Voting Requirements . As specified in Section 16-10a-727 of the Act, the Articles of Incorporation may provide for a greater quorum or voting requirement for shareholders, or voting groups of shareholder, than is provided for by the Act. An amendment to the Articles of Incorporation that changes or deletes a greater quorum or voting requirement must meet the same quorum requirement and be adopted by the same vote and voting groups required to take action under the quorum and voting requirements then in effect. Pursuant to Section 16-10a-1021 of the Act, if authorized by the Articles of Incorporation, the shareholders may adopt, amend, or repeal a bylaw that fixes a greater quorum or voting requirement for shareholders, or voting groups of shareholders, than is required by the Act. Any such action is subject to the provisions of Part 7 of the Act.


Section 2.09     Proxies . At all meetings of shareholders, a shareholder may vote in person or by proxy. A shareholder may appoint a proxy by signing an appointment form, either personally or by the shareholder’s attorney-in-fact, or by any of the other means set forth in Section 16-10a-722 of the Act. A proxy appointment is valid for eleven months unless a longer period is expressly provided in the appointment form. The effectiveness and revocability of proxy appointments are governed by Section 16-10a-722 of the Act.

Section 2.10     Voting of Shares . Unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation, in Section 16-10a-721 of the Act, or other applicable law, each outstanding share, regardless of class, is entitled to one vote, and each fractional share is entitled to a corresponding fractional vote, on each matter voted on at a shareholders’ meeting. Only shares are entitled to vote.


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Except as otherwise provided by specific court order as contemplated by Section 16-10a-721(2) of the Act, shares of this Corporation are not entitled to be voted or to be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares eligible to be voted if they are owned, directly or indirectly, by a second corporation, domestic or foreign, and this Corporation owns, directly or indirectly, a majority of the shares entitled to vote for directors of the second corporation. The prior sentence shall not limit the power of the Corporation to vote any shares, including its own shares, held by it or such second corporation in a fiduciary capacity. Redeemable shares are not entitled to be voted after notice of redemption is mailed to the holders and a sum sufficient to redeem the shares has been deposited with a bank, trust company, or other financial institution under an irrevocable obligation to pay the holders the redemption price on surrender of the shares.

Section 2.11 Corporation’s Acceptance of Votes . If the name signed on a vote, consent, waiver, proxy appointment, or proxy appointment revocation corresponds to the name of a shareholder, the Corporation, if acting in good faith, is entitled to accept the vote, consent, waiver, proxy appointment, or proxy appointment revocation and give it effect as the act of the shareholder, as provided in Section 16-10a-724 of the Act.

If the name signed on a vote, consent, waiver, proxy appointment, or proxy appointment revocation does not correspond to the name of a shareholder, the Corporation, if acting in good faith, is nevertheless entitled to accept the vote, consent, waiver, proxy appointment, or proxy appointment revocation and give it effect as the act of the shareholder if:

(a)    the shareholder is an entity and the name signed purports to be that of an officer or agent of the entity;

(b)    the name signed purports to be that of an administrator, executor, guardian, or conservator representing the shareholder and, if the Corporation requests, evidence of fiduciary status acceptable to the Corporation has been presented with respect to the vote, consent, waiver, proxy appointment, or proxy appointment revocation;

(c)    the name signed purports to be that of a receiver or trustee in bankruptcy of the shareholder and, if the Corporation requests, evidence of this status acceptable to the Corporation has been presented with respect to the vote, consent, waiver, proxy appointment, or proxy appointment revocation;


(d)    the name signed purports to be that of a pledgee, beneficial owner, or attorney-in-fact of the shareholder and, if the Corporation requests, evidence acceptable to the Corporation of the signatory’s authority to sign for the shareholder has been presented with respect to the vote, consent, waiver, proxy appointment, or proxy appointment revocation;



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(e)    two or more persons are the shareholder as co-tenants or fiduciaries and the name signed purports to be the name of at least one of the co-tenants or fiduciaries and the person signing appears to be acting on behalf of all co-tenants or fiduciaries; or

(f)    the acceptance of the vote, consent, waiver, proxy appointment, or proxy appointment revocation is otherwise proper under rules established by the Corporation that are not inconsistent with the provisions of Section 16-10a-724 of the Act.

If shares are registered in the names of two or more persons, whether fiduciaries, members of a partnership, co-tenants, husband and wife as community property, voting trustees, persons entitled to vote under a shareholder voting agreement or otherwise, or if two or more persons, including proxyholders, have the same fiduciary relationship respecting the same shares, then unless the secretary of the Corporation or other officer or agent entitled to tabulate votes is given written notice to the contrary and is furnished with a copy of the instrument or order appointing them or creating the relationship wherein it is so provided, their acts with respect to voting shall have the effects set forth in Section 16-10a-724(3) of the Act.

The Corporation is entitled to reject a vote, consent, waiver, proxy appointment, or proxy appointment revocation if the secretary or other officer or agent authorized to tabulate votes, acting in good faith, has reasonable basis for doubt about the validity of the signature on it or about the signatory’s authority to sign for the shareholder.

The Corporation and its officer or agent who accepts or rejects a vote, consent, waiver, proxy appointment, or proxy appointment revocation in good faith and in accordance with the standards of Section 16-10a-724 of the Act are not liable in damages to the shareholder for the consequences of the acceptance or rejection.

Corporate action based on the acceptance or rejection of a vote, consent, waiver, proxy appointment, or proxy appointment revocation under this section and Section 16-10a-724 of the Act is valid unless a court of competent jurisdiction determines otherwise.

Section 2.12     Meetings by Telecommunication . As permitted by Section 16-10a-708 of the Act, unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, any or all of the shareholders may participate in an annual or special meeting of shareholders by, or the meeting may be conducted through the use of, any means of communication by which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other during the meeting. A shareholder participating in a meeting by this means is considered to be present in person at the meeting.


Section 2.13     Voting Trusts and Agreements . Voting trusts and agreements may be entered into among the shareholders in compliance with the requirements of Sections 16-10a-730, 731 and 732 of the Act.



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Section 2.14     Voting for Directors . The Corporation elects to be governed by Section 16-10a-1023(2) of the Act with respect to the election of directors, except in the event that Section 16-10a-1023(3) of the Act is applicable. In the event that Section 16-10a-1023(3) of the Act is applicable, unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation or the Act, directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the shares entitled to vote in the election at a meeting at which a quorum is present, in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth in Section 16-10a-728 of the Act. Cumulative voting is permitted only if specifically provided for in the Articles of Incorporation.

Section 2.15     Maintenance of Records and Shareholder Inspection Rights .

(a)     Corporate Records . As required by Section 16-10a-1601 of the Act, the Corporation shall keep as permanent records minutes of all meetings of its shareholders and Board of Directors, a record of all actions taken by the shareholders or Board of Directors without a meeting, a record of all actions taken on behalf of the Corporation by a committee of the Board of Directors in place of the Board of Directors, and a record of all waivers of notices of meetings of shareholders, meetings of the Board of Directors, or any meetings of committees of the Board of Directors. The Corporation shall also maintain appropriate accounting and shareholder records as required by the statute. The Corporation shall keep at its principal office those corporate records and documents identified in Section 16-10a-1601(5) of the Act and listed in the following paragraph.

(b)     Inspection Rights of Records Required at Principal Office. Pursuant to Section 16-10a-1602(1) of the Act, a shareholder or director of the Corporation (or such person’s agent or attorney) who gives the Corporation written notice of the demand at least five business days before the proposed inspection date, has the right to inspect and copy, during regular business hours, any of the following records, all of which the Corporation is required to keep at its principal office:

(i)  its Articles of Incorporation as then in effect;

(ii)  its Bylaws as then in effect;

(iii)  the minutes of all shareholders’ meetings, and records of all actions taken by shareholders without a meeting, for the past three years;

(iv)  all written communications within the past three years to shareholders as a group or to the holders of any class or series of shares as a group;
(v)  a list of the names and addresses of its current officers and directors;

(vi)  its most recent annual report delivered to the Division; and


(vii)  all financial statements prepared for periods ending during the last three years which a shareholder could request under Section 16-10a-1605 of the Act.



