JANUARY 23, 2024
East West Bancorp, Inc. (“East West” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: EWBC), parent company of East West Bank, reported its financial results for the full year and fourth quarter of 2023. Full year 2023 net income was $1.2 billion, or $8.18 per diluted share. Excluding $70 million pre-tax of FDIC Special Assessment-related expense (the “FDIC charge”) and $7 million of net losses on an AFS debt security, adjusted diluted earnings per share1 for the year were $8.56.
Fourth quarter 2023 net income was $239 million, or $1.69 per diluted share. Excluding the FDIC charge and a $3 million gain on the sale of an AFS debt security, adjusted earnings per diluted share were $2.02 for the fourth quarter. Return on average common equity was 18% in 2023, and book value per share grew 17% year-over-year.
“I am pleased to report that 2023 was another year of record revenue and earnings for East West,” stated Dominic Ng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of East West. “As I look back I am very proud of our strong performance, marked by an over 20% adjusted return on average tangible common equity and 18% growth in tangible book value per share. East West demonstrated the resilience of our business model and the loyalty of our customers through a tumultuous year.”2
“Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our colleagues to clients and the strength and diversification of our balance sheet, East West has emerged even stronger from the market disruption that characterized 2023. As we start a new year, we are pleased to announce a 15% increase in our common stock dividend. We remain committed to delivering top-tier shareholder returns, supported by prudent balance sheet growth, industry-leading efficiency, and sound risk management.”