APRIL 20, 2023
East West Bancorp, Inc. (“East West” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: EWBC), parent company of East West Bank, reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2023. First quarter 2023 net income was $322.4 million, or $2.27 per diluted share, up from $237.7 million, or $1.66 per diluted share in the prior year period. Year-over-year, earnings per share increased 37%. Total loans reached a record $48.9 billion as of March 31, 2023.
“East West’s ability to consistently generate industry-leading profitability while maintaining above peer capital ratios are strengths in any business cycle. East West continued to deliver in the first quarter, despite the banking industry and market disruption that occurred in mid-March,” stated Dominic Ng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of East West. “For the first quarter of 2023, we earned industry-leading returns of 2.0% on average assets and 22.9% on average tangible common equity1. Net interest margin was a healthy 3.96%, asset quality continued to be excellent with net charge-offs of 0.01% annualized. With our strong earnings, all capital ratios expanded, and our total capital ratio increased to 14.5%.”
“Our balance sheet positions us to excel. Our loan portfolio is granular and well-diversified without significant concentration in any industry or sector. We have a strong, granular deposit franchise with over 550,000 deposit accounts spanning consumer, small business, non-profit and corporate customers. Our capital and liquidity are strong. We are steadfast in our positive outlook for East West’s performance,” concluded Ng.