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(c)     Conditional Inspection Rights. In addition to the inspection rights set forth in paragraph (b) above, as provided in Section 16-10a-1602(2) of the Act, a shareholder or director of the Corporation (or such person’s agent or attorney) who gives the Corporation a written demand in good faith and for a proper purpose at least five business days before the requested inspection date, and describes in the demand with reasonable particularity the records proposed to be inspected and the purpose of the inspection, is entitled to inspect and copy, during regular business hours at a reasonable location specified by the Corporation, any of the following records of the Corporation:

(i)
excerpts from minutes of meetings of, and from actions taken by, the shareholders, the Board of Directors, or any committees of the Board of Directors, to the extent not subject to inspection under paragraph (b) of this Section 2.15;

(ii)
accounting records of the Corporation; and

(iii)
the record of shareholders (compiled no earlier than the date of the demand for inspection).

For the purposes of paragraph (c), a proper purpose means a purpose reasonably related to the demanding party’s interest as a shareholder or director. A party may not use any information obtained through the inspection or copying of records permitted by this paragraph (c) for any purposes other than those set forth in a proper demand as described above, and the officers of the Corporation are authorized to take appropriate steps to ensure compliance with this limitation.

Section 2.16     Financial Statements and Share Information . Upon the written request of any shareholder, the Corporation shall mail to the requesting shareholder:

(i)  its most recent annual or quarterly financial statements showing in reasonable detail its assets and liabilities and the results of its operations, as required by Section 16-10a-1605 of the Act; and

(ii)  the information specified by Section 16-10a-625(3) of the Act, regarding the designations, preferences, limitations, and relative rights applicable to each class and series of shares of the Corporation, and the authority of the Board of Directors to determine variations for any existing or future class or series, as required by Section 16-10a-1606 of the Act.


Section 2.17     Dissenters’ Rights . Each shareholder of the Corporation shall have the right to dissent from, and obtain payment of the fair value of shares held by such shareholder in the event of, any of the corporate actions identified in Section 16-10a-1302 of the Act or otherwise designated in the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or in a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Section 2.18     Shares Held by Nominees . As provided in Section 16-10a-723 of the Act, the Board of Directors is authorized to establish for the Corporation from time to time such


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procedures as the directors may determine to be appropriate, by which the beneficial owner of shares that are registered by a nominee is recognized by the Corporation as a shareholder.

Section 2.19. Advance Notice of Shareholder Nominees for Director and Other Shareholder Proposals .

(a)     Compliance with Section Requirements . The matters to be considered and brought before any annual or special meeting of shareholders of the Corporation shall be limited to only such matters, including the nomination and election of directors, as shall be brought properly before such meeting in compliance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.19.

(b)     Matters Properly Before an Annual Meeting . For any matter to be properly brought before any annual meeting of shareholders, the matter must be (i) specified in the notice of annual meeting given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (ii) otherwise brought before the annual meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (iii) brought before the annual meeting in the manner specified in this Section 2.19(b) by a shareholder of record entitled to vote at the annual meeting of shareholders on such matter or a person (a “Nominee Holder”) that holds voting securities entitled to vote at such meeting through a nominee or “street name” holder of record and can demonstrate to the Corporation such indirect ownership and such Nominee Holder’s entitlement to vote such securities at the annual meeting on such matter.


In addition to any other requirements under applicable law and the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Corporation, persons nominated by shareholders for election as directors of the Corporation and any other proposals by shareholders shall be properly brought before the meeting only if notice of any such matter to be presented by a shareholder at such meeting of shareholders (the “Shareholder Notice”) shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the Corporation not less than one hundred and twenty (120) nor more than one hundred and fifty (150) days prior to the date of the Corporation’s proxy statement released to shareholders in connection with the annual meeting for the preceding year; provided, however, that if and only if the annual meeting is not scheduled to be held within a period that commences 30 days before the anniversary date of the annual meeting for the preceding year and ends 30 days after such anniversary date (an annual meeting date outside such period being referred to herein as an “Other Meeting Date”), such Shareholder Notice shall be given in the manner provided herein by the later of the close of business on (i) the date on hundred and twenty days (120) prior to such Other Meeting Date or (ii) the tenth day following the date such Other Annual Meeting Date is first publicly announced or disclosed. Any shareholder desiring to nominate any person or persons (as the case may be) for election as a director or directors of the Corporation shall deliver, as part of such Shareholder Notice, a statement in writing setting forth the name of the person or persons to be nominated, the number and class of all shares of each class of stock of the Corporation owned of record and beneficially by each such person, as reported to such shareholder by such nominee(s), the information regarding each such person required by paragraphs (a), (e) and (f) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (or the corresponding provisions of any regulation subsequently adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission


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applicable to the Corporation), each such person’s signed consent to serve as a director of the Corporation if elected, such shareholder’s name and address, the number and class of all shares of each class of stock of the Corporation owned of record and beneficially by such shareholder and, in the case of a Nominee Holder, evidence establishing such Nominee Holder’s indirect ownership of, and entitlement to vote, securities at the meeting of shareholders.

Any shareholder who gives a Shareholder Notice of any matter proposed to be brought before the meeting (other than to nominate a director or directors) shall deliver, as part of such Shareholder Notice, the text of the proposal to be presented and a brief written statement of the reasons why such shareholder favors the proposal and setting forth such shareholder’s name and address, the number and class of all shares of each class of stock of the Corporation owned of record and beneficially by such shareholder, if applicable, any material interest of such shareholder in the matter proposed (other than as a shareholder) and, in the case of a Nominee Holder, evidence establishing such Nominee Holder’s indirect ownership of, and entitlement to vote, securities at the meeting of shareholders. As used herein, shares “beneficially owned” shall mean all shares which such person is deemed to beneficially own pursuant to Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2.19(b) to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Corporation at the next annual meeting is increased and either all of the nominees for director at the next annual meeting or the size of the increased Board of Directors is not publicly announced or disclosed by the Corporation at least one hundred (100) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a Shareholder Notice shall also be considered timely hereunder, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the first date all of such nominees or the size of the increased Board of Directors shall have been publicly announced or disclosed.


(c)     Matters Properly Before a Special Meeting . Except as provided in the immediately following sentence, only such matters shall be properly brought before a special meeting of shareholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. In the event that the Corporation calls a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board of Directors, any shareholder may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be), for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the Shareholder Notice required by Section 2.19(b) hereof shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which the date of the special meeting and either the names of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting or the number of directors to be elected is publicly announced or disclosed.

(d)     Publicly Announced or Disclosed . For purposes of this Section 2.19, a matter shall be deemed to have been “publicly announced or disclosed” if such matter is disclosed in a press


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release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news or wire service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(e)     Adjournment or Postponement of Meeting . In no event shall the adjournment of an annual meeting or special meeting or the postponement of any meeting that does not require a change in the record date for such meeting, or any announcement thereof, commence a new period for the giving of notice as provided in this Section 2.19. This Section 2.19 shall not apply to (i) shareholder proposals made pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act or (ii) the election of directors selected by or pursuant to any applicable provisions of the Articles of Incorporation relating to the rights of the holders of any class or series of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances.

(f)     Determination by Presiding Person . The person presiding at any meeting of shareholders, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the meeting, shall have the power and duty to determine whether notice of nominees and other matters proposed to be brought before a meeting has been duly given in the manner provided in this Section 2.19 and, if not so given, shall direct and declare at the meeting that such nominees and other matters are out of order and shall not be considered.

ARTICLE III
Board of Directors

Section 3.01     General Powers . As provided in Section 16-10a-801 of the Act, all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the authority of, and the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of, the Board of Directors, subject to any limitation set forth in the Articles of Incorporation or in a shareholder agreement permitted by Section 16-10a-732 of the Act.

Section 3.02     Number, Tenure and Qualifications . Unless otherwise specifically provided in the Articles of Incorporation, and subject to the provisions of Section 16-10a-803 of the Act, the number of directors of the Corporation shall be as fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors or shareholders, but in no instance shall there be fewer directors than the minimum number required by Section 16-10a-803 of the Act.


Each director shall hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders (unless the Articles of Incorporation provide for staggering the terms of directors as permitted by Section 16-10a-806 of the Act) or until removed , except to the extent provided in Section 16-10a-1023 of the Act. Except to the extent provided in Section 16-10a-1023 of the Act , a director whose term expires shall continue to serve until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified or until there is a decrease in the authorized number of directors. No decrease in the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. Unless


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required by the Articles of Incorporation, directors do not need to be residents of Utah or shareholders of the Corporation.

Section 3.03     Resignation . Any director may resign at any time by giving a written notice of resignation to the Board of Directors, the chairman of the Board of Directors or the secretary of the Corporation. A director’s resignation is effective when the notice is received by the Board of Directors, the chairman of the Board of Directors or the secretary of the Corporation, unless the resignation specifies a later effective date or an effective date determined upon the happening of an event or events. A resignation that is conditioned on failing to receive a specified vote for election as a director may provide it is irrevocable. (Section 16-10a-807 of the Act.)

Section 3.04     Removal . The shareholders may remove one or more directors at a meeting called for that purpose, as contemplated by Section 16-10a-808 of the Act, if the meeting notice states that a purpose of the meeting is such removal. The removal may be with or without cause unless the Articles of Incorporation provide that directors may be removed only for cause. If a director is elected by a voting group of shareholders, only the shareholders of that voting group may participate in the vote to remove the director. If the Articles of Incorporation provide for cumulative voting for the election of directors, a director may not be removed if a number of votes sufficient to elect the director under such cumulative voting is voted against removal. If cumulative voting is not in effect, a director may be removed only if the number of votes cast to remove the director exceeds the number of votes cast against removal.

Section 3.05     Vacancies . Unless the Articles of Incorporation provide otherwise, if a vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors, including a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors, the vacancy may be filled by the shareholders or the Board of Directors (as provided in Section 16-10a-810 of the Act). If the directors remaining in office constitute fewer than a quorum of the board, they may fill the vacancy by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the directors remaining in office.

If the vacant office was held by a director elected by a voting group of shareholders, only the holders of the shares of that voting group are entitled to vote to fill the vacancy if it is filled by the shareholders.


A vacancy that will occur at a specific later date (by reason of a resignation effective at a later date or otherwise) may be filled before the vacancy occurs, but the new director may not take office until the vacancy occurs.

The terms of directors elected to fill vacancies generally expire at the next annual shareholders’ meeting. If a new director is elected to fill a vacancy in a position having a term extending beyond the date of the next annual meeting of shareholders, the term of such new director is governed by Section 16-10a-805(4) of the Act.



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Section 3.06     Regular Meetings . Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice of the date, time, place or purposes of the meetings, if the times of such meetings are fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors. (Section 16-10a-820 of the Act.)

Section 3.07     Special Meetings . Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the chairman, the chief executive officer or not less than three (3) directors. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix the time and place of the meetings so called. (Section 16-10a-820 of the Act.)

Section 3.08     Place of Meetings – Meetings by Telephone . The Board of Directors may hold regular or special meetings in or out of the State of Utah. Unless the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws provide otherwise, the Board of Directors may permit any or all directors to participate in a regular or special meeting by, or conduct the meeting through the use of, any means of communication by which all directors participating may hear each other during the meeting. (Section 16-10a-820(2) of the Act).

Section 3.09     Notice of Meetings . Unless the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or the Act provide otherwise, regular meetings of the board may be held without notice of the date, time, place, or purposes of the meeting. Unless the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws provide for a longer or shorter period, special meetings of the Board of Directors must be preceded by at least two days’ notice of the date, time, and place of the meeting. The notice need not describe the purpose of the special meeting unless required by the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or the Act. (Section 16-10a-822 of the Act.)

The giving of notice of any meeting shall be governed by the rules set forth in Section 16-10a-103 of the Act.


Section 3.10     Waiver of Notice . Any director may waive notice of any meeting before or after the date of the meeting, as provided in Section 16-10a-823 of the Act. Except as provided in the next sentence, the waiver must be in writing, signed by the director entitled to the notice, and delivered to the Corporation for filing with the corporate records (but delivery and filing are not conditions to its effectiveness). A director’s attendance at or participation in a meeting waives any required notice to the director of the meeting unless the director at the beginning of the meeting, or promptly upon the director’s arrival, objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting because of lack of notice or defective notice, and does not thereafter vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting.

Section 3.11     Quorum and Manner of Acting . As set forth in Section 16-10a-824 of the Act, unless the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws establish a different quorum requirement, a quorum of the Board of Directors consists of a majority of the number of directors fixed or prescribed in accordance with these Bylaws, except that if a variable-range board is permitted by these Bylaws and no resolution prescribing the exact number within the permitted range is in effect, then a quorum consists of a majority of the number of directors in office immediately before the


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meeting. The Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws may authorize a quorum of the Board of Directors to consist of no fewer than one-third of the fixed or prescribed number of directors. Any adjustment of the then applicable quorum requirement is subject to the provisions of Section 16-10a-1022 of the Act and Section 3.13 of these Bylaws. Once a director is represented for any purpose at a meeting, including the purpose of determining that a quorum exists, such director is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting and for any adjournment of the meeting, unless a new notice is sent for the adjourned meeting.

The affirmative vote of a majority of directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present when the vote is taken shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or the Act require the vote of a greater number of directors. Any action to change the percentage of directors needed to take action is subject to the provisions of Section 16-10a-1022 of the Act and Section 3.13 of these Bylaws.

As set forth in Section 16-10a-824(4) of the Act, a director who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors when corporate action is taken is considered to have assented to the action taken at the meeting unless:

(i)  the director objects at the beginning of the meeting (or promptly upon arrival) to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting and does not thereafter vote for or assent to any action taken at the meeting;

(ii)  the director contemporaneously requests that such director’s dissent or abstention as to any specific action be entered into the minutes of the meeting; or

(iii)  the director causes written notice of a dissent or abstention as to any specific action to be received by the presiding officer of the meeting before adjournment of the meeting or by the Corporation promptly after adjournment of the meeting. The right of dissent or abstention as to a specific action is not available to a director who votes in favor of the action taken.


Section 3.12     Action Without a Meeting . Unless the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws or the Act provide otherwise, any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if all the directors consent in writing to the action as permitted by Section 16-10a-821 of the Act. Action is considered to have been taken by such written consents when the last director signs a writing describing the action taken, unless prior to that time any director has revoked a consent by a writing signed by the director and received by an authorized officer of the Corporation. An action so taken is effective at the time it is taken, unless the Board of Directors establishes a different effective date. An action taken by written consent of the directors as described in this section has the same effect as action taken at a meeting of directors and may be described as such in any document.



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Section 3.13     Altering Quorum or Voting Requirements . As provided in Section 16-10a-1022 of the Act, a bylaw that fixes a greater quorum or voting requirement for the Board of Directors than is required by the Act may be amended or repealed:

(i)  if originally adopted by the shareholders, only by the shareholders, unless the bylaw specifically provided that it could be amended by a vote of either the shareholders or the Board of Directors; or

(ii)  if originally adopted by the Board of Directors, by the shareholders or, unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, by the Board of Directors.

Action by the Board of Directors to amend or repeal a bylaw that changes the quorum or voting requirement for the Board of Directors must meet the same quorum requirement and be adopted by the same vote required to take action under the quorum and voting requirement then in effect or proposed to be adopted, whichever is greater.

Section 3.14     Compensation . Unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may fix the compensation of directors, as permitted by Section 16-10a-811 of the Act. Pursuant to this authority, the directors may, by resolution, provide for directors to be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors, and may be paid a stated salary as director or a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or both. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

Section 3.15     Committees .

(a)     Creation of Committees . Unless the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws provide otherwise, the Board of Directors may create one or more committees and appoint members of the Board of Directors to serve on them. Each committee must have two or more members, who serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. (Section 16-10a-825 of the Act.)

(b)     Selection of Committee Members . The creation of a committee and appointment of members to it must be approved by the greater of:


(i)  a majority of all the directors in office when the action is taken; or

(ii)  the number of directors required by the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws to take action under Section 16-10a-824 of the Act and Section 3.11 of these Bylaws.

(c)     Procedures. The Board shall designate one member of each committee as its chairperson. Each committee may fix its own rules of procedure which shall not be inconsistent with these Bylaws. It shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings and periodically report the same to the Board of Directors. Regular or special meetings of Board committees may be held without


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notice at such times and places as called by the chairman of the Board, the chief executive officer, or the chairperson or a majority of the members of such committee. Sections 16-10a-820 and 824 of the Act, and Sections 3.06 through 3.12 of these Bylaws, which govern meetings, action without meeting, notice, waiver of notice, and quorum and voting requirements of the Board of Directors, apply to committees and their members as well.

(d)     Authority . Unless limited by the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, each committee may exercise those aspects of the authority of the Board of Directors (as set forth in Section 16-10a-801 of the Act and Section 3.01 of these Bylaws) which the Board of Directors confers upon such committee in the resolution creating the committee, but no such committee shall have the power or authority to act with respect to the following matters: (i) approving or adopting, or recommending to the shareholders, any action or matter expressly required by law to be submitted to the shareholders for approval, (ii) adopting, amending or repealing these Bylaws, or (iii) removing or indemnifying directors.

(e)     Impact on Duty of Directors . The creation of, delegation of authority to, or action by a committee does not alone constitute compliance by a director with the standards of conduct described in Section 16-10a-840 of the Act and referenced in Section 3.16 of these Bylaws.

Section 3.16     Standards of Conduct . Each director is to discharge such director’s duties as a director, including duties as a member of a committee, in compliance with the standards of conduct set forth in Section 16-10a-840 of the Act.

Section 3.17     Limitation of Liability . If not already so provided in the Articles of Incorporation of this Corporation, the Corporation, as provided in Section 16-10a-841 of the Act, may eliminate or limit the liability of directors to the Corporation or to its shareholders for monetary damages for any action taken or any failure to take action as a director, by an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation, or by the adoption of a bylaw or resolution approved by the same percentage of shareholders as would be required to approve an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation to include such provision. No such provision may eliminate or limit the liability of a director for:

(i)  the amount of a financial benefit received by a director to which the director is not entitled;

(ii)  an intentional infliction of harm on the Corporation or the shareholders;


(iii)  an unlawful distribution in violation of the standards set forth in Section 16-10a-824 of the Act as referenced in Section 3.18 of these Bylaws;

(iv)  an intentional violation of criminal law; or



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(v)  liability for any act or omission occurring prior to the date such a provision becomes effective.

Section 3.18     Liability for Unlawful Distributions . A director who votes for or assents to a distribution made in violation of the requirements of Section 16-10a-640 of the Act or the Articles of Incorporation, and who does not discharge such duties in compliance with the standards of conduct set forth in Section 16-10a-840 of the Act and referenced in Section 3.16 and 4.01 of these Bylaws, is personally liable to the Corporation for the amount by which the distribution exceeds the amount that could been properly distributed, as provided in Section 16-10a-842 of the Act.

Section 3.19     Conflicting Interest Transactions . Transactions in which a director has a conflicting interest will be handled in accordance with Sections 16-10a-850 to 853 of the Act. In accordance with such sections, each “director’s conflicting interest transaction” as defined therein, which has not otherwise been established to be fair to the Corporation, is to be presented to the shareholders for approval in accordance with Section 16-10a-853 of the Act, or approved by the directors in compliance with the requirements of Section 16-10a-822 of the Act.

Directors may take action with respect to a director’s conflicting interest transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of those “qualified directors” (defined in Section 16-10a-850 of the Act as essentially those directors without conflicting interests with respect to the transaction) on the Board of Directors or on a duly empowered and constituted committee of the board who voted on the transaction after receipt of the “required disclosure” (as defined in Sections 16-10a-850 and 852(2) of the Act). For purposes of such action, a majority of the qualified directors on the board or on the committee, as the case may be, constitutes a quorum. Such action is not affected by the presence or vote of a director who is not a qualified director.



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ARTICLE IV
Executive Committee

Section 4.01     Appointment . The Board of Directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of the full Board, may designate three (3) or more of its members to constitute an Executive Committee. The creation of, delegation of authority to, or action by the Executive Committee does not alone constitute compliance by a director with the standards of conduct described in Section 16-10a-840 of the Act and referenced in Section 3.16 of these Bylaws.


Section 4.02     Authority . The Executive Committee, when the Board of Directors is not in session, shall have and may exercise all of the authority of the Board of Directors except to the extent, if any, that such authority shall be limited by the resolution appointing the Executive Committee, and except also that the Executive Committee shall not have the authority of the Board of Directors in reference to amending the Articles of Incorporation, adopting a plan of merger or consolidation, recommending to the shareholders the sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Corporation otherwise than in the usual and regular course of its business, or amending the Bylaws of the Corporation.

Section 4.03     Tenure and Qualifications . Each member of the Executive Committee shall hold office until the next regular annual meeting of the Board of Directors following his or her designation and until such member’s successor is designated as a member of the Executive Committee.

Section 4.04     Meetings . Regular meetings of the Executive Committee may be held without notice at such times and places as called by the Chairman of the Board, the chief executive officer or a majority of the Executive Committee. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the chief executive officer or a majority of the Executive Committee, and notice of special meetings may be written or oral, and if mailed, shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the member of the Executive Committee at his or her business address. Any member of the Executive Committee may waive notice of any meeting and no notice of any meeting need be given to any member thereof who attends in person. The notice of a meeting of the Executive Committee need not state the business proposed to be transacted at the meeting.

Section 4.05     Quorum and Manner of Acting . A majority of the members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting thereof, and action of the Executive Committee must be authorized by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

Section 4.06     Action Without a Meeting . Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Executive Committee at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if all the members consent in writing to the action. Action is considered to have been taken by such written consents when the last director signs a writing describing the action taken, unless prior to that time any member of the


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Executive Committee has revoked a consent by a writing signed by the member and received by an authorized officer of the Corporation. An action so taken is effective at the time it is taken, unless the Executive Committee establishes a different effective date. An action taken by written consent of the Executive Committee as described in this section has the same effect as action taken at a meeting of Executive Committee and may be described as such in any document.

Section 4.07     Vacancies . If a vacancy occurs on the Executive Committee, the vacancy may be filled by a resolution adopted by a majority of the full Board of Directors.


Section 4.08     Resignations and Removal . The Board of Directors may remove one or more members of the Executive Committee at a meeting called for that purpose. The removal may be with or without cause. Any member of the Executive Committee may resign at any time by giving a written notice of resignation to the Corporation. A member’s resignation is effective when the notice is received by the Corporation, or on such later date as may be specified in the notice of resignation.

Section 4.09     Procedure . The Board shall appoint a member of the Executive Committee as its chairperson. The Executive Committee may fix its own rules of procedure which shall not be inconsistent with these Bylaws. It shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings and report the same to the Board of Directors for its information at the next meeting of the Board.

ARTICLE V
Officers

Section 5.01     Number and Qualifications . The officers of the Corporation shall be a chief executive officer, a chief financial officer and a secretary, each of whom shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The Corporation may also have such other officers and assistant officers as the Board of Directors in its discretion may determine, by resolution, to be appropriate, including a chairman of the board, a president, one or more vice presidents, a controller, a treasurer, assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers. All such officers shall be appointed by the Board of Directors, except that if specifically authorized by the Board of Directors, an officer may appoint one or more officers or assistant officers (see Section 16-10a-830 of the Act). The same individual may simultaneously hold more than one office in the Corporation.

Section 5.02     Appointment and Term of Office . The officers of the Corporation shall be appointed by the Board of Directors (or, to the extent permitted by Section 5.01 above, by an officer specifically authorized by the board to make such appointments), for such terms as may be determined by the Board of Directors. Neither the appointment of an officer nor the designation of a specified term creates or grants to the officer any contract rights, and the board can remove the officer at any time prior to the termination of any term for which the officer may be appointed. If no other term is specified, officers shall hold office until they resign, die, or until they are removed or replaced in the manner provided in Section 5.03 below, or Section 16-10a-832 of the Act.



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Section 5.03     Removal and Resignation of Officers . Any officer or agent of the Corporation may be removed or replaced by the Board of Directors, or by the supervising officer to whom the officer reports, at any time with or without cause as permitted by Section 16-10a-832 of the Act. If the employment of an officer who is also an employee of the Corporation is terminated for any reason, then, unless provided for differently in writing at or prior to the time of termination, the supervising officer to whom the terminated employee reports shall be deemed to remove such officer from all such offices held by such officer, effective as of the officer’s termination date, automatically and without further action by the supervising officer. The appointment of a replacement officer shall constitute the removal of the person previously holding such office. An officer may resign at any time by giving written notice of the resignation to the Corporation. Resignations shall become effective as provided in Section 16-10a-832 of the Act. An officer’s resignation or removal does not affect the contract rights of the parties, if any (See Section 16-10a-833 of the Act).


Section 5.04     Authority and Duties . In each case subject to the supervision and direction of the Board of Directors and the supervising officer(s) to whom such individual reports, the officers of the Corporation shall have the authority and perform the duties specified below and as may be additionally specified by the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer or these Bylaws, except that in any event each officer shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be required by law:

(a)     Chief Executive Officer . The chief executive officer shall serve in that capacity and have general and active control of the Corporation’s affairs and business and general supervision of its officers, agents and employees. The chief executive officer shall: (i) in the absence of a chairman of the board, preside at all meetings of the shareholders and the Board of Directors; (ii) cause all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors to be carried into effect; and (iii) perform all other duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.

(b)     Chief Financial Officer . The chief financial officer shall be the principal financial officer of the Corporation and participate in or provide oversight of strategic planning, corporate finance and accounting for the Corporation. The chief financial officer shall exercise general supervision of any controller, treasurer or such other officers as may be appointed by the Board of Directors to conduct or oversee the financial activities of the Corporation, including such acts to: (i) pay out of available funds all bills and other just debts of the Corporation of whatever nature upon maturity; (ii) maintain the Corporation’s financial records and methods and systems of accounting; (iii) prepare and furnish to the chief executive officer and the Board of Directors such reports and financial information as may be required from time to time; and (iv) perform all other duties as the Board or the chief executive officer may from time to time prescribe.

(c)     President . The president, if any, shall serve in that capacity and participate in the supervision of the business and affairs of the Corporation. The president shall: (i) in the absence of the Chairman and chief executive officer, preside at all meetings of the shareholders and the Board of Directors; (ii) at the request of the Board or the chief executive officer perform the duties of the chief executive officer and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject


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to all the restrictions upon the chief executive officer; and (iii) perform all other duties as the Board or the chief executive officer may from time to time prescribe.

(d)     Vice Presidents . Vice presidents, if any, shall assist the chief executive officer and president and shall perform all other duties as the Board, the chief executive officer or the president may from time to time prescribe.


(e)     Secretary . The secretary shall take such actions, or exercise supervision over assistant secretaries or any such other officers as may be appointed by the Board, to: (i) prepare and maintain minutes of the proceedings of the shareholders and of the Board of Directors; (ii) prepare and maintain the other records and information required to be kept by the Corporation under Section 16-10a-1601 of the Act and Section 2.17 of these Bylaws; (iii) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by the Act or other applicable law; (iv) be custodian of the corporate records and of any seal of the Corporation; (v) when requested or required, authenticate any records of the Corporation; (vi) sign with the chief executive officer, president, or a vice president, certificates for shares of the Corporation, the issuance of which shall have been authorized by resolution of the Board of Directors; (vii) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation, unless the Corporation has a transfer agent; and (viii) perform all other duties as the Board, the chief executive officer or the president may from time to time prescribe.

Section 5.05     Surety Bonds . The Board of Directors may require any officer or agent of the Corporation to provide to the Corporation a bond, in such sums and with such sureties as may be satisfactory to the board, conditioned upon the faithful performance of such individual’s duties and for the restoration to the Corporation of all books, papers, vouchers, money, securities and other property of whatever kind in such officer’s possession or under such officer’s control belonging to the Corporation.

Section 5.06     Compensation . Officers shall receive such compensation for their services as may be authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors and no officer shall be prevented from receiving compensation by reason of the fact that such officer is also a director of the Corporation. Appointment as an officer shall not of itself create a contract or other right to compensation for services performed as such officer.

ARTICLE VI
Indemnification

Section 6.01 Indemnification . The Corporation shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permissible under the Revised Business Corporation Act of the State of Utah, or the indemnification provisions of any successor statute, any person, and the heirs and personal representatives of such person, against any and all judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by or imposed upon such person in connection with, or resulting from any claim, action, suit or proceeding (civil, criminal,


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administrative or investigative) in which such person is a party or is threatened to be made a party by reason of such person being or having been a director or officer of the Corporation, of a subsidiary of the Corporation, or another corporation, joint venture, trust or other organization in which such person serves as a director or officer at the request of the Corporation, or by reason of such person being or having been an administrator or a member of any board or committee of the Corporation, subsidiary of the Corporation or of any such other organization, including, but not limited to, any administrator, board or committee related to any employee benefit plan of the Corporation or its subsidiaries.

The Corporation shall advance expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding to any such director or officer upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount, if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification by the Corporation.

The foregoing right of indemnification and advancement of expenses shall in no way be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which any such person may be entitled, under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs and personal representatives of such person.

Section 6.02 Reliance Upon Corporate Records . Each director and officer and each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation or of any of its subsidiaries, or upon information, opinions, reports or statements made to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries by any officer or employee of the Corporation or of a subsidiary or by any committee designated by the Board of Directors or by any other person as to matters such director, officer or committee member reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.

Section 6.03     Indemnification of Officers, Employees, Fiduciaries, and Agents . Unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation, and pursuant to Section 16-10a-907 of the Act:

(i)  an officer of the Corporation is entitled to mandatory indemnification under Section 16-10a-903 of the Act, and is entitled to apply for court-ordered indemnification under Section 16-10a-905 of the Act, in each case to the same extent as a director;

(ii)  the Corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent of the Corporation to the same extent as to a director; and

(iii)  the Corporation may also indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent who is not a director to a greater extent, if not inconsistent with public policy, and if provided for by the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, action of the Board of Directors, or contract.



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Section 6.04     Insurance . As provided in Section 16-10a-908 of the Act, the Corporation may purchase and maintain liability insurance on behalf of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent of the Corporation, or who, while serving as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, fiduciary, or agent of another foreign or domestic Corporation or other person, or of an employee benefit plan, against liability asserted against or incurred by such person in that capacity or arising from such person’s status as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent, whether or not the Corporation would have power to indemnify such person against the same liability under Article VII of these Bylaws or Sections 16-10a-902, 903 or 907 of the Act. Insurance may be procured from any insurance company designated by the Board of Directors, whether the insurance company is formed under the laws of this state or any other jurisdiction, including any insurance company in which the Corporation has an equity or any other interest through stock ownership or otherwise.


Section 6.05     Scope of Indemnification . The indemnification and advancement of expenses authorized by this Article is intended to permit the Corporation to indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Utah any and all persons whom it shall have power to indemnify under such laws from and against any and all of the expenses, disabilities, or other matters referred to in or covered by such laws. Any indemnification or advancement of expenses hereunder, unless otherwise provided when the indemnification or advancement of expenses is authorized or ratified, is intended to be applicable to acts or omissions that occurred prior to the adoption of this Article, shall continue as to any party during the period such party serves in any one or more of the capacities covered by this Article, shall continue thereafter so long as the party may be subject to any possible proceeding by reason of the fact that such party served in any one or more of the capacities covered by this Article, and shall inure to the benefit of the estate and personal representatives of such person. Any repeal or modification of this Article or of any Section or provision hereof shall not affect any right or obligations then existing. All rights to indemnification under this Article shall be deemed to be provided by a contract between the Corporation and each party covered hereby.

Section 6.06     Other Rights and Remedies . The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses provided in this Article shall be in addition to any other rights which a party may have or hereafter acquire under any applicable law, contract, order, or otherwise.

Section 6.07     Severability . If any provision of this Article shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions of this Article shall not be affected or impaired thereby, but shall, to the fullest extent possible, be construed so as to give effect to the intent of this Article that each party covered hereby is entitled to the fullest protection permitted by law.



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ARTICLE VII
Stock

Section 7.01     Issuance of Shares . Except to the extent any such powers may be reserved to the shareholders by the Articles of Incorporation, as provided in Section 16-10a-621 of the Act, the Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of shares for consideration consisting of any tangible or intangible property or benefit to the Corporation, including cash, promissory notes, services performed, contracts or arrangements for services to be performed, or other securities of the Corporation. The terms and conditions of any tangible or intangible property or benefit to be provided in the future to the Corporation, including contracts or arrangements for services to be performed, are to be set forth in writing.

Before the Corporation issues shares, the Board of Directors must determine that the consideration received or to be received for the shares to be issued is adequate.


The Board of Directors may authorize a committee of the Board of Directors, or an officer of the Corporation, to authorize or approve the issuance or sale, or contract for sale of shares, within limits specifically prescribed by the Board of Directors.

Section 7.02     Certificates for Shares; Shares Without Certificates .

(a)    Use of Certificates . As provided in Section 16-10a-625 of the Act, shares of the Corporation may, but need not be, represented by certificates. Unless the Act or another applicable statute expressly provides otherwise, the rights and obligations of shareholders are not affected by whether or not their shares are represented by certificates.

(b)    Content of Certificates . Certificates representing shares of the Corporation must, at a minimum, state on their face:

(i)  the name of the Corporation, and that it is organized under the laws of Utah;

(ii)  the name of the person to whom the certificate is issued; and

(iii)  the number and class of shares and the designation of the series, if any, the certificate represents.     

If the Corporation is authorized to issue different classes of shares or different series within a class, the designations, preferences, limitations, and relative rights applicable to each class, the variations in preferences, limitations, and relative rights determined for each series, and the authority of the Board of Directors to determine variations for any existing or future class or series, must be summarized on the front or back of each certificate. Alternatively, each certificate may state conspicuously on its front or back that the Corporation will furnish the shareholder such information on request in writing and without charge.


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Each share certificate must be signed (either manually or by facsimile) by the chief executive officer, president or a vice president and by the secretary or an assistant secretary, or by any two other officers as may be designated in these Bylaws or by the Board of Directors. Each certificate for shares is to be consecutively numbered or otherwise identified.

(c)    Shares Without Certificates. As provided in Section 16-10a-626 of the Act, unless the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws provide otherwise, the Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of some or all of the shares of any or all of its classes or series without certificates. Such an authorization will not affect shares already represented by certificates until they are surrendered to the Corporation.


Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of shares without certificates, the Corporation shall send the shareholder a written statement of the information required on certificates by Subsections 625(2) and (3) of the Act, as summarized in Section 7.02(b) above.

(d)    Shareholder List. The Corporation shall maintain a record of the names and addresses of the persons to whom shares are issued, in a form meeting the requirements of Section 16-10a-1601(3) of the Act.

(e)    Transferring Certificated Shares. All certificates surrendered to the Corporation for transfer shall be canceled and no new certificate shall be issued until the former certificate for a like number of shares shall have been surrendered and canceled, except that in case of a lost, destroyed, or mutilated certificate a new one may be issued therefor upon such terms and indemnity to the Corporation as the Board of Directors may prescribe.

(f)    Registration of the Transfer of Shares. Registration of the transfer of shares of the Corporation shall be made only on the stock transfer books of the Corporation. In order to register a transfer, the record owner shall surrender the shares to the Corporation for cancellation, properly endorsed by the appropriate person or persons with reasonable assurances that the endorsements are genuine and effective. Unless the Corporation has established a procedure by which a beneficial owner of shares held by a nominee is to be recognized by the Corporation as the owner, the person in whose name shares stand on the books of the Corporation shall be deemed by the Corporation to be the owner thereof for all purposes.

Section 7.03     Restrictions on Transfer of Shares Permitted . As contemplated by Section 16-10a-627 of the Act, the Articles of Incorporation, and these Bylaws, an agreement among shareholders, or an agreement between one or more shareholders and the Corporation may impose restrictions on the transfer or registration of transfer of shares of the Corporation. A restriction does not affect shares issued before the restriction was adopted unless the holders of the shares are parties to the restriction agreement or voted in favor of the restriction or otherwise consented to the restriction.



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A restriction on the transfer or registration of transfer of shares may be authorized for any of the purposes set forth in Section 16-10a-627(3) of the Act. A restriction on the transfer or registration of transfer of shares is valid and enforceable against the holder or a transferee of the holder if the restriction is authorized by this section and its existence is noted conspicuously on the front or back of the certificate, or is contained in the information statement required by Section 7.02(c) of these Bylaws with regard to shares issued without certificates. Unless so noted, a restriction is not enforceable against a person without knowledge of the restriction.


Section 7.04     Acquisition of Shares by the Corporation . Subject to the limitations on distributions set forth in Section 16-10a-640 of the Act and any other restrictions imposed by applicable law, the Corporation may acquire its own shares, as authorized by Section 16-10a-631 of the Act, and shares so acquired constitute authorized but unissued shares.

If the Articles of Incorporation prohibit the reissuance of acquired shares, the number of authorized shares is reduced by the number of shares acquired by the Corporation, effective upon amendment of the Articles of Incorporation, which amendment may be adopted by the Board of Directors without shareholder action, as provided in Sections 16-10a-632(b) and 1002 of the Act. Articles of amendment affecting such an amendment must meet the requirements of Section 16-10a-631(3) of the Act.

ARTICLE VIII
Amendments to Bylaws

Section 8.01     Authority to Amend . The Corporation’s Board of Directors may amend these Bylaws or repeal and adopt new bylaws at any time. The Corporation’s shareholders entitled to vote may adopt additional bylaws and may amend or repeal any of these Bylaws, whether or not adopted by them, at any time.

ARTICLE IX
Miscellaneous

Section 9.01     Corporate Seal . The Board of Directors may, but need not, provide for a corporate seal, to be in such a form as the directors may determine to be appropriate, and any officer of the Corporation may, when and as required or as determined to be appropriate, affix or impress the seal, or a facsimile thereof, to or on any instrument or document of the Corporation.

Section 9.02     Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the 1st day of January and end on the 31st day of December in each year.

Section 9.03     Execution of Instruments . All agreements, indentures, mortgages, deeds, conveyances, transfers, certificates, declarations, receipts, discharges, releases, satisfactions, settlements, petitions, schedules, accounts, affidavits, bonds, undertakings, proxies and other instruments or documents may be signed, executed, acknowledged, verified, delivered or accepted


27



in behalf of the Corporation by the chairman, or the chief executive officer, or the president, or any vice president, or the secretary or the assistant secretary. Any such instrument may also be executed, acknowledged, verified, delivered or accepted in behalf of the Corporation in such other manner and by such other officers as the Board may from time to time direct. The provisions of this Section 9.03 are supplementary to any other provisions of these Bylaws.

(END)



28



CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION OF RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

ZIONS BANCORPORATION


The undersigned hereby certifies that he is the duly appointed and acting Secretary of ZIONS BANCORPORATION , a Utah Corporation, and that the foregoing Restated Bylaws were approved and adopted by a vote of the directors of the Corporation, effective as of February 27, 2015, and a record of such action is maintained in the minute book of the Corporation.

Executed this 4th day of March, 2015.



/s/ Thomas E. Laursen _______________
Thomas E. Laursen, Secretary





29

             

EXHIBIT 10.1

Zions Bancorporation
2015 – 2017 Value Sharing Plan


Objective: The purpose of the 2015 – 2017 The Zions Bancorporation Value Sharing Plan (the “Plan”) is to provide a three year cash incentive plan for selected members of the senior management team and other key employees of Zions Bancorporation (the “Company”). It is designed to create long-term shareholder value by focusing the Participant’s attention on achieving superior results relative to financial objectives, credit quality and other important initiatives over a three year period.

Eligibility: Selected key members of the senior management group and other key managers of the Bank (“Participants”) as determined by the Zions Bancorporation Board of Directors (the “Board”) or its Compensation Committee (the “Committee”), or by the Company’s CEO, under authority delegated by the Committee.

Effective Date: January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017 (the “Award Period”) with performance measured over the time period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 (the “Performance Period”)

Payment of Awards: Subject to limitations enumerated in the “Other Administrative Provisions” section of the Plan, the incentive awards, if any, earned under this Plan will be paid within ninety days after the end of the Award Period.

Plan Administrator: The Plan is to be governed and interpreted by the Committee.

How the Plan Works:

1)
Establishment of Award Fund

An Award Fund will be established, the size of which will be determined by the Committee. The Committee will use informed judgment to determine and assign a quartile rating to the Company’s overall performance, based upon its performance as measured by the quartile ratings it achieves for each of seven performance categories. The Committee will further determine, within that quartile rating, whether performance was in the “low,” “medium,” or “high” range within that quartile, each of which is assigned a per-unit award value (refer to Appendix II).

The seven performance categories include:

1.
Adjusted Pre-tax Pre-Provision Earnings (“PTPP Earnings”);
2.
Net Charge-Offs;
3.
Adjusted Total Direct Expense;
4.
Adjusted Non-Interest Income;
5.
Strategic Progress;
6.
Zions Bancorporation’s Return on Average Assets (relative to Zions Bancorporation peer companies); and,

Page 1

2015 – 2017 Value Sharing Plan
Page 2

7.
Zions Bancorporation’s Tier 1 Common Ratio (relative to Zions Bancorporation peer companies).
These metrics are more fully defined in Section 5 and Appendix I.

2)
Participation Units

Each Participant designated by the Committee shall be awarded a specific number of Participation Units (“Units”), representing a pro-rata claim, in proportion to the total number of authorized Units, on any Award Fund established under this Plan during the Award Period.

3)
Grant of Phantom Restricted Common Stock Units:

The assigned per-unit value will be multiplied by the total number of units awarded to each Participant to determine their individual nominal award values. Shortly following the conclusion of the performance period, each Participant will be “provisionally” granted phantom restricted stock units (“RSUs”) of Zions Bancorporation, based on each Participant’s initial nominal award value divided by the average closing price for Zions Bancorporation’s common shares for each trading day during January, 2016.

4)
Final Cash Settlement of the Phantom Restricted Common Stock Units:

The phantom RSUs granted under this plan are subject to potential reductions of all or a portion of the phantom RSUs, upon the occurrence of certain dramatic events at the sole discretion of the Committee. Dramatic events would include (but, not be limited to) the Company or Bank experiencing significant stress due to severe deterioration in asset quality, earnings, fraud, malfeasance, material errors or reputational harm during the 24 month deferral period running from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017.
 
The value of the phantom restricted stock units, if any, will be settled in cash during the first quarter of 2017 based on the average closing price of Zions Bancorporation common stock for each trading day during January 2018.

5)
Definitions of Factors:

A) Pre-tax Pre-provision (PTPP) Earnings is defined as the total of the following items (but, not limited to) during the Performance Period:

Net interest income plus non-interest income, less non-interest operating expenses
adjusted for the following items:

Equity securities gains (losses)
Fixed income securities gains (losses)
Net impairment losses on investment securities
Debt extinguishment costs
Income and expense associated with FDIC supported loan portfolios
Fair value and nonhedge derivative income (losses)
Provision for unfunded lending commitments


2015 – 2017 Value Sharing Plan
Page 3


Plus or (minus),

Equitable adjustments, as follows:
any adjustment deemed necessary by the Committee to normalize PTPP Earnings as a result of unusual and extraordinary changes in internal cost or income allocations during the Performance Period resulting from reclassifications or changes in allocation methodologies which produce material changes in costs or income which are not offset by a corresponding change in income or costs within the Company;
any other adjustments, which, in the sole discretion of the Committee, are required to equitably reflect operating performance during the Performance Period.
B)
Net Charge Offs will be calculated using the net charge-off amounts reflected in the Bank’s regulatory call reports for the relevant periods.

C) Adjusted Total Direct Expense Total direct expense adjusted for the following:

Income and expense associated with FDIC supported loan portfolios
Provision for unfunded lending commitments
Debt extinguishment costs
     
D) Adjusted Non-Interest Income: Non-Interest Income adjusted for the following:
Fair value and nonhedge derivative income (losses)
Equity securities gains (losses)
Fixed income securities gains (losses)
Net impairment losses on investment securities
      
E) Strategic Progress:
Produce solid risk management outcomes and continually enhance risk management practices and maintain regulatory relationships.
Continue multi-year improvement in return on equity results by achieving 2015 financial plan with focus on increasing PTPP, increasing fee income and executing effectively on cost reduction initiative.
Progress on the implementation of the “Big 5” projects with specific focus on the realization of related cost savings/efficiencies.
Achieve progress on optimizing all of our core businesses and product segments with sensitivity to those elements most negatively impacted by the various Federal Reserve stress tests.
F) Return on Average Assets: Zions Bancorporation Return on Average Assets during the performance period measured relative to the same metric for Zions Bancorporation peer companies during the same time period
          
G) Tier 1 Common Ratio: Zions Bancorporation Tier 1 Common Ratio during the performance period measured relative to the same metric for Zions Bancorporation peer companies during the same time period


2015 – 2017 Value Sharing Plan
Page 4

6)    Other Administrative Provisions

(1)
This is a discretionary Plan governed and interpreted by the Committee, whose decisions shall be final . The intent of the Plan is to fairly reward Participants for increasing shareholder value. If any adjustments need to be made to allow this Plan to accomplish its purpose, the Committee in its sole discretion can make those adjustments.

(2)
The Committee may, at its sole discretion, alter the terms of the Plan at any time during an Award Period.

(3)
Participants will not vest in any benefits available under the Plan until any payments hereunder are made after the conclusion of the Award Period. Dividends will not be paid on phantom RSUs.

(4)
A Participant must be employed by the Company or one of its affiliates at the time payment is made in order to receive a payout of Participant’s Unit award and if Participant ceases to be so employed at any time Participant’s Unit award shall automatically be forfeited and cancelled without consideration and without further action by Participant; provided, however, that

(i)
In the event of Participant’s termination by the Company or an affiliate or normal or early retirement, management or, if Participant is a member of the Executive Management Committee (or “EMC”), the Committee shall have the discretion to make a “Pro Rata Adjustment” to Participant’s Unit award, provided further that notwithstanding the foregoing any such adjusted Unit award shall automatically be forfeited and cancelled without consideration and without further action by Participant immediately upon (x) Participant’s commencement of, or agreement to commence, employment with or provision of services (whether as a director, consultant or otherwise) to another company that is in the financial services industry unless such employment or provision of services is specifically approved by management or the Committee, as the case may be, (y) Participant making any derogatory or damaging statements (verbally, in writing or otherwise) about the Company or any of its affiliates, the management or the board of directors of the Company or any affiliate, the products, services or business condition of the Company or any affiliate in any public way to anyone who could make those statements public or to customers of, vendors to or counterparties of the Company or any affiliate, or (z) Participant violating any duty of confidentiality owed to the Company or its affiliates under the policies or procedures of the Company and its affiliates, including the Company’s employee handbook, code of conduct and similar materials, or under federal or state law, or Participant misappropriating or misusing any proprietary information or assets of the Company and its affiliates, including intellectual property rights; and

(ii)
In the event of Participant’s “Termination of Employment” by reason of Participant’s death or “Disability”, a Pro Rata Adjustment shall be made to Participant’s unit award.

In the event a Participant’s Unit award is subjected to a “Pro Rata Adjustment”, Participant (or his/her estate) shall be entitled to receive a pro-rata incentive payout of


2015 – 2017 Value Sharing Plan
Page 5

his or her Unit award at the conclusion of the Award Period. This award will be based upon the Participant’s calculated award for the full Award Period as approved by the Committee and will be prorated for the number of full calendar quarters within the Award Period the Participant was engaged as an officer of the Company or its affiliates prior to Termination of Employment in the circumstances described above. For purposes of this Plan, the terms “Termination of Employment,” “Retirement” and “Disability” shall have the meanings assigned to them in the form of Standard Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used by the Company in making annual equity awards to employees in May 2014.

(5)
The Company shall retain the right to withhold payment of incentives otherwise earned under this Plan to any individual Participant or to all Participants as a group in the event of a significant deterioration in the Company’s or the Bank’s financial condition, if so required by regulatory authorities, or for any other reason considered valid by the Board in its sole discretion including but not limited to those set out in the Company’s Incentive Compensation Clawback Policy as in effect at any time during or subsequent to the Award Period.

(6)
The terms of this plan are subject to and limited by applicable law, including, without limitation, the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Act, and regulations or guidance issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or other regulatory agencies.

(7)
Designation as a Participant in the Plan does not create a contract of employment for any specified time, nor shall such act to alter or amend the Company’s “at-will” policy of employment.

(8)
In the event a Participant transfers within Zions Bancorporation during the Award Period, management or, if Participant is a member of the EMC, the Committee shall have the discretion to maintain such Participant’s full Unit award under this plan, to divide and allocate such full award between Zions entities with which Participant has been employed during the Award Period or to transfer and allocate such award to a single other Zions entity with which Participant has been employed during the Award Period (and to make corresponding adjustments to Award Funds).

 
(9)
In the event of a change in control of the Company (as defined in the Company’s Change in Control Agreements), the Plan will be terminated and payments shall be made in accordance with the provisions of section 3 (b) of the Change in Control Agreements, provided that the reference in Section 3(b) to “average annual growth in Earnings per Share and the average Tangible Return on Equity” shall be deemed to refer to the award determination methodology set forth in this plan.

(10)
This document is intended to provide a guideline for the creation and distribution of incentive compensation. Nothing herein creates a contractual obligation binding on the Board or the Committee, and no Participant shall have any legal rights with respect to an Award until such Award is distributed.




2015 – 2017 Value Sharing Plan
Page 6

APPENDIX I


The following is the VSP Scorecard applicable over the Performance Period.

Performance Measures
(adjusted for selected items)
Performance Quartiles
Below Threshold
Quartile 4
Quartile 3
Quartile 2
Quartile 1
PTPP
Less than $602.6M
(Less than 93.0% of plan)
$602.6M to $625.2M
(93.0% to 96.4% of plan)
$625.3M to $647.9M
(96.5% to 99.9% of plan)
$648.0M to $670.7M
(100.0% to 103.4% of plan)
$670.7M to $693.4M
(103.5% to 107.0% of plan)
Net Charge-Offs
More than 75bp
51 to 75bp
36 to 50bp
20 to 35bp
Less than 20bp
Total Direct Expense
More than $1,616.1M
(More than 103.0% of plan)
$1,616.1M to $1,600.5M
(103.0% to 102.1% of plan)
$1,600.4M to $1,569.1M (102.0% to 100.1% of plan)
$1,569.0M to $1,537.7M (100.0% to 98.1% of plan)
$1,537.6M to $1,521.9M (98.0% to 97.0% of plan)
Total Noninterest Income
Less than $493.4M
(Less than 96.0% of plan)
$493.4M to $503.6M
(96.0% to 97.9% of plan)
$503.7M to $513.9M
(98.0% to +99.9% of plan)
$514.0M to $524.2M
(100.0% to 101.9% of plan)
$524.3M to $534.6M
(102.0% to 104.0% of plan)
Strategic Progress 1
Unsatisfactory
< than Expected
Expected
> than Expected
Exemplary
Return on Average Assets (vs. peer organizations)
Lowest
 
 
 
Highest
ß
 
 
 
à
 
 
 
Tier 1 Common Capital Ratio
(vs. peer organizations)
Lowest

 
 
Highest
ß
 
 
 
à
 
 
 
 
 
 
OVERALL "QUARTILE" RATING
(Quartile 1, 2, 3, or 4)
 
1 Zions Bancorporation Strategic Progress Goals
a) Produce solid risk management outcomes and continually enhance risk management practices and maintain regulatory relationships
b) Continue multi-year improvement in return on equity results by achieving 2015 financial plan with focus on increasing PTPP, increasing fee income and executing effectively on the cost reduction initiative
c) Progress on the implementation of the "Big 5" projects with specific focus on the realization of related cost savings/efficiencies.
d) Achieve progress on optimizing all of our core businesses and product segments with sensitivity to those elements most negatively impacted by the various Federal Reserve stress tests

Note: M=millions


2015 – 2017 Value Sharing Plan
Page 7

APPENDIX II



The following is the VSP funding determination chart to be used by the Board Compensation Committee

 
 
Performance Quartiles
 
Below Threshold
Quartile 4
Quartile 3
Quartile 2
Quartile 1
Funding Pool Ranges
Per Unit Value
$
0

High = $ 0.200/unit
Med = $ 0.100/unit
Low = $ 0.000/unit
High = $ 0.550/unit
Med = $ 0.425/unit
Low = $ 0.300/unit
High = $ 0.900/unit
Med = $ 0.775/unit
Low = $ 0.650/unit
High = $ 1.200/unit
Med = $ 1.100/unit
Low = $ 1.000/unit
 
 
 
VSP FUNDING DETERMINATION
(expressed as per unit value)
 









EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION
Principal Executive Officer
I, Harris H. Simmons, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Zions Bancorporation;
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 


Date: May 7, 2015
 
/s/ Harris H. Simmons
 
Harris H. Simmons, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer




EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION
Principal Financial Officer
I, Doyle L. Arnold, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Zions Bancorporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 


Date: May 7, 2015
 
/s/ Doyle L. Arnold
 
Doyle L. Arnold, Vice Chairman and
Chief Financial Officer




EXHIBIT 32


CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. §1350, the undersigned officers of Zions Bancorporation (the “Company”) hereby certify that, to the best of their knowledge, the Company’s Quarterly Report for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m) and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: May 7, 2015
 
/s/ Harris H. Simmons
 
Name:
Harris H. Simmons
 
Title:
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
/s/ Doyle L. Arnold
 
Name:
Doyle L. Arnold
 
Title:
Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